Local briefs

Carson City

Headstart taking applications for school year

Washoe Tribe Head Start is accepting child applications for the Stewart Head Start Program in Carson City and the Dresslerville Head Start program in Gardnerville for the upcoming 2005-06 school year. Enrollment is open to all low-income children ages 3-5 years, including children with disabilities and special needs.

Head Start is a free developmental preschool program. Bus service is provided for enrolled Head Start children. Call 265-1074 for applications and information.

Seminar on fire survival planting at garden center

There are no fire-resistive plants - all plants will burn if there is enough heat and other conditions are favorable. Landscape maintenance is far more important in landscaping for fire prevention and survivability. But some vegetation is less flammable than others. Greenhouse Garden Center will present a free seminar on Fire Survival Planting at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Variety, spacing and growth stage of the plants around your home can all affect your vulnerability to fire. Learn about using the characteristics of fire-resistive plants, along with site characteristics such as slope, aspect, hardiness zone, and amount of precipitation when designing your landscape and choosing plants, to increase your home's chances of surviving a wildfire.

No prior registration is required for this seminar. For information call 882-8600.

Washoe Valley

Open House this weekend at Wild Animal Infirmary

The Wild Animal Infirmary for Nevada in Washoe Valley will host an Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The event includes a self-guided tour; no admission fee, donations accepted and are tax-exempt. Call 849-0345.

Singles gather for potluck picnic at Davis Creek

Nevada Singles Social Club is having an open admission "Summer Potluck Picnic" at Davis Creek campground at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The event is open to the "single over 40" public to come and meet other singles in a non threatening atmosphere and socialize. Bring a potluck dish to share with six or more people and your own plate. Nevada Singles Social Club will provide soft drinks.

Davis Creek Campground is in Washoe Valley on the frontage road that goes to Bowers Mansion. A few blocks after the turn off from Highway 395, you'll see the entrance to Davis Creek Lake. Turn right at the Davis Creek Campground entrance, pass the campsite area on the right and proceed to the day picnicking area. For information call 841-1329.

Palomino Valley

Wild horse center expands hours

The National Wild Horse and Burro Center at Palomino Valley, BLM's largest horse preparation facility, will now be open six days a week. The facility is approximately 20 miles north of Sparks and is a great place for families and horse enthusiasts alike to stop and visit with some of the West's living legends.

The BLM gathers wild horses from July to February and first brings them to Palomino Valley Center. At the facility, the animals receive veterinary care, an individual freeze mark, inoculations and are separated by gender. The horses are held at the facility until they are ready to be offered for adoption.

Visitors and adopters have always been welcome Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for federal holidays, but now Palomino Valley Center will also be open from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. Guests are welcome at the corrals to view the wild horses. Guests can also visit and pet the two new burro mascots, Josie and Butch.

For information on adopting a wild horse or burro, visit www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or call (775) 475-2222.