Washoe Valley Alliance hosted a free event, Celebrate Washoe Valley, on May 17th at Washoe Lake State Park. It was a delightful day for the over 300 guests who attended to connect and learn more about the ways that government agencies and service organizations support, promote, and preserve Washoe Valley.
Washoe Lake State Park offered a free opportunity to enjoy the park. A new feature is the children’s play maze.
Washoe County Parks featured a map of the Washoe Valley Scenic Byway. They announced that the State of Nevada had approved the addition of the segment of the Scenic Byway through Old Washoe City.
A large display of firefighting and public safety equipment was provided by The U.S. Forest Service, Nevada Division of Forestry, Truckee Meadows Fire Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the South Valleys Volunteer Fire Department. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the equipment and meet some of the people who protect us from wildfires, natural disasters and sometimes not-so-nice people.
The U.S. Forest Service brought along Smokey the Bear. It was a wonderful photo experience for both young and old.
The new Washoe Valley Canine Rehabilitation Center, located in the old Cattleman’s Restaurant building was present to explain their program and show off some of the dogs that are available for adoption. The staff of the Washoe Valley Veterinary Hospital was present to provide helpful information on caring for your pets.
If hunger or thirst struck while attending, Boy Scout Troop 150 served hot dogs, chips and drinks for a small donation. A representative from Washoe Valley Girl Scout Troop 1001 was present to explain their program to interested girls.
The Lahontan Audubon Society had a very informative booth with beautiful bird mounts. The Society periodically leads bird walks in Washoe Valley.
The Washoe Valley Garden Club along with Master Gardeners from the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension were available to provide a wealth of information to local gardeners and landscapers.
The Bureau of Land Management table featured many great handouts and information on the Adopt a Horse program. The agency has been instrumental in helping to transition a large amount of private land into public use. This has helped to keep Washoe Valley and the adjacent foothills open and accessible.
Representatives of the Nevada Division of Forestry Nursery offered information on pest control and tree identification. The Nursery is a public resource which is open Thurs- Sat. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers many native plants for sale. Be sure to visit them.
Scenic Nevada was on hand to describe their efforts to fight blight, such as billboards, and to preserve the scenic beauty of Nevada. They helped to establish the Washoe Valley Scenic Byway and listed Washoe Valley as one of ten Last Chance Scenic Places in the state of Nevada that need protecting.
The Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation displayed a project which provides a photo documentary of our area parks. This photographic ‘trail’ can be used to insure that area parks are properly cared for.
The 4H High Sierra Riders outlined the horse riding program of the local 4H chapter. They had a very nice display of riding equipment.
During the entire event the musicians from the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association (NNBA) provided music. The NNBA puts on the annual Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival. This is the 29th year for the festival and it will be held on August 15-17 at Bowers Mansion and Davis Creek Park.
Overall the Celebrate Washoe Valley event was a great success. Everyone seems to want to do it again!
