Douglas County Office | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

Contact Information

1325 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, Nevada 89410
Phone: (775) 782-9960

County Personnel Directory

Meet the rest of Douglas County Team

Karen Beatty

Administrative Aid

Jessica Gardner

Horticulture Outreach Coordinator

Alecia Gifford

Administrative Assistant III

Christopher Lascola

4-H Camp Facilities Maintenance Worker

Spencer Ray

4-H Camp Manager

Tara Sallee

Douglas County 4-H Community Educator

Daunelle Wulstein

Coordinator, Extension Education Projects - Agriculture

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Nevada Radon Education Program

The Nevada Radon Education Program is funded through a grant from the EPA to educate Nevadans about the health risk posed by elevated levels of radon in the home. The Extension program offers literature, educational presentations and low-cost radon test kits in many county Extension and partner offices.

Master Gardeners of Douglas County

Learn about the Master Gardener program in Douglas County, Nevada.

Grow Your Own, Nevada!

Learn the secrets of high desert gardening

To see a complete list of programs being conducted by Douglas County

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Looking for a quality and fun youth development experience? Join Nevada 4-H!

Our 4-H Program, for youth ages 5 to 19, is community-centered, research-based and designed to promote life-skills development. It offers youth opportunities in communications, leadership, career development, citizenship, healthy living, science, technology, engineering, math and more. Our office can help you to find or start a local 4-H club or program that's right for you. We look forward to working with and serving you!

Learn more about Douglas County 4-H

Douglas County Related News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...


A Compilation of Good Plant Choices for Nevada’s High Fire Hazard Areas This special publication shows Nevada's climate zones and contains sever tables that display plants that can flourish in Nevada's high fire hazard areas. Smith, E. amd Sistare, S. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-05-16
A Homeowner's Guide to Planting Crested Wheatgrass The following description for planting crested wheatgrass applies to homeowners seeding relatively small areas (less than two acres) and who do not have access to specialized rangeland seeding equipment. For larger planting efforts, contact your local University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office for suggestions. Smith, E., Davison, J., Carlos, B. 1999, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-99-96
A Homeowner’s Guide to Cheatgrass Cheatgrass, also known as downy brome and bronco grass, is an annual plant native to Europe and Asia. Cheatgrass has a serious environmental impact on Nevada. It dries out very quickly, becoming extremely flammable. This increases the occurrence and intensity of fires in sagebrush areas. Davison, J. and Smith, E. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-29
Agricultural Producer Stress: A Nevada Statewide Study This survey utilized the Perceived Stress Scale a widely used instrument for measuring perception of stress. It is a measure of the degree to which situations in one's life are considered by the participant to be stressful. B. Freeman, L. Chichester, A. Osborne, M. Minter, B. Gorsakul 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-22-01
Agriculture is a Good Fit in Floodplains The floodplain plays a vital role in the safety of our community and downstream communities when large rain-on-snow floods occur, about every 15 or 20 years. Learn more about agricultural land use and communities mistakes involving floodplain in this factsheet. Cobourn J. and Lewis S. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-69
Animal Care Animal well being, animal care, animal welfare, animal husbandry, animal rights. What's the difference. L. Chichester & K. Dam 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-18-09
Animal Care: Tips for youth communicating with the public Animal care is what it says, providing care for an animal. Responsible livestock producers provide the best care and treatment for their animals, ensure they are receiving high quality feed, fresh clean cool water and appropriate shelter, quick treatment if ill, and low-stress handling when necessary. L. Chichester 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS 17-00
Best Management Practices for Livestock and Equine during Wildfire Smoke Events The intent of this article is to provide recommendations for best management practices for livestock and equine owners during wildfire smoke events. Some of these recommendations may not be applicable to owners of large quantities of livestock and/or equine. Chichester, L, Kay, M., Roice-Gomes, J., Allen, M., Taylor, L. Emm, S. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-10
Characteristics of Sustainable Agriculture Producers This fact sheet aims to help educate producers on key characteristics that defines sustainable producers and sustainable agriculture. The 3 categories are social, economic, and environmental traits that sustainable producers exhibit. Lewis, S. 2005, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-57
Choosing the Right Plants for Northern Nevada's High Fire Hazard Areas The most important person in preventing a house from being destroyed by wildfire is the homeowner. And, it is the actions that a homeowner takes before a fire occurs that are critical. One of the most important “pre-fire” activities that a homeowner can do is the creation of a defensible space. Smith, E., Skelly, J. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, EB-07-01
Clover Clips Newsletter, Volume 32, Issue 2, February 2024 Monthly Newsletter for the 4-H Youth Development Program in Western Nevada counties (Carson City, Douglas, Storey, and Washoe). Mitchell, S. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Clover Clips 4-H Newsletter
Community Needs Assessment: Douglas County 2002 This fact sheet contains information on the community needs of Douglas county in 2002 through several research methods and results. Learn through a detailed table that list each need statement and the order of priority. Lewis, S. 2003, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-03-11
Consumer Preferences for Meat Attributes Recent food industry trends have presented consumers with the opportunity to demand more from the products they purchase. In the market for food products, this means that consumers are able to purchase products that do more than serve their basic need for nutrition. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Harris, T., and Lewis, S. 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-11
Don’t Put Your Home and Family at Risk from Floods! If you own or are considering buying property near the bank of a river or stream, beware of building a home there! If the property is mapped as “Zone A” Regulatory Floodplain, that means flooding is a very real possibility — at least 1 percent chance in any year. Learn more about the risk of floods in this factsheet. Cobourn, J., Lewis, S., and Swanson, S. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-70
Douglas County Cow-Calf Production Costs & Returns This publication is intended to be a guide used to make production decisions, determine potential returns, and prepare business and marketing plans. Practices described are based on the production practices considered typical for a beef cattle cow-calf operation in this region, but may not apply to every operation. Curtis, K., Lewis, S., and Ruby, K. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-11
Douglas County Needs Assessment The purpose of this study was to determine the needs of Douglas County citizens. The results then could serve as educational and programmatic foci in the years to come. This Douglas County Needs Assessment was conducted in conjunction with Carson City/Storey County. L. M. Chichester, L. K. Taylor, W. P. Evans, K. N. Russell 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-15
Duckwater Shoshone Indian Reservation Agriculture and Natural Resource Focus Group Session Results This fact sheet contains detailed information on duckwateer shoshone indian reservation agriculture and the results from a natural resource focus group. Learn more about the Duckwater Indian Reservation, Natural Resources Overview, the history and strengths, and many more. Emm, S., Lewis, S., Breazeale, D. 2002, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-44
Ember House 3.0 Building Instructions This is information on how to build an Ember House. The Ember House serves as a youth activity to educate kids on the ember threat of wildfires on homes. There is no one “right way” to build an Ember House. There are a lot of variations out there. Reported below is simply how LWF created theirs. Smith, E. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-20
Financial Potential for Livestock Slaughter and Processing in Nevada This publication presents a brief overview of the financial information generated from the study. This section of the study addresses financial analyses and recommendations for an optimal solution to slaughtering and processing animals. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Harris, T., and Lewis, S. 2008, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted communities is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Residents of these communities accept responsibility for living in a high fire hazard area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-01
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Elko County Elko County has more rural communities located in high- and extreme-wildfire hazard areas than anywhere else in Nevada. University of Nevada, Reno Extension; and Elko County have come together to promote the Fire Adapted Community concept. They believe that this is the best response to our wildfire threat. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2016, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-16-02
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Storey County Faced with the growing potential for loss of human life and property due to wildfire, Nevada’s local, state and federal firefighting agencies, Nevada Fire Safe Council, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and Storey County government have come together to promote the Fire Adapted Communities concept. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-07
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Upper Colony Fire Safe Chapter Smith Valley There are proven steps that homeowners can take to improve the odds of human life and home survival during wildfire. The purpose of this publication, “Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness - Upper Colony” is to promote and teach these steps. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G 2012, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-12-03
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness, Carson City Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted communities is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Residents of these communities accept responsibility for living in a high fire hazard area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-01
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness, Elko County Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire? A fire adapted community is a community located in fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Read more about fire adapted communities in the Elko County area. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-16-02
Fire Adapted Communities: The Next Step in Wildfire Preparedness. Lake Tahoe Basin There are proven steps that homeowners can take to improve personal safety and home survival during wildfire. The purpose of this publication is to present these steps and encourage neighbors to work together and with their local fire firefighting agency to take action. Smith, E., Sistare, S. 2014, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-14-05
Floodplain Protection Inventory for the Carson River The floodplain of a river is the adjacent low-lying land that temporarily stores floodwater. This riverine floodplain is an integral part of a river. In most cases, the soil on floodplains was deposited by the river or creek over an extended period of time. Cobourn, J. and Lewis, S. 2015, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-15-05
Gardening in Douglas County Nevada (2023-04) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Carson Valley Nevada provides horticulture information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of April 2023 is one of the many resources of information available to the public to aid in accomplishing this mission. April 3, 2023 J. Gardner, I. Angelini, A. Christy, P. Sanborn 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Master Gardener Newsletter
Gardening in Douglas County Nevada (2023-07) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Douglas County provide horticulture information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of July 2023 is one of the many resources of information available to the public to help accomplish this mission. J. Gardner, I. Angelini 2023, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, Master Gardener Newsletter
Gardening in Douglas County Nevada (2023-10) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Carson Valley Nevada provides horticulture information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of October 2023 is one of the many resources of information available to the public to aid in accomplishing this mission. Gardner, J., Angelini, I., Doerr, L. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, Master Gardener Newsletter
Gardening in Douglas County Nevada (2024-01) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Carson Valley Nevada provides horticulture information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of January 2024 is one of the many resources of information available to the public to aid in accomplishing this mission. I. Angelini, A. Christy, L. Doerr 2024, Extension, Unversity of Nevada, Reno, Newsletters
Gardening in Douglas County Nevada (2024-04) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Carson Valley Nevada provides horticulture information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of April 2024 is one of the many resources of information available to the public to aid in accomplishing this mission. J. Gardner, I. Angelini, L. Doerr. and L. Dick 2024, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, Master Gardener Newsletter
Gardening in Douglas County Nevada (2024-07) The Master Gardener Volunteers of Douglas County provide home horticulture information on gardens, landscapes, plants and other related topics. This newsletter of July 2024 will focus on water conservation topics. Enjoy this quarters publication and share with a friend. I, Angelini, L. Doerr, L. Dick 2024, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, Newsletter
Greenstrips: Another Tool to Manage Wildfire Greenstrips can be used to reduce the opportunity for man-caused fires to start or spread. They can reduce the size of wildfires and increase the effectiveness of the fire fighting effort, which reduces the cost. Greenstrips are also used to protect high value natural resources, Davidson, J., Smith E. 1997, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-97-36
How can I prepare my home and neighborhood for a wildfire? University experts caution actions taken by homeowners before a fire ever starts play a critical role. Smith, E. and Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
How to Complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Nevada Communities A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) describes the wildfire hazards and mitigation measures for a community. Completing and implementing a CWPP is an important means for residents of Nevada’s wildfire prone areas to address the wildfire threat. Smith, E., Sistare, S. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-13-14
How to Complete a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Washoe County Communities A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) describes the wildfire hazards and mitigation measures for a community. Completing and implementing a CWPP is an important means for residents of Washoe County’s wildfire-prone areas to address the wildfire threat. Smith, E., Sistare, S., Nejedlo, G. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-13-06
Increasing Collaborative Success Between American Indians and Agriculture Professionals It has been recognized that American Indian populations don’t take full advantage of federal programs aimed at enhancing agriculture and natural resource management practices. Emm and Singletary (2009) claim that some of the problem stems from these programs not being designed with the American Indian in mind. Lewis, S. and Emm, R. 2011, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Livestock Producer Interest in Local Processing A mail survey of agricultural producers was conducted during autumn 2005 to assess producer interest in a potential livestock slaughter and/or processing facility in Northern Nevada. One hundred fifty-three surveys were returned, representing nearly 70 percent of total livestock producers in Northern Nevada. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Lewis, S., Harris, T. 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-10
Making the Best Better: 2005 Action Plan to Strengthen Douglas County 4-H This fact sheet explores an action plan to strengthen 4-H in Douglas County by looking at Douglas County and Statewide Impacts, demographics, and more. Lewis, S., Singletary, L., Smith, M., Montana, S., and Dressler, T. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-17
Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation Agriculture And Natural Resources Focus Group Session Results This fact sheet contains extensive information on agriculture and natural resources of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. Learn more about the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, vision of agriculture and natural resources, history and strengths and many more. Lewis, S., Breazeale, D., and Emm, S. 2002, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-45
River Corridor Protection: Carson River Coalition’s Main Message This fact sheet contains protection plain for the Caron River by looking at flood plains, projects, and the history of the river. Lewis, S. and Cobourn, J. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-71
Techniques for Inspiring Hope in Groups Learn about serval ways to inspire hopes in groups such as storytelling, agenda sharing, brainstorming, and many more. Havercamp, M. and Lewis, S. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-75
Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Defensible Space As Nevada communities grow, so does the wildfire threat on homes. The term "defensible space" was coined to describe vegetation management practices aimed at reducing the wildfire threat to homes. This fact sheet addresses some of the frequently asked questions regarding defensible space. Smith, E. 1996, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-96-39
The 4-H Advantage – How Nevada 4-H Youth Differ from Those with No 4-H Experience This fact sheet contains a study on the 4-H experience and the advantages that come with it. This study also gives examples of 4-H youth and 4-H experience to help understand the difference between the two. Lewis, S. 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-69
The Carson River’s New Regional Floodplain Management Plan This fact sheet contains information on ways to create a good floodplain management plant. Learn more about the benefits of good floodplain management, how one can do it, limiting river flood damage, and how floodplain management works. Cobourn, J., Lewis, S., and Skelly, J. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-20
The Combustibility of Landscape Mulches Mulch plays an important role in Western residential landscapes. Unfortunately many mulches are combustible, a major drawback when used in home landscapes located in wildfire-prone areas. Using the results from an evaluation of mulch combustibility, recommendations are offered concerning the use of mulches. Quarles, S., Smith, E. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-11-04
The Future of Agriculture in the Carson Valley: Agriculture Producer Perspectives Lewis, S. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-17-10
Tip Sheet Session Purpose A Series of Fact Sheets on Effective Group Facilitation This factsheet contains information on session purpose ranging from what it is to the advantages of a session purpose. Learn more about how a session purpose is crated, looks like, and more. Lewis, S. and Havercamp, M. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-74
What Grows Back After The Fire In the aftermath of wildfire, many homeowners are alarmed by the sudden change in appearance of the wildland vegetation surrounding their homes. At this time, a frequently asked question is "Will it grow back?" This fact sheet describes the response of some common northern Nevada rangeland plants to wildfire. Smith, E., Davidson, J. 1996, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. FS96-40
What is defensible space and how do I create some around my home? University experts help homeowners to make homes more fire safe Smith, E. and Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist Information on how to prepare yourself, your home, and your family for a quick and safe wildfire evacuation. Be prepared! Please evacuate immediately when asked. Smith, Ed 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-07
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist (Spanish) Si su propiedad está en peligro de incendio y usted debe evacuar tenga en consideración las siguientes medidas de seguridad. Smith, E., Kay, M. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-20

County Reports


Douglas County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024 An annual report summarizing the programs and activities of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension office located in Douglas County Gifford, A. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Reports
Douglas County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023 Douglas County Extension 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Program Highlights. Chichester, L 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Report
Douglas County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 Douglas County Extension 2021-2022 Fiscal Year Program Highlights. Chichester, LM 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Reports
Douglas County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2020 - 2021 Extension Douglas County Program Highlights 2020-2021 Chichester, L. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Douglas County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2019 - 2020 Fiscal year July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 Chichester, L and Pendery, L 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Reports, FYI 2020
Douglas County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2018 - 2019 Douglas County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019 Chichester, L. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Douglas County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2017 - 2018 Douglas County Annual Report \| July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 Chichester, L. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno

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