Washoe County Office | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

Washoe County Personnel Directory

Washoe County Office

4955 Energy Way, Reno, Nevada 89502
Phone: (775) 784-4848
Fax: (775) 784-4881

Master Gardeners

Phone: (775)336-0265
Email: mastergardeners@unce.unr.edu
Master Gardeners Web Page

Washoe 4-H Program

Phone: (775)336-0236
Email: sarahc@unr.edu
Washoe County 4-H Web Page

A message from Holly Gatzke, your Northern Area Director

Welcome to Extension in Washoe County. Washoe County is situated from the north end of Lake Tahoe to the Oregon border and contains the growing and innovative cities of Reno and Sparks. I am proud to be a part of a team that enthusiastically teaches life skills to people throughout the county. Our Extension team teaches healthy lifestyles, reading skills, youth development (including 4-H), safety from radon and wildfire, horticulture (gardening and landscaping), and leadership in Washoe County.

Please drop by and learn more about what Extension has to offer you and your whole family.

Learn more about Holly

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Featured Programs

Washoe County 4-H Youth Development

4-H strengthens and promotes healthy youth development to give young people the capacity to act as responsible citizens and agents of community change.

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

photo of lungs with red and blue ventricles

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.

Family Storyteller: Interactive Literacy Workshops

National award-winning Family Storyteller is a literacy workshop aimed at encouraging and training parents to play a vital role in the literacy development of their children. The statewide program creates an opportunity for parents and young children to interact around literacy and language activities.

Grow Your Own, Nevada!

Learn the secrets of high desert gardening

Green Industry Training

A workforce development program to train green industry professionals, who receive continuing education units for pesticide applicator, ISA-certified arborist and Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper

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

Upcoming Events

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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 Washoe County 4-H

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


*2021 Little Vally Fire Restoration Update* The University of Nevada, Reno, U.S. Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Nevada Division of Forestry have worked together to rehabilitate the landscape after the Little Valley Fire. What have they accomplished? Kay, M., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-113
*4-H Cavy Record Book (Washoe County)* 4-H Cavy Record Book Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Forms
*4-H Cloverbud Horse Record Book* For all 4-H Horse project Cloverbuds (ages 5-8 years). Washoe Extension 4-H team 2022, Extension - University of Nevada, Reno - 4-H
*4-H Home Arts and Sciences Project Record Book (Washoe County)* 4-H Home Arts and Sciences Project Record Book Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Forms
*4-H Horse Record Book (Washoe County)* 4-H Horse Record Book Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Forms
*4-H Horseless Record Book (Washoe County)* 4-H Horseless Record Book Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Forms
*4-H Market Livestock Record Book (Washoe County)* 4-H Market Livestock Record Book Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Forms
*4-H Northern Area Dog Project Record Book (Washoe County)* 4-H Northern Area Dog Project Record Book Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Forms
*4-H Poultry Record Book (Washoe County)* 4-H Poultry Record Book Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Forms
*4-H Rabbit Record Book (Washoe County)* 4-H Rabbit Record Book Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Forms
*4-H Teen Counselor Reference Form (2024)* Reference form to be completed with Teen Counselor Application for support of the Northern Area Western 4-H Camp at Tahoe summer 2024. All applications for Teen Counselor positions with 4-H overnight Camp must be submitted on or before 4/12. Mitchell, S. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Forms
*Alternativas para Reemplazar el Césped en el Norte de Nevada* Le presentamos algunas alternativas para reemplazar el cesped que pueden funcionar bien en el norte de Nevada. Reemplace su césped con alguna de las siguientes opciones y obtenga muchos beneficios, como el ahorro de agua, tiempo y dinero. Jensen, C.; Kratsch, H.; and Hanson Mazet, W. with translation by Peterson, M. and Diles, J. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Annual Achievement Record - Nevada 4-H Program* Annual Achievement Record for 4-H Members. Follows member throughout their 4-H years. Also used to justify Star Rank. S. Schaffer 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, 4-H - Forms
*Cloverbud 4-H Record Book* Record Book for all "Cloverbud" project members (ages 5-8), with the exception of Horse Cloverbud projects. Washoe County Extension 4-H team 2022, Extension- University of Nevada, Reno forms
*CodeRED en el condado de Washoe* CodeRED es un sistema de notificaciones que envía mensajes de emergencia a personas ubicadas en regiones afectadas, como poblaciones o comunidades específicas. Roice-Gomes, J., Adams, J., Kay, M., and Restaino, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-120
*CodeRED in Washoe County* If an emergency arises in Washoe County, public agencies utilize CodeRED to inform the public. Registering for CodeRED increases the likelihood that residents will receive these urgent notifications. Roice-Gomes, J., Adams, J., Kay, M., Restaino, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-120
*Community instructor earns University award, citizenship* Extension's Lizeth Ramirez-Barroeta, a University classified employee of the month, was sworn in as a U.S. citizen Andrews, A. 2019, Nevada Today
*Dairy Goat Record Book* Washoe County 4-H Dairy Goat Record book - a project plan for keeping track of progress raising, feeding, caring, breeding, and kidding dairy goats for the 4-H youth development program in Washoe County. S. Mitchell 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Recordbook
*Demographic Characteristics for Washoe County, Nevada* The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Economic Characteristics for Washoe County, Nevada* The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*General Rules and Regulations for Washoe County 4-H Horse Members* General Rules and Regulations for Washoe 4-H Horse Program members. Signatures for acknowledgement required S. Chvilicek, C. Stark, Horse Leaders' Council 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 4-H Forms
*General Rules and Regulations for Washoe County 4-H Livestock Members* General Rules and Regulations governing Washoe County 4-H Livestock program members. Signatures required. S. Chvilicek, C. Stark, Washoe County 4-H Livestock Leaders' Council 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 4-H Forms
*General Rules and Regulations for Washoe County 4-H Small Animal Members* Form for acknowledging the Rules and Regulations governing Washoe County 4-H Small Animal projects. Signatures required. S. Chvilicek, C.Stark, Washoe County 4-H Small Animal Club Leaders' Council 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 4-H Forms
*Guidelines for keeping 4-H records books* Step-by-step guideline for keeping a 4-H Record Book. Includes tips on what to save, how to fill out general form, and how to record steps in the STAR RANK process. Washoe County 4-H Awards Records Committee (A subcommittee of the Washoe County 4-H Leaders Council) 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Washoe County Forms
*Guidelines for Keeping Record Books - 2024 revised* A Guide for Creating a Record Book - the process of writing down all of the information about a 4-H member and the work done on their projects. Record books includes a list of resources, money and time spent, progress toward completion of the project, and more. Also available in Spanish. Sam Mitchell 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Forms
*Herpetology Record Book* Washoe County 4-H Herpetology Record book - a project plan for keeping track of progress raising, feeding, caring, and breeding a amphibians and reptiles for the 4-H youth development program in Washoe County. Sam Mitchell 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, 4-H Record Book
*Home Arts and Sciences Commitment to Excellence* Form attesting to a 4-H member's commitment to excellence for his Home Arts and Science project. Signatures required. S. Chvilicek, C. Stark, Leaders' Council 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 4-H Forms
*Home Arts and Sciences Rules and Regulations* Rules and Regulations for a Home Arts and Sciences project in Washoe 4-H. Signatures required. S. Chvilicek, C. Stark, Leaders' Council 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 4-H Forms
*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 Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Reservation and Off-reservation Kindergarten Students in Nevada.* Emm, S., Harris, J., Halterman, J., Chvilicek, S., & Bishop, C. 2019, Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 9(B), 1-10.
*Industry Top Performers for Washoe County, Nevada* The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Land Use and Fiscal Characteristics for Washoe County, Nevada* The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Lawn Alternatives for Northern Nevada* Northern Nevada is a high desert climate, so traditional lawns require a lot of water and maintenance here. If you're looking for a more water-efficient and low-maintenance option for your yard, here are a few ideas to get you started. Jensen, C. and Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-24-07
*Let's Discover STEM: Five-Year Report 2017-2022 Nevada Sustainable Communities Project* A seven-week workshop targeting children in at-risk communities in Las Vegas & Reno-Sparks to promote STEM topics and the results of said workshop. Weigel, D., Kim, Y., and Evans, B. 2022, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-22-01
*Make Your Home a Great Place to Play* The many forms of play enrich a child’s brain, body and life in important ways, and STEM in the early years makes a difference in children’s lives. Any time, even this time of coronavirus, can be the right time to make time for STEM. All families can learn more about STEM at home. Ramirez-Barroeta, L., and Andrews, A. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
*Nevada 4-H Program Annual Achievement Record* Annual record of 4-H Achievements, continued year to year. Part of 4-H member Record Book. C. Stark 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Forms
*Nevada Economic Assessment Project Socioeconomic Baseline Report for Washoe County* This report will be used by local, state, and federal agencies as a tool for future planning, aiming to assist the communities of Nevada. It will help readers understand their community’s social, demographic, economic, and environmental trends. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, M. Rebori 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Northern Area (Reno) Planting Schedule* Find out when to plant vegetables with the Extension Master Gardener's planting guide for the Reno area! Brinkerhoff, K. 2023, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
*Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Nevada Counties in 2021: Washoe County* This fact sheet outlines the procedures for calculating the level of federal payment from the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program. T.R. Harris, R. Chicola 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-01
*Radon Gas Education* Flyer for radon education class for realtors. Kelly, Chris 2024, University of Nevada Reno Extension
*Small Animal Program Commitment to Excellence* Form to substantiate the Commitment of a Small Animal Project member to the best Care and upkeep of their small animal project. Signatures required. S. Chvilicek, C. Stark, Washoe County 4-H Small Animal Club Leaders' Council 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 4-H Forms
*Social Characteristics for Washoe County, Nevada* The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts. B. Borden, J. Lednicky 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Towards wine grape (Vitis vinifera) vineyard establishment in Northern Nevada: varietal studies in the dry desert climate.* J. Evans, E.A.R. Tattersall, W. Johnson, and G.R. Cramer 2005, NAES publication #51055382
*Washoe County 4-H Horse Program Commitment to Excellence* Commitment to Excellence for all Washoe County 4-H Horse Program club members. Signatures required. S. Chvilicek, C. Stark, Horse Leaders' Council 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, 4-H Forms
*Washoe County Cultural Overview* Washoe County Cultural Overview is a short summary and the county's culture, history, landscape, climate and community. B. Borden, J. Lednicky 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Washoe County Housing Infographic Set* This housing assessment offers an overview with four infographic fact sheets including Demographic and Economic Characteristics, Housing Supply, Housing Demand and Housing Affordability Analysis. B. Borden, J. Lednicky, A. Martinez, R. Visuett 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Washoe County Leadership Academy 2022-2023 Program Evaluation* This program evaluation is a summary of participant responses and feedback of the Washoe County Leadership Academy from their participation in the pilot year. Rebori, Marlene K. 2023, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno \| SP-23-05
*Washoe County Leadership Academy Evaluation 2023-2024* After completion of the Washoe County Leadership Academy’s second full year, a program evaluation was conducted on April 19, 2024. This report provides program evaluation results, as well as suggestions for improvement for future programs. Rebori, M. 2024, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno \| SP-24-06
*Washoe County Radon Map* This is the radon map of Washoe County, Nevada. This shows Radon potential based on data collected from completed radon tests from 1989-2018. Kelly, Christine 2022, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno IP
*Washoe County Radon Potential Map - 2018* Use this map to find out the potential of radon exposure in Washoe County homes. Howe, S. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. IP
*Washoe County-Reno area Radon Potential Map - 2018* Use this map to find out the potential of radon exposure in Washoe County-Reno/Sparks area homes. Kelly, C. 2022, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. IP
*Western Area 4-H Breeding Livestock Record Book* 4-H Record Book to track a 4-H Breeding Livestock project for 5-18 year-olds. Tables for feed, growth, breeding, medical and expense tracking. Chvilicek, S, Conklin, K, Mitchell, S 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Youth Livestock Program Commitment to Excellence* A statement of intent for Livestock Project members to do the best possible job of Livestock care and feeding. Signatures are required. S. Chvilicek, C. Stark, Washoe County 4-H Livestock Leaders' Council 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Forms

County Reports


*Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024* An annual report summarizing the programs and activities of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension office located in Washoe County. Pike, A. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Report
*Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023* Washoe County Extension Annual Report \|July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 PROGRAM IMPACTS Gatzke, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022* Washoe County Annual Report \| Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Gatzke, H. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Report
*Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021* Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 Gatzke, H. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, County Reports
*Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020* Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 Gatzke, H. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, County Report FYI 2020
*Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019* Washoe County Extension Annual Report \| July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019 Gatzke, H. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno

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