University of Nevada, Reno Extension, in partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is hosting an event Oct. 26 to celebrate 25 years of collaboration at the Center for Urban Water Conservation/Research Center and Demonstration Orchard.

The event will include horticulture demonstrations, tours of the facility, a plant and produce sale, children’s activities and a food truck. There will also be information on volunteer and educational opportunities, and presentations on a variety of water and horticulture issues, including milkweeds and monarchs, growing herbs, growing smarter, and current research being conducted. The presentations will be given by Extension’s Master Gardeners and faculty from both universities.  

The goal of the orchard is to conduct research and provide information on water conservation in the Mojave Desert. The orchard houses over 550 fruit trees and 250 grape vines, vegetables, and other crops. It is maintained with help from Master Gardeners and community volunteers.

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

The anniversary celebration will be held at the center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 26, at 4734 Horse Drive in North Las Vegas. It is free and open to the public. 

For more information, contact Lori Leas at 702-257-5501 or leasl@unce.unr.edu, or Louise Ruskamp at the Demonstration Orchard at 702-786-4361.