A demo garden at the West Street Market

Imagine what this might look like planted out with Nevada-friendly food crops....

It could happen!

By now many of us know about the West Street Market project planned for downtown Reno, Nevada. I’ve been waiting for my chance to contribute to this local-food concept and now the time has come! Leslie Allen of the UNR Cooperative Extension is putting together a demonstration food garden plan to redesign the median in front of the market. She has a plan, financial support, and the skill…all that’s needed now is us.


This project is important in many ways but two aspects stick with me and will have me asking my supervisor for time off these two days so that I can contribute.

First, the people working to develop this project are totally committed to creating a market that connects local food lovers (us) with local growers, cheese makers, bakers, and restaurateurs. When this market is fully developed as planned it will be exactly what a local food lover needs – a one-stop location to pick up a variety of tasty, locally grown and/or locally prepared foods.

Second, a great urban market is a key component of a successful and vibrant downtown atmosphere. The West Street Market location is right in the middle of the area local merchants and city officials have been working to improve for a long time now. Things are really looking good downtown and I think this garden will be another great addition to the increasingly inviting feel.

Is there anything more inviting than a garden? So...why not a demo-garden?

The ultimate local food is that which is grown right outside your front or back door. As it turns out the West Street Market will have a “front door” conveniently located near some growing space, perfect for a demonstration food garden. Leslie, the City of Reno, and the UNR Cooperative Extension would love to show us what can be happen when a locally driven project, supported by local people who plant and care for a garden, is put in place to demonstrate to local consumers, kids, and visitors, the beauty of food grown in Nevada's nooks and crannies.

Are you, or perhaps someone else in your circle, looking for an opportunity to volunteer for a day, or two, or more? How about now? Planting days are tentatively scheduled for June 19th & 20th (Thursday and Friday). If you’d like to be involved with this project click on the comment field and let me know..I'll pass it on to Leslie. Hope to see you there!