Washoe County Office

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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

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

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Featured Programs

ladybug larva eating aphids on a pepper plant

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management program is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of tactics to reduce pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the pest manager and minimal effect on the environment.

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.

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.

Commercial Landscape Horticulture

Classes offer training for green industry workers, including some bilingual classes, on how to landscape in the Nevada desert

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

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

Excerpts from our latest newsletter

Breakthrough research increases drought tolerance in vital crops

Foundation Professor John Cushman awarded two patents for biotechnology research

Hannah Alfaro

Professor John Cushman and his team were awarded two patents for their work on improving drought tolerance and water-use efficiency in crops. Photo by David Calvert.

John Cushman, foundation professor with the College’s Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, has been awarded two patents for his research on improving drought tolerance and water-use efficiency of plants. This work, which showed a significant breakthrough in research for crop improvement, will help to preserve agricultural productivity during periods of intense heat or extended drought.

S. Patent 11,053,512 addresses the process of increasing tissue succulence in plants. Plants with high tissue succulence, such as the saguaro cactus, are more adapted to surviving in arid climates.
S. Patent 10,858,404, with Assistant Professor Won Cheol Yim, outlined a synthetic biology approach that allows the transfer of the drought-tolerant trait called crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) from desert-adapted plants to major crops.

Cushman and his team are testing both processes on soybean to improve productivity, water-use efficiency, and drought and salinity tolerance under hotter and drier environments. Once testing on soybean is complete, the engineering could potentially be used to target other vital crops, such as corn.

Improving vital crops

“We wanted to file these patents because we thought this could be important and applicable to a number of crop species. We chose to test this process on soybean because it’s a vital crop, and it suffers a lot of loss due to drought stress. We’re hoping we can eventually continue this work with other vital crops as well.” –Professor John Cushman

Meet John

Learn about his work

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Southern Nevada water supply faces Colorado River restrictions

Creative strategies needed to address long-term shortages, say three University professors

Mike Wolterbeek

Lake Mead water levels are rivaling the low water levels as seen here in the climate.gov photo taken in 2014.

Southern Nevada will be getting at least 7% less water from the Colorado River, as the federal government restricts water allocations due to falling water supply. Scientists expect temperatures to continue to rise and water supply to decrease. Creative strategies and approaches will need to be applied to address the reduced supplies.

The West will need a variety of strategies to sustain this important resource

Steph McAfee, Geography and Extension

Drought on the Colorado River has been in the news. But, steadily dropping river flows and reservoir levels are not a surprise. Scientists have long warned that higher temperatures, especially if they coincide with a drought, could stress water supply and force us to be more thoughtful and creative in how we use and manage water.

To meet Nevada’s current and new water demands, we will need innovation in water policy and management, new technology and conservation strategies, and the research to support those changes.

See the strategies

Changes to water policy needed as time runs out

Elizabeth Koebele, Political Science, and
Max Robinson, Hydrologic Science

In a first-of-its-kind decision, the federal government declared a water shortage on the Colorado River, which provides 90% of southern Nevada’s water supply. Paired with expectations of a drier climate, these cuts have catalyzed a conversation about how the region’s water policies – and assumptions about future water availability – must be adapted.

University researchers are leading efforts to better understand how collaborative water sharing processes may provide insight into the renegotiation process and the development of long-term solutions.

Explore possible changes

Large-scale water reuse investments are key to the future

Kerri Jean Ormerod, Geography and Extension

Each Nevadan uses about 197 gallons of potable water per day (compared to the national average of 82 gallons per day). As drought threatens urban water supplies, there are two basic water management strategies: reduce demand and/or increase supplies. Reuse of reclaimed water or recycled water is becoming a more common supply-side solution to water scarcity.

University researchers are collaborating with local agencies to explore the feasibility of a potable water reuse project. This is just one of the creative ways that reclaimed water can augment urban water supplies.

Find the future

Working diligently to support change

“Many scientists (myself included) have worked diligently to better understand how changes in climate affect water resources in the Southwest. As it warms, the overall amount of water available will drop and droughts will be worse. We will need innovation, technology and conservation strategies, and the research to support those changes.” –Extension Associate Professor Steph McAfee

Meet Steph

Meet Kerri Jean

Learn about their efforts

University celebrates remodeled space for promoting nutrition knowledge and healthy living

Modernized lab increases future nutrition professionals' expertise, community impact

Ashley Andrews

In the newly remodeled Nutritional Science Laboratory, students develop through experiential learning the food science expertise to make an impact in their fields.

The College unveiled its newly renovated Nutritional Science Laboratory this semester, a facility designed to develop future nutrition professionals' knowledge of our food systems and how nutrition can be used to prevent and help manage preventable chronic diseases. This is important because low food literacy is associated with diet-related chronic diseases, and preventable chronic disease continues to be Nevada’s leading cause of death.

“At least half of the typical American food budget is spent on food that's prepared away from home,” Nutrition Instructor Maureen Molini said. “The collateral damage is that we have less engagement with our food. We don't prepare it, much less understand where it comes from. Being in the lab helps our students get that exposure and learn about our food systems and about our food, itself.”

In the lab, students explore topics such as the scientific method; nutrition’s role in health, chronic-disease prevention, and fitness and sports; and issues impacting the food industry and public safety.

The facility features eight powered lab stations, as well as high-definition video monitors and improved climate control. The changes, led by Department of Nutrition Chair Jamie Benedict and built on work by Experiment Station Director Chris Pritsos, foster a hands-on and collaborative environment in which students engage with nutrition in an exciting and effective way.

Providing first-class experiences for future nutrition professionals

“The original Nutritional Science Laboratory project’s goal was to provide a first-class laboratory experience for students interested in learning about the science of nutrition. The current remodel takes the laboratory experience to the next level and allows us to continue to provide our students with state-of-the-art experiences.” - Experiment Station Director Chris Pritsos

Learn about the lab

Donate to the lab

University-grown meat and produce now available to those in need through on-campus food pantry

Pack Provisions partners with Wolf Pack Meats and Desert Farming Initiative to provide ground beef, fruits and vegetables year-round

Jessica Lozada

Pack Provisions provides perishable and nonperishable food items and additional resources to University community members experiencing food insecurity.

Members of the University community experiencing food insecurity can now access ground beef and produce through the University’s on-campus food pantry, Pack Provisions. The meat and produce is supplied by Wolf Pack Meats and Desert Farming Initiative, programs of the College’s Experiment Station unit.

Pack partnerships

The pantry began its new partnership with Wolf Pack Meats in January 2022. Located at the Main Station Field Lab in east Reno, Wolf Pack Meats provides U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected harvesting and processing services to local farmers and maintains its own herd, which it uses to study ways to produce meat in greater quantities with higher quality. It offers students the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of meat technology while using the industry’s best machinery. The pantry currently purchases around 150 pounds of ground beef a month from Wolf Pack Meats.

Farm to food pantry

The pantry has been partnering with Desert Farming Initiative for three years. The Initiative, located at the University’s Valley Road Field Lab near campus, runs a commercial farm, including orchards, open fields, hoop houses and a greenhouse, and seeks to advance climate-smart farming and food sovereignty in the region through demonstration, education, research and outreach. The partnership between Pack Provisions and the Initiative is supported by grants and donations. The Initiative also sells fresh produce on-campus, with Pack Provisions providing other food items to create a dish.

Fighting food insecurity

“With the addition of fresh meat, it has expanded the opportunity for students to cook a balanced meal at home. It is hard for students to study and be successful in the classroom if they are hungry, so we are thankful for these partnerships to help fight food insecurity.” – Pack Provisions Coordinator Hanin Abboud Rodriguez

Learn about Pack Provisions

See the partnership

Extension hires personnel to help improve nutrition and health in Nevada

Positions aim to boost impacts of programs for SNAP-Ed recipients and others with low incomes

Molly Malloy

Macy Helm (left) serves as SNAP-Ed coordinator. Photo by James Guiry. Brian Luckey serves as SNAP-Ed evaluation coordinator. Photo by Robert Moore.

Extension recently named Macy Helm as SNAP-Ed coordinator and Brian Luckey as SNAP-Ed evaluation coordinator to assist in increasing the health and nutrition program’s impact throughout Nevada. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budgets of those with lower incomes to help improve their nutritional well-being. SNAP-Ed is the program's educational outreach to teach people how to:

Make their benefits stretch further
Shop for and cook healthy meals
Stay physically active

In Nevada, Extension conducts several SNAP-Ed evidenced-based educational and outreach programs. Together, Helm and Luckey are working to ensure the programming is comprehensive and achieving the goals of SNAP-Ed.

Helm coordinates statewide efforts

Helm oversees the administration of the SNAP-Ed grant award, coordinates statewide nutrition education, and helps to identify ways an organization can improve the health and nutrition of its participants. She also oversees the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, which brings hands-on nutrition education to low-income families.

Helm is working to:

Complete a needs assessment of Nevada's SNAP-eligible population with the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.
Develop a programming guide for agencies and nutrition education curriculum with Extension nutrition faculty in Clark County.

Luckey ensures effectiveness

In addition to working with Helm, Luckey works in collaboration with Extension Evaluation Specialist Najat Elgeberi to design, develop, implement and coordinate Nevada SNAP-Ed program needs assessments and evaluations.

The goal of his role is to learn more about how to improve Extension’s programming and to identify the programs’ successes.

Improving Nevadan's healthy eating and physical activity

“Together, we will be able to see how well we are doing and determine what needs to be done to continually improve healthy eating and physical activity for SNAP-eligible Nevadans.” - SNAP-Ed Coordinator Macy Helm

Meet Macy

Meet Brian

Learn about their work

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 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
*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, L. Thomas, 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, L. Thomas, 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, L. Thomas, 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, L. Thomas, J. Lednicky 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*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.y Borden, J. Lednicky, M. Rebori 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
*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, L. Thomas, 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 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. Howe, S. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. IP
*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, 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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A message from Holly Gatzke, your Northern Area Director