Washoe County Office | Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

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A message from Holly Gatzke, your Northern Area Director

Welcome to Washoe County Extension. 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

Contact Information

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

Washoe County Personnel Directory

Featured Programs

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

Nevada Economic Assessment Project

The Nevada Economic Assessment 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. The data can be used for land use and project planning, grant writing and overall policy assessment.

A mother holds her sleeping newborn baby

Just in Time Parenting

Just in Time Parenting is an electronically delivered age-paced parenting newsletter originally developed by a national network of Extension Family Life Specialists in 2008. The program was designed to reach parents at teachable, transitional moments.

Let's Discover STEM

Let’s Discover STEM (Descubramos STEM) focuses on STEM enhancement and parent engagement for families with preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Two women read a book with a little girl at a Family Storyteller workshop

Family Storyteller Literacy Program

National award-winning Family Storyteller is a literacy program 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.

Nevada Radon Education Program

The Nevada Radon Education Program is a partnership with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health 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.

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

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 4-H

Excerpts from our latest newsletter

Nevada Field Day provides hands-on activities and demonstrations

University experts showcase research, activities and programs at fall festival

By Claudene Wharton

two women at field day giving a thumbs-up
Nevada Field Day on Oct. 19 features education and fun for people of all ages. Photo by Robert Moore.

At Nevada Field Day on Oct. 19, visitors will be treated to a variety of free activities and giveaways, and even some tasty food samples, courtesy of the University of Nevada, Reno and its College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources.

As part of this year’s activities, acclaimed local food advocate and Chef Clint Jolly will be performing a cooking demonstration at 11 a.m. with produce from the University’s Desert Farming Initiative and meat from the University’s Wolf Pack Meats. Jolly is a former winner of Food Network’s Chopped: Impossible Restaurant Challenge, and is currently a meat and seafood specialist with Sysco Foodservice.

Nevada Field Day features hands-on activities and information focusing on the latest advancements in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, natural resources and the environment. It will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the University’s Main Station Field Lab, 5895 Clean Water Way in Reno, near the intersection of McCarran Boulevard and Mill Street. It is a collaborative project of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources; and its research and outreach units, the Experiment Station and University of Nevada, Reno Extension.

This year’s Field Day will feature over 45 booths and activities

For over 60 years, University students and faculty have used the Main Station Field Lab to provide education and research, not only on raising and processing healthy cattle, but also on a variety of other important issues, including controlling noxious weeds, developing alternative low-water-use crops, and preserving air and water quality.

Explore Nevada Field Day

Visit the Main Station Field Lab

Photo Gallery | Youth compete at Nevada 4-H Expo

University of Nevada, Reno Extension brings back State Expo after hiatus

At the Nevada 4-H Expo, held Oct. 3-6 at the Winnemucca Events Complex in Winnemucca, 179 youth showed and competed in several categories, including raising and showing various animals, communications, photography, food science and nutrition, robotics, computer science, and many more categories. According to organizers, this once-annual event in Nevada has been sorely missed in its absence for several years.

To find out more about local 4-H activities and clubs, as well as National 4-H Week activities and the Nevada 4-H Expo Competition, contact your county’s Extension office.

Learn more about Nevada 4-H Youth Development

MattieRose J., from Humboldt County, shows her pig at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

Lindsay C., from Douglas County, competes in archery at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

Kara H., from Carson City, shows her dog at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

Amy B., from Lander County, shows her guinea pig at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

Ira D., from Humboldt County, shows his rabbit at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

Siblings Julianna and Joey S., from Humboldt County, participate in a workshop on how to engage an audience at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

4-H students competed in several craft and artisan goods competitions, including sewing, at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

Makayla L., from Humboldt County, competes with her horse at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Robert Moore.

Hudson J., from White Pine County, safely loads his muzzleloader as part of the shooting sports competition at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

From left to right: Justine M., Ellie S., Emily H., Grace H. and Mesa J., all from Elko County, compete in the Fashion Revue at the 2019 Nevada 4-H Expo in Winnemucca. Photo by Dianna Walker.

News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Brochures
*Nevada Radon Test Kit Locations* Nevada Radon Education Program Radon Test Kit Locations Howe, S. 2019, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Bulletins
*2020 Nevada Radon Poster Contest Flyer* The 2020 Nevada Radon Education Program Poster Contest is underway! Howe, S. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Fact Sheets
*Engineering in the Preschool Classroom* Children are natural engineers. Adults can help develop children’s beginning engineering skills by giving them things to build with and to take apart, asking questions, and providing them with safe opportunities and places to test out their ideas. In this fact sheet we focus on the engineering-related skills of building and construction, and movement and force. Weigel, D., Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-19-04
*Kids Know Nevada Insects: Monarch Butterfly* I am the monarch butterfly! I am found all throughout the United States and even southern Canada. I am most well-known for the yearly trip back and forth (called a migration) that I make every fall and spring. Monarchs in Nevada and other western states head to the coast of California, but those in the east head all the way to central Mexico. When we arrive, we hang from trees in big numbers, waiting until spring to head north. We do this to avoid cold weather, returning in spring when the plants we need begin to grow again. Burls, K. and Newton, J. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-17-14
*Know Nevada Insects: Monarch Butterfly* The monarch butterfly is perhaps one of the most iconic butterfly species in North America, and it can be found throughout Nevada in the summertime. This species is famous for its yearly migration. Unlike Eastern U.S. monarchs that migrate to central Mexico, our Nevada monarchs migrate hundreds of miles to the coast of California every winter, returning back north to breed on milkweed plants. Burls, K. and Newton, J. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-17-13
*Know Nevada Insects: Orange sulphur butterfly - Colias eurytheme (Boisduval)* The collective research on the description and life cycle of orange sulphur butterfly. Including the damages done by caterpillars and integrated pest management as a result of it. Burls, K. and Newton, J. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet 17-15
*Science in the Preschool Classroom: Physical Science* Byington, T., Kim, Y., and Weigel, D. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Science in the Preschool Classroom: Earth Science* Kim, Y., Weigel, D., and Byington, T. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Little Free Libraries: Strategic Future Locations in the Reno Sparks Area* Little Free Libraries (LFLs) provide opportunities for increased access to books and reading material for children. LFLs are small custom-built freestanding boxes that house 20 to 100 books. Over 32,000 officially registered LFLs exist; they are in all 50 U.S. Burge, P. and Rebori, M. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet-16-08
*Math in the Preschool Classroom Number Identification, Counting and One-to-one Correspondence, and Addition and Subtraction* In this fact sheet, we focus on the following number sense skills: number identification, counting and one-to-one correspondence, and addition and subtraction. Byington, T., Kim, Y., and Weigel, D. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-16-14
*Math in the Preschool Classroom Spatial relations, Geometry and Measurement* In this fact sheet we focus on three fundamental math skills — spatial relations, geometry (shapes) and measurement. Byington, T., Kim, Y., and Weigel, D. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-16-13
*Little Free Libraries in Nevada: What, Why and How* LFLs are small, custom-built freestanding boxes that house anywhere from 20 to 100 books. LFLs are often uniquely designed (typically very cute) and can be made of any material able to withstand the outdoor elements. Finding a suitable location for the LFL is an important decision. Bender, P., Burge, P., Powell, P., and Rebori M. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet-15-09
*Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pest Control Operator* Many pest problems can be controlled by the homeowner using a combination of preventative measures, good sanitation and general-use pesticides. Occasionally, a pest problem becomes too large or too complex and homeowners elect to seek outside pest control assistance by hiring a pest control professional. Donaldson, S., Hefner, M., Carpenter, J., and Lawrence, L. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-10-07
*Increasing Collaborative Success Between American Indians and Agriculture Professionals* It has been recognized that American Indian populations don’t take full advantage of federal programs aimed at enhancing agriculture and natural resource management practices. Emm and Singletary (2009) claim that some of the problem stems from these programs not being designed with the American Indian in mind. Lewis, S. and Emm, R. 2011, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Pets and Pesticide Use* Pets are an important part of our lives. The animals that share our homes, yards and properties rely on us for protection and safety. Some pesticide products used in and around our homes, in our yards and on our lawns can harm our pets and other domestic animals if not used properly. Donaldson, S., Hefner, M., and Moses, C. 2010, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-10-06
*Nevada Farmers Market Customer Profiles* Between 1994 and 2008, the number of farmers markets in the U.S. increased by nearly 168 percent, from 1,755 markets to 4,685 (USDA-AMS, 2008). This shows the importance of farmers markets as a direct marketing outlet for agricultural producers. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., and Gatzke, H. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Why Customers Shop at Farmers Markets in Nevada* Farmers markets are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional grocery stores for consumers. In the decade between 1998 and 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA- AMS) estimated that the number of farmers markets in the U.S. increased 71 percent from 2,746 to 4,685. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., and Gatzke, H. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Buying Local: Perceptions of High-End Chefs in Nevada* According to the National Restaurant Association (NRA), Nevada’s restaurant industry is expected to experience the fastest growth of any state in the U.S., in terms of jobs and sales, between 2009 and 2019. This fact sheet provides an overview of the results of the survey. Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Developing Farmer and Gourmet Chef Partnerships* The gourmet restaurant sector has long been a stalwart niche of the greater market, and yet in Nevada ties between local producers and chefs are just emerging, leaving an open opportunity for continued growth and development due to the varied tourism destinations in Nevada. Curtis, K., Entsminger, J., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*From Farm Fresh to Fine Dining: Producing for Gourmet Restaurants* In today’s economy, Nevada’s agricultural producers face new challenges as well as developing opportunities. Markets for vegetable and fruit crops are changing as new international competition enters the market, and consumer tastes and preferences adapt to include new cultures and ideals. Curtis, K., Entsminger, J., Gatzke, H., and Morris, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Soil Testing Guide for Nevada Home Gardeners* A soil test analyzes a representative sample of soil for specific characteristics. Most soil tests use chemical measurements and models to estimate the amount of nutrients that are available for growing plants. Gatzke, H. and Nelson, D. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Plant Season Extension in the Desert* Desert regions, especially the high deserts, have wide-ranging temperatures that can greatly stress plants and reduce production. Using a combination of strategies to moderate environmental extremes and protect plants from frost can greatly improve growth and production. Gatzke, H., McCuin, G., and Nelson, D. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Anonymous Brainstorming Technique* Groups often struggle to find collaborative structured processes for generating ideas and solutions to problems, issues, and concerns. This fact sheet describes the Anonymous Brainstorming Technique (Bens 2000), a technique that can be used to assist groups as they manage various ideas when engaged in planning and problem-solving. Rebori, M. and Havercamp, M. 2003, Extension, FS-03-09
Journals
*What Cooperative Extension Professionals Need to Know About Institutional Review Boards: Risks and Benefits* What Cooperative Extension Professionals Need to Know About Institutional Review Boards: Risks and Benefits Weigel, D., Martin, S., and Brown, R. 2005, Journal of Extension
*What Cooperative Extension Professionals Need to Know About Institutional Review Boards: Recruiting Participants* As more Cooperative Extension professionals conduct evaluations, needs assessments, and research that is professionally published and presented, there is a need to better understand the process for navigating the university Institutional Review process. This article examines challenges associated with recruiting participants and is the second in a series providing tips for preparation of IRB proposals and the implementation of more sound and productive studies. Brown, R., Martin, S., and Weigel, D. 2004, Journal of Extension
*What Cooperative Extension Professionals Need to Know About Institutional Review Boards* Increasingly, Cooperative Extension professionals are required to have their projects approved by their university Institutional Review Boards. For many, this can be an intimidating task. In this article we provide information that we hope will help ease the confusion and frustration that can sometimes accompany the process. We also present several tips for helping the process go more smoothly. Weigel, D., Brown, R. and Martin, S. 2004, Journal of Extension
Lay or Popular Publications
*What did we learn from the Caughlin Fire?* Jamie Roice-Gomes and Ashley Andrews break down 5 lessons learned following the Caughlin Fire Andrews, A. and Roice-Gomes, J. 2019, Nevada Today
*Four Myths of House Plant Care* Learned the scientific information that debunks many of the myths thought to be true. Fisher, J. 2019, Reno Gazette Journal
*Gardening education you need* Educational opportunities in landscaping and gardening for spring 2019. Fisher, J. 2019, Reno Gazette Journal
*A dreamy moonlight garden* Plants and objects to use in a moonlight garden design. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Add plants to attract hummingbirds* Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can be done by adding specific plant species. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Attend Nevada Field Day to learn about Cooperative Extension and other University programs* Attend Nevada Field Day to learn about Cooperative Extension programs Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Bring plants indoors to beat winter blues* What is interior plantscaping, including living walls. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Bring vegetable growing indoors this winter* Using kitchen vegetable cuttings to regrow indoors. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Cold-hardy cacti* A list and description of cold-hardy cacti. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Common herbs can become weeds* Many herbs are aggressive and become weeds in our vegetable gardens Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Different rose varieties need different pruning* How to prune different varieties of roses. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Is it scientific or just a myth?* The best place to get science-based information if from Cooperative Extension. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Look for QWEL-certified pros for your next landscape contract* Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper is a new program to Nevada for landscape professionals to learn about irrigation principles for water-efficiency. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Master Gardener Garden Tour funds community education program* The Master Gardener garden tour funds the master gardener program. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Preparing your landscape for a vacation* How to care for your landscape or garden during vacation in summer months. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Saving seeds from your garden is easy and free* Saving seeds from your garden is easy and free. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Steps to a successful container salad garden* Growing a container salad garden at home is easy, includes steps and varieties to plant. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*The history and tradition of the Easter lily* History and meaning of Easter Lily including origin, current nurseries and religious meaning. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*The importance of ergonomics in the garden* Gardening ergonomics are important for every gardener. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Top six garden must-haves for 2018* Best items for gardeners in 2018. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*What’s blooming now?* Flowers blooming in spring that are inconspicuous. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
*Healing Gardens: How we can honor veterans* Healing gardens provide a source of relaxation, inspiration and rehabilitation for veterans. Fisher, J. 2017, Reno Gazette Journal
*Norfolk Island pine: a living Christmas tree* How to care for Norfolk Island pine trees indoors. Fisher, J. 2017, Reno Gazette Journal
*What do Master Gardeners do anyway?* The Master Gardener program has a little for everyone and serves Washoe County through the Cooperative Extension horticulture office in Reno. Fisher, J. 2017, Reno Gazette Journal
*Create cozy, inviting home décor with fall leaves* Use items from the garden to decorate for fall. Fisher, J., Hanson Mazet, W. 2017, Reno Gazette Journal
*Pre-Emptive Pest Control* Hefner, M. 2016, Reno Gazette-Journal
*Hydrangeas in Northern Nevada* Are there varieties of hydrangeas that will grow here? Yes. Will they thrive? Rarely, under average garden conditions. JoAnne Skelly 2016, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
*Native Plants Help Conserve Water* Andrews, A. and Kratsch, H. 2015, Reno Gazette-Journal
Special Publications
*Nevada Nuisance Weeds Field Guide* The plants listed in this field guide are nuisance weeds, those that are troublesome, but have not been listed by the state as noxious weeds. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H. 2018, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension SP-18-02
*Green Industry Professional’s Guide to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)* A Green Industry Professional’s Guide to Integrated Pest Management is designed to help green industry personnel understand IPM and to aid in implementing a pest control plan. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension SP-17-14
*Nevada Processed Food Guide: Refrigerated, Cut Produce* Food businesses can find support in the growing consumer interest in local foods. Knowing what is required to sell cut and packaged produce can be confusing. This document is a brief guide that outlines the resources and topics that should be considered to produce and sell refrigerated fruits and vegetables in Nevada. Gatzke, H., Allen, K., West, T., and Roemer, M. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Nutritional and Sensory Analysis of Raspberry Varieties Grown in Northern Nevada* The purpose of this study was to measure vitamin C, vitamin E, total polyphenolics (antioxidants) and sugars (glucose and fructose) in several raspberry varieties during two growing seasons and during different months of harvest. We hypothesized these nutrients would vary across types, as well as harvest month. Jacobs, J., Kratsch, H., Omaye, S., and Treftz C. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-14
*Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Fallon, Nevada* The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Powell, P., Rebori, M., and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-08
*Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Las Vegas, Nev.* The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Rebori, M. and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-10
*Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Mesquite, Nev.* The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Rebori, M. and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-11
*Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Reno, Nev.* The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Rebori, M. and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-12
*Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Tonopah, Nev.* The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Rebori, M. and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-13
*Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Elko, Nev.* Rebori, M., Baker-Tingey, J., and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-09
*Developing a Local Food Industry in Nevada* There is unfulfilled demand for local food in Nevada. This demand can be filled by addressing a series of gaps in knowledge and logistics that prevent a larger scale of production and supply of local food and by educating the market that the products they desire can be grown in the desert. Gatzke, H. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Selecting Vegetable Crops for Small-Scale Desert Production* Many people consider vegetable production to be difficult in the desert. Production of vegetables is possible by selecting suitable crops and using effective growing techniques. Crop selection should use crops suited to the climate and season. Gatzke, H. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Small Farm Hoop House Production of Vegetables in Desert Climates Costs & Returns, 2010* This publication presents sample costs and returns to produce vegetables using hoop house protection and drip irrigation in Southeastern Nevada. It is intended to be a guide, used to make production decisions, determine potential returns and prepare business and marketing plans. Bishop, C., Gatzke, H., and Curtis, K. 2010, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Marketing Farmers’ Markets: Ideas for Market Vendors & Managers in Nevada* In 1994, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) began tracking the number of farmers’ markets nationwide. At the start there were 1,755 farmers’ markets across the country; in 2008 there were 4,685, an increase of nearly 168 percent (USDA-AMS, 2008). Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Gatzke, H. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension