University of Nevada, Reno Extension

09/07/2026

This week's noxious W**d of the Week is Spotted Knapw**d.

Centaurea biebersteinii spp. - Spotted Knapwood

This w**d can grow up to 4 ft. tall, rough-textured, branched and bushy; NO wings on upper stems.

Its leaves alternate, gray-green, up to 8 in. long; most are pinnate-divided, dotted with resin and sometimes covered with small grayish hairs; upper leaves smaller and narrower with few to no lobes.

Its flowers vary from white to purple, each located at the tip of a branch; base of flower is vase-shaped, 0.5 in. long, 0.3-0.5 in. wide and covered with bracts with dark, comb-like tips that give the appearance of spots (after which the w**d is named).

It has a deep, stout taproot.

Other Considerations:
Spotted Knapw**d grows best on dry, well-drained Nevada soils; often infests rangelands, waste areas and roadsides.

Considered biennial; it reproduces by seed and lateral roots.

To Control:
Mowing plants in bud to flower stage can reduce seed production; repeated hand removal can be effective; DO NOT burn.
Several insect biological control agents are available.
Apply 2,4-D or glyphosate rosette to bolt stage; aminocyclopyrachlor, aminopyralid, clopyralid, or picloram preemergence to bolt stage.

Source (including images): Hefner, M. and Kratsch, H. Nevada Noxious W**d Field Guide, pp. 104 University of Nevada, Reno Extension. 2021
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09/01/2026

Extension participated in the 2026 Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair Agriculture Experience.

During the Agriculture Experience, our team shared information about our current and ongoing agricultural programs and educational efforts supporting Nevada’s producers and communities. We also connected with festival participants, answered questions and highlighted resources available through University of Nevada, Reno Extension.

In addition to showcasing our current programs, the team highlighted several upcoming agricultural workshops and educational opportunities:

1) Composting Hot and Cold – Cultivating Healthy Plants IPM Webinar Series, Sept. 10, 2026
https://events.unr.edu/event/composting-hot-and-cold-cultivating-healthy-plants-ipm-webinar-series

2) Water and Irrigation Management Workshop for Nevada Producers, Oct. 7, 2026
https://events.unr.edu/event/water-and-irrigation-management-workshop-for-nevada-producers

3) Certified Applicators Pesticide Safety Education Workshop – Fall 2026, Oct. 27, 2026
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/certified-applicators-pesticide-safety-fall-2026-workshop-lovelock-tickets-1996034398618

We appreciate everyone who stopped by to learn more, ask questions and connect with Extension.

University of Nevada, Reno

09/01/2026

We would like to thank the Douglas County Community for supporting the UNR Extension Master Gardener Programs 2nd Annual Garden Tour. It was a huge success and we can not wait until next year.
We would also like to thank the following businesses for donating items to our silent auction: Luminary Books, , Tractor Supply Co., HelloHandmade, Raley's , County Community & Senior Center Yogurt Beach Frozen Yogurt & Custard Wild Country Lavender Shoe Tree Brewing Company Max's Pet Supply Blind Dog Coffee Carson Valley Golf Course and all the UNR Extension Master Gardeners and friends that supported this event.

09/01/2026

Great conversation from Matt Westfield, The College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, Entrepreneur in Residence.

This week he joined Cohort 6 of our Small Business Incubator Program to break down one of the most common founder mix-ups — growing vs. scaling your business — and why potentially picking the wrong strategy can cost you in the long run.

Swipe through for the highlights.

Cohort 7 kicks off next week with BIZ101, our 10-week program for taking your business from concept to market-ready. Sign up now to join: https://luma.com/6bywqzdu

08/31/2026

The w**d of the week is Saltcedar! Yes, it is salty - when its leaves fall, the high concentration of salt can make it harder for nearby plants to grow. Read on for more facts and management tips.

Tamarix spp. - Saltcedar

Stem: Shrub or small tree; multiple large stems arise from root crown; up to 20 ft. tall, highly branched with reddish-brown bark; leaves turn yellow to red in autumn.

Leaves: Alternate; deciduous; green to blue-green, small (0.06-0.14 in. long), oval to lance-shaped, overlapping and scale-like.

Flower: Tiny with 5 white to pink petals; arranged in finger-like clusters at the tips of branches.

Root: Deep taproot with creeping roots.

Other: Often found along edges of waterways, lakes and ponds; known to occur throughout Nevada.

Perennial; reproduces by seed, roots and stem fragments.
High concentration of salt in fallen leaves can impact growth of other plants.

Also known as tamarisk.

Control: Cutting, digging or burning MUST be combined with a chemical application to be effective.

An insect biological control agent is available.

Apply imazapyr to actively growing foliage during flowering; glyphosate, imazapyr or triclopyr as a cut stump or basal bark treatment.

Source (including images): Hefner, M. and Kratsch, H. Nevada Noxious W**d Field Guide, pp. 98 University of Nevada, Reno Extension. 2021

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08/28/2026

Join University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Ellen Grossman and Natalie Mazzullō for this free virtual training.

GLS Registration: Empathy 2026.

08/28/2026

Still on the fence about going to the 2nd Annual Garden Tour? Check out these amazing silent auction items that will available to bid on during the tour.
Tickets: https://GardenTourDouglas.eventbrite.com
or day of Garden Tour ticket sale at UNR Extension Office, 1325 Waterloo ln., Gardnerville starting at 9:00 am

08/27/2026

"A 2024 Extension study projects that this single lithium mining project will generate more than $1 billion per year in investment during its construction phase alone. Over the 40-year life of the project, average annual economic impacts during operations are projected to exceed $2.1 billion in statewide investment, alongside more than $148 million in personal income and more than 1,600 direct and indirect jobs annually. The project is also estimated to deliver more than $28 million in local and county taxes and more than $51 million in state taxes each year."

Nevada workforce partnerships and federal mining grants are securing America's domestic lithium supply chain and economic future.

08/27/2026

Don’t forget to register before it fills up. Seats are limited! Held in Las Vegas on Tuesday, November, 10 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The topic of this annual summit is end of life care and conversations. You won’t want to miss it.

Let the long-term care administrators, health educators, marriage and family therapists, nurses and social workers know continuing education has been approved! Ethics, su***de, cultural competency offered for $50.

Parking, handouts, breakfast, lunch and community resources.

Contact [email protected] for more information!

Shared Responsibility: Navigating, Supporting and Empowering Through Life’s Final Journey is a community summit dedicated to compassionate conversations and collaborative action around end-of-life care. Bringing together healthcare professionals, caregivers, faith leaders and community members, th...

08/27/2026

What an incredible evening celebrating and connecting local producers, food business owners, and regional partners at our Clark County Extension office for our Southern Nevada Farm to Market Mixer.

This event brought together growers, emerging entrepreneurs, distributors, and supply chain specialists from across the state to build stronger connections within Nevada's local food economy. Attendees participated in speed networking, sampled local products, and explored new opportunities to scale regional agricultural operations.

Events like this highlight the resilience of our agricultural community and the importance of creating direct links across our food system. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their work, and contributed to such a productive evening of networking and collaboration. Thank you to Desert Moon Mushrooms, Herb’n Goodies, and Angelic Greens for showcasing their businesses.

Learn more about upcoming programs and resources at extension.unr.edu/food-business-center

08/27/2026

Garden Tour Sneak Peak:
This garden is a peaceful retreat filled with organic homegrown vegetables, herbs, flowers, and a small flock of chickens. From greenhouse starts to fresh harvests, it reflects 13 years of care, patience, and the simple joy of gardening. Raised beds, a greenhouse, and an efficient drip irrigation system help create a thriving, sustainable space for nature and pollinators.
Tickets: https://GardenTourDouglas.eventbrite.com

08/26/2026

Calling all educators! Empower your students with the free Nevada 4-H Health Rocks! training designed for upper elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. Learn how to implement this evidence-based drug prevention curriculum while earning 30 free continuing education credits. Join a community of educators making a lasting impact on youth health and well-being.

Hybrid Training Includes:
A 6-hour in-person training at one of three Nevada locations, followed by virtual classes every Monday in October and the first Monday in November.

Choose your location:
Las Vegas | Sept. 12
tinyurl.com/HRTTLV

Reno | Sept. 19
tinyurl.com/HRTTRENO

Elko | Sept. 26
tinyurl.com/HRTTELKO

Space is limited, so register today!

This training is made possible in partnership with the Northeastern, Northwest, and Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Programs.

08/26/2026

UNR Extension Master Gardener Pam talks about growing, saving seeds and pruning zinnias from the Labyrinth at Heritage Park Gardens.
You can meet Master Gardener Pam at the Labyrinth at Heritage Park Gardens on the 2nd Friday & 4th Saturday of each month.
Fun fact sheet on growing zinnias: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3144&context=extension_curall

08/26/2026

LAST CHANCE to give your feedback about the new mural in town! This Saturday, August 29 from 10am-1pm at the Douglas County Community & Senior Centerin the Carson Valley Health room. Survey and past workshop results will be discussed as well as scheduling community paint days.

Thanks for your input and contributions to this exciting project!

08/26/2026

2nd Annual Garden Tour is this Saturday, August 29, 2026 form 10:00-4:00 pm.
5 private gardens will be opened to the ticket holders to share their gardens with you.
Get your tickets here: https://GardenTourDouglas.eventbrite.com or stop by the UNR Extension Douglas County Offic, 1325 Waterloo Ln.
See you in the gardens!

Douglas County, Nevada

08/25/2026

Ready to boost your food or agriculture business? Join us in Reno for an all day hands-on session all about grant writing tailored specifically for entrepreneurs like you in Northern Nevada. Learn the tips and tricks to craft proposals that stand out and get funded.

Extension Professor Staci Emm and Grant Writer Becky DeForest will take you through the process of applying for and managing grants for agriculture and food businesses alike. This grant writing training is designed to help producers, food hubs, processors, cooperatives, and value-added food businesses. Funding for this program is provided through the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service.

This is your chance to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded folks who are passionate about local food business and agriculture. Whether you're just starting out or already in the game, we've got something for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your toolkit - and your network! See you there!

Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grant-writing-for-food-and-ag-entrepreneurs-northern-nevada-tickets-1993357635347

08/25/2026

Garden Tour Sneak Peak:
This park like property features a small orchard, raised bed vegetables, and nine years of organic gardening. Visitors will see perennials, drought tolerant and native plants, and a thriving orchard. Set on the reservoir, the homeowners have created a beach style retreat complete with a dock.
Tickets: https://GardenTourDouglas.eventbrite.com

08/22/2026

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08/21/2026

Happy National Senior Citizen’s Day! 🌟 While we celebrate the older adults in our community every day at the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Healthy Aging Initiative, today is an extra special reminder to honor a senior who inspires you.

Did you know? Recent research highlighted by AARP shows that regular intergenerational connection is a win-win for everyone! It boosts cognitive health, reduces depression, and renews purpose for older adults—while helping younger generations build resilience and lower stress about aging. Take a moment today to reach out, share a story, and celebrate the seniors in your life! 💐✨