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Contents Slingshot restoration in the desert Volunteers appreciated at picnic Celebrate a Wilder Nevada with the Wilderness Land Trust Upcoming events and volunteer projects Your online donation is secure and helps protect wild lands all across Nevada. |
March 30, 2012 Slingshot restoration in the desert Instead of partying on the beach in Mazatlan during spring break last week, University of Nevada, Reno students joined other volunteers in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge north of Las Vegas to restore habitat for wildlife and people alike during the second “Alternative Spring Break” with Friends of Nevada Wilderness. The team helped heal five vehicle-trespass scars and planted more than 120 native plants during their week of volunteering. Their impact on the refuge was apparent.
You look at it, and keep going, then you look back and it looks completely different than what you started with, said Lucy Hunt, a Journalism major at UNR, on the first day. I'm excited to come back some day and see a whole new landscape there. The crew worked in the Corn Creek area to enhance habitat for the hundreds of bird species that visit the area during spring and fall migration. Corn Creek is an important oasis along the eastern edge of the Pacific Flyway.
This is a really popular spot for people to come out and wander around to look at birds, said Matt Flores from the Great Basin institute. Were trying to get as rich a habitat of native plants to promote bird diversity and density. Desert National Wildlife Refuge Manager Amy Sprunger thanked the students for their hard work. It takes a special type of person to want to do this instead of laying on a beach somewhere, she told the students. I really appreciate your assistance.
After a successful and tiring week, Kurt Kuznicki, Friends Southern Nevada Director, took the students to explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the La Madre Mountains Wilderness. Id like to plant a little seed in their hearts so theyll want to make this one of the regular things they do, Kurt said. And maybe theyll spread the word to other folks and get their friends involved. Friends would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the desert a healthier, more beautiful place. A huge, Wild-Nevada thank you also goes to Great Basin Institute, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership for helping to make Alternative Spring Break 2012 a success for all 22 participants. A special thank you goes out to the individuals who donated specifically to support students at Alternative Spring Break. This great experience was also made possible by donations from members like you. Pine Forest Range progress
On Thursday, March 22, the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources heard testimony on the Pine Forest Recreation Enhancement Act, which would designate 26,000 acres of forests, lakes and meadows north of Winnemucca as wilderness. This bill was the product of a comprehensive local process that considered the concerns of local landowners, sportsmen, conservationists, former state officials and other interested parties in Humboldt County, said Senator Harry Reid in a statement. I look forward to working with the Senate Energy Committee to move this legislation forward. This hearing takes the Pine Forest Wilderness one step closer to permanent protection. Our appreciation goes out to Nevadas entire Congressional delegation for their bipartisan efforts to protect this beautiful and important corner of Nevada.
Volunteers appreciated at picnic
Thanks to all the great southern Nevada members and volunteers who joined us for a picnic at Red Springs in Calico Basin at Red Rocks NCA on Saturday. Andy wowed everyone with his burger-flipping skills, and it was great to see everyone and share a few laughs and stories about Wild Nevada. Thanks to GSI Outdoors for supplying the free plates and bowls for the volunteers to take home. Southern Nevada Director Kurt Kuznicki made a point to thank the Great Basin Institutes Matt Flores for being such a great partner and helping us coordinate so many great projects.
Celebrate a wilder Nevada with the Wilderness Land Trust
The Wilderness Land Trust recently purchased 320 acres in the East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness. Join us for an evening of wine, beer and appetizers and learn about WLTs efforts to protect Nevada wilderness. William Fox, Director of the Center for Art and Environment at Nevada Museum of Art will give a talk: Looking Into the Big Empty. Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Directions: The Patagonia Service Center is
located at 8550 White Fir Street. From Reno, take West 4th Street several miles west
of McCarran. Turn left/south onto Woodland, cross the RR tracks, then turn right/west
onto White Fir. The building is immediately before the river. (google map) Earth Day is coming soon Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness at the following events. Good times are to be had, especially if you join us.
You are invited to participate in these events and wilderness volunteer projects Friends of Nevada Wilderness offers up lots of fun opportunities to help your Nevada wildlands heal and prosper.
Saturday, March 31 From road to wild: Lovell Canyon road restoration project #1 (west of Las Vegas)
Stewardship — For the Forest Service in the Mt Charleston Wilderness, we will restore a decommissioned road so it blends into the natural environment. Beginners are welcome. Call (702) 839-5569 for the details.
Thursday, April 5 From road to wild: Lovell Canyon road restoration project #2 (west of Las Vegas)
Stewardship — For the Forest Service in the Mt Charleston Wilderness, we will restore a decommissioned road so it blends into the natural environment. Beginners are welcome. Call (702) 839-5569 for the details.
Friday, April 13 — Sunday, April 15 Tom Basin Burn restoration project #1 (1 hour north of Winnemucca)
Stewardship — Help restore fire-damaged areas that are crucial for mule deer and sage grouse. Your work will help revive this land and help assure that it will thrive for future generations. Friends will provide a light breakfast and dinner for all volunteers. Contact Brenna Archibald (775) 623-5656 or email Brenna; or contact Wes Hoskins (775) 762-6730 or email Wes for more info.
Saturday, April 21 — Sunday, April 22 Celebrate Earth Day in the Wild (west of Las Vegas)
Stewardship — For the Forest Service in the Mt Charleston Wilderness, we will do a variety of tasks to naturalize a decommissioned road. Beginners are welcome. We will have a BBQ Saturday and will camp in the area. Call (702) 839-5569 for details.
Friday, April 27 — Sunday, April 29 Tom Basin Burn restoration project #2 (1 hour north of Winnemucca)
Stewardship — Help restore fire-damaged areas that are crucial for mule deer and sage grouse. Your work will help revive this land and help assure that it will thrive for future generations. Friends will provide a light breakfast and dinner for all volunteers. Contact Brenna Archibald (775) 623-5656 or email Brenna; or contact Wes Hoskins (775) 762-6730 or email Wes for more info.
Friday, May 4 — Sunday, May 6 Restoration at Mustang Springs in the Black Rock NCA (north of Reno)
Stewardship — Help repair a catchment dam at the spring. This project involves a fairly strenuous hike. Contact Pat at (775) 815-5598 or send Pat an email for details.
Friday, May 4 — Sunday, May 6 Tom Basin Burn restoration project #3 (1 hour north of Winnemucca)
Stewardship — Help restore fire-damaged areas that are crucial for mule deer and sage grouse. Your work will help revive this land and help assure that it will thrive for future generations. Friends will provide a light breakfast and dinner for all volunteers. Contact Brenna Archibald (775) 623-5656 or email Brenna; or contact Wes Hoskins (775) 762-6730 or email Wes for more info.
Contact Friends at (775) 324-7667 or by email for more information or to RSVP for a project. More projects will be announced as they are scheduled. See later emails and the stewardship events page. | |
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