It took big dreams and back-breaking efforts to turn the desert of southeastern California from a seeming wasteland populated by few people and sparse vegetation into a region that would help feed and clothe a nation — many nations, in fact.
More than 100 years ago, land speculators and developers turned their eyes inland from the ever more-populated Los Angeles basin and honed in on the waters of the Colorado River flowing into the delta of the Sea of Cortez south of the border.
Within a few years much of that water was being diverted west into a newly created canal system, and acres upon acres of crops, along with small communities of people profiting, in one way or another, from those crops began to spring up.
But the nature of the Colorado Desert in which we live means it takes a special touch to profitably plant, grow and harvest these crops, and a special breed to turn scrubby acreage into dairies and cattle ranches. That’s where the University of California’s Desert Research and Extension Center comes in.
Created in 1912 and called the Meloland Field Station for the region of the desert in which it was built, the DREC later was known as the Imperial Valley Field Station before taking on its current name.
Thursday night, scientists, University of California officials and members of the agricultural and business communities gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of what is now the DREC.
The center is known the world over for its efforts in developing hardy crops that not only survive but thrive in the harsh desert conditions. Using water wisely long has been part of the center’s focus, boosted by the county’s unique irrigation system. Scientists here famously have developed crops that not only are drought-tolerant but can be grown in other parts of the world under similar conditions. They have developed innovative ways to fight the pests that plague crops, and the center is home to one of the largest research feedlot cattle facilities in the United States.
The center’s place in today’s world, where water increasingly becomes scarcer, is second to none, in our minds. Often quietly developing scientific breakthroughs in the world of animal and crop production, the center has established itself in both the academic and agricultural environments.
We join Thursday’s celebrants in acknowledging the breakthroughs and the dedication of those who have played a role in the Desert Research and Extension Center, both in the past and in the years to come.
THE ISSUE:
Desert Research and Extension Center turns 100.
WE SAY:
We join the academic and agriculture communities in celebrating the center’s accomplishments.
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