Extension and their certified Master Gardeners offer “Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series.” The series, online this year via Zoom, is for anyone who wants to garden – those with big yards, small yards, or just patio or balcony space. These classes, offered in partnership with Bartley Ranch and Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space, are free and run 6-8 p.m., every Tuesday, Feb. 16 – March 30.

“Beekeeping is a lot like raising other livestock animals,” Lindsay Chichester, Extension educator for Douglas County, said. “You have to observe them, monitor their health, and watch for pests and disease. There are also so many more things people can do with the byproducts, such as making wax items, art, jewelry and more.”

The classes are taught by Extension horticulturists, experts and certified Master Gardener volunteers, as well as local business owners. International Society of Arboriculture continuing education units may be available for some classes. The next three classes are:

• Feb. 16: Beekeeping: 10 Lessons Learned in the First Year — Lindsay Chichester, Extension educator for Douglas County, will discuss what she learned through trial and error during her time keeping bees during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. She will also provide suggestions and advice to others who may be interested in keeping honeybees and discuss future plans for expanding the Douglas County Beekeeping Project. Register online for the Beekeeping: 10 Lessons Learned in the First Year class.
• Feb. 23: Perennials in the Garden — Georgette Porter, Extension Master Gardener volunteer, will show participants how to have perennial flowers in their gardens year after year. From the common to the unexpected, Porter will talk about the rewards of planting perennials in our high-desert environment. Register online for the Perennials in the Garden class.  
• March 2: Training and Pruning Fruit Trees — Michael Janik, Extension Master Gardener volunteer and certified arborist, will present fruit tree pruning basics, including how trees respond to pruning, size control using appropriate rootstocks, early training to reduce the need for pruning as the tree matures, and when to prune. International Society of Arboriculture continuing education units have been requested for this class. Register online for the Training and Pruning Fruit Trees class.

For more information on “Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series,” or for general horticultural inquiries, contact Extension at 775-784-4848 or visit Extension's website. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.