Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: June 8, 2006

UW Sheridan Research and Extension Center field day June 27

            Tours of plant research trials and discussions about biodiesel crops, organic gardening, proposed research involving coal-bed methane discharge water, formal gardening and a new student internship program are among topics of the Sheridan Research and Extension Center’s annual field day.

            The free event begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, at the center six miles east of Sheridan on the Wyarno Highway.

            Registration, including refreshments, is from 9:30 a.m. to 10.

            Justin Moss, the center’s director, will give welcoming remarks and updates of research and extension work at the Sheridan Research and Extension (R&E) Center and Sheridan College.

            Moss will lead participants on a tour of dry land research plots beginning at 11 a.m. at the Sheridan R&E Center.

            Among the dry land trials on the 320-acre site are winter wheat, spring grains, warm- and cool-season forage grasses and alfalfa. Research started this season on crops used to produce oil for biodiesel. Participants will also view last month’s project involving Sheridan County 4-Hers and others, who planted approximately 300 trees and shrubs on the grounds.

            Moss will discuss a research project that is in the final stages of planning involving coal-bed methane discharge water (see separate story).

            A free lunch of hamburgers, chips and refreshments will be served at noon.

            The group will travel to Sheridan College following lunch to tour irrigated variety trials including turf grasses, oilseed crops and spring grains. They will also discuss organic gardening and view the new trials for cut flowers (showy flowers used in fresh arrangements) and the new formal gardens at the college that were designed and installed in part by summer interns.

            Moss said the internship program, started this year by Sheridan College and the Sheridan R&E Center, is designed in part as a recruiting tool for SC and UW. It is intended to give college students in an agricultural-related field such as horticulture, agroecology, plant sciences, renewable resources, etc., a chance to perform research and gain practical experience.

            Students interested in a paid internship next summer or in the future may contact Moss at (307) 737-2415, or e-mail him at jmoss@uwyo.edu.

            For more information about the Sheridan R&E Center, see http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/Centers/Sheridan.asp.

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