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UNR Cooperative Extension reports growth in 4‑H, horticulture and wildfire outreach in Washoe County
Summary
University of Nevada, Reno Extension presented its annual impact report to the Washoe County commission, citing nearly 10,000 youth served by 4‑H, 2,435 homes radon‑tested, and a fund balance of about $2.4 million for FY23‑24.
University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension staff summarized program activity in Washoe County and statewide partnerships during a presentation to the Washoe County Board of Commissioners.
Holly Gatsky and Abby Pike described Extension’s programs across six mandated areas funded partly by the county’s ad valorem tax and supplemented with state, federal and sponsored project funds. “We identify critical community needs and design educational programs and activities to address those needs,” Pike said.
Extension reported results across youth education, horticulture, wildfire preparedness, nutrition and public health: 4‑H youth development programs reached nearly 10,000 youth with STEM, leadership and camp activities; horticulture events, including the Bartley Ranch Gardening in Nevada series, reached 916 community members; bilingual landscaper workforce training enrolled 40 participants; the Living with Fire team held a Fire Adapted Nevada summit with 106 attendees and taught 68 classes at an Academy of Arts Career and Technology; and SNAP‑Ed programming reached more than 2,000 residents.
Extension’s radon education program tested 2,435 Washoe County homes, mitigated 153 high radon tests and trained 949 real estate professionals on radon testing during the home‑buying process, staff said. Early childhood workforce training and workforce development programs for landscapers and nursery workers were also cited.
On finances, Holly Gatsky said fiscal year 2023‑24 showed an opening and ending fund balance of about $2.4 million, total revenue just over $2.0 million and expenditures of about $1.886 million. Extension reported more than $1.5 million in sponsored project grant funding and about $225,000 in other funds, and said it is holding reserves as it evaluates space and staffing needs.
Commissioners asked how residents can engage. Pike said Master Gardener training is available (a fee applies), with spring and fall cohort offerings and increasing online options. Commissioners also asked about living‑with‑fire resources; staff pointed to the Living with Fire website and announced a second Fire Adapted Nevada summit on March 17–18.
The extension presenters said their work extends statewide: Extension operates in 15 of Nevada’s 17 counties and networks expertise across the state while delivering localized programming.
Ending: Commissioners thanked Extension staff for the report and noted the value of the extension’s education and mitigation programs for youth, homeowners and workforce development in Washoe County.
