Briefs

Workshop to focus on composting in small spaces

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is presenting a one-day workshop on Composting in Small Spaces April 14. The class runs from 8 a.m. to noon and explains how to make a balanced compost even if you do not have a large garden spot.

The workshop, taught by Angela O'Callaghan, is designed to provide the gardener with knowledge on vermicomposting and more.

Class space is limited to 25 and preregistration is required. There is a $25 fee, which covers class materials.

To register for this class, held at the Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road, contact Elaine Fagin at fagine@unce.unr.edu or call 257-5573.

Tours, talks planned for gardeners anniversary gala

To mark the 20th anniversary of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program, a Garden Gala will be held April 21 at the Lifelong Learning Center and Outdoor Education Center, 8050 Paradise Road. The gala is free and open to all gardening enthusiasts.

Tours and talks begin at 10 a.m. and will be offered every half hour until 4 p.m. Tour topics include palms, cacti, herbs, trees and succulents. Talk topics include vine crops, garden design, and container and desert gardening.

A native plant sale also is scheduled from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The plants available to purchase are from seeds collected and grown by master gardeners. The plant sale is being conducted in partnership with the Nevada Division of Forestry.

Additional activities will include hands-on irrigation, mulch and composting demonstrations; an "Ask a Master Gardener" information booth and community project displays. Horticulture expert Linn Mills, who started the local master gardener program, will be honored, as will Mary Rider, a graduate of the first training class.

Cutting an anniversary cake and reunion of current and former master gardeners will round out the celebration.

For information on the 20th Anniversary Garden Gala or the master gardener program, contact Antoinette Edmunds, program coordinator, via email at edmundsa@unce.unr.edu or call 257-5587.

Information about radon, test kits featured at presentations

Two radon presentations are being offered through University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Radon Education Program this spring.

The first, on April 7, will be held at the Clark County Library, 1401 Flamingo Road, at 11:30 a.m. The second will be held at the Multigenerational Center in Henderson on May 12 at 2:30 p.m. Free test kits will be offered at each presentation.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers .

In Clark County, 7.7 percent of the homes tested for radon have found elevated radon levels above the EPA's action level .

Test kits are available at Cooperative Extension offices statewide for a nominal fee. In Clark County, they are available at the UNCE office, 8050 Paradise Road, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call the Nevada Radon Hotline for more information on test kits at 888-723-6610.