Outdoors

I often notice horticulture claims that will supposedly benefit plants as I read the news. Two caught my attention this past week: use baking soda to control leaf and root diseases and coffee grounds to make plants healthy. I wanted to explore the science behind these assertions, so I turned to my favorite urban horticulture researcher and myth debunker, Linda Chalker-Scott. Ph.D., at Washington State University.

Carson Now reader Brian Andrews submitted this wonderful photo of a herd of deer at sunrise.

On Sunday, February 12, 2023, Capitol City Gun Club in Carson City, NV will host a Valentine’s Fun Shoot from 9:00am to 4:30pm. The Club is located at 3590 Arrowhead Drive - Call (775) 882-9904 for details. Target fees will be discounted all day. Everyone is invited to come!

A report from the USDA Forest Service reveals about 36.3 million trees across 2.6 million acres of federal, state and private land died in California in 2022.

As each year starts, landscape designers come out with their new trends. While I always check them out, they generally amuse me. Too often the “new trends” are things that are making a comeback or are tried and true gardening techniques.

Carson Now reader Eleanor Bernsten sent in this great photo of a young buck, who she dubbed Mr. Buck, enjoying a cold winter’s snack at one of her bird feeders.

Have you a photo you’d like to share? Submit it here for a chance to be featured!

Back by popular demand! The beginning beekeeping workshop will be held on February 10 and 11 at Adams Hub for Innovation, Carson City. As usual, there is a great line-up of speakers and topics.

Topics include everything from bee anatomy, equipment, and hive inspections, to diseases and pests, planting for pollinators, and treasures and tastings from the hive.

Lindsay Chichester, Douglas County Extension Educator, and fourth-year beekeeper is excited to provide this educational opportunity to new beekeepers to teach them the foundation needed for beekeeping.

Carson Fly Fishing Club's Monthly Meeting is Tuesday, February 14, 7 p.m. in the Ormsby Room of the Carson City Sheriff's Office, 911 East Musser Street.

This meeting will feature Russ Vezzali presentation about Euro Nymphing. The public is welcome to attend. For more information contact: Stan Zuber 671-2151

With Washoe Lake frozen over, local wildlife, including a couple coyotes and some feathered ones, take advantage of the sunshine.

Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team members may continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. The Nevada Division of Forestry is scheduled to burn hand piles near Incline Village. Smoke will be present.

Chickadee Ridge overlooking Lake Tahoe has become a popular snowshoe and cross-country ski destination for people hoping to experience feeding the tiny black-capped birds, often from the palm of one’s hand. New research from the University of Nevada, Reno shows the activity has no negative impact on the species as long as a few simple rules are followed.

On Monday evening Mars was once again behind the moon. In the southern US Mars was occulted by the moon while here in Carson City, Mars could be seen to skin by just above.

Over the past few weeks, storm after storm has rolled through the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Great Basin, dropping much-needed rain and heavy snow from Reno to Elko. But despite all the welcome precipitation, the state still faces drought conditions after back-to-back dry years.

During the growing season we think about our plants’ water needs. Since plants can be up to 95 percent water, water is critical to their growth, reproduction and survival.

Hello Fellow anglers. Be careful what you wish for: in my last report I wished for enough snow pack to fill our lakes and streams for the new year - well, we got it!

775 Offroad and Recovery, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible offroading and providing recovery services to those in need, has made a significant impact on the offroad community in northern and central Nevada.

Winter reminds us that it has no intention of releasing its icy grip around Carson City.

Happy New Year from the Carson City Park Rangers! Every month, the Park Rangers offer various Ranger-Led programs that include educational opportunities, historical fun and exciting adventures.

Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team members may continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe as conditions and weather allow. The Nevada Division of Forestry is scheduled to burn hand piles near Incline Village and the USDA Forest Service may continue operations near Baldwin Beach.

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Division of State Parks is excited to announce a new way for Nevadans to check out their State Parks – by borrowing a park pass from their local public library.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Thursday, Jan. 19 expanded efforts to reduce wildfire risk across the western U.S., directly affecting national forests here in Nevada.

It may be hard to believe, but February is just around the corner. Although there are usually storms around Presidents’ weekend, some days in February are often relatively mild. I remember temperatures in the low 70s some years. And, while those warmer days are welcome, newbies to the area often think winter is over and get anxious to start gardening again. Long-time Northern Nevada gardeners know better.

Clarification: A Carson Now reader submitted two photos Saturday via Facebook instant message and left the following message: "A very healthy mountain lion relaxing at the end of Woodridge Circle in Timberline Thursday, January 19 2023."

Of the two photos, the main photo was taken by Connie Thompson. We reached out to Connie who explained that on Wednesday, Jan. 18, she called contacted NDOW because the mountain lion (as seen in the first photo) was acting sick and was not healthy.

RENO — Nevada has a history of periodically locking into centuries-long droughts, new research led by the University of Nevada, Reno shows. People throughout the American Southwest should be prepared to adapt to less water.

The Prison Hill Fire of 2021 swept across 171 acres of land following a dry lightning storm which started multiple fires in a the span of only a few minutes. The burn scar can still be seen — including how close it came to the houses in the area.

However, that burn scar will disappear with time if the plans initiated by Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space are successful.

If conditions are favorable, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team will resume prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. Beginning Wednesday, the Nevada Division of Forestry is scheduled to burn hand piles near Spooner Lake and the USDA Forest Service is scheduled to burn a large machine pile this Friday near Baldwin Beach.

Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series returns in February to help both new gardeners and those who already have a green thumb hone their gardening skills.

What a wild beginning to 2023! We have already received almost our entire annual precipitation and it’s only January. Heavy wet snow followed torrential rains. Yes, we need the moisture to fill reservoirs, lakes and recharge ground water. No, we didn’t need it all in a couple of weeks.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is pleased to announce the 2023 Winter Trek Conservation Education Program at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

It is that time of year when The Greenhouse Project staff begins planting petunia seeds that will be nurtured to maturity before being transplanted into huge baskets and hung throughout Carson City's downtown historic district and corridor in June. Grown at Green Central, our primary location at Carson High School, flowers not used in the baskets, are part of the offerings at our Mother's Day Plant Sale.