In this edition
- Providing support for Clark County's small business
- Extension research could influence the growth of an industry
- Nutrition focuses on education and awareness
- Laughlin and Searchlight gain Extension educator
- Youth Horticulture Education Program earns sponsorship
- 4-H Youth Development keeps youth engaged throughout December
Clark's Newsletter Archives
About our College
A founding college of the University, we have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and engagement programs that benefit the health and economic vitality of Nevada. We offer programs in:
- agriculture, horticulture, rangeland & veterinary sciences
- biochemistry & molecular biology
- children, youth & families
- community & economic development
- health & nutrition
- natural resources & environmental science
Providing support for Clark County's small businesses
Since March 2020, Extension’s Business Development Program has hosted 96 virtual events consisting of webinars, town halls and classes, offered in English and in Spanish, to provide support and resources to the small business community.
Prior to the pandemic, the program had been offering in-person workshops and seminars for small businesses. However, once COVID-19 changed how programming could be delivered, Extension quickly pivoted to delivering its programs online using Zoom and Facebook and developed a weekly series called “Coping with COVID-19.”
This change resulted in nearly quadrupling its previous attendance, and the use of Facebook has allowed it to reach an average of 6,216 people per month.
READ MORE ABOUT THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Small businesses gained access to other entrepreneurs and resources virtually throughout the pandemic.
Extension research could influence the growth of an industry
The desert climate could be ideal for the hemp industry.
Amidst a rising interest in growing hemp in the state of Nevada, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is now conducting research in Clark County that could help to make this crop a major industry in the Silver State. The work is being led by M.L. Robinson, an associate professor and horticulture specialist with Extension, with help from Extension’s Marysia Morawska, Lauren McGue and Master Gardener volunteers in Clark County.
Because of its many uses and the fact that it uses less water than many other crops, it could be perfect for the dry, desert climate in Southern Nevada, opening the door to a budding industry. In addition to conducting research on hemp varieties and best practices for growing it, Extension is also developing online classes for those interested in growing hemp, to promote it as a crop for Nevada and provide research-based information for successful production here.
Read Does hemp hold the potential to be Nevada's Next Leading crop?
Nutrition programs focus on education and awareness
Expanding knowledge about healthful choices and increasing awareness about the importance of food systems is at the center of the work of Extension’s nutrition department in Clark County. Assistant Professor and Public Health Nutrition Specialist Aurora Buffington recently highlighted the role we can all play in creating a healthier, more sustainable and resilient food system in an article penned for World Food Day. In it, she identified the elements that make up our food system, including its people, resources and activities. One such activity includes farmers markets, which the nutrition team works to support.
During National Farmers Market Week in August, Extension’s nutrition team in Clark County launched an effort to raise awareness about how to access farmers markets. This effort included a social media campaign that reached nearly 1,200 people.
Learn more about Extension's nutrition work and programs
Nikki Regalado and Dakota Clarke are working the farmers market month pilot SNAP terminal booth at the Las Vegas Farmers Market on Saturday's drive-thru model.
Laughlin and Searchlight gain Extension educator
Hayley Maio plans to grow youth programming access and implement other needed programs in Laughlin and Searchlight.
In June, Extension welcomed Hayley Maio as an Extension educator in Laughlin and Searchlight. Maio, who has a passion for working with youth, will be bringing the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools SNAP-Ed Program to Laughlin in 2021. She’s also been working to grow the Master Gardener Program and is in the process of conducting a survey to help her develop a plan for future programming.
“I want to serve the communities of Laughlin and Searchlight the best way I can,” Maio said. “In order to serve them, I want their input. I can come up with a million programs to run, but if it isn’t what the communities want, then I’m not doing my job.”
The survey is open to residents of Laughlin and Searchlight residents from Nov. 23 through Dec. 18.
Meet Hayley Maio
Youth Horticulture Education Program earns sponsorship
With the support of a $20,000 sponsorship recently received from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Extension’s Youth Horticulture Education Program will implement a program in Clark County that uses garden-based learning for career readiness and professional development.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YOUTH HORTICULTURE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Photo credit: Tricia Braxton Perry. Jillian Perry demonstrates hydroponics to youth at the Las Vegas Science &Technology Festival Giant Science Expo for Kids and Families in 2018. Photo taken prior to COVID-19 Pandemic.
4-H Youth Development Program keeps youth engaged throughout December
Carla Millares-Forno leads group discussion at 4-H Discovering the World Program.
Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program is keeping Clark County youth engaged this December with some educational and entertaining programs. A five-session series, called 4-H Discovering the World: Me, We, and Our Planet, is underway at Simmons Manor. Youth ages 9-12 are enjoying activities such as building a bridge, ice cream making and growing their own plants to help develop team-building, communication and critical thinking. Also this month, Extension's A.D. Guy Knowledge Center is holding a Winter Day Camp that will include hands-on, holiday-season projects. As 2020 concludes, planning for programs in 2021 are already underway.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 4-H PROGRAM
