August 12, 2022 - A little summer rain didn’t stop a crew of Southern Nevada staff and seven hardy volunteers from getting some major work done in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) in early August.

For years, Friends has organized and led extended Alternative Spring Breaks in the cooler months of the year. They’re called “alternative” because rather than nightclubs and pool parties, students spend their time out in the wild, learning more about and giving back to their public lands.

This year, Friends added an Alternative Summer Break with support from the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership, a coalition of five federal land management agencies who coordinate their conservation and outreach efforts. The crew escaped the summer heat of the valley and hiked high up into the Spring Mountains to do trail restoration, monitor sensitive springs and remove piles of trash. Students also got to interact with SNAP representatives to learn more about the complexities of managing millions of acres of public lands.

Highlights of the summer break include:

• a mile of Cathedral Rock Trail treated - 2 water bars and one drain repaired.
• three springs visited and monitored including Edna Grey and Deer Creek
• trash removed from Deer Creek and Mahogany Grove 
• lots of great interactions with visitors to SMNRA
• fantastic guest speakers from our SNAP collaborators
• visit to Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway
• visit to DNWR Corn Creek Visitor Center

As always, the crew enjoyed some gourmet camp food, amazing hiking and stargazing, and great camaraderie. Can’t wait for 2023 Alternative Spring Break!

"Commuting" to work during Alt Summer Break

Working

Learning

Takin' a break