In this edition
- Searchlight Community Garden Receives Grant
- Pollinator Week 2025 - That's a Wrap!
- Publication Highlights
- It's the Great Pumpkin, Master Gardeners!
- 2025 International Master Gardener Conference Registration
- Home Horticulture Certification Closes July 28th
- Master Gardener Events
Searchlight Community Garden Receives $50,000 Grant
Clark County - Laughlin
The Searchlight Betterment Organization was awarded the T-Mobile Hometown Grant in June—giving $50,000 towards a shade structure over the new Searchlight Community Garden! Construction will begin this summer!
From the desk of Kelly Lehr:
"We currently have two Master Gardener interns for this site, including Kayla McInnis pictured below installing temporary shade structures. They have been instrumental in the tree planting, installing some new temporary shade structures for the summer, and assisting gardeners with irrigation and summer planting projects. It has progressed just beautifully! We are hoping to gain another future Master Gardener this August.
T-Mobile came out to Searchlight on June 12th at the Clark County Library's annual Summer Reading Celebration, as most of the town is in attendance for the festivities. The representative awarded the Searchlight Betterment Organization (SBO) with a giant check. SBO representatives Michele Brown and Kyle Myers were in attendance. Kyle is on the town hall advisory board and has a garden bed. Michele works for Clark County Parks and Recreation, and she too has a garden bed. Michele wrote the grant, and I assisted with a letter of recommendation and suggestions from the county and Extension, Clark County - Laughlin Master Gardeners on the location and structure. UNR Extension currently holds the lease agreement with Clark County for the space. This entity had to approve the structure and the vendor for the project, so it's been a long process."
Exciting updates coming to the Searchlight gardens! Way to go Extension, Clark County - Laughlin team!
2025 Pollinator Week: That's a Wrap!
Washoe, Douglas, and Carson City/Storey Counties
Authored by Rachel McClure, Washoe County Master Gardener Coordinator
We had an amazing Pollinator Week in Northern Nevada! This year we had a regional focus, encompassing activities in Carson, Douglas and Washoe Counties. Because our communities are so intertwined we wanted to make this a shared week for all our counties along the HWY 395 Sierra Nevada Corridor. It was great fun.
We held a regional logo contest allowing our youth to create a logo that speaks to pollinators. There was some amazing artwork! We have such talented youth here in Nevada! Ultimately, we chose a logo that met all the requirements and did a beautiful job of illustrating different types of pollinators across our continent.
We had a pollinator movie night in different counties. We screened “My Garden of a Thousand Bees,” a PBS pollinator-themed movie. In Reno it also included a quick tour of the Museum of Natural History before the film.
Those interested were able to participate in a Pollinator Week Bug & Flower Hunt that encouraged all skill levels of gardeners, naturalists, students and families to photograph and record sightings of bees, butterflies, beetles, hummingbirds and other pollinators in their natural habitats, and record the data using the naturalist App.
Pollinator Garden Kits were grown by Extension Master Gardeners for community members interested in plating pollinator gardens. The kits were $100 and consisted of 16 plants, which were a mix of native varieties, adaptive varieties, perennials and annuals.
Finally, pollinator week culminated with the annual Pollinator Garden Tour. There were Master Gardeners and multiple volunteer docents at each garden to answer questions and many gardens had educational events or activities. Each descent received a commemorative t-shirt for the event. There were gardens in all three counties and was a collaboration of University of Nevada, Reno Extension; Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful; Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space; City of Reno; Truckee Meadows Community College; the Nevada Native Plant Society; the Biggest Little Bee City USA; the Greenhouse Project; One Truckee River; and Nevada Monarch Society.
We had several hundred participants of the week. Interest and participation in this annual event grew this year. We had a lot of positive feedback from the community and look forward to the program’s growth in the coming years. More information on attracting and protecting pollinators on the Extension’s pollinator resources website.
Publication Highlights
Highlighting new or updated publications!
Why choose native plants?
Authored by Carrie Jensen
There are so many reasons to consider incorporating native plants into your garden!
- Ecological Benefits: Native plants are adapted to local climate conditions, providing habitat and food for wildlife like bees, birds, and butterflies.
- Water & Resource Efficiency: Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, reducing runoff and protecting local water supplies.
- Reduced Invasive Species: Planting natives helps prevent the spread of non-native plants that can dominate and harm local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Native plants have evolved to thrive with minimal human intervention, making them low-maintenance landscaping choices.
- Regional Identity: Show your Nevada pride! Native plants help preserve the unique character of local landscapes, contributing to a sense of place and pride in the community.
Read the full publication
How to Identify Insects Using Your Phone
Authored by Carrie Jensen and Jennie Johnson
One of the first challenges when dealing with a pest problem is figuring out exactly what you’re up against. Our directory categorizes pests by species, but if you’re not sure what species you’re dealing with, technology can help point you in the right direction.
Read the full publication
It's the Great Pumpkin, Master Gardeners!
Southern Nye County - Pahrump
Southern Nye County Master Gardeners are promoting community family fun, giving out donated "Big Max" seeds to plant now, to enter a Giant pumpkin into the Pahrump Fall Fair, intake days September 23rd and 24th, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Past years' winning pumpkin weighed in at 70lbs! For details about the Pahrump Fall Fair, visit their webpage.
Pahrump Fall Fair
Registration for the 2025 International Master Gardener Conference is now OPEN!
August 25th - 28th, 2025
Join us for IMGC 2025, a four-day celebration of gardening, innovation, and sustainability! Gain insights from experts, explore global gardening practices, and connect with passionate gardeners working to make a difference. Discover new techniques, embrace sustainable solutions, and be part of the effort shaping the future of our planet.
Why Virtual?
Beyond Our Borders, There is so much to Discover!
Discover innovative practices, learn from experts, and connect with fellow gardeners dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet. Let’s grow a greener future together!
- Extends the event’s reach and lifespan. Eliminates physical limitations and time constraints.
- Cost-effective, making the event accessible to more participants.
- Offers flexibility and convenience.
- Reduces environmental impact.
- Provides access to all sessions and speakers for five months post-conference
- Enhances accessibility, reaching a broader audience and attracting diverse speakers.
- Facilitates faster dissemination of information.
IMGC 2025 Registration
Home Horticulture Certificate Program Registration Closes July 28th!
First step to become a Master Gardener volunteer educator!
Do you have some friends or family interest in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer?
This program covers home gardening in all parts of the state of Nevada! The Home Horticulture Certificate Program was developed by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension Horticulture team from around the state to provide basic horticulture education to homeowners, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about the Nevada landscapes, plants, and more. Topics address information on gardening specific to Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada, and rural counties.
The program is completely online through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension. The program includes pre-recorded lectures, reading, homework, and live Q & A sessions every Thursday from 12 - 1 p.m. with horticulture professionals.
The Home Horticulture Certificate Program is Part 1 of the Master Gardener Training.
Home Horticulture Website
Master Gardener Website
Master Gardener Handbook
National EMG Website
Master Gardener Events
See what's happening around the state!
Full calendar of events
