A landscape photo looking over a valley at sunset

Support the AIR Program

Contribute to Research and Extension Efforts and Protect California's Native Habitats

The Accreditation to Improve Restoration (AIR) program is a free, voluntary initiative led by the Del Castillo Lab in the UC Davis Department of Plant Pathology.  Our program's mission is to protect California's native habitats by preventing the spread of devastating soil-borne pathogens (specifically Phytophthora) from restoration nurseries into ecosystems.

We work hand-in-hand with growers to implement strict Best Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce the risk of pathogen contamination. Through our guiding principle of "Start Clean, Stay Clean"  the AIR program has assisted nurseries to reliably produce plant stock free of Phytophthora pathogens, ensuring that restoration projects across California start with healthy and pathogen-free plants. 

This program is available to California nurseries free of charge through a combination of grant funding from our partners at the local, state and federal level. Your support will help us expand this vital work to preserve biodiversity, protect fragile ecosystems, and build healthier California native habitats.  

Why You Support Matters

Your donation helps the AIR program protect California's native habitats by supporting restoration nurseries to produce healthy and Phytophthora-free plants. With your support, we will:

  • Conduct on site nursery audits and evaluations to identify and reduce contamination risk.
  • Expand outreach and education efforts focused on implementing Best Management Practices to produce disease-free nursery stock.
  • Provide critical testing and diagnostics services to nurseries at no cost.
  • Advance research on the biology, detection and prevention of Phytophtora and other plant pathogens affecting California nurseries.

How You Can Help

  • Make a one-time donation: any amount you can spare will make a difference to support our program.
  • Set up a recurring gift: Provide ongoing support to sustain AIR's operations.
  • Spread awareness: Share the AIR program's mission to increase awareness and support. 

To donate, click here or follow the "Donate" tab on the right.

*UC Davis is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Receipts are available upon donation.