Silver and blue make green at new greenhouses

Students and faculty driving the Interstate 80 corridor between Wells and Virginia streets in Reno have witnessed a green evolution over the course of the past few months — a new physical symbol of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources’ commitment to environmental education.

Passers-by may have pondered the functionality of the concrete building anchoring six adjacent structures, all located at the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station’s Valley Road Field Laboratory. But when the six structures were fitted with their transparent glass windows this spring, the greenhouses came to life — and many questions were answered.

“The size and scope of the project is impressive, to say the least,” said David Thawley, the college’s dean. “The greenhouse complex’s location just off the freeway gives the public an unfettered look at our college’s commitment to agricultural and environmental innovation.”

The $6.2 million greenhouse complex is closely linked to the on-campus Davidson Mathematics and Science Center. The first capital project for the natural sciences on the Nevada campus since 1972 and the future home of the College of Science, the Davidson Center will be constructed beginning this month on the site of CABNR’s former greenhouses (those greenhouses will be demolished to make way for the new building).

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