Briefs

Once again, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is offer free mulch for area residents at its master gardener orchard in North Las Vegas.

The coarse, organic wood mulch comes from trees throughout the community that have been chipped into mulch. Because it is coarse, the mulch will not blow under high winds and allows good water and air penetration to the roots.

It will decompose in a couple of years, adding organic matter to your soil, lowering the soil pH and encouraging soil microorganisms and worms.

The orchard experts recommend using 4-6 inches of organic mulch around fruit trees.

Mulch also helps keep soil moist and save water.

The mulch is located inside the orchard facility. You can stop by and pick up as much as you want during orchard hours: mornings, Monday through Thursday and Saturday.

It may be possible to arrange delivery for loads more than 10 cubic yards. Call 257-5555 or e-mail morrisr@unce.unr.edu for more information.

To reach the master gardener orchard, located nearly at the base of the Sheep Range, take U.S. Highway 95 north or Interstate 15 north to the Las Vegas Beltway. Take the Beltway east toward Aliante. Exit on Aliante Parkway and turn north traveling to Horse Drive. Turn left on Horse Drive to the orchard, which is located at 4400 Horse Drive.

Program offers free air conditioners to homeowners

Three area homeowners will have their old air conditioning units replaced with new units free of charge through the Nevada State Contractors Board and the Southern Nevada Air Conditioning Refrigeration Service Contractors Association’s fifth annual Mission Cool Off Program.

Selections will be made depending on a person’s or family’s special needs.

The program is limited to the first 100 applications received now through March 31. Tenants, landlords and owners who do not reside at the residents, along with mobile home owners, may not apply.

More information and an application can be downloaded from the contractors board’s Web site, www.nscb.state.nv.us or by calling Ranya Botros at 486-1165.