Are you afraid of pruning?

Pruning Class Photo by Jordan Lubek

If you are afraid of pruning your trees/shrubs, take heart – you have friends! Many of us suffer from unnecessary “pruning anxiety” and this post is intended to help set your mind at ease.

Thankfully, here at the Cooperative Extension we have access to all sorts of pruning information and love sharing it with our Community! Here is some useful (and free) information to help walk you through the process. (With a little help, ANYONE can tackle pruning…even you! 🙂 )

Here are some great links/information we’ve compiled to help walk you through the pruning process:

Great Pruning Instructional Videos for fruit trees/grapes offered by Bob Morris Professor Emeritus for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKDSzCfvqe0&feature=youtu.be

Introduction to Pruning by The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: https://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2013/sp1313.pdf

What about pruning Desert Shrubs? http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2014/sp1413.pdf

Do you have Pine Trees that need Pruning? Here is some information from Bob Morris Professor Emeritus for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: http://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/10/when-and-how-do-you-prune-pine-trees.html

What about Pruning Palm Trees? http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2004/sp0416.pdf

California Master Gardener Handbook (Great diagram/information): http://ucanr.org/sites/gardenweb/files/28952.pdf

If you are interested in attending any landscape/nursery classes in Las Vegas, the dates/information are as follows:

The trainings will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Feb. 9 — March 2. Classes are $15 each or $80 for all eight. Further discounts are available to organizations enrolling multiple employees. Classes are taught by Cooperative Extension and Nevada Department of Agriculture staff and industry professionals, and are held at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office in Reno at 4955 Energy Way.

To register, visit www.growyourownnevada.com/horticulture-programs/green-industry-training/. For more information on classes or certification, contact Ashley Andrews at andrewsa@unce.unr.edu or 775-336-0231.

Class Schedule:

• Feb. 9: Plant Disease Basics
• Feb. 10: Insect Identification
• Feb. 16: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pesticide Safety
• Feb. 17: Water and Landscapes
• Feb. 23: Pruning
• Feb. 24: Soils, Potting Mixes and Fertilizers
• March 1: Turfgrass Maintenance
• March 2: Woody Plant Identification

Here is a link for more Las Vegas Pruning Class Information: http://www.unce.unr.edu/news/article.asp?ID=2212

If you have additional questions or need further information please feel free to call us at the Northeast Clark County Cooperative Extension Office at 1897 N. Moapa Valley Blvd., 702-397-2604 or email us at walkerd@unce.unr.edu.

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Congratulations New Master Gardeners!

Our New Master Gardeners Rebecca Fee and Pamela Yelinek (*Not pictured Marilyn Stevens)

Through the fall and winter season last year we had three women hard at work taking the Master Gardener classes/training. After completing 80 hours of instruction, passing a comprehensive test and filling the initial 50 volunteer hours requirement –  we can officially welcome Marilyn Stevens, Pamela Yelinek and Rebecca Fee as new Master Gardeners! All three have been awarded their name badges and wear them with pride.  🙂

The Master Gardener program is facilitated by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. This in-depth training is for people who are interested in doing garden, farm or horticulture volunteer work in their communities. Master Gardeners are also a great reference for community members who have questions or need help concerning horticulture/farm agriculture.

If you would like to contact a Master Gardener or are interested in taking the Master Gardener training yourself, please let us know! You can find us at the Cooperative Extension office at 1897 N. Moapa Valley Blvd., 702-397-2604 or email us at walkerd@unce.unr.edu.

Post by: Dianna Walker Admin. Assistant II https://plus.google.com/u/0/110117529743029959620/posts

 

FREE Radon Test Kits!

The Cooperative Extension is offering FREE, easy-to-use radon test kits available Dec. 1 through Feb. 29, 2015. Winter is the best time to test homes for cancer-causing gas!

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the ground and can enter homes and accumulate to elevated concentrations. At elevated concentrations, the odorless, colorless gas can raise the risk of lung cancer of unsuspecting homeowners.

“A simple three-day test can determine if a house has a radon problem,” Susan Howe, director of the Nevada Radon Education Program, said. “The risk for radon-caused lung cancer is preventable by testing and fixing homes with radon problems. Winter is peak time for radon accumulation in the home.”

In Nevada, one in four homes tested found radon concentrations at or above the EPA action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/l). According to experts, living in a home with radon concentrations at the action level poses a similar risk of developing lunch cancer as smoking about half a pack of cigarettes a day.

The free radon kits for Northeast Clark County are available at the Cooperative Extension office located at 4897 Moapa Valley Blvd. Logandale, NV 89021. Feel free to give us a call if you have any further questions: 702-397-8301 ex. 0.

Post by: Dianna Walker Admin. Assistant II https://plus.google.com/u/0/110117529743029959620/posts

 

ZUMBATHON® for the Cure Charity Event

2015 Annual ZUMBATHON®

On October, 20th 2015 our own certified ZUMBA® instructor Penny Blair helped to earn $3,500 for breast cancer research benefitting the Mesquite Cancer HELP Society. Five hundred and thirty-five dollars of that was from Moapa Valley alone! They had a great turnout with over 100 women and men in attendance. The event was held at the Mesquite Recreation Center located on 100 West Old Mill Road in Mesquite Nevada. If you missed it, here is a video of all the fun:

Feel like joining in on the fun? Your first class is FREE!

Classes in Moapa Valley are held at the Cooperative Extension in Building B on  Tues/Thurs at 5:30. ZUMBA® in the Circuit is also offered at FIT Physical Therapy in Overton on Wednesdays at 5:30PM and Fridays at 9:00AM.

For more information on ZUMBA® classes offered in this area, please contact Penny Blair 702-397-2604 ex. 3 or blairp@unce.unr.edu. or check her out on Facebook at Penny Blair’s ZUMBA® Fitness.

Post by:
Dianna Walker
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Would you like to order fruit trees? Now is the time.

Orchard Signage

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Research and Demonstration Orchard in Las Vegas is currently taking orders for fruit trees. Please refer to the information below…

Tree Sale

It’s that time of year again! Tree orders for bare root trees are now being taken. The Center has many tree types to choose from and Dave Wilson will deliver the trees in February. The trees are bare root, so no soil comes with the roots, and the trees need to be planted really quickly after they arrive (the sooner the better, such as the same day as pickup). The new tree order form is online through Google forms. Check back to the Google form in a couple days if you are looking for a 4 in 1 or 3 in 1 tree, Dave Wilson is checking the availability of these trees. Please fill it out and remember you will be contacted when trees arrive—then come pick them up with cash or check at 4600 Horse Dr. North Las Vegas, NV 89131.

Bare Root Tree Varieties Offered:

Arkansas Black Apple $20

Pink Lady Apple $25

Sundowner Apple $25

Blenheim Apricot $15

Gold Kist Apricot $15

Leah Cot Aprium $20

Cot-N-Candy Aprium $20

Desert Delight Nectarines $15

Babcock White Peach $15

Donut ‘Stark Saturn’ Peach $15

Earlitreat Peach $15

Elberta Peach $15

July Elberta Peach $15

Kaweah Peach $20

May Pride Peach $15

Red Baron Peach $15

Ya Li Asian Pear $15

Yoinashi Asian Pear $15

Laroda Plum $15

Burgundy Plum $15

Santa Rosa Plum on Nemaguard Rootstock $15

Weeping Santa Rosa Plum $15

Dapple Supreme Pluot $20

Flavor Supreme Pluot $20

Splash Pluot $20

4 in 1 Pluot (Flavor King, Flavor Queen, Flavor Supreme, and Dapple Dandy) $35

 

Here is the link to the order form:

http://goo.gl/forms/iOlVeVfhoM[goo.gl]

The Orchard is located 100 yards east of the intersection of North Decatur and Horse Drive in North Las Vegas. The easiest way to reach The Orchard while roads are under construction is to take CC 215 (North part of the Beltway) to Aliante Parkway. Drive north on Aliante Parkway 1.9 miles to Horse Drive. Turn left (West) on Horse Drive for 0.9 miles to The Orchard. For more information about The Orchard you can call the Master Gardener Help Line at 702-257-5555.

Master Gardeners are always available to answer questions about your garden or landscape.

Here is a blogpost about a visit to this orchard. https://artisticgardener.wordpress.com/category/local-farms-orchards-and-veggie-gardens/unce-orchard/

Available at the fruit tables:

• Pomegranates $1 ea.
• Asian Pears $2/lb.
• Fuji Apples $2/lb.
• Okra $2/lb.
• Jujube $7/0.5lb.
• Zucchini $1/lb.
• Herbs—Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Lavender, Fennel, Sage, Echinacea $2/handful

In the back

Five gallon bucket of compost $3

Tractor bucket full of compost $15

Mulch- free

The Center is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8am-12pm. The gates will be open at 7am due to the heat.

Volunteers are always welcome and Master Gardeners will train you.

Thank you for joining us!

 

For more information please contact:

Tamara Wynne

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

Research Technician I

4400 Horse Drive

North Las Vegas, NV 89131

702-786-4361

 

Post by:
Dianna Walker
Admin. Assistant II
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4-H Turkey Week – November 16-21, 2015

This November the Moapa Valley 4-H Council is hosting a 4-H Turkey Week!

The event will run through November 16-21 and include: 4-H Science Nights, 4-H Acheivement Night, Turkey Wobble Community Dance, and the Community Turkey Trap Shoot.

Click on the flyer above for the schedule and for registration/prepayment please stop by the Cooperative Extension Office in Logandale between the hours of 8:00AM-12:00PM or 12:30PM-4:30PM. (1897 N. Moapa Valley Blvd. in Logandale)

Contact Lacey Sproul-Tom for questions at 702-397-2604 ex. 2 or sproull@unce.unr.edu.

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Dianna Walker
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4-H Shotgun Club Starting Up

There is a new 4-H Shotgun Club starting up! The first initial safety/planning meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 4:00-6:00PM. This club is open to any youth ranging from ages 9-18 years old. If you are interested in joining or have any question please contact, Lacey Sproul-Tom at 702-397-2604 ex. 2 or sproull@unce.unr.edu.

Post by:
Dianna Walker
Admin. Assistant II
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Are you doing any landscaping this fall?

SNWA Design Sample

Are you thinking of doing any landscaping this fall? We get questions about landscape design, plant and tree options all of the time. Before you purchase expensive landscape design software or make the decision to hire someone check out the landscape design options by the Southern Nevada Water Authority. It is really well done,there is some very useful information on their website and good news is…this great resource is FREE! 🙂

The website has several sample designs including: Child Friendly, Color Explosion, Entertaining, Low Maintenance, Mojave Accents and Pool Friendly.

Here is a link to their Sample Designs:

http://www.snwa.com/land/design_samples.html

Need some Design Tips?

http://www.snwa.com/land/design.html

Looking for a specific plant? Try their Plant Index:

http://www.snwa.com/apps/plant/index.cfml

Wondering how to do Landscape Plotting/Planning? Check out their Guide:

http://www.snwa.com/land/design_plan.html

Questions about choosing Plants, Trees and Mulch?

http://www.snwa.com/land/design_plants.html

Also, here is kind of an interesting Youtube video on how to map out your landscape using a Google Earth printout.

If you have more questions please contact us at the Cooperative Extension. 702-397-2604 or walkerd@unce.unr.edu

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Dianna Walker
Admin. Assistant II
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Local Extension Educator Featured in 2015 UNCE Program Highlights

Extension Educator Carol Bishop

Each year, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension issues a Program Highlights publication. This year, Carol Bishop our Extension Educator was featured for her work in helping to promote economic development in Moapa Valley in relation to recovering commercially from the drought affecting Lake Mead. For the entire article, check out pages 13 and 14 on this link:  2015 UNCE Program Highlights

Here is an excerpt from that article:

Small towns in the Valley, such as Logandale and Overton, are feeling an extra pinch in their pocketbooks due to the lake’s declining levels. “These are rural communities, and they relied a lot upon Lake Mead’s recreational opportunities to bring tourism to the area,” explained Extension Educator Carol Bishop. “Now, as the lake dries up, and marinas and boat launches are forced to close, our tourism is also drying up.” With her background in economics, Bishop is helping the Valley find ways to revitalize the economy. She advised interested community members to form a nonprofit, the Moapa Valley Revitalization Project, and helped them complete the process. Now the Project’s website brands the Valley as “Southern Nevada’s Outdoor Playground,” and says, “Come Play in Our Dirt.”

*Thank to Vernon Robison at the Moapa Valley Progress for allowing the UNCE to use  his photo of the Lake Mead Bathtub Ring

For questions or more information please contact us at the Cooperative Extension 702-397-2604 or walkerd@unce.unr.edu

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Dianna Walker
Admin. Assistant II
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Congratulations Penny Blair!

Congrats Penny! Notice we got her a carrot cake to celebrate…that’s sort of “healthy-ish” right?

The Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce that our very own Penny Blair recently passed her American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Fitness Certification! She is currently the only Certified Personal Trainer in our community and we are excited to see her utilizing her new certification out here. She is officially – Penny Blair , CLC, GFI and now PT. (That is a lot of letters behind her name, she is pretty amazing!)

Pertaining to your activity preferences and goals Penny can help you to achieve your SMART Goals. Let’s talk! For times/days she is available, give her a call 702-397-2604 ext. 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penny is currently teaching Zumba ^® classes at the Cooperative Extension and FIT Physical Therapy. The first class is FREE!!

Come on down and give it a try!

Penny is teaching at the Cooperative Extension on Tuesdays/Thursdays at 5:30 PM in Building B.

Penny also teaches Zumba ^® Circuit at FIT Physical Therapy on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM and Fridays at 9:00 AM.

Class Fees:

$3 Drop-ins

$20 Zumba ^® Fitness/Toning Punch Card ($2 per class)

$20 Zumba ^® Circuit ($1 per class)

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact us at 702-397-2604 ex 3 or blairp@unce.unr.edu.

 

Post by:
Dianna Walker
Admin. Assistant II
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