With this year's drought, opportunistic weeds are expected to pose major challenges to those managing parks and recreational areas, public lands, ranches, farms and landscapes. University of ϱ Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with other partners, has set the dates for two of its annual weed management educational events, with presentations planned to help ϱns deal with this year's weed challenges with the latest information available.
"Invasive weeds can out-compete native vegetation, crops and livestock forage. They can also pose fire hazards, lead to erosion and water quality issues, and impact wildlife habitat," said Natural Resources Specialist Kent McAdoo with University of ϱ Cooperative Extension, who is coordinating the first educational event, the Weed Extravaganza. "It's important that everyone has the latest information to identify and control these weeds to minimize damage to our lands, wildlife, crops and economy."
Weed Extravaganza: Elko, Nev., April 29 - May 1
The Weed Extravaganza workshop will be offered April 29 to May 1 at the California Trail Interpretive Center, 8 miles west of Elko, Nev. The workshop will discuss a wide range of topics aimed at giving land managers, ranchers and agricultural producers the latest information on controlling invasive weeds.
The event begins with the Elko County Weed Summit on April 29, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Range Professor Barry Perryman, from the University of ϱ, Reno's College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, will give a keynote presentation on "Using Fall Livestock Grazing for Cheatgrass Control." There will be various updates on weed regulations, species and mapping from weed management associations, the Bureau of Land Management, the ϱ Department of Agriculture, the Eastern ϱ Landscape Coalition and University of ϱ Cooperative Extension. McAdoo will host an afternoon field trip demonstrating how to identify weeds during their vulnerable growth stages.
As part of the Weed Extravaganza, the Pesticide Applicator Training/Weed Identification and Management Workshop will be offered the next day, April 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This workshop is tailored for those seeking restricted-use pesticide certification. Topics will include weed identification and management, pesticide regulations, recordkeeping and equipment calibration, and worker protection.
The April 29 and 30 workshops are free, and participants attending both sessions can earn 14 continuing education units. Those planning to attend on April 29 are encouraged to RSVP to Candie Kevan at kevanc@unce.unr.edu or 775-738-7291 by April 25 so that complimentary lunches can be provided for all participants that day. Certification exams will be offered at 7:15a.m., May 1. The exam fee is $25 at the door. ϱ Pesticide Applicator Training Manual sets may be obtained for $15 at Cooperative Extension offices, or free online, at .
The California Trail Interpretive Center is located just off I-80, at Hunter Exit 292, 8 miles west of Elko, ϱ. The Weed Extravaganza is sponsored by Elko County Association of Conservation Districts, Humboldt Watershed Cooperative Weed Management Area, the ϱ Department of Agriculture and University of ϱ Cooperative Extension. For more information, call 775-738-7291.
Weed Warrior Basic Training: Reno, Carson City, Gardnerville and Winnemucca, Nev., May 21 - 22
University of ϱ Cooperative Extension will offer an introductory-level weed-management training, the Weed Warriors Basic Training, 1 to 5 p.m., May 21 and 8 a.m. to noon, May 22 at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno. The workshops will also be available via videoconference at Cooperative Extension offices in Carson City, Gardnerville and Winnemucca.
This eight-hour, two-day training introduces participants to the principles of Integrated Weed Management and focuses on identifying and managing noxious weeds of local importance. There are more than 30 volunteer-staffed Cooperative Weed Management Areas in ϱ, and Cooperative Extension's Weed Warrior Program provides the training for many of their volunteers.
At the May 21-22 training, more than 30 species will be discussed, with a focus on 12 high‐priority invasive weeds. Topics will include weed law, identification, biology and control. The fee for the two half-day sessions is $50 and includes program supplies, a binder of weed identification and control information, and refreshments. Preregistration by May 2 is required, and certified pesticide applicators can earn eight continuing education credits for attending. The workshop is supported by University of ϱ Cooperative Extension and the Truckee Meadows Weed Coordinating Group. Contact Melody Hefner at hefnerm@unce.unr.edu or 775-336-4881 for more information or to register.
Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to attending any of these weed management educational events.
