The popularity and profitability of wine has led to a big increase in the acreage devoted to grape-growing in California's oak woodlands, spawning the challenge: How can vineyards and oak trees co-exist? A new publication, based in part on research funded by the UC Davis-based University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, looks at the physical, biological and social benefits of maintaining and restoring native vegetation -- including oak trees -- in and around vineyards. "Our booklet offers practical information on balancing agricultural production with natural resource conservation," says co-author Adina Merenlender, a UC Cooperative Extension specialist with the Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program. Vineyard expansion in former woodland is driving local ballot measures, ordinances and community attention in Santa Barbara, Napa, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Marin and Monterey counties. "Vineyard expansion is changing the "viewshed," or what people see in their surrounding landscape," says Merenlender, who is based at the UC Hopland Field Station. "The changing landscape and the loss of oaks is what is driving these issues." The information in Merenlender's publication "Vineyards in an Oak Landscape" is based on natural resource and agricultural research with input from grape growers and Cooperative Extension farm advisors. The booklet is available for $4.50 through the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Communication Services at UC Davis, 1-800-994-8849.