Cal Poly Logging Team to Host Collegiate Logging Competition at Cal Poly
Mar 10, 2026
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly’s logging team, an intercollegiate team of male and female students involved in traditional forestry field skills, will host the Association of Western Forestry Clubs (AWFC) Conclave, April 1-3.
AWFC, the largest of its kind, is the premier annual collegiate logging sports competition in the western U.S. and Canada, featuring traditional timber skills like axe throwing, saw bucking and pole climbing. Cal Poly last hosted in the event in 2018.
For more than 30 years, Cal Poly’s Logging Team has given students of all backgrounds and academic disciplines the chance to participate in competitive co-ed sports. Today, the logging team is comprised of more than 100 students, representing more than 12 majors.
The three-day Conclave will bring as many as a dozen teams from universities across the western United States and Canada and feature more than 200 student competitors. Teams from UC Berkely, Colorado State University, University of Idaho, Montana State University, Cal Poly Humboldt, University of British Columbia and more will compete.
“Hosting the 86th annual Association of Western Forestry Clubs Conclave is an honor for the Cal Poly Logging Team,” fourth-year forest and fire sciences major and president of the Association of Western Forestry Clubs Daniel Auten said. “For many of the teams attending the event, it will be their first time vising Cal Poly. We are excited to welcome them and showcase our campus and logging unit.”
The event will begin each day at 7:30 a.m. and run throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Cuesta College A-1 lot and shuttles will begin at 7 a.m.
In late 2025 the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) donated and installed two 80-foot wood poles at Cal Poly’s timber sports site – which will be used in the competition.
Sponsors of the event include Mendocino Redwood Company, Redwood Empire, Arbor MD, Bartlett Tree Experts, PG&E, Sierra Pacific Industries, B&B Small Engine Repair, JTS Forestry, Auten Resource Consulting, Stihl and McDonalds.
Annual Tomato Spectacular Plant Sale to Be Held April 4 at Cal Poly
Mar 6, 2026
March 6, 2026
SAN LUIS OBISPO — More than 90 different types of tomato plants will be available at Cal Poly’s annual Tomato Spectacular plant sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at the Horticulture Unit near the Poly Plant Shop.
Murray Smith, Brandywine, Kellogg’s Breakfast, Vintage Wine, and a selection of cherry tomato plants, including Nature’s Bites, and a selection of never before offered varieties that will be available during the student-run event, one of several hands-on opportunities offered by Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. A catalogue of available varieties will be made available on March 16 at polyplantshop.com.
New this year is the addition of a dozen varieties of heirloom sweet peppers and fiery chilis. The program is directed by a team of students who have grown more than 5,000 tomato plants from seeds to provide home gardeners with quality plants that will produce fresh tomatoes throughout the summer. Students sow the seeds and grow the plants in campus greenhouses.
The plants cost $7 each and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no holds or reservations made in advance. Customers are encouraged to bring boxes and/or wagons to transport plants to their vehicles.
The sale will take place at the Environmental Horticultural Sciences Building (No. 48) on Via Carta Road off Highland Drive.
Tickets on Sale Wednesday, Feb. 11, for Poly Royal Rodeo to be Held April 9-11 at the Alex G. Spanos Stadium During Cal Poly’s Open House
Feb 10, 2026
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 11, at noon for the 84th Annual Poly Royal Rodeo, which is returning to Cal Poly’s largest outdoor venue, the Alex G. Spanos Stadium, more than tripling the spectator capacity.
The three-night general admission events will begin Thursday, April 9, with a special motorcross performance by The Flying Cowboyz and high intensity bullfighting performed by Bullfighters Only. This performance is not a traditional rodeo but will showcase several rodeo events. The Annual Poly Royal Rodeo Performances will begin Friday, April 10, and conclude Saturday, April 11, with the Poly Royal Rodeo Finals. All performances start at 6:30 p.m. Thursday's event will be followed by a professional drone show, and Friday and Saturday will be followed by a concert. On Friday, Bayker Blankenship, a 20-year-old rising country music star from Livingston, Tennessee, will take the stage after the rodeo performance. On Saturday Waylon Wyatt, a 19-year-old country music singer from Hackett, Arkansas, will perform.
Available general admission seating is nearly quadrupling with the move back to Spanos Stadium. Last year more than 3,000 people attended the standing room only four-night rodeo each night held in the Manfred and Jean Sander Arena in the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex on campus. Spanos Stadium will accommodate 12,000 rodeo guests each night.
The Poly Royal Rodeo is the marquee event on campus during Cal Poly’s annual Open House. Friday’s event will feature Cal Poly senior and master’s students from Cal Poly Rodeo, and Saturday’s event will feature the top collegiate rodeo athletes from the West Coast Region who have advanced to the championship performance from the weekend’s earlier rounds. Athletes will compete for a championship title in events such as barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, tie down roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding and steer wrestling.
Tickets are $50 for general admission. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available to purchase for $150. Admission is free for children under 3. Cal Poly students can purchase tickets to the Thursday performance for $30. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 11, at https://ticketscalpoly.evenue.net/events/CPR. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.
Cal Poly Launches New Planning Tool to Strengthen Wildfire Mitigation in Urban Communities
Jan 29, 2026
Interdisciplinary researchers unveil a free, data-driven guidebook to help local governments move beyond suppression and build more resilient, wildfire-prepared cities.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — A new guidebook to improve wildfire mitigation work in urban areas, developed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Cal Poly’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Institute, is now available. It provides step-by step guidance to construct a policy driven scorecard focused on strengthening mitigation plans and actions.
The two-year effort to develop the tool, called the Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard™ (PIRS™) for Wildfire, was done in partnership with Texas A&M and is now available to all community planners, emergency managers and other administrators at no cost.
The guide will help local government and community groups to strengthen risk reduction strategies. “This is a tool that local governments can use to do better, more integrated mitigation planning,” said William Siembieda, professor emeritus of city and regional planning at Cal Poly. “Over the years, especially in California, suppression was the common approach and that is no longer the best path forward. This guide provides the tools needed for improvement.”
The frequency and severity of destructive wildfires in California is increasing, as is the risk to life and property of people living in wildfire-prone areas. As more frequent and severe wildfire and urban fire events are increasing losses of life, property, habitat and ecosystems in California, the United States and across the world, the Cal Poly WUI Fire Institute in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is working on solutions through innovative research, training and education to create safer and more fire resilient communities in California and the West.
Cal Poly researchers and students from multiple colleges and disciplines partnered with Texas A&M’s Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center to tailor a technique used in the eastern U.S. for flood mitigation for wildfire mitigation. The unique approach integrates with municipal spatial mapping tools that provide key data points that can help city leaders better understand the risks. The research was funded by a grant awarded to the WUI Fire Institute by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
“The guidebook is a spatially derived tool for wildfire mitigation built on modern theory,” Siembieda said. “It uses physical analysis to determine which areas need mitigation by determining which areas score high for being protected or which areas score low, allowing city administrators to adjust local practices as needed and where they are needed.
“As a city develops, there are areas that need more need more wildfire protection — and this guide will allow them to look at existing policies to determine if they adequate to protect those areas.”
The Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard™ for Wildfire provides an organized, vetted database of the community’s wildfire-risk-affecting policies from across the network of local plans, scored according to their likely effects and their geographic focus. Along with associated maps, derived from the scorecard results, this organization and novel perspective allow local staff to visually analyze areas in their community where policy guidance conflicts, and places that may require greater focus on wildfire resilience.
“Our team spent more than two years developing this plan in an effort to make a direct impact where it is most needed,” said Frank Frievalt, director of the WUI Fire Institute. “This novel approach offers a more holistic approach to the efforts that need to be made is assessing hazard vulnerability.”
Visit the WUI Fire Institute website at fire.calpoly.edu for information on how to obtain the guide.
2026 Poly Royal Rodeo Returns to the Alex G. Spanos Stadium
Dec 12, 2025
The 84th annual Poly Royal Rodeo is gearing up for a landmark year as it returns to Cal Poly’s largest outdoor venue, the Alex G. Spanos Stadium, bringing with it an expanded and elevated spectator experience.
Scheduled for April 9-11, 2026, the rodeo’s move back to Spanos Stadium will nearly double audience capacity, allowing more supporters to witness one of the university’s most celebrated traditions. The stadium previously hosted the event for three consecutive years through 2019, drawing record-breaking crowds and helping drive vital support for the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.
Following a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, Poly Royal Rodeo resumed in 2022 at the Manfred and Jean Sander Arena at the Cal Poly Rodeo grounds while Spanos Stadium underwent key upgrades. With improvements now complete, the rodeo is poised to make a dynamic return to the stadium, setting the stage for its biggest and most immersive showcase yet.
“For the past several years, we’ve been working toward returning to the larger stadium,” Cal Poly Rodeo coach Ben Londo said. “Making this move back will not only enhance the experience for spectators but also give more supporters and fans the chance to watch our students perform. These outstanding athletes embody teamwork and responsibility, and this opportunity to present their hard work on a bigger stage is truly well deserved.”
The Poly Royal Rodeo, held during Cal Poly’s annual Open House weekend, is deeply rooted in the university’s history and remains one of its most revered events. This year’s performance coincides with the 125th anniversary of Cal Poly and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, honoring a tradition of building the future on the legacy of the past.
College rodeo athletes from all over the West Coast will compete for a championship title in events such as barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding and steer wrestling. The rodeo will also include concerts after each performance. Those acts will be announced at a later date.
The cost of hosting the rodeo at the stadium will be paid for by sponsorships, donors and ticket sales. Last year nearly 3,000 people attended the standing room only rodeo for three consecutive nights. Spanos Stadium can accommodate more than 11,000 guests each night.
Tickets will go on sale on Feb. 11, 2026, at https://ticketscalpoly.evenue.net. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.
Cal Poly’s Annual Poinsettia Sale Taking Place December 6
Nov 19, 2025
Cal Poly’s annual poinsettia sale, with thousands of plants in bold holiday colors, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Poly Plant Shop.
This year’s plants will feature three varieties: red, white and red and white variegated featuring rosy, pink-red bracts with white centers. Sizes range from small plants in 4-inch pots to medium poinsettias in 6-inch pots. Prices range from $8 to $12.
In addition to poinsettias, the Poly Plant and Floral Holiday Sale will also feature student-made flower arrangements, wreaths and holiday swags. Cal Poly products such as barbecue sauces, jams, honey and chocolate will also be available.
The Poly Plant Shop is located on campus off of Via Carta Road. Take the Highland Drive entrance, turn left on Via Carta Road, and go to the top of the hill. For more information, call the Poly Plant Shop at 805-756-1106.
Cal Poly ROTC Cadets Lead the Nation at Advanced Camp 2025
Oct 15, 2025
Cal Poly’s Mustang Battalion cadets’ combined performance average was the highest not only among the 32 Western ROTC programs, including UCLA, UC Berkeley and Oregon, but also over 265 units from across the nation.
Adding to the historic achievement, four of the six Cal Poly cadets who will commission this year earned the prestigious Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) recognition. They include cadets Zachary Cook (political science), Isabel Hermann (journalism), Andrew Koenig (history) and Avery White (computer engineering).
Out of approximately 5,000 cadets commissioning across the nation in 2025, only a select percentage earn DMG status, reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic success and physical fitness.
“Competing against the best and brightest cadets from nationwide programs is always an honor,” said Lt. Col. Mark Swiney, professor and chair of the Military Science Department. “Our Mustang Battalion’s success highlights the caliber of students we have and how they embody the university’s Learn by Doing spirit and apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, excelling in every environment.”
Taking place over 36 days from late May to early July, Advanced Camp is a premier summer training event that brings together more than 5,000 ROTC cadets from across the nation, testing their leadership, endurance and military proficiency under rigorous conditions.
Training throughout the camp focuses on problem-solving in high-stress, real-world simulations. These events further develop leadership traits that help cadets thrive in challe
nging situations.
Throughout camp, cadets must exceed the standards of the Army Physical Fitness Test and are scored in confidence courses, land navigation, marksmanship, first aid, a 12-mile foot march and other skills.
Cadet Gigi Travagline (construction management) dominated the physical fitness events, earning the Top Female Army Fitness Award.
Driscoll’s $5 Million Pledge to Fund New Farm Store Uniting Food and Agriculture Enterprises at Cal Poly
Oct 14, 2025
Driscoll’s, the global leader in fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, has pledged $5 million to Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. This transformative investment will launch a state-of-the-art farm store, anchoring Cal Poly’s new Plant Sciences Complex and advancing the university’s commitment to developing future leaders in food and agriculture.
The farm store, located within the six-acre Plant Sciences Complex, is part of the college’s vision to create a vibrant campus hub for innovation. Students will gain practical experience in growing, producing, marketing and selling campus-made products, while engaging in applied research and retail innovation.
Driscoll’s will have the opportunity to name the farm store, leaving a lasting legacy and celebrating its commitment to community partnership and student development. The store will proudly feature Driscoll’s berries, providing students, faculty and the community with access to fresh, premium fruit directly from the brand.
“We look forward to seeing our investment transform into a unique learning space where students can gain vital experience in an actual retail environment,” said Driscoll’s executive Brie Smith, a proud Cal Poly alumna. “As someone who personally benefited from Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach, I’m thrilled Driscoll’s gets to be part of creating new learning opportunities that will prepare the next generation of industry leaders to bring innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to the food system.”
“Driscoll’s is committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of agriculture and food,” said Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s. “Our partnership with Cal Poly reflects our belief in the power of education, innovation and hands-on experience to drive meaningful change for our industry and communities.”
The Plant Sciences Complex, which broke ground in November 2023, will feature the George Wurzel Plant Sciences Building and the Bee Sweet Citrus Agriculture Automation Lab, both set to open in 2026. The farm store, located at the corner of Highland Avenue and Mt. Bishop Road, is scheduled to begin construction in 2026, with an anticipated opening in summer 2027.
The store will unite Cal Poly’s food and agriculture enterprises, providing a central location for collaboration and community engagement. Students will gain insight into every step of the food supply chain — from farm operations and food safety to product development and marketing, preparing them for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
“Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of growers and food innovators who will shape the future of our food systems,” said Brian Horgan, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “Support from industry partners like Driscoll’s enables us to provide students with real-world learning experiences that prepare them to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving agricultural landscape ahead.”
The farm store will serve as a retail and research hub offering student learning opportunities in product testing, consumer engagement and innovation that reinforce California’s leadership in sustainable agriculture.
Other industry contributors to the Plant Sciences Complex include the James G. Boswell Foundation, Bee Sweet Citrus and Taylor Farms. To join the effort, contact Russ Kabaker, assistant dean of advancement and external relations, at 805-756-6601 or rkabaker@calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly Students to Gain Real-World Fire Management Experience Through Prescribed Burn at University’s Escuela Ranch on Oct. 13
Oct 14, 2025
Cultivating the Future: Cal Poly Strawberry Field Day Showcases Ag Innovation and Sustainability
Jul 28, 2025
July 28, 2025
A spirit of progress and purpose filled the air at the Ninth Annual Cal Poly Strawberry Center Field Day, where over 600 strawberry growers, researchers and industry leaders gathered to witness the future of farming in motion. Co-hosted by the California Strawberry Commission (CSC) and the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, the event celebrated more than a decade of transformative research, cutting-edge technology, and the cultivation of tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.
This year’s Field Day featured 25 dynamic, hands-on demonstrations by student researchers, CSC engineers and industry partners. Live exhibits revealed how innovation is driving practical solutions to the everyday challenges of strawberry farming—environmental, regulatory, economic, and beyond. From breakthrough automation to resilient plant varieties, attendees engaged directly with the science shaping the next era of sustainable agriculture.
Field Day Highlights Included:
- Research on UV-C light as a natural alternative to pesticides.
- Biological and traditional pest management tools that optimize efficacy as well as sustainability.
- Next-gen automation for harvesting and transplanting, designed for efficiency.
- Enhanced equipment sanitation methods that reduce pathogen spread in soil.
“This is more than just a field day— it’s where the future of farming takes root,” said Rick Tomlinson, President of the California Strawberry Commission. “Our growers and industry are deeply committed to sustainable, responsible growing practices, and the Strawberry Center is at the center of that transformation. There is something powerful about seeing the “all-in” spirit that’s driving sustainable success for one of the world’s most beloved fruits.”
Since its founding in 2013, the Cal Poly Strawberry Center — an innovative partnership between Cal Poly and the California Strawberry Commission — has conducted nearly 200 research projects and trained over 150 students through its signature Learn By Doing approach. These students are emerging as the next generation of agricultural problem-solvers, equipped to take on the challenges of a changing industry.
“This event shows what’s possible when education, science, and industry move forward together,” said Dr. Gerald Holmes, Director of the Cal Poly Strawberry Center. “The future is bright—and we’re just getting started.”
As California continues to produce nearly 90% of the nation's strawberries, the industry’s shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and leadership underscores a powerful message: With science and collaboration at the core, the California strawberry industry is not just growing — it’s evolving.
[Click here for photos and videos from the event.]
About the Cal Poly Strawberry Center
The Cal Poly Strawberry Center was established in 2014 within the Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences as a partnership between Cal Poly and the California Strawberry Commission. This one-of-a-kind center is rooted in the hands-on learning approach that defines Cal Poly. The center focuses on applied research incorporating teaching and learning experiences for Cal Poly undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and California strawberry farmers. For more information, please visit www.strawberry.calpoly.edu.
About California Strawberry Commission
The California Strawberry Commission is more than 400 strawberry farmers, shippers and processors, all working together to advance strawberry farming for the future of our land and people. Commission programs create opportunities for success through groundbreaking programs focused on workforce training, strawberry production research and nutrition research. Through science-based information and education, it delivers the good news about sustainable farming practices that benefit the health of people, farms and communities.