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By Hope Loudon
On September 14, 2013, local families, students, farmers, and interested citizens attended the annual Main Station Field Day for the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, & Natural Resources (CABNR).
The event showcased a variety of research projects and featured exhibits ranging from games about forest fires and farming, to functioning antique tractors and high tech drones. Visitors were even invited to sign up for a free wine tasting class and to support CABNR’s Wolf Pack Meats by enjoying a delicious lunch made with local beef.
According to CABNR Dean Ron Pardini, field days such as this are a reflection of the college’s history, and its deep commitment to serving the public and involving locals in its activities. As one of the original University of Nevada colleges founded in 1873 as a result of the Morrill Land Grant signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln, CABNR’s mission is threefold including: teaching university students, conducting research, and connecting with stakeholders and citizens. This mission is accomplished through partnerships with a myriad of government and community organizations, more than 20 of which were represented at the field day.
CABNR partners hosted booths where visitors could learn about local environmental projects, animal health, weed management, and other aspects of responsible land use. In the special Kids’ Area, children were given the chance to learn about science through making DNA necklaces, planting their own succulent cuttings, constructing biological cell models out of candy, and watching a chemical magic show.
The available activities were fun and diverse, but they also included vital education designed to protect the people of Nevada as well as the environment.
CABNR is valuable to the community and to the University of Nevada, Reno. CABNR works to revitalize the economy by producing and promoting healthy, locally grown foods. Its student and faculty research which covers topics such as biofuel crops, restoration of lands, livestock production, and nutritional solutions to disease, also contributes to technological advancements which keep the university and local farmers up to date.
CABNR has multiple events throughout the year and offers plenty of opportunities for participation. To learn more about CABNR and its activities, please visit its website: http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/.
