Join us and the Bureau of Land Management to safeguard wildlife habitat at a beautiful spring in the heart of Gold Butte National Monument. This spring is home to the endangered Relict Leopard Frog, an endemic amphibian species of Southern Nevada. Due to water development along the Colorado River, increased agriculture, and the introduction of invasive species, like the American Bullfrog, it was thought that these frogs had been extinct since the 1950s. However, sparse populations of frogs were rediscovered in Southern Nevada, along the Overton Arm of Lake Mead National Recreation Area during the 1990s. Federal agencies and conservation groups alike have since worked to bring this population back from the brink of extinction. While small pockets of the frogs are growing, they still face many challenges to thrive.

To help support the continued resilience of this endangered species we are seeking volunteers to help us trim vegetation around the spring site and dig out any excess muck and fallen leaf litter that accumulates inside the spring pools. This will allow for greater mobility and encourages growth into other parts of the site. We may also dig another spring pool further away from existing ones to create another potential breeding area. This is a great way to help a species once thought lost. 

Due to the sensitive nature of this project, Friends will only be taking a small handful of volunteers to minimize the impact on the site.

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-Sunday, October 29th-November 1st

Where: Gold Butte National Monument

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. 

Are Dogs Allowed? Due to the sensitive nature of the relict leopard frog habitat, 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!