Those wanting to spruce up their yards with native plants and get gardening tips are invited to a celebration in North Las Vegas at The Center for Urban Water Conservation, Research Center & Demonstration Orchard. University of Nevada, Reno Extension, in partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is hosting an event April 27 to celebrate 30 years of collaboration at the facility.

The event will include tours of the facility, a native plant sale, children’s activities and pastries. There will also be information on volunteer and educational opportunities, and presentations on a variety of water and horticulture issues, including native plants, worm bins, growing herbs, honeybees, roses, palms, growing smarter, and current research being conducted. The presentations will be given by Extension’s Master Gardeners, as well as faculty and staff from both universities.  

The goal of the Center is to conduct research and provide information on water conservation in the Mojave Desert. Through UNLV, three Ph.D. students, six master's degree students, and over 75 undergraduates have conducted or assisted on research projects at the Center. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications and numerous fact sheets have been published on the work conducted at the Center.

The Research Center & Demonstration Orchard portion of the Center houses over 500 fruit trees, 230 grape vines and 100 palm trees, as well as many vegetable beds. In just the last four years, the grounds produced an average of 1,310 pounds of vegetables, 9,773 pounds, of fruit, and 2,888 pounds of grapes. The produce is available to the community, with the excess going to local food banks. The Center has welcomed over 2,500 visitors a year. It is maintained with help from Extension’s Master Gardeners and community volunteers.

“The celebration will highlight the long working relationship among UNLV, University of Nevada, Reno, and the City of North Las Vegas in addressing water-related issues facing southern Nevada,” Dale Devitt, director of the Center, said.

The anniversary celebration will be held at the Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 27, at 4734 Horse Drive in North Las Vegas. It is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.

For more information, contact Louise Ruskamp at 702-786-4361 or Marilin Lopez-Bermudez.

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.