Volunteers needed for senior computer club

The Claremont Senior Computer Club hosts a tech assistance lab to help seniors with all things tech-related such as cell phones, personal computers, applications and more, twice a month at the Joslyn Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave.

The club is currently in need of tech-savvy volunteers ages 16 and up who would be willing and able to assist seniors with their tech-related questions on the first and/or third Friday of the month from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

To learn more about this volunteer opportunity contact the Joslyn Center at (909) 399-5488 or email joslyncenter@ci.claremont.ca.us.

Drought tips: how to use mulch

On July 6, the city shared information from the International Society of Arboriculture about the benefits of mulch as well as steps for proper mulching. To read the city’s original post, visit ci.claremont.ca.us/home/components/news/news/3446/18.

“To provide trees with the best chance of survival during drought, apply mulch on the soil surface within the drip line of the tree,” the post began. “According to the International Society of Arboriculture, mulching, when done correctly, is one of the most beneficial practices for tree health.”

Mulching provides trees numerous benefits, including: conservation of soil moisture by increasing water infiltration and slowing evaporation; improved soil structure, fertility, and aeration as it decomposes; moderation of soil temperature (which means roots are protected from extreme summer and winter temperatures); elimination of potential tree damage from mowers and trimmers; prevention of soil compaction by reducing foot and vehicle traffic impact; and growth of weeds and grass that compete with tree roots for water and nutrients is impeded.

The city also shared the following steps for proper mulching.

Mulch can be applied at any time of the year on top of a drip line irrigation system. Be sure to mulch as much of the area under the drip line of the tree as possible, preferably to the outermost edge of its canopy. The drip line is the area underneath the tree’s canopy.

“Apply a two- to four-inch layer of mulch. Applying more than four inches may harm the tree’s root system,” the city added. “Keep all mulch material approximately six inches away from the trunk. This will prevent root rot.”

Organic based mulch which includes wood chippings, grass clippings, pine needles, leaf litter, etc., is ideal for use. Residents should “stay away from non-organic mulch products, such as plastic sheeting, recycled rubber-based products, rocks, etc.”

Explore the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park

July is Parks Make Life Better month, according to the California Parks and Recreation Society, so in recognition the City of Claremont is partnering with Agents of Discovery, an augmented reality app which connects children with the natural world through STEM-based exploration opportunities.

Until July 31, “the whole family can become secret nature agents by downloading the Agents of Discovery app on their smart device and hiking the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Loop. Just look for the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Mission,” the city posted.

Participants — or secret nature agents — who complete all 10 challenges in the app will become an official junior park ranger.

For more information, visit https://agentsofdiscovery.com or call the Alexander Hughes Community Center at (909) 399-5490.

Be part of the chamber’s business over breakfast holiday series

Only a few spots remain for vendors to sell their goods at the Claremont Chamber of Commerce’s end-of-year business over breakfast holiday showcase. The showcase is a “great way to sell your items/goods” and a “perfect time for everyone to catch up on their holiday shopping,” according to a chamber press release. For vendors looking to fill the remaining vacancies or for more info, email natalia@claremontchamber.org.