The public is invited to a free workshop on caring for native oaks in the central Sierra.

Although native oaks generally increase property values, the University of California Cooperative Extension reports that their numbers are declining because of a variety of problems ranging from summer overwatering by people who put landscaping under them to those who bulldoze the plants out of fear that conservation laws could limit development if there are oaks on a property.

Also, according to the UC Extension, grazing and other land uses are preventing new generations of oaks from growing.

The Central Sierra division of the UC Extension is offering the free workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 24 at the UC Extension office, 12200-B Airport Road, Jackson.

Information: (530) 621-5528.