As the official end of summer draws near, there’s already a hint of fall in the air, making it a great time to get out and enjoy some fall festivals. Corn mazes, farm stands and pumpkins evoke nostalgia and warm memories for many of us, and the 夜色视频 will provide these and many other activities at its . The University moved the annual event from the spring to the fall this year to provide the community with a more fall-themed event, and to allow visitors coming in for the the opportunity to participate. The free event is from 2 – 6 p.m., Sept. 25 at the in Reno, at 1000 Valley Road.
The University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, with its , and units, is hosting the event that features over 60 booths.
“One of the major thrusts of the event is to offer activities that showcase all that Nevada researchers, growers, ranchers and food producers are doing to make healthy food available to consumers,” said Bill Payne, dean of the College. “But, there’s a lot more going on as well, and I think our University Pack is really leaning into creating a fun, community-focused fall event this year. We’re really happy to be a big part of the University’s Nevada Family Weekend.”
Payne says the event features hands-on activities, demonstrations, tours and exhibits from University experts focusing on the latest advancements in:
- Advancing health and family well-being
- Strengthening agricultural, horticultural and food systems
- Fostering community and economic vitality
- Stewarding natural resources
- Building future-ready learners and leaders
Partner organizations have also been invited to participate.
Homegrown grub, grapes and garden goodies
The University’s will be selling certified organic seedlings, as well as pumpkins, other produce and fall plants. Additionally, the Initiative will be offering adult visitors a free tasting of Nevada-grown wines. At another booth, free local steak bites can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. And, the University’s will be on hand selling beef jerky and other local beef, and showing visitors how to place their holiday pre-orders for Leg of lamb, smoked ham and prime rib. Visitors can also get their hands on homegrown Wolf Pack-themed winter wear: Blankets, beanies, sweaters and more made from the University’s own Rafter 7 sheep, internationally known for their fine, soft wool, will be for sale.
Local food vendors will also be on hand, selling tasty goods made with local and University-grown products. Rick’s Pizza, Beer & More will be showcasing a veggie pizza using produce from the Desert Farming Initiative, and Silver State Pie Co. will be using the Initiative’s produce and meat from Wolf Pack Meats to offer a special Nevada veggie pie and Nevada meat pie. Kona Ice of South Reno will use local syrup to serve up some snow cones.
Have you ever seen real DNA? Do you know how to remove ticks safely?
Many booths and some on-stage presentations will present scientific knowledge in understandable, interesting and interactive ways. For example, one booth invites participants to join in extracting DNA from strawberries in a fun, hands-on activity. The researchers aim to help visitors explore the building blocks of life and reveal how biotechnology shapes our everyday world, from the food we eat to the medicines we take. An on-stage demonstration will show how to remove ticks safely. Other booths and demonstrations engage participants in a variety of science-based activities and research:
- Test how good your nose is at identifying smells, and see how to get water, soil and plant tests.
- See how fiber is turned into yarn.
- Learn how researchers are using soilless growing methods to help fuel Nevada urban ag production.
- See how drones are being used in the University’s agriculture and natural resources work.
- See how natural defenses, such as potato skins and carrot peels, can strengthen Nevada's crops.
- See field research using advanced irrigation systems and sensing technologies to reduce water use.
- Learn how cactus pear is not only a culinary gem, but has potential for biofuel and other purposes.
- See how breeding and genetics work with sorghum and maize can help reduce global food insecurity.
- Explore student efforts to grow Tribal culturally significant food and medicinal plants.
- Learn more about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and take some recipes to try out at home.
- Learn about the processes and research behind the recent changes in the U.S. dietary guidance.
- Learn more about succulent plants and native seeds and plants and purchase some for home.
Just in time for Halloween…
Visitors can explore Nevada’s poisonous side through hands-on examples from toxic plants and minerals. They’ll learn how poison hemlock, arsenic, lead, botulinum toxin, sweet clover and more affect agriculture, livestock, wildlife and human health, and how biochemistry helps explain both danger and medicine.
There will be live insect displays, and researchers explaining how they are seeking to better understand insect hormones and sense of smell to discover new, safer insecticides and management practices. Ticks and mosquitoes are an area of particular interest, and University researchers will share how they are hoping to help decrease the incidence of diseases the insects transmit.
And, for kids wanting to get warmed up for the big costume day, there will also be face-painting. Kids and adults alike can compete in the 4-H Youth Development Program’s inflatable archery contest, or milk the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s life-size automated milking cow. And for those who may soon be college-bound, faculty and staff will be on hand to provide information on the College’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as programs offered by Extended Studies, noncredit professional development programs and industry-specific training programs.
Where’s Wolfie?
All visitors can navigate through the event while engaging in the “Where’s Wolfie” game, keeping an eye out for mini Wolfie stuffed animals placed throughout the event grounds. Their success will be tracked on their Where’s Wolfie card, and once they fill up the card, they can turn it in at the Where’s Wolfie booth for a prize. Each attendee will also be given a free raffle ticket, with the opportunity to purchase more, to win some prizes from generous sponsors, including SCHEELS; Moana Nursery; Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe; Reno Aces; Peppermill Resort Spa Casino; Galaxy Theaters Legends Sparks; Coconut Bowl at Wild Island; Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum; Ike’s Love & Sandwiches; Rick’s Pizza, Beer & More; the University’s Desert Farming Initiative; and Nevada Wolf Pack Athletics.
Nevada Field Day has been a College tradition for decades, and the University has been using the Valley Road Field Lab for agricultural research since around the turn of the century, when Washoe County realized the need for a dedicated space for agricultural research, purchased the land and deeded it to the University. Today, with 27 acres designated for research and education, the property encompasses state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Greenhouse Complex and biofuels research facilities. Additional assets include eight high-tunnel hoop houses, an 18-acre equestrian facility and a fully equipped maintenance engineering shop.
Parking is free, and visitors should use the . Or, . For more information, email Rose Anguiano or call her at 775-682-8357. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Anguiano at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information. Parking for persons with disabilities is available through parking attendants at 920 Valley Road.
