“Looking for answers to your garden and farming questions?” The University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension in Las Vegas is here to help. The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide educational network. These offices are staffed by experts. They provide practical research-based information. This information is for agricultural producers, small business owners, youth, consumers, and others. They serve rural areas and communities of all sizes.
For over 100 years, the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension has delivered impactful programs across Nevada. The founders never dreamed that they would teach people in such a variety of unique ways. This is thanks to technology. The University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension reaches people in their homes workplaces, schools, and communities. It uses the Internet, live interactive video, email, telephone, in-person workshops, and one-on-one assistance. It has come a long way from the early days when agents traveled dirt roads in buggies.
The issues have changed over the years. The need to provide research-based useful information remains essential. This information helps Nevada’s citizens. It aids progress. It helps meet challenges faced by Nevada’s communities. Today, the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension still helps farmers and ranchers. It assists with water resource management. It aids in noxious weed control. It helps resolve public-land disputes. It also assists urban and rural families. It offers programs in nutrition and health. It supports youth literacy and STEM learning. It aids youth development and leadership. It promotes community and workforce development. The University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension works with many partners. It identifies, develops, and implements programs. These programs meet local needs.
Back in the early days, Extension agents from southern Nevada faced quite the journey to Reno. It took them two days of dusty driving. They spent two nights camped along meandering streams. The roads were mere trails back then.
Former agent Louie Gardella said that you could almost walk it faster. The only alternative was taking the train. That was another two-day trip but via Salt Lake City. Those days before air conditioning and aircraft were challenging for early Extension agents. Nevertheless, they led efforts to build good roads. They brought power and telephone lines to many of the state’s isolated communities.
During the World Wars, Extension agents actively promoted food production and conservation. During the Depression, Claude “Mud” Townsend dispensed education in saloons. He even bought shoes and clothing for children using his own money.
In 1998, the Extension received a separate dean’s position. Karen Hinton was named dean/director. Recently, the Extension rejoined the College of Agriculture Biotechnology & Natural Resources. It also rejoined the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station. There, it continues its long legacy. It uses research from all colleges. It serves a variety of constituents across the state.
Today, it takes only one hour to fly between the state’s urban centers. The University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension’s mission of helping people solve contemporary problems has not changed. Together with volunteers, its personnel enable agriculture families and communities to remain viable. This is in an increasingly complex and technological world. The University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the changing needs of Nevada’s communities.