University of Nevada, Reno Extension

03/19/2023

Many areas still have snow, even though spring is upon us. But for those who don't have snow anymore, you don't have to go far; you can buy snow powder to make snow with your child at home!

Did you know that your child develops positive social and physical skills when you play with them? Play is a powerful tool! It helps kids feel loved and safe and teaches them how to care for others and the environment.

Check out a video made by our Partners in Parenting Program to learn more about this snow-making activity! https://bit.ly/3Vhekoh

|

03/18/2023

Calling all parents of teenagers, you won't want to miss this!

Our Partners in Parenting has put together a FREE virtual series: Positive Connections for Parents and Teenagers.

This four-week series is designed to help parents and their teenage children better understand teen behavior. Its focus is to increase parenting knowledge and parenting skills.

Topics include:
- Decoding the teen brain
- Talking teen lingo
- Stress management
- Positive discipline

*For families with children 10 and older.

The sessions are on Wednesdays, March 22, 29 & April 5, 12 from 6-7 p.m.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3FzLDNE

|

03/17/2023

Photos from University of Nevada, Reno's post

03/17/2023

ICYMI: Nevada Rural Housing has commissioned us to conduct research on housing needs in rural Nevada communities so that the agency can direct funds to projects that will provide long-term solutions for affordable housing challenges.

| |

03/15/2023

March is National Nutrition Month! Our Healthy Aging Team has provided three ways you can observe National Nutrition Month this year.

1. Move your body
Nutrition doesn’t end at what we eat. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages making exercise an integral part of our lives. Try a new activity like Zumba, swimming, or spinning to keep workouts fresh and exciting.

2. Find inspiration
Feeling stale in the kitchen? Pinterest provides an infinite loop of recipes and inspiration to kick-start any nutrition journey. Picking up a new cookbook or following a cool food blogger works too!

3. Meet with a dietitian
They’ll provide you with a detailed meal plan that makes sense for your lifestyle and goals. Many, if not most, health insurance plans cover the cost of dietitian services and city health departments sometimes offer complimentary services or charge sliding-scale fees. Anyway, a healthier, happier outlook on life is priceless!

| |

03/14/2023

We care about the housing challenges of the residents in Nevada.

That's why we are partnering with Nevada Rural Housing to conduct research on housing needs in rural Nevada communities. This will make it so the agency can direct funds to projects that will provide long-term solutions for affordable housing challenges!

Research has already begun in Lincoln and Elko counties. Findings will be shared with partners across the state and online.

Read the Nevada Today news story here: https://bit.ly/3lWCgAt

| |

03/14/2023

Are you a beginner farmer/rancher looking for some guidance and knowledge to help you in your new endeavors?

Our Herds & Harvest Program is offering the Small-Acreage Certification Program
6-8 p.m. weekly on Wednesday, March 15 - April 12.

The program's courses will be on Zoom and will draw upon the knowledge and experience of established Nevada agriculture producer experts. There will also be an in-person field trip, touring small-acreage farms and ranches.

Those that complete the course, a tour and a business plan review, will receive their Small-Acreage Level 1 Certification.

Learn more about the program courses and register here: https://bit.ly/3Yf1tDN

| | |

03/11/2023

UNR, NV Rural Housing to conduct study of rural housing in the state

“While it doesn’t take specific data to tell us Nevada has deep, affordable housing challenges, it does take a more analytical approach to help deliver the right solutions that will create lasting impact for generations to come,” said Bill Brewer, Nevada Rural Housing executive director. “Simply building more, or providing more subsidies, isn’t necessarily the answer. There’s no silver bullet. Our housing problems are multi-faceted and layered, which requires a layered approach with many solutions.”

| | | KOLO 8 News Now | Nevada Rural Housing Authority

The University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada Rural Housing are teaming up for a two-year study of rural housing in Nevada

03/10/2023

Where have you seen 4-H?

Our programs can be found in 4-H Afterschool programs, community clubs, schools, overnight and day camps and special events. You can also find 4-H programming at community and recreation centers, libraries, housing site authorities and much more!

For a full list of our 4-H programs, visit the link! https://bit.ly/3gp5fdT

| | | |

03/09/2023

DATE CHANGED!
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 23, 11 a.m. PST
The webinar is FREE but registration is required.
Visit the link to register: https://bit.ly/4070Zls

| |

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

03/08/2023

Today, March 8, is ! Join us in celebrating women, both on our campus and around the world, who are making a difference and achieving their dreams.

03/08/2023

Did you know that we recently introduced a program that aims to elevate the childcare profession? The program is called "Spiral Up."

This free seven-week program is designed to set new child care professionals up for success as they begin their career. Spiral Up Academy is open to early child care educators working with children 0-5 years. The academy is offered five times a year, with its next session beginning on March 14.

To learn more about Spiral Up and who to contact with questions, visit the link: https://bit.ly/3ILlJqK

| |

03/07/2023

UNR, NV Rural Housing to conduct study of rural housing in the state

We're teaming up with Nevada Rural Housing for a two-year study of rural housing in Nevada. We'll provide info on housing challenges and needs in rural Nevada communities to guide the agency's work.

| | | KOLO 8 News Now | Nevada Rural Housing Authority

The University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada Rural Housing are teaming up for a two-year study of rural housing in Nevada

03/06/2023

Did you know that radon can enter your home straight from the ground?

This radioactive gas comes from uranium which, is found in almost all types of soil. It seeps through cracks and holes in the foundation of buildings. Keep your family safe and get your home tested! To find out more information visit, extension.unr.edu/radon

| | |

03/05/2023

Parents and caregivers can help kids maintain a healthy weight as they grow by limiting kids' screen time. Screen time contributes to higher weight and body mass index (BMI), increased caloric intake, and unhealthy food choices.

Here's how:

Time spent in front of a screen takes away from time to be physically active. And, research shows kids may choose more active options if they are not watching TV.

Children commonly eat more when they are watching TV, especially if they see ads for food. And, most food ads aimed at children are for products high in sugar, salt or fats. This can lead to unhealthy food choices.

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

| |

03/05/2023

Obesity happens when there's an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Many things can contribute to this imbalance, including our built environment. Our buildings, roads, buses, homes, parks, recreational areas, greenways, shops and more can all make it easier or harder for us to live healthier lives.

Extension Specialist Marlene Rebori has info to help communities change built environments to improve residents' health. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3mqXLcN

| |

03/05/2023

Energy balance is the amount of energy we take in through eating food and drinking beverages compared with the amount of energy we use by being physically active. It's a major factor in maintaining a healthy weight.

Parents can teach children about energy balance by using games and fun activities to highlight the importance of both:

-Eating a balanced diet with foods they like
-Being physically active doing things they enjoy

Learn more from our Healthy Kids Resource Center at https://bit.ly/3ZzEdlz

| | |

03/04/2023

Did you know? Family mealtimes help:

-Improve the whole family’s diet.
-Reduce kids' risk of developing childhood obesity.

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

| |

03/04/2023

Today is National Employee Appreciation Day and I would like to recognize and express my gratitude to all University of Nevada, Reno employees. Your dedication to our beloved University and our students in inspiring and something I marvel at daily. We are extremely fortunate to have more than 7,000 faculty and staff who each and every day work toward a common destination of realizing a better future for our community, our state and our world. Thank you for the excellence that you bring to our campus, not only on this first Friday in March, but throughout the entire year.

03/03/2023

Today is ! Thank you to every member of our faculty and staff for being an outstanding part of The Wolf Pack Family, and making our University great. 💙 🐺

Send some love to your favorite University of Nevada, Reno staff or faculty member today!

03/03/2023

University's Extension to conduct assessment of rural housing needs in all Nevada counties

Nevada Rural Housing has enlisted us to conduct a two-year study of the rural housing situation in every Nevada county.

Extension Specialist Buddy Borden said, “It’s so important that Nevada Rural Housing, and everyone they partner with throughout the state, have detailed information to tailor solutions for each unique community. That’s the only way to ensure that we don’t just ‘band-aid’ the issues, and instead address these challenges with long-term solutions.”

| | | KTVN 2 News | 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.

02/28/2023

Stay safe and warm! ⛄️

❄ POSTPONED! ❄

Due to severe weather and dangerous road conditions the Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series in Reno, NV has been postponed for February 28th. Our team is working on rescheduling the event and will share the new date soon!

Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe and warm!

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

02/28/2023

To help your home survive a wildfire, consider what it's made of and what's around it. This is called home hardening and creating defensible space. Learn more in our Living With Fire Program's Home Retrofit Guide: https://bit.ly/WildfireHomeRetrofit

Our guide covers home hardening, which takes into account exterior construction materials and how they are put together. And, defensible space, which focuses on surrounding vegetation and other near-home combustible materials.

By following our guide, you can give your home a fighting chance against wildfire!

02/28/2023

Here are some quick tips for radon testing your home!

1. Place the test in the lowest living area of your house.
2. Keep all windows and doors shut for 12 hours before and during the radon test.
3. Avoid placing the kit in the following rooms: hallway, laundry room, kitchen, bathroom, any drafty room.
4. Put your kit at least 20 inches off the floor.

Learn more at extension.unr.edu/radon
| | |

02/27/2023

We're excited to welcome Sabina Malik as a Community Health Specialist for Southern Nevada counties!

Sabina will direct programming in areas like community health, food systems, students' nutrition and gardening.

Malik plans to help:
• Enhance school-wellness policy
• Improve gardening programs in southern Nevada schools
• Make resources more accessible for teachers and staff

Malik holds both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in public health from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

You can read more about Sabina and her new position with the link below!
https://bit.ly/3xLHT7b

| | | UNLV

02/27/2023

Have you tested your home for radon? There's still time! We're offering FREE radon test kits through Feb. 28. Find out where you can get yours at extension.unr.edu/radon.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause health problems such as lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you test your home. If you are unsure about the radon levels in your home, be sure to pick up a test kit today!

| | | |

02/26/2023

‘Edge to Edge’ project aims to help communities better handle wildfires, other natural disasters | University of Nevada, Reno

“The goal of this project is to build a system that will allow anyone easier weather monitoring participation and information access,” Extension Climatologist Stephanie McAfee, one of the co-principal investigators on the project, said.

| | | | College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno | College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources

University researchers will gather and analyze weather data in Tahoe Basin for public distribution

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

| |

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.

| | | |

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.

| | |

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.