In this edition
- Taste of Extension event showcases impacts in Clark County
- University of Nevada, Reno and University of Nevada, Las Vegas partner for Clark County
- Kickoff to Kindergarten fair supplies free school-readiness resources
- Healthy Kids Festival provides healthy activities for families with children
- Jacob DeDecker named director of Extension
- Master Gardeners offer expert advice, show Botanic Gardens at Harvest Festival
- Extension works to prevent falls in older adults
- Extension specialist receives award for southern Nevada green industry program
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 and veterinary sciences
- biochemistry and molecular biology
- children, youth and families
- community and economic development
- health and nutrition
- natural resources and environmental science
Taste of Extension event showcases impacts in Clark County
At the Taste of Extension event, left to right: Lincoln County Commissioner Varlin Higbee, Eureka County Natural Resources Manager and Extension Advisory Council member Jake Tibbits, Extension Director Jacob DeDecker, and Clark County Commissioner and Extension Advisory Council member Marilyn Kirkpatrick with members of Extension's Logandale 4-H Club.
Extension served up samples of its programming at its first Taste of Extension event, which was hosted by Extension's Advisory Council and Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick on Aug. 30 at the Clark County Government Center. The event was designed to showcase a “taste” of the programs Extension offers in Clark County, such as Little Books & Little Cooks — a program for young children and parents to learn about healthy eating and early school readiness. Activities included a hatching process and incubator display by Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program, shopping for fruits and vegetables using EBT benefits at a mock farmers market by Extension's SNAP-Ed Program, and more. The event was attended by a variety of local and state stakeholders, 4-H youth and members of the community.
Southern Area Extension Director Eric Killian shares the wealth of Extension programming with attendees.
University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval speaks with a group of 4-H members.
Extension's Tricia Braxton Perry (right) and Nicole Hansen (center) discuss Youth Horticulture Education Program impacts with Nevada System of Higher Education Regent and Extension Advisory Council Member Laura Perkins (left).
University of Nevada, Reno and University of Nevada, Las Vegas partner for Clark County
Presidents Sandoval (left) and Whitfield shake hands at the joint reception.
University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval and University of Nevada, Las Vegas President Keith Whitfield hosted a reception with leadership, faculty and staff from both institutions in Clark County on Sept. 13.
Presidents and provosts of both universities joined faculty and staff to celebrate existing partnerships between UNLV and University of Nevada, Reno Extension and to build on those collaborations in order to have even greater impact in Clark County.
Kickoff to Kindergarten fair supplies free school-readiness resources
University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Partners in Parenting team hosted its seventh annual Kickoff to Kindergarten for children ages 3-5 and their families on Aug. 27 at the East Las Vegas Library. This year’s theme was “Sea Creatures” and featured fun hands-on learning activities and helpful resources for families, thanks to participating agencies.
The event had 557 participants, 27 volunteers and 26 vendors, and also included visits from Congresswoman Dina Titus, Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy’s team and the Office of U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen. Kindergarten-readiness supplies were given to participants from 41 zip codes.
Christina Lee, a member of Extension’s Partners in Parenting team, speaks with a mother and her child about Extension resources and programming.
Congresswoman Dina Titus (second from right) with PBS’s Splash and, left to right, Extension’s Heidi Petermeier, Olga Soto, Maria Bivins, YaeBin Kim and Christina Lee.
Children enjoy activities while parents receive information from event partners.
While getting information about school readiness, children also enjoy face painting.
Extension staff share fresh vegetables with children.
Healthy Kids Festival provides healthy activities for families with children
Children hula hoop, demonstrating one of the fun ways that they can stay active.
On Sept. 24, Extension held its 10th annual Healthy Kids Festival at the Bob Price Recreation Center in Clark County. The free event is held during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month to provide healthy activities for families with children ages 3 to 8. The festival featured a day of fun and educational activities, including music and dancing, gardening, chef demonstrations, a fruit and vegetable market, and more.
The event’s attendance included 592 children, 443 adults, 98 exhibitors and 61 volunteers. It was sponsored by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Clark County Parks & Recreation, Southern Nevada Health District, Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick and La Bonita Supermarkets.
Extension’s SNAP-Ed Coordinator Macy Helm helps bring the beach theme to fruition as a mermaid!
Healthy fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, are at the center of the festival.
Learn more about programs aimed at keeping kids healthy
Jacob DeDecker named director of Extension
Following a national search and recruitment process, Jacob DeDecker was named director of Extension and associate dean for engagement with the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources at the University of Nevada, Reno. His appointment began July 1.
DeDecker comes to Nevada from Michigan State University, where he spent the past 16 years building Extension and 4-H youth development programming, most recently serving as associate director of the Children & Youth Institute and the state leader of MSU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program. He earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in animal sciences, as well as a certificate in business administration, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Jacob DeDecker assumed the role of director of Extension and associate dean for Engagement with the College on July 1.
Raised on his family’s livestock and grain farm in Illinois, DeDecker appreciates the importance knowledge and partnerships have on solving problems and helping people thrive.
Read more about Extension’s new director
Master Gardeners offer expert advice, show Botanic Gardens at Harvest Festival
Extension and its Master Gardeners held its first Harvest Celebration to welcome autumn. Approximately 100 individuals helped celebrate the fall season at Extension’s Botanic Gardens in Clark County.
Attendees not only enjoyed the beautiful outdoors and some autumnal treats, but also had the opportunity to learn from four different presentations by Extension’s Master Gardener Compost, Iris and Bulb, and Rose Committees.
Attendees had the chance to win some fantastic horticulture-themed door prizes.
A Master Gardener shares horticulture information during the Harvest Celebration.
Extension works to prevent falls in older adults
Kayla Ransom, Extension community-based instructor, teaches fall prevention to a group of older adults.
Extension in Clark County participated in national efforts to support the National Council on Aging’s falls-prevention activities. Extension organized seven falls-prevention events at six income-restricted over-55 apartment communities, plus an event at the Silver Pines overnight camp for Cora Coleman Senior Center members. Collectively, 185 older adults were able to participate in the falls-prevention events.
These events were coupled with a health fair at the Ovation apartment properties, which included additional information on health care, eye care, Medicare and senior services, and geriatric assessments.
At the overnight camp, campers also participated in a Seniors Eating Well Fitness Fun lesson and food demonstration taught by Extension Community-Based Instructor Kayla Ransom.
Extension specialist receives award for southern Nevada green-industry program
M.L. Robinson.
M.L. Robinson received a Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents for his Professional Horticultural Management Program.
Meet M.L. See his award
