University of Nevada, Reno Extension

02/24/2023

Cultivating Healthy Plants (Integrated Pest Management) webinar series

- Prepping for a Healthy Fruit Harvest -

Get a leg up on what you might need to do now and for an entire season of pest management for tree fruits, from pre-bloom to fall. Whether you grow fruits conventionally or organic, or if you have one tree or twenty, this presentation is for you!

Thursday, March 9, 11 a.m. PST
The webinar is FREE but registration is required.
Visit the link to register:
https://bit.ly/4070Zls

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University of Nevada, Reno Extension | Utah State University Extension | MSU Extension | University of Idaho Extension

02/24/2023

Does your home need to be tested for radon? Our Radon Education Program has a map of radon zones in Nevada at extension.unr.edu/radon.

If your home tests positive for radon, there are simple actions you can take, such as opening windows, using fans and vents, and sealing cracks in floors and walls.

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02/23/2023

Study to examine rural housing across counties

Nevada Rural Housing Executive Director Bill Brewer said, “Partnering with Extension, which has a proven track record in our state, an understanding of housing data collection and analysis, and a presence throughout our rural communities, is a perfect fit for this project.”

| | | The Record-Courier | Nevada Rural Housing Authority

Nevada Rural Housing has enlisted the help of University of Nevada, Reno Extension to conduct a two-year study of the rural housing situation in every Nevada county.

02/21/2023

Making nutritious food choices and engaging in physical activity are two excellent ways to keep your family’s heart’s beating strong. Learn more by visiting our Healthy Kids Resource Center: extension.unr.edu/healthykids.

It's a one-stop shop for research-based activities, information and more. The materials help parents and teachers equip young children with the tools to live healthy lives.

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02/19/2023

At the upcoming Safenet conference exploring resources and solutions for preventing violence and victimization before it starts, Extension Specialist Pamela Payne will speak on media impact on the teenage brain.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YRpDFc

| | Northern Nevada Business Weekly | College of Education & Human Development, University of Nevada Reno

02/19/2023

Heavy snow and rain fell across Nevada this month. Are we still in a drought? – The Nevada Independent

Extension Climatologist Steph McAfee said that there are “some long-term deficits and structural challenges that even one great winter won’t entirely fix.”

| | | The Nevada Independent

This week’s Indy Environment newsletter looks at improving drought conditions after large storms brought considerable precipitation to much of Nevada and the Colorado River Basin.

02/18/2023

At our Cattlemen's Update, Associate Professor Mozart Fonseca, with the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, discussed the impacts of wildfire smoke on animal health.

This Is Reno reported on Mozart's talk:

"Within the first 24 hours, he said cattle could experience swelling of the lungs, labored breathing, blocked airways and wheezing.

From four to 10 days after wildfire exposure, cattle could contract pneumonia and have damage to the respiratory defense mechanism. The longer-term effects, according to Fonseca, could result in damage to the small airways and intolerance to exercise."

Learn more at the This Is Reno news story: thisisreno.com/2023/01/cattlemens-update-crisscrosses-nevada.

📷: This Is Reno.

| | | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | This Is Reno |

02/17/2023

Radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. The good news is that exposures to high levels of radon are preventable. Learn how to keep it out of your home. Visit extension.unr.edu/radon.

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02/16/2023

Gardeners love plants. We also love to read about plants. What's a gardener to read this Library Lovers Month? Visit the link below for some ideas from then-Horticulture Assistant Ashley Andrews.

extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2061

| | University of Nevada, Reno Extension Master Gardeners

02/16/2023

At our Cattlemen's Update, Professor Brad Schultz, our Extension educator in Humboldt County, discussed photo monitoring as a simple, easy and valuable monitoring tool.

This Is Reno reported on Brad's talk:

"Schultz said good, clear pictures are worth 'a lot of words.'

Schultz said pictures 'can be enhanced with other publicly available imagery… and multiple types of imagery at different scales can provide excellent data about vegetation and rangeland change.'"

See the This Is Reno news story to learn more: thisisreno.com/2023/01/cattlemens-update-crisscrosses-nevada.

| | | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | This Is Reno

02/15/2023

Did you know that radon can be hazardous to your health? Check out the BizLife Podcast as they interview Christine Kelly, Radon Program Officer. Christine explains the risks of radon and why it is important to test your home.

You can watch the interview at: https://youtu.be/6FgII46OTKI

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02/14/2023

It's Valentine's Day! Our healthy aging coordinator, Natalie Mazzullo, said older adults may experience loneliness on this national day of love. You can help by connecting today with the older adults in your life, and by sending greeting cards personalized with messages and decorations to residential care facilities for older adults.

Natalie said that in Nevada, there are nearly 450,000 older adults, and:

-Over 70,000 live in rural and frontier counties.
-Roughly 380,000 live in urban counties.
-Close to 55,000 urban older adults live alone.

Plus, there are 65 nursing homes in Nevada with over 7,000 Medicaid beds.

That's a lot of people who could be feeling lonely today, and to whom you can send a colorful, funny and sweet card.

To learn more about Healthy Aging, visit extension.unr.edu/healthy-aging.

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02/14/2023

Did you receive flowers today? 🌹

Make sure to take care of your cut flowers by following the tips from our University of Nevada, Reno Extension Master Gardeners!

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Caring for Cut Flowers 💐

1. Start with a clean vase or study container. Make sure to use hot, soapy water to remove any debris from previously used containers. This will also kill any bacteria or fungi.

2. Trim the stems. Use a sharp knife or clippers to cut off the bottom 1/2" to promote water uptake.

3. Keep foliage out of the water. Foliage will decay if submerged in water, shorten the life of the cut flowers. Snip off leaves that fall below the water line in the container.

4. Use a floral preservative. This will provide the cut flowers with nutrients to help extend the life of the cut flowers. Fresh, clean water is the best alternative!

5. Check and change water regularly. This is the most effective way to extend the life of the cut flowers. Check in daily to add water if needed. When water becomes cloudy, drain water and clean the container. Replace with new water and return the flowers to the container.

Have more questions? Reach out to our Extension Master Gardeners!
extension.unr.edu/master-gardeners/

University of Nevada, Reno Extension | | | | | | |

02/14/2023

At our Cattlemen's Update, Gardnerville veterinarian Randy Walstrum discussed trich in cattle.

This is Reno reported on his talk:

"He said trich leads to infertility and can result in abortions in cows and heifers. Wallstrum said several times during his presentation that trich could be financially devastating and costly to remove the affected cows from a herd.

He said possible causes infecting a cow — which occurs during breeding — can come from a stray bull, other cattle on public lands and poor fencing causing intermingling between herds.

Wallstrum said testing can confirm the presence of trich."

See the This Is Reno news story to learn more: thisisreno.com/2023/01/cattlemens-update-crisscrosses-nevada.

📷: This Is Reno.

| | | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | This Is Reno |

02/12/2023

Do you know what radon is?

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas. It enters your home through cracks in the foundation, openings around joints and pipes, and floors. The gas can increase to high levels inside your home, raising your risk for lung cancer.

After cigarette smoke, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon combined with cigarette smoke poses an increased risk for lung cancer.

Learn more about how you can protect you and your loved ones from radon at extension.unr.edu/radon.

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02/12/2023

It's Library Lovers Month! Ever wonder what texts might be on the bookshelves of our horticulture staff or Master Gardener volunteers? Check out this Reno Gazette-Journal article for a few ideas from then-Horticulture Assistant Ashley Andrews. Then, visit your favorite local library to check them out!

https://www.rgj.com/story/life/2016/12/09/master-gardener-winter-reading-grows-healthy-soils-plants-and-minds/95209790/

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02/12/2023

It’s never too early to encourage heart-healthy habits for the whole family. To get started, explore our Healthy Kids Resource Center's nutrition and physical activity toolboxes, extension.unr.edu/healthykids.

Our Healthy Kids Resource Center is a one-stop-shop for evidence-based research, resources, curricula, activities and materials that focus on obesity prevention for teachers and parents of young children. It is designed to educate parents and teachers as well as provide the tools needed to teach young children how to live a healthy lifestyle.

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02/09/2023

At our Cattlemen's Update, Shannon Neibergs, an Extension economist for Washington State University and director of the Western Center for Risk Management Education spoke to the question, "What is this economy going to bring the Nevada livestock industry?"

This is Reno reported on his talk:

"He explained that local risk depends on drought recovery and outlook — 2022 was an economic roller coaster with the war in Ukraine, drought, inflation, the coronavirus pandemic and other economic risks.

On an optimistic note, he said the consumer demand and export for beef has shifted back to the feeders from the packers because of decreased cattle on feed.

'Beef consumer demand and the export outlook remain strong by supporting record high price outlook for fall 2023,' he said."

Learn more at the This is Reno news story: thisisreno.com/2023/01/cattlemens-update-crisscrosses-nevada.

📷: This is Reno.

| | | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | This Is Reno |

02/09/2023

UNR offering free radon test kits for residents across northern Nevada

We're offering FREE short-term radon test kits to Nevadans through February. Kits are available at Extension offices and partner locations statewide. To learn more, visit extension.unr.edu/radon.

| | KRNV News 4

January is National Radon Action Month and the University of Nevada, Reno Extension's Radon Education Program is offering free short-term radon test kits to Nev

02/08/2023

Pop quiz: Which of your five senses can you use to detect radon gas in your home? It's a trick question! You'd have to test your home for radon to know if it's there. Learn more at extension.unr.edu/radon.

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02/08/2023

It's American Heart Month. Healthy food choices and an active lifestyle can have a big impact on your family’s heart health. Learn more by visiting our Healthy Kids Resource Center, extension.unr.edu/healthykids.

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02/07/2023

Radon testing kits available through UNR Extension

One in four Nevada homes has elevated levels of radon. To help people test their homes for the cancer-causing gas, we're offering Nevadans free radon test kits through February.

| | KOLO 8 News Now

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas.

02/05/2023

In NV, Lake Mead’s water decline rate may slow down due to recent snowfall at CO river

"The big picture is that we’re dealing with some very long-term deficits along the Colorado River system," Extension Specialist Steph McAfee said. "A good year is good news. And I don’t want to diminish that. But it’s not going to fix the problem."

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Recent snowfall that fed into the Colorado River may slow down Lake Mead’s water decline rate. Nevada's lake is now expected to finish seven feet higher that original thought.

02/05/2023

It's take your child to the library day! Did you know? Many libraries offer e-books. Parents are buying e-books for their young children in growing numbers, and it is expected that a new generation may become more used to reading from a tablet or e-reader than from a traditional print book.

Learn about the pros and cons of e-books, how to choose quality e-books, and tips for parents and caregivers about providing e-books to kids from our Partners in Parenting Program experts. Visit extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2011.

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02/05/2023

It's Library Lovers Month! To celebrate, Extension Specialist & Professor Annie Lindsay has compiled a list of nutrition books that parents and teachers can read with children. Grab the list at the link below. Then, stop by your local library to check out these or other titles.

extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2918

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02/04/2023

At our Cattlemen's Update, Associate Professor Lesley Morris, with the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, discussed a new problem w**d: Ventenata grass.

This Is Reno reported on her talk:

"Like cheatgrass, Morris said ventenata can increase fire hazards and decrease wildlife habitat and the diversity and productivity of the rangelands. She said the grass could impact hay production and cause a big loss of its export value. The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers ventenata to outcompete perennial grasses and is of little value to foraging animals."

See the This Is Reno news story to learn more: thisisreno.com/2023/01/cattlemens-update-crisscrosses-nevada.

| | | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources | | | This Is Reno

02/04/2023

Photos from Nevada Alumni Association's post

02/04/2023

Support the 4-H Pollinator Ambassadors! 🐝

Pollinators are responsible for every 1 in 3 bites of food humans consume. While they are arguably the most important creatures on the planet, they are in trouble due to loss of habitat, climatic changes, and pesticide use. With the help of a National 4-H Council and Corteva Agriscience Grant, Extension has been recruiting young people across Nevada to form the 4-H Pollinator Ambassador Program. This program will allow youth to educate, train and connect Nevada communities through pollinator habitats.

The National 4-H Council and Corteva Agriscience Grant requires and funds six of our young people attend the National 4-H Youth Agri-Science Summit - IGNITE in Washington DC this March 2023. The goal is to send all of the amazing 4-H Pollinator Ambassadors (11 total) that meet the requirements to the summit. However, we cannot do that without your help.

To help support this program, please choose the pollinator garden or habitat in the following link: http://bit.ly/3HL8ozs

All program support received from this campaign will be spent on travel expenses for the 4-H Pollinator Ambassadors to attend this event.

This is a non-tax-deductible program support campaign. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to this program, please contact Jessica Gardner at 775-782-9960 or [email protected].

University of Nevada, Reno Extension Master Gardeners | | | | | | | | |