At Nevada Field Day on Sept. 26, visitors will be treated to a variety of free activities and giveaways, even some tasty food samples. As part of this year's activities, which focus on "Innovation for a Sustainable Future," local Restaurateur/Chef Mark Estee will be demonstrating how to cook at home with healthy, local food.

The University of Nevada, Reno event focuses on advancements in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, natural resources and the environment. It is a collaborative project of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources; Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station; and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, and is sponsored in part by the Nevada Agricultural Foundation and the Truckee Meadows Water Authority.

"Our College, Cooperative Extension and the Agricultural Experiment Station have been historic partners in innovation and delivery of evidence-based knowledge to Nevadans for over a century," said Bill Payne, dean of the University's College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. "This event celebrates that and shows Nevadans the value of our work to their lives today and to Nevada's future."

The event will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station's Valley Road Greenhouse Complex, 910 Valley Road, in Reno.

"This is the very property on which Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station was founded," said Payne. "At this year's event, we are especially pleased to be able to honor the heirs of the families who made the experiment station a reality in 1899."

A variety of activities will showcase the University's work and partnerships throughout the state.

"At Field Day, people can see how our faculty and staff improve the lives of Nevadans in both rural and urban communities," said Mark Walker, dean and director of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. "Visitors can meet the people who design and deliver programs that address health and nutrition needs, community and economic development, and the need to prepare our kids for college and careers in the sciences."

Some of the events' activities include:
- Reno Local Food Group's cooking demonstration and samples with Estee, featuring the University's Wolf Pack Meats and Desert Farming Initiative's produce
- A farmers market, with Desert Farming Initiative produce for sale
- Urban Roots' Desert Hops Project information, with growing and brewing tips
- A hoop house-building demonstration and greenhouse tours
- Information on gardening in Nevada from Cooperative Extensions Master Gardeners
- Information on low-water-use alternative crops and other information for Nevada's farmers and ranchers
- Information on research projects, including development of bioplastic compostable plant containers
- Nutrition information, including samples of vegetables and healthy beverage alternatives for kids
- 4-H Youth Programs featuring dairy goats, small animals and a take-home science experiment for kids
- Sheep and wool-spinning demonstrations, and equestrian demonstrations
- Demonstrations on beekeeping
- Information on the dangers of radon, and free radon test kits for homeowners
- Living With Fire's Ember House, an activity for youth showing how wildfire embers endanger homes

Battle Born and All Wrapped Up food trucks will also be on site, where visitors can purchase lunch. Admission to the event and parking are free and open to the public, but registration is requested at http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/fieldday/registration.aspx or 775-784-1660. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance are asked to call at least three days prior to the event.