Washoe County Office

Washoe County Personnel Directory

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

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.

SNAP Into Farm Fresh Foods

SNAP Into Farm Fresh Foods is a health and nutrition program that provides education to SNAP-eligible participants and provides technical assistance to local farmers market managers and vendors seeking to become SNAP authorized and implement SNAP friendliness best practices.

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

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

Grow Your Own, Nevada!

Learn the secrets of high desert gardening

Nevada Economic Assessment Project (NEAP) - Washoe County

NEAP's quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analysis for Washoe County

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.

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

Upcoming Events

See full calendar

Browse events by date

Submit an event

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

Excerpts from our latest newsletter

Wolf Pack Meats’ new line of jerky and local lamb now available for holidays

College’s Experiment Station ramping up local offerings

Claudene Wharton

The College’s Wolf Pack Meats has fresh, locally produced rack of lamb in stock, just in time for the holidays.

Just in time for the holidays, Wolf Pack Meats has a new line of locally produced beef jerky and fresh cuts of lamb. The products are part of Wolf Pack Meats’ efforts to enhance its local food offerings for the community, which support the growth of its production capacity, along with its teaching and research missions.

Local lamb

The lamb cuts are from the internationally prized Rafter 7 sheep developed and raised by the College in Eureka and Reno. Local celebrity Master Chef and restauranteur Mark Estee has jumped on board to snatch up some of the meat for his restaurants.

Local jerky

The beef for the jerky was raised here in Reno, at the Experiment Station’s Main Station Field Lab, home of Wolf Pack Meats. Wolf Pack Meats partnered with a local business to make the jerky, which comes in five flavors.

Wolf Pack Meats Operations Manager Tom Kulas said, “It makes a great stocking stuffer or gift for foodies.”

Local beef

Kulas said Wolf Pack Meats is also fully stocked with a variety of beef cuts produced from cattle raised by the College, including filet mignon, New York steak, ground beef, short ribs, beef liver, beef tongue and other items.

Partnering for a robust food community

“Wolf Pack Meats is a key piece to a robust and successful food community here in the region, and we are happy to be partnering with them to buy these local lambs.” – Master Chef Mark Estee

Learn about the new line

Explore the Experiment Station

Meet Tom

New assistant professor to help expand the College’s Pre-Veterinary Program

Hannah Rodriguez joins the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences

Brook Maloy

Assistant Professor Hannah Rodriguez joins the College’s Veterinary Science Program as a new assistant professor.

The College recently welcomed Dr. Hannah Rodriguez as assistant professor to its Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences. Rodriguez, a graduate of the College, was selected because of her vast experience, which the College hopes to leverage to help grow its Veterinary Science Program.

Rodriguez grew up raising pigs, sheep and dairy cattle in Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program, which is offered by the College, as well as with her local Future Farmers of America chapter. She has been a licensed veterinarian of her own practice for over five years and practices on both large and small animals.

The College’s Veterinary Science Program prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine. Nevada has a strong demand for veterinarians, especially to care for large domestic animals in rural areas.

Stimulating an essential workforce

“The veterinary profession is really hurting right now, and we are short on veterinarians across the U.S. So, I hope to stimulate a passion for the profession.” – Dr. Hannah Rodriguez

Meet Hannah

Study veterinary science

Shedding light on domestic violence: A crucial conversation

It’s personal, real and closer than you think

Pamela Payne, Clair Thomas, Elizabeth Ornelas and Farrah Stockett

The University’s Hope Team (left to right) Pamela Payne, Clair Thomas, Elizabeth Ornelas and Farrah Stockett, is a collaboration between Extension and the University’s College of Education & Human Development, working to break the cycle of violence in Nevada communities.

Over 10 million people experience domestic violence each year. One in three women and one in four men experience domestic violence, and those numbers are likely much higher.

Domestic violence transcends socioeconomic statuses, cultures and age groups. Often, societal norms, family practices and cultural beliefs mask the severity of domestic violence, pushing it into the shadows.

Debunking myths, understanding the signs and being prepared to take action are paramount. That's why initiatives like the University Hope Team’s 40-Hour Hope Advocacy Training are pivotal. The training, part of a collaboration between Extension and the College of Education & Human Development, helps advocates harness the power of information.

Working to eradicate domestic violence

“To every survivor, we say: You are not alone. Your voice matters. We see you. You matter. To the larger community, we say: We all have a role. We all know someone. Let’s educate ourselves and actively support platforms and programs aimed at eradicating domestic violence. It is a fight we all need to be a part of.” – The Hope Team

Meet the Hope Team

Donate to their work

Learn about domestic violence

Q&A: Ecologist Tamzen Stringham discusses Nevada’s rangeland

A Great Basin expert weighs in on legacy grazing, cheatgrass, and the surprising number of pinyon and juniper trees in Nevada

Amy Alonzo, The Nevada Indepentent

Tamzen Stringham poses for a portrait in her office. Photo by Tim Lenard, The Nevada Independent.

Let’s take a moment to learn a little more about something we all have in common — Nevada, the state we call home — from one of the Great Basin’s leading rangeland biologists.

Tamzen Stringham is a professor in the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences who has studied Nevada’s rangelands — vast open spaces grazed by wildlife and domestic animals alike — for more than 15 years and the Great Basin for three decades.

Stringham developed her interest in agriculture while growing up on a ranch in California’s Grass Valley and, decades later, her passion for rangeland science and the Great Basin still burns strong.

See the Q&A

What is your role as a rangeland scientist?

What’s something people might not know about Nevada’s rangelands?

What sort of challenges do pinyon juniper woodlands create?

What changes have you seen in the sagebrush ecosystem?

What impact has livestock grazing had on Nevada?

What impact do wild horses have on our rangelands?

What needs to happen to get Nevada’s rangelands back in balance?

What needs more attention on Nevada’s landscape?

Serving as a voice for Nevada’s rangelands

“I would like to see more attention on the ecological disaster rangeland fires create. We don’t hear about fires out on rangelands because, either the people who live out there are few and far between, or there are no people out there. And the critters that live on rangelands have no voice.” – Professor Tamzen Stringham

Meet Tamzen

Donate to her arid land research

Donate to her restoration work

Newly appointed professors to drive advancements in research

Three new faculty members bring new expertise to College’s Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Emma Lande

Three new faculty members have joined the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – (left to right) Felicia Jefferson, Mitchell Omar and Meet Zandawala.

The College has added three new faculty members to its Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology this fall. Felicia Jefferson, Mitchell Omar and Meet Zandawala bring unique research expertise and projects that will play a pivotal role in advancing research initiatives in the College and its Experiment Station.

See The Nevada Today Story

Associate Professor Felicia Jefferson

Jefferson’s research in neuroscience has earned her recognition by the National Science Foundation. She has been awarded more than $1.5 million in competitive research funding for her ongoing research in sleep science and neural engineering.

Assistant Professor Mitchell Omar

Omar’s research primarily focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying stress hormone production and the formation of tumors and chronically elevated stress hormone levels in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

Assistant Professor Meet Zandawala

Zandawala is a leading invertebrate neuroendocrinologist who uses fruit flies as a model to understand how the small signaling molecules in the brain known as neuropeptides influence animal behavior and physiology.

Advancing teaching and research

"We are thrilled to welcome these three professors to our department. Their expertise and dedication will undoubtedly enrich our academic community and contribute to the advancement of our department's teaching and research mission." – Department Chair Robert Ryan

Meet Felicia

Meet Mitchell

Meet Meet

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
*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
*Certified Radon Mitigation Contractors* A radon mitigation contractor is a professional who can fix your home to reduce the radon level. Kelly, C. 2022, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. IP
*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
*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
*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
*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 Certified Radon Measurement Providers* Board certified Nevada radon measurement professionals information. Kelly, C. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
*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
*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
*Using native plants to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects - workshop and plant giveaway* These workshops in Reno and Elko will cover the fascinating ecology of our native pollinators and how to use native plants to provide critical habitat for them and pest control services for you. In addition, there will be a plant giveaway at the end of the workshop! Burls, K.J. and H. Kratsch 2021, University of Nevada, Reno Event Calendar
*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 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, 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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