Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day service event at Red Rock Canyon - Monday, January 16, 2023!

We'll have plenty of opportunities to volunteer at Red Rock Canyon this year to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 16, 2023.  We'll be removing litter, installing trail signs, cleaning up graffiti, and more in and around the Kraft Mountain/Calico Hills areas of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.  Join us, Friends of Red Rock Canyon, and the Bureau of Land Management for the day from 8:00am until about 2:00pm.

We will have three options for service on MLK Day 2023 at Red Rock Canyon:

Installing gabion baskets along Kraft Mountain Loop Trail.  Gabion baskets are wire baskets filled with rocks used along trails to provide a sturdy base for signage and an easily visible marker that can weather flash floods, high winds, and anything else the desert can throw at it.  We'll be installing about 9 of these baskets along the trail to provide better route markers for hikers.  This task will involve hiking the 3.25 mile long Kraft Mountain Loop Trail - an overview of the trail can be found here - as well as using hand tools like fence pliers, wire cutters, and tin snips.  Volunteers will be instructed on how to build a gabion basket and work in two supervised groups installing new gabions and trail signs throughout the day. Volunteers must be 18 or older.  

Graffiti removal at Ash Canyon.  Volunteers working on graffiti removal will hike a minimum of 3 miles round trip over uneven terrain, involving some class 2 and 3 scrambling.  Volunteers will carry graffiti removal supplies such as paint removal chemicals, paint removal tools and brushes, water, or first aid supplies.  Graffiti removal volunteers will receive a safety briefing on the chemicals and techniques used to remove vandalism from natural surfaces in a wilderness setting.  It is recommended that graffiti removal volunteers where clothing that can get stained with paint or mud.  Volunteers must be 18 or older. 

Canyon clean-up at the Sandstone Drive trailhead area.  Canyon clean-up is always needed at Red Rock Canyon due to the very high visitation rates.  Volunteers taking part in our canyon clean-up activities will be working in and around the parking area and trailheads for Kraft Mountain and Ash Canyon.  Unfortunately people (and their pets) leave a lot of waste behind - but you can help us clean it up!  We will provide trash grabbers, disposable gloves, and trash bags to volunteers.  Canyon Clean-up volunteers will also be the first line of information for curious visitors, so this is an excellent option for people who like to make new friends and chat with visitors!  CANYON CLEAN-UP ONLY - volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the project. 

Whichever option you choose - there's limited space for each and they will fill on a first come first serve basis - here are a few important details you need to know!

1.  Please arrive on time or early!  We cannot wait too long for late comers, so please arrive 15 minutes early if possible to sign in and get orientated to your project.

2.  ABSOLUTELY NO PETS.  non-negotiable, this is a safety issue.

3.  Appropriate attire is required - that means closed toe, sturdy shoes appropriate for a day of hiking and outdoor work.  It also means long pants.  Closed toe shoes, long pants are required.  Weather in the canyon fluctuates, especially in winter - wear layers. 

4.  ABSOLUTELY NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.  

5.  Pack a minimum of 2 liters (64 ounces) of water and a lunch!  We will have snacks and extra water for refills.  Please be sure to bring YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE and LUNCH.

6.  Have fun!  We're going to have fun - and make a big difference at the same time.  Thank you for volunteering!

7.  If you have ANY QUESTIONS, please contact Peter Sbraccia at [email protected]

This project is a joint effort between Friends of Red Rock Canyon, the Bureau of Land Management, and Friends of Nevada Wilderness.  It is funded through Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act funds and is part of the Fostering Stewardship initiative of the Engaging Communities program.