In summer of 2025, two large trees came down over the South Loop Trail causing hikers to cut the switchback on the end of the trail. This switchback cutting will eventually lead to erosion, making trail conditions unsafe, and causing "trail creep". Bucking these trees and re-doing the tread is going to combat this negative impact on the trail. Our first two attempts to buck these trees last year were thwarted by unlucky weather and icy conditions. This year, we're going to make sure those trees are dealt with!

Trail maintenance is essential for keeping our Wilderness areas open, safe, and enjoyable for all, while also protecting the natural ecosystems from unnecessary damage. Trail work is very important work and is highly rewarding! By maintaining existing trails there is less overall damage to our Wilderness areas and re-building damaged trails creates a safe and durable surface (a key principle of Leave No Trace) for trail users to experience these Wilderness Areas. This trip is not for beginners. We will be hiking three miles (with an elevation gain of 2,000 ft) to the worksite with large saws and heavy tread tools. 

Information

Difficulty level: Most challenging - See our difficulty rating scale here. Strenuous with longer hikes, off-trail hiking, sometimes with significant elevation changes. These trips are very challenging and require excellent aerobic conditioning, past experience in outdoor settings, and familiarity with backcountry hiking and/or camping. Not for beginners. We will be hiking roughly six miles in total with 2,000 feet of elevation gain while carrying heavy tools. 

When: Tuesday June 2nd, 7AM-4PM

Where: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, South Loop Trail

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sun protection, a pack with the ability to carry at least three liters of water, lunch, and snacks. Check out our suggested Packing List.

What to expect: In-depth information, such as weather, trailhead, parking, and project specifics, will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project. Day of: Friends staff members will provide any tool training necessary for the project. We will meet in the morning for a safety/stretch circle and to talk about the project, and then we will hike to the project site and begin working, stopping for lunch and snack breaks as necessary. 

Are Dogs Allowed? Due to the dangerous nature of trail maintenance, dogs are not allowed on this project. 

What we need from you: If you're interested in joining us for this project, you must RSVP. Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on this project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. If you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so another volunteer can join the project.

Want to bring a friend? Please do!! All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc.). Send them the link for the event and make lasting memories 

We can't wait to see you on the trail!

For more information on volunteering with Friends of Nevada Wilderness, check out our volunteer information page here!

Musk Thistle Your Time is Up

Join us for a Tuesday in Mount Rose Wilderness! We will meet at the Hunter Creek trailhead at 8 am on Tuesday, June 2nd, and hike to a location along Hunter Creek Trail as a group to remove the invasive musk thistle. 

Check out these photos from a weed removal project last year.

Read more about Mount Rose Wilderness here!

Information:

Difficulty: Moderate - See our difficulty rating here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. 

Location: Hunter Creek Trail

Dates: Tuesday, June 2nd, 8am - 3pm

Travel: Meet at Hunter Creek Trailhead

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and a lunch/snacks. Shovels and gloves will be provided. Check out our suggested Packing List.

More Details: In-depth information such as weather and project specifics will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page here or email owolff@nevadawilderness.org.

RSVP is required to participate.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

Come help us maintain the North Loop Trail in the Spring Mountains! We will be visiting this trail 3 times this summer to make sure it's in fantastic condition!

Winter weather often leaves the trails in the Spring Mountains looking a little less than desirable, which gives us a great opportunity to get out there and do some good work that will benefit everyone on the trail!

Trail maintenance is essential for keeping our Wilderness areas open, safe, and enjoyable for all, while also protecting the natural ecosystems from unnecessary damage. Trail maintenance is very important work and is highly rewarding! By maintaining existing trails, there is less overall damage to our Wilderness areas, and rebuilding damaged trails creates a safe and durable surface (a key principle of Leave No Trace) for trail users to experience these Wilderness Areas. As a volunteer, you’ll help cut back overgrown brush, clear fallen trees from the trail, and learn sustainable tread repair techniques to redirect water from the trail to prevent erosion. No experience? No problem! Friends of Nevada Wilderness will provide all the training, tools, and safety gear you’ll need. All you need to bring is your love of the outdoors and a willingness to get your hands dirty for a good cause.

Check out these photos from a previous North Loop project here! 

This project is possible thanks to the Mt. Charleston License Plate Grant! 

Information

Difficulty level: Challenging - See our difficulty rating scale here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a regular exercise routine. This project may be physically challenging to some people; participants need to be in good physical condition and aware of their physical abilities and limits before joining this project.

When: Thursday June 4th, 8AM-4PM

Where: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, North Loop Trail

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sun protection, a pack with the ability to carry at least three liters of water, lunch, and snacks. Check out our suggested Packing List.

What to expect: In-depth information, such as weather, trailhead, parking, and project specifics, will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project. Day of: Friends staff members will provide any tool training necessary for the project. We will meet in the morning for a safety/stretch circle and to talk about the project, and then we will hike to the project site and begin working, stopping for lunch and snack breaks as necessary. 

Are Dogs Allowed? Due to the dangerous nature of trail maintenance, dogs are not allowed on this project. 

What we need from you: If you're interested in joining us for this project, you must RSVP. Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on this project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. If you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so another volunteer can join the project.

Want to bring a friend? Please do!! All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc.). Send them the link for the event and make lasting memories 

We can't wait to see you on the trail!

For more information on volunteering with Friends of Nevada Wilderness, check out our volunteer information page here!

Migrating Wildlife Says "Thank You!"

Spend a weekend in the beautiful and pristine Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge while working on restoration projects that will help improve wildlife habitat and re-naturalize the area. This project will directly help improve the natural area, wildlife, and their habitat. 

An article from High Country News says, "Fence ecology research shows that the West is a wiry place, containing enough fencing to circle the equator 25 times. Sage grouse, peregrine falcons, and other birds collide with fences, and ungulates must navigate an endless obstacle course. A 2021 paper found that pronghorn in Wyoming encountered fences an average of 249 times in a single year and changed their behavior around the barriers nearly 40% of the time. Fences often ensnare and kill large animals; woven wire with barbed wire on the top, like that on Horse Prairie, is particularly lethal. Fences also separate mothers from calves, exclude herds from prime habitat, and exhaust and injure animals."

To help with this important issue, we will be removing the barbed wire and pulling out the metal or wooden posts holding it up. It is such a rewarding project to remove these fences and see a significant difference within a few hours.

The Sheldon is a vast and rugged land that provides year-round habitat as well as major wintering areas for the Oregon-Nevada interstate pronghorn herd. This is the largest protected landscape in Nevada, managed exclusively for native wildlife species. The Sheldon Refuge contains some of the highest-quality sage-grouse habitat remaining in North America. Protecting this habitat and enhancing its health is an important part of minimizing the possibility of an Endangered Species Act listing of the sage-grouse. The area's sparse vegetation is dominated by sagebrush, grasses, and other shrubs with local areas of juniper or patches of mountain mahogany. Along the wetter drainages at lower elevations, you can find willow, cottonwood, and aspen. Away from the creeks, water sources are rare, and due to the underlying rock and soil, most upland areas are remarkably dry.

Photos from our Sheldon fence pulls last year 

Check out our Stewards of Sheldon video and Sheldon Story Map.

Information:

Difficulty: Challenging - See our difficulty rating here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a regular exercise routine. This project may be physically challenging to some people, participants need to be in good physical condition and aware of their physical abilities and limits before joining this project.  

Location: Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

Dates: Thursday, June 4th - Sunday, June 7th

Travel: An AWD vehicle and high clearance is recommended to reach the campsite. We will leave Reno on Thursday Morning, returning Sunday afternoon. A limited number of spots are available in Friends trucks from the Sparks Office to transport volunteers, and carpooling is also an option. 

Food: Breakfast and coffee are provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and a big group dinner (with dessert) on Friday and Saturday nights. Volunteers must bring their own lunches and snacks.

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad. Camping gear is available for loan. Check out our suggested Packing List.

Are Dogs Allowed? Due to the dangerous nature of fence removal, no dogs are allowed on this project. 

More Details: In-depth information, such as camping location, weather, and project specifics, will be sent out about a week before to those who have RSVP'd.

Want to bring a friend? All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc). Please send them this link and tell them to sign up.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page here or email [email protected].

RSVP is required to participate.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

Join us for a Tuesday in Mount Rose Wilderness! We will meet at the Hunter Creek trailhead at 8 am on Tuesday, June 2nd, and hike to a location along Hunter Creek Trail as a group to remove the invasive musk thistle. 

Check out these photos from a weed removal project last year.

Read more about Mount Rose Wilderness here!

Information:

Difficulty: Moderate - See our difficulty rating here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. 

Location: Hunter Creek Trail

Dates: Tuesday, June 9th, 8am - 3pm

Travel: Meet at Hunter Creek Trailhead

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and a lunch/snacks. Shovels and gloves will be provided. Check out our suggested Packing List.

More Details: In-depth information such as weather and project specifics will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page here or email [email protected].

RSVP is required to participate.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

Join us for a hands-on stewardship day in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area as we work to restore habitat by removing invasive plants around MacFarland Spring. We’ll be removing invasive mullein (Verbascum thapsus) that has established near the spring. This is a great project for first-time volunteers or anyone looking for an approachable day of field work. Mullein is easy to identify and remove, and our team will provide all the guidance you need.

Mullein spreads quickly in disturbed areas and can outcompete native plants, especially in sensitive environments like springs. Its dense growth can crowd out more diverse native vegetation and alter how water and soil function in the area. Removing it helps restore the native plant community. It’s straightforward, hands-on work where you can see the impact as you go.

Come out, learn something new, and help restore an important spring ecosystem.

Information

Difficulty level: Easy - See our difficulty rating scale here. This project is suitable for a wide range of physical abilities. It’s great for individuals new to volunteer conservation work. Appropriate for children over 12 years old with a parent or guardian.  

When: Thursday June 11th, 8AM-4PM

Where: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Bonanza Trailhead

Travel: A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended to reach the trailhead. There will be limited spots available in FNW trucks. If you need a ride, please reach out ASAP. Detailed driving directions to the worksite will be provided about 1 week before the project. 

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sun protection, a pack with the ability to carry at least three liters of water, lunch, and snacks.

What to expect: In-depth information, such as weather, trailhead, parking, and project specifics, will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project. Day of: Friends staff members will provide any necessary training for the project. We will meet in the morning for a safety/stretch circle and to talk about the project, and then we will hike to the project site and begin working, stopping for lunch and snack breaks as necessary.  

What we need from you: If you're interested in joining us for this project, you must RSVP. Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on this project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. If you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so another volunteer can join the project.

Want to bring a friend? Please do!! All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc.). Send them the link for the event and make lasting memories 

We can't wait to see you on the trail!

For more information on volunteering with Friends of Nevada Wilderness, check out our volunteer information page here!

Join us for a Saturday in Mount Rose Wilderness! We will meet at the Hunter Creek trailhead at 8 am on Saturday, June 13th, and hike to a location along Hunter Creek Trail as a group to remove the invasive musk thistle. 

Musk thistle is classified as a noxious weed that spreads prolifically and negatively impacts native ecosystems. This weed thrives in disturbed areas like fire scars and replaces native plants. As wildfire seasons rage hotter and longer, restoration is vital to ensure native species have a fighting chance at survival. Musk thistle competes with desirable native plants, and because of its spiny nature, wildlife rarely grazes upon it. When left unmanaged, it can take over and transform the landscape. Removing this invading species directly supports the health of our native ecosystems. Weed pulls are a fun way to spend time outdoors and help support the health of our native ecosystems. 

Check out these photos from a weed removal project last year.

Read more about Mount Rose Wilderness here!

Information:

Difficulty: Moderate - See our difficulty rating here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. 

Location: Hunter Creek Trail

Dates: Saturday, June 13th, 8am - 3pm

Travel: Meet at Hunter Creek Trailhead

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and a lunch/snacks. Shovels and gloves will be provided. Check out our suggested Packing List.

More Details: In-depth information such as weather and project specifics will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page here or email owolff@nevadawilderness.org.

RSVP is required to participate.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

Join us for a hands-on stewardship day in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area as we work to restore habitat by removing invasive plants around the Willow Creek Spring Complex. We’ll be removing invasive mullein (Verbascum thapsus) that has established near the spring site. This is a great project for first-time volunteers or anyone looking for an approachable day of field work. Mullein is easy to identify and remove, and our team will provide all the guidance you need.

Mullein spreads quickly in disturbed areas and can outcompete native plants, especially in sensitive environments like springs. Its dense growth can crowd out more diverse native vegetation and alter how water and soil function in the area. Removing it helps restore the native plant community. It’s straightforward, hands-on work where you can see the impact as you go.

Come out, learn something new, and help restore an important spring ecosystem.

Information

Difficulty level: Easy - See our difficulty rating scale here. This project is suitable for a wide range of physical abilities. It’s great for individuals new to volunteer conservation work. Appropriate for children over 12 years old with a parent or guardian.

When: Saturday June 13th, 8AM-4PM

Where: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Willow Creek Spring

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sun protection, a pack with the ability to carry at least three liters of water, lunch, and snacks.

What to expect: In-depth information, such as weather, trailhead, parking, and project specifics, will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project. Day of: Friends staff members will provide any tool training necessary for the project. We will meet in the morning for a safety/stretch circle and to talk about the project, and then we will hike to the project site and begin working, stopping for lunch and snack breaks as necessary.  

What we need from you: If you're interested in joining us for this project, you must RSVP. Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on this project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. If you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so another volunteer can join the project.

Want to bring a friend? Please do!! All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc.). Send them the link for the event and make lasting memories 

We can't wait to see you on the trail!

For more information on volunteering with Friends of Nevada Wilderness, check out our volunteer information page here!

Come help us maintain the North Loop Trail in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness area! 

Because the Spring Mountains are so close to Las Vegas, we are able to access these trails quite easily! With increased access comes increased visitation, and with increased visitation, comes the inevitable need for good quality trail maintenance. This ensures the safety of our fellow hikers and sustainability of the trails we all know and love. Come help us give this trail some love!

Trail maintenance is essential for keeping our Wilderness areas open, safe, and enjoyable for all, while also protecting the natural ecosystems from unnecessary damage. Trail work is very important work and is highly rewarding! By maintaining existing trails there is less overall damage to our Wilderness areas and re-building damaged trails creates a safe and durable surface (a key principle of Leave No Trace) for trail users to experience these Wilderness Areas. As a volunteer, you’ll help cut back overgrown brush, clear fallen trees from the trail, and learn sustainable tread repair techniques to redirect water from the trail to prevent erosion. No experience? No problem! Friends of Nevada Wilderness will provide all the training, tools, and safety gear you’ll need. All you need to bring is your love of the outdoors and a willingness to get your hands dirty for a good cause.

Check out this album from previous North Loop Trail Maintenance projects!

This project is made possible by the Mt. Charleston License Plate Grant! 

Information

Difficulty level: Challenging - See our difficulty rating scale here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a regular exercise routine. This project may be physically challenging to some people; participants need to be in good physical condition and aware of their physical abilities and limits before joining this project. 

When: Monday June 15th, 8AM-4PM

Where: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, North Loop Trail

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sun protection, a pack with the ability to carry at least three liters of water, lunch, and snacks. Check out our suggested Packing List.

What to expect: In-depth information, such as weather, trailhead, parking, and project specifics, will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project. Day of: Friends staff members will provide any tool training necessary for the project. We will meet in the morning for a safety/stretch circle and to talk about the project, and then we will hike to the project site and begin working, stopping for lunch and snack breaks as necessary. 

Are Dogs Allowed? Due to the dangerous nature of trail maintenance, dogs are not allowed on this project. 

What we need from you: If you're interested in joining us for this project, you must RSVP. Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on this project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. If you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so another volunteer can join the project.

Want to bring a friend? Please do!! All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc.). Send them the link for the event and make lasting memories 

We can't wait to see you on the trail!

For more information on volunteering with Friends of Nevada Wilderness, check out our volunteer information page here!

Join us for a Tuesday in Mount Rose Wilderness! We will meet at the Hunter Creek trailhead at 8 am on Tuesday, June 16th, and hike to a location along Hunter Creek Trail as a group to remove the invasive musk thistle. 

Musk thistle is classified as a noxious weed that spreads prolifically and negatively impacts native ecosystems. This weed thrives in disturbed areas like fire scars and replaces native plants. As wildfire seasons rage hotter and longer, restoration is vital to ensure native species have a fighting chance at survival. Musk thistle competes with desirable native plants, and because of its spiny nature, wildlife rarely grazes upon it. When left unmanaged, it can take over and transform the landscape. Removing this invading species directly supports the health of our native ecosystems. Weed removals are a fun way to spend time outdoors and help support the health of our native ecosystems. 

Check out these photos from a weed removal project last year.

Read more about Mount Rose Wilderness here!

Information:

Difficulty: Moderate - See our difficulty rating here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. 

Location: Hunter Creek Trail

Dates: Tuesday, June 16th, 8am - 3pm

Travel: Meet at Hunter Creek Trailhead

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and a lunch/snacks. Shovels and gloves will be provided. Check out our suggested Packing List.

More Details: In-depth information such as weather and project specifics will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page here or email owolff@nevadawilderness.org.

RSVP is required to participate.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].