River Fork activities for families and artists

Two events are scheduled this week at the River Fork Ranch Preserve, 381 Genoa Lane in Genoa.

On Thursday from 5-7 p.m., The Nature Conservancy in Nevada and Sierra Nevada Journeys host a Family Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Night and Open House.

Attendees will participate in hands-on STEM activities, examine different types of bird beaks, explore water flow direction, and have an opportunity to learn about the riparian zone (interface between land and the Carson River) and River Fork Ranch’s efforts to restore the habitat of Nevada’s declining Mule Deer population.

The Carson City-based non-profit River Wranglers will bring a number of different pelts, skulls, and scat for more hand-on learning about animals native to the Carson River watershed.

All ages are welcome at the Family STEM Night. This event is free, and no RSVP is needed.

On Saturday, a Plein Air (outdoor) painting class takes place at River Fork Ranch from 10 a.m.-12 noon.

Participants will create a landscape painting by observing nature and building skills in shape, shade, and color. Painters will “learn the behavior of watercolor in order to have the best outcome for their work” and are encouraged to bring a chair and a sense of curiosity.

Space is limited and an RSVP is required. Cost is $35 and includes supplies. Half of the proceeds will benefit The Nature Conservancy and their mission to “conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.”

For more information about these events or to register for the Plein Air painting class, contact River Fork Ranch manager Lori Leonard at lori.leonard@tnc.org.

Chili Cook Off October 8

Intero Gardnerville hosts their 6th annual Chili Cook Off on 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Intero parking lot, 1362 Main St. (across from Raley’s).

This family friendly event is $5 per person and includes chili tasting and voting for favorite recipes and booth decor. A silent auction and a raffle open to all-ages will be held, along with a separate gun raffle open to those age 21 and older.

Attendees are encouraged to participate in the event’s patriotic theme and come dressed in their favorite American attire.

Chili cooking teams are invited to compete for a $75 entry, with the competition limited to the first 20 entrants. Teams must register by September 23.

Proceeds from the cook off will benefit the local non-profit Suicide Prevention Network (spnawareness.org).

Intero real estate agent Jenny McQuain said the community-based event has “grown so much over they years” and is something that brings people of all ages together.

“(Intero is) so excited to finally get to host (the chili cook off) again, and we are looking forward to our best numbers this year,” McQuain said. “We’ve planned in the hopes that well over 1000 people will attend.”

For more information or to register a cooking team, contact McQuain at Intero by calling 775-783-5330.