Louie A. Gardella, closely identified with Nevada agriculture for more than forty years, is a native of Nevada, born in 1908. He proudly claims his birthplace as the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, while equally proudly reciting an Italian heritage.

Gardella, a descendant of Italian pioneer farmers, spent his early years on a ranch near Wadsworth, Nevada. He attended local schools and the University of Nevada, graduating with a degree in agriculture. A long career with the Agricultural Extension Service followed, with work in several Nevada counties.

Starting with 1934 in Lincoln County, Gardella became acquainted with the hard life and pioneering spirit that abounded in southern Nevada. There, he was instrumental in demonstrating the introduction of hybrid corn to the economically depressed farming communities. He encouraged well and water enterprises there, and assisted with bringing a better life to the people through electrical power development. At the same time, he became deeply involved in helping young people through formation of 4-H Clubs.

Moving next to Lyon County, Gardella found a more advanced agricultural society. There, he performed some early experiments with pesticides and weed control, and watched the evolution of problems that led to abandonment of the use of various chemicals. Work on drainage of waterlogged acreage constituted one of Gardella's major accomplishments for the ranchers of Lyon County. Again, 4-H Clubs took a large portion of his time and influence, which he gave generously.

Leaving Lyon County, Gardella became the County Agent for Washoe County, at that time probably the most populous, urbanized county in the state. Water development, drainage, irrigation, and the changing needs of the agricultural population engaged his attention. His help with the clearing of the Truckee River reefs to lower the high water table east of Reno allowed the Reno airport and industrial areas more efficient use of land.