UC research center offers free tours during 50th anniversary celebration

The UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary with free tours of the 330-acre facility on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Part of UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, scientists at the facility conduct research on central San Joaquin Valley crops, including pomegranates, blueberries and sorghum.

Twenty scientists at the center also study pest control, new crop varieties and irrigation strategies implemented in the valley that highlight research in a variety of fields, from wine varieties to carbon sequestration.

Located at 9240 S. Riverbend Ave. in Parlier, trams will run throughout the day providing 30-minute guided tours of the facility.

Large groups are asked to register in advance on the Kearney website, http://kare.ucanr.edu/Open_House.

This story was originally published May 15, 2015 at 6:50 PM with the headline "UC research center offers free tours during 50th anniversary celebration."