Reno Food Systems asks Washoe County to steward south pasture for regenerative grazing demonstration

Reno Food Systems asked the Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission on Jan. 22, 2025, to consider expanding its stewardship at Betsy Collin Donnelly Park by taking responsibility for the south pasture and using it for a regenerative grazing demonstration.

The proposal, presented by Lindsey Langsdale, executive director and farm manager of Reno Food Systems, came during a Commissioner briefing about community programs. Langsdale summarized the organization's work since leasing the north five acres of the park in 2018: a demonstration farm on drip irrigation, a farm stand, donation and food-equity programs, a USDA Urban Agriculture Innovation and Production grant awarded in 2024, and partnerships with local nonprofits and schools.

The request for county approval would add the south pasture to the nonprofit's stewardship so the pasture could be managed with rotational, regenerative grazing practices rather than conventional continuous grazing. Langsdale said the approach would prioritize soil health, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience and would expand the farm's…