SUMMER 2020 NEWSLETTER

2020 CCG Grant Cycle Announced

The CCG is pleased to announce the 2020 Grant Cycle calendar. Despite the continuing disruption and impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCG will open and administer the annual grant cycle with minimal changes to the standard annual review calendar:

CCG COVID-19 Response

The CCG continues to operate normally despite the wide-ranging impacts to daily life resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public health response. All essential functions of the CCG office continue:

• Reimbursement requests are processed electronically and reviewed under standard time frames
  
• Contracts for new grants and contract amendments are processed electronically and reviewed under standard time frames
  
• Site visits are being conducted in-person and in accordance with the latest public health requirements, including social distancing and wearing face coverings appropriately—snug fitting and covering both mouth and nose; some site visits are also being conducted remotely where necessary or appropriate
  
• Meetings are being conducted by phone and video conferencing platforms
  
• The fall grant cycle will continue as planned, though outreach activities and the application submission process will transition to a digital format
  

If you have specific questions regarding the CCG's COVID-19 response, please contact CCG Program Manager, Lanita Henriquez.

Late Summer Gardening Tips

Gardening can be a great way to stay grounded amidst the stress and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic and follow the changing of seasons in Norther California. Below are a hand-picked set of suggestions for caring for your garden in August:

• Plants will often need a late season infusion of fertilizer or high quality compost as they have been hard at work growing into larger, lush plants with (hopefully) flowers, fruit and vegetables for you to enjoy.
• Root vegetables starts should be prepared in early August. If you have aspire to harvest beets, turnips, carrots or or other cold season crops later in the fall, now is the time to begin planting.
  
• Continue with regular watering and maintenance, and don't forget to take pictures of your harvest. Consider keeping a gardening journal or  notes based on your growing experience that you can look back upon during the next planting season.
• If you do not have a backyard space for planting, or are looking for a more modest project, you can get started gardening as simply as constructing a window box and filling it with hearty herbs or colorful annual flowers. Alternatively, consider adding to your houseplant collection. Good quality soil and small plant starts are an affordable way to try your green thumb. We recommend buying your plants from local nurseries where you will find knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on planting and care prior to taking the plants home.
• Start thinking ahead and planning for next year. Although the prime growing seasons may have passed, a successful garden takes research and planning.
• For more ideas, check out the Monthly Garden Checklist prepared by University of California's Master Gardeners' Program.
  

Calling All Photographers!

The CCG is seeking photographs from completed projects, past and present, to feature in an expanded online photo gallery and our website. Please send us your high resolution images with captions and attribution (please include the project name, project street address, and photographer -- if known). Please note that not all photographs submitted can or will be featured.