Native plants provide stunning, hardy and drought-resistant landscapes while benefiting the environment. Increasing demand for these plants provides opportunities to Nevada’s farmers.
Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute offers a Native Plant and Seed Production workshop, Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., at WNC Carson Campus, 2201 W. College Parkway. The workshop includes a tour of Comstock Seed farm and seed cleaning operation in Gardnerville. Cost is $25 for those registering by April 18, $35 afterward. Lunch is included.
Online registration is available at www.wnc.edu/sci. Information: Ann Louhela -775-423-7565 Ext. 2260 or ann.louhela@wnc.edu
The introductory workshop provides an overview of the native plant and seed industry for producers interested in farm diversification. Topics include an overview of the market; challenges of native seed propagation; seeding techniques including transplanting, collection, cleaning and testing; state and federal seed laws, and more.
Featured speaker Ed Kleiner of Comstock Seed has specialized in native seed acquisition and consultation for more than 30 years. His projects have ranged from forest and range fire reseeding to highway corridors, ski resorts and urban development. Kleiner has been developing his 43-acre seed farm in Gardnerville for more than a decade, including drought tolerant plants and an enhanced nine-acre wetland.
The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is an innovative program to provide training for Nevada’s high desert farms and ranches. Funding for this project is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.