– The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources invites you to Field Day, an opportunity for locals to experience the innovation and research happening at the University’s 1,000-acre Main Station Farm on McCarran Boulevard in Reno.

“Field Day is about connecting with the community,” said Ron Pardini, acting CABNR dean and associate director of the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station. “It gives everyone the chance to explore the farm and ask questions of our students and researchers, all while enjoying some family fun.”

This free and open-to-the-public event is Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Four concurrent tours are scheduled the day of the event, with each tour happening at staggered times — giving participants a chance to experience each tour.

Tour 1 will take visitors by shuttle to the Hill, where they will learn about irrigation, biofuel production from camelina, biosolids, composting and the Main Station Field Laboratory internship program. Tour 2, also by shuttle, will have visitors exploring the front fields of Main Station, discussing sheep and cattle production and research. Tour 3 is a walking tour where participants will learn about animal health and production, biomedical research sheep and the large animal surgery unit. Tour 4, also a walking tour, will take visitors to Wolf Pack Meats.

“Main Station is such a tremendous teaching and research resource, and we’re proud to share this with the public,” Pardini said.

The theme of family fun is underscored by many activities designed exclusively for children, including a children’s play area with hay-wagon rides. Families will also enjoy a complimentary barbecue lunch served up by CABNR’s award-winning Wolf Pack Meats.

“This is our fourth Field Day, and we’ve had tremendous feedback from those who’ve been to the event in previous years,” Pardini said. “Our neighbors in Reno, Sparks and beyond appreciate the opportunity to learn about the farm — and to have some fun while they’re at it.”

Space is limited, and registration is requested. Call 784-6237 or visit CABNR/NAES/UNCE Valley Road Field Day 2012 to register.