Volunteers and local businesses improved the corner of West Main Street and U.S. 95A in Fernley. Photo courtesy of Greg Stevens.
Sometimes all it takes to make something happen is somebody deciding to get started.
That's exactly what Teresa Morros and her husband, John, have done at the corner of West Main Street and U.S. 95A in Fernley, where a growing band of volunteers, local businesses and community members has been transforming a neglected stretch of roadside into something the community can be proud of.
And they've done it with donated materials, volunteer labor, a whole lot of shoveling and the occasional expensive lesson.
What started as Teresa's idea to bring a little love back to Main Street has turned into a community project, complete with decorative boulders, benches, trash cans, decomposed granite, recycled artificial turf and custom lighted metal artwork.
No elaborate committees or lengthy meetings. Just people willing to show up, bring what they can and get their hands dirty.
The work has been coming together over the past several weeks, with Teresa posting regular updates on social media, celebrating each addition and thanking volunteers along the way.
One particularly exciting day brought the arrival and installation of decorative lighted poles, along with another load of decomposed granite, commonly called DG.
Of course, not everything has gone according to plan.
As Teresa explained in one update, John accidentally left his tailgate down and lost his impact wrench. Nearly $500 later, he was finally able to finish securing the poles.
But even a missing tool couldn't dampen the enthusiasm.
"One step, one shovel, and sometimes one expensive lesson at a time!" Teresa wrote.
Among the most noticeable improvements is the addition of artificial turf, much of it recycled or reclaimed material donated for the project.
Kelly Brye, Tatiana Marquis, and Colter, along with their crew, tackled the installation, turning dirt and rock into a much more inviting green space. Senior Floor Technician Crispin Garcia helped with some particularly long seams.
In another example of the community spirit behind the project, Tracey Ebert-Roque happened to drive by while volunteers were spreading four cubic yards of DG. Rather than continue on her way, she pulled over and spent more than two hours helping shovel and rake.
It's that kind of spontaneous generosity that has kept the project moving.
Michelle Moffitt of Twisted Steel has contributed her artistic talents, creating distinctive metal pieces that add character to the site. Gopher Construction provided a generous discount on DG, stretching the project's resources further.
Marcel Wagner of the Fernley Chamber of Commerce has spent considerable time behind a shovel, while John Morros has handled many of the day-to-day details, keeping the worksite organized and making sure everything comes together.
Dana Uhlhorn has been another regular supporter, although Teresa joked that his one-handed shoveling technique might be better suited to cheering everyone else on.
Others who have contributed time, materials or assistance include Eric and Kellie Flodman of Cardin Realty and Silver Spur, Katie Gillespie of eXp Realty, Frank Gillespie, Fernley City Council members Ryan Hanan and Albert Torres, Dalton from the City of Fernley, Tori Solberg of Water Heater Mafia and David from Because I Can, who traveled from Spanish Springs to lend a hand.
Concrete has been poured, benches and trash cans installed, decorative lighting added and sections of turf completed. But Teresa isn't finished yet.
In fact, she has a few more surprises planned.
More improvements on the way
In December, a special custom piece created by Twisted Steel will be installed. Teresa knows exactly what it is, but she's keeping the details under wraps.
"I'm like a little kid wanting to tell everyone what it is, but I promised to keep it a secret!" she wrote.
The final phase will focus on the area surrounding a tree and incorporate some of Fernley's railroad history.
Plans include a custom bench featuring scenes from the Southern Pacific Railroad, two additional decorative light poles and an arrangement of colorful steel flowers surrounding an ornamental lighted orb.
Teresa hopes to have the bench completed by the end of 2026, with the remaining improvements finished in early 2027.
The group also plans to launch an engraved paver campaign in early November, allowing residents, families and businesses to leave a permanent mark on the project.
For $80 per paver, donors can honor a loved one, commemorate their family or simply show their Fernley pride.
Teresa has also been mindful of the long-term upkeep. With synthetic turf, DG and metal artwork, the improvements are intended to require little maintenance. The property owner has agreed to help keep the trash cans emptied and provide occasional care for the landscaped areas.
A reason to stop in Fernley
And if anyone wonders whether all this work is making a difference, Teresa has a story about that, too.
On Sunday, she and John were driving by the project when they noticed an RV parked nearby. A couple had backed up to the newly landscaped area, pulled out their lawn chairs and settled in on the grass.
Naturally, Teresa had to stop and say hello.
The couple explained that they were traveling across the country and had stopped in Fernley to do their laundry. While waiting, they spotted the inviting green space and decided to sit outside and enjoy the afternoon.
They told Teresa they had driven through Fernley before but had never felt inclined to stop until now.
"Talk about putting a HUGE smile on my heart!" Teresa wrote.
And really, isn't that the whole point?
A little patch of green, some beautiful artwork, a comfortable place to sit and suddenly two travelers who might otherwise have driven straight through town are stopping to enjoy Fernley.
Not bad for a project that started with an idea, a few shovels and some neighbors willing to help.
As Teresa put it, "We're bringing some love back to Main Street, Fernley!"
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