Opportunistic weeds pose major challenges to those managing public lands, ranches, farms and other landscapes. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with other partners, will present the annual Weed Extravaganza April 26 - 28 to help Nevadans deal with this year's weed challenges with the latest information available.

"Invasive weeds can out-compete native vegetation, crops and livestock forage," said Natural Resources Extension Specialist Kent McAdoo, the event coordinator. "They can also pose fire hazards, lead to erosion and water quality issues, and impact wildlife habitat. 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."

The workshop will be offered April 26 - 28 at the California Trail Interpretive Center, 8 miles west of Elko, Nev. The workshop will include 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 26, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This year's featured speaker is Dave Stewart, with BioWest Ag Solutions, who will discuss "Bacterial Treatment for Cheatgrass Control." There will be information on weed regulations, weed-free certification and understanding root systems, from the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Nevada Weed Management Association, Bureau of Land Management and University of Nevada 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 27, 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, vertebrate pest management, pesticide regulations, pollinator protection, recordkeeping and equipment calibration, and worker protection.

The April 26 and 27 workshops are free, and participants can earn up to 14 Continuing Education Units. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to Candie Kevan at kevanc@unce.unr.edu or 775-738-7291 by April 21 so that complimentary lunches can be provided for all participants on April 26. Certification exams will be conducted by the Nevada Department of Agriculture at 7:15 a.m., April 28. The exam fee is $50 at the door. Nevada Pesticide Applicator Training Manual sets may be obtained free online at http://www.unce.unr.edu/programs/sites/pesticide/.

The California Trail Interpretive Center is located just off I-80, at Hunter Exit 292, 8 miles west of Elko, Nev. The Weed Extravaganza is sponsored by the Humboldt Watershed Cooperative Weed Management Area, Northeastern Nevada Stewardship Group, Nevada Department of Agriculture and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the event. For more information, call 775-738-7291.