Fifty years ago today, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into law. This historic piece of legislation created the National Wilderness Preservation System and a brand new form of protection for our public lands. Howard Zahniser, the principal author of the Wilderness Act, eloquently defined wilderness as an area "where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

Today, we are celebrating these brave wilderness pioneers and activists who helped breathe life into this bill and into the creation of wilderness areas everywhere since then - including each and every one of you who have worked tirelessly for Nevada's own wilderness. Whether you've signed one of our petitions, called your congressional delegation, donated to Friends of Nevada Wilderness, or volunteered on a project, we want to thank you on this very special occasion in wilderness history.

Help protect future Nevada wilderness areas and make a very special $50 donation to Friends of Nevada Wilderness in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.


Join the Celebration!

Since President Obama declared September as National Wilderness Month, we've created a nifty Wilderness Action Month calendar of daily actions you can take to help raise awareness of the importance of protecting our wilderness areas in Nevada: Click here to begin! To learn more, visit our 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act webpage by clicking here.

We also have a great line-up of 50th Anniversary events planned for this month. Check it out!

Southern:

Sept. 6: 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act Stewardship Project - Mt. Charleston
The Forest Service has granted Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our volunteers exclusive entry to the trail head of the popular South Loop Trail in Mt. Charleston Wilderness to help maintain the trail and restore the surrounding area. Trail maintenance will be done within the first mile. Show your appreciation of the Wilderness Act and Las Vegas' most popular wilderness destination by joining us on this very special project! RSVP by clicking here or by e-mailing Jesy at [email protected]!

Sept 6: 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act Potluck Picnic - Mt. Charleston
Immediately following the stewardship project, we will be hosting a potluck picnic at the trail head of the South Loop trail. We're providing the BBQ fare and cake so bring the family for some delicious food, wilderness festivities, and a special guest speaker. Please RSVP to this event so we know how much food to bring! Click here for details and to RSVP or e-mail Jesy at [email protected]!

Northern

Sept 5: 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act Reception - Sparks Heritage Museum
This very special reception is held in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Marge Sill, who was instrumental in the development of the original 1964 Act and is a founding member of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, along with Shevawn Von Tobel, Outreach Manager of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, will present on “Nevada Wilderness and Our Local Gem, the Mt. Rose Wilderness." Light snacks & libations will be served. RSVP here.

The Museum will be open for you to view the Wilderness exhibit, which is the result of a special partnership between the Sparks Heritage Museum, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Sept 10 - City of Reno Proclaims Wilderness Day
The City of Reno will proclaim September 10th as Wilderness Day in honor of our nearby wilderness areas, such as Mt. Rose, and the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act. This proclamation was spearheaded by Councilman Oscar Delgaldo and his office has invited YOU to be a part of this special day for Nevada wilderness! Please RSVP by clicking here so we know how many people we can expect to be there!

Sept 10 - 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act Presentation - REI, Reno Store
Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness as they explore the history of the Wilderness Act and how it led to the creation and management of Mt. Rose Wilderness. We will also discuss the importance of preserving its wilderness character and future opportunities for you to get involved! RSVP by clicking here.

Sept 13: Walk for Wilderness - Mt. Rose Wilderness
We'll be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act with a short hike into our very own backyard wilderness, Mt. Rose starting from Galena Regional Park! Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness along with partnering organizations like the Sierra Club for this interpretative hike. RSVP here or e-mail Shevawn at [email protected] for more information.

Sept 13: 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act BBQ Picnic - Galena Regional Park
Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness, the Sierra Club, the Forest Service, Backcountry Horsemen, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for a picnic in Galena Regional Park. We'll provide the burgers, hot dogs, desserts, and refreshments! Bring the family for delicious food, fun games, guest speakers, and much more! RSVP here.

Sept. 25: The Wilderness Act and the Creation of Great Basin National Park - NV State Museum, Carson City
Our very own "Mother of Wilderness" and founding member of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, Marge Sill, will be presenting on her work in helping with the Wilderness Act and wilderness bills in Nevada. She will also be speaking on the creation of Great Basin National Park. Don't miss this opportunity to meet one of our original Nevada wilderness activists and hear the story from the source! Doors open at 6pm. E-mail Shevawn at [email protected] for more information!