Interested in volunteering locally?

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We need friendly faces to help with outreach events around northwest Nevada! If you like talking to people, are passionate about wilderness and dark skies, and are looking to get involved closer to town, look no further. Those who register on this page will be notified as soon as possible before an outreach event. At that point, you can let us know if you are available. 

Primary Topics for Outreach:

• Save Starry Skies! 
  • Promote the value of dark skies, talk about dark sky areas folks can visit across the state, and promote our 'Save Starry Skies' License Plate
• Volunteer Recruitment
  • Encourage folks to sign up for a volunteer project, talk to them about upcoming opportunities, and answer questions about the volunteer experience. 
• Public Lands Protection
  • Discuss current threats to public lands in Nevada, encourage civic participation, and inspire fellow citizens. 

Facts About Outreach Volunteering:

• We are not setting specific dates at this time. Those who register on this page will be notified as soon as possible about volunteer opportunities at outreach events. At that point, you can let us know if you are available. 
• Spots are limited for each event.
• Opportunities may include working alongside an FNW staff member, with another volunteer, or on your own. If you sign up for an event without an FNW staff member, you will meet at the office before the event to get the necessary supplies and training. After the event, volunteers will coordinate a time to return the supplies to the northern Nevada FNW office in Sparks. 
• Events are mainly in the Reno/Sparks area, but there may be others in the region.
• While at events, outreach volunteers represent Friends of Nevada Wilderness and must treat everyone with respect, maintain FNW's reputation as credible and trustworthy, and generally behave in a way that reflects well on the FNW community as a whole. 
• Volunteers must be able to physically help set up the table, pop-up shelter, and stand on their feet for periods of time while talking to event attendees.

English: We're excited for 2026 National Public Lands Day! Come out and have a blast with a weekend full of projects, fun, and great food (including a Dutch Oven cook-off)! There will be multiple projects for all skill levels, camping in a beautiful location, and a great community of people. You don't want to miss this one, RSVP and save your spot today! Some of this year's projects will include: 

1 - Fence removal to improve wildlife habitat throughout Soldier Meadows! 

2 - Cabin/campground cleanup, trash removal, and beautification 

And more to come! We are still in the planning phase and will have projects for every level! Check back for updates closer to the event!

As always, this project is free! We will be providing breakfast with coffee Saturday and Sunday as well as a delicious dinner on Saturday night. For this project, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is not required to reach the campsites (as long as it's not too wet), but, higher clearance and good tires are recommended. We have camping gear available for those who need it. 

Check out photos from last year's National Public Lands Day here!

Spanish: ¡Estamos emocionados por el Día Nacional de las Tierras Públicas! ¡Ven y diviértete con un fin de semana lleno de proyectos, diversión y deliciosa comida. Habrá múltiples proyectos para todos los niveles, campamentos en un lugar hermoso y una gran comunidad de personas. ¡No te lo pierdas! ¡Reserva tu lugar hoy mismo! Algunos de los proyectos de este año incluyen:

1 - Remover el cerco de alambre de pua para mejorar el hábitat de la vida silvestre en Soldier Meadows.

2 - Limpieza de cabañas y campamentos, recolección de basura y embellecimiento.

¡Y más por venir! Todavía estamos en la fase de planificación y tendremos proyectos para todos los niveles. ¡Vuelve para obtener actualizaciones cuando se acerque la fecha del evento!

Como siempre, ¡este proyecto es gratuito! Ofreceremos desayuno con café el sábado y el domingo, así como una deliciosa cena el sábado por la noche. Para este proyecto, no se requiere un vehículo 4x4 para llegar a los campamentos (siempre que no esté demasiado mojado), pero se recomienda un vehiculo alto y con llantas en buen estado. Disponemos de equipo de campamento para quienes lo necesiten. 

¡Vean las fotos del Día Nacional de las Tierras Públicas del año pasado aquí!

EN: Information:

Difficulty: All Levels. There will be projects available for all skill levels and children. 

Location: Soldier Meadows

Dates: Friday, September 25th - Sunday, September 27th

Travel: For this project, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is not required to reach the campsites (as long as it's not too wet), but, higher clearance and good tires are recommended. 

Food: Breakfast and coffee are provided on Saturday and Sunday, Dutch Oven Cook-off and potluck dinner on Saturday night!

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad. Camping gear is available for loan. Check out our suggested Packing List.

More Details: Details such as exact camping location, projects, daily schedule, and weather-related factors will be provided to those who have RSVP'd on a date much closer to the project. Plans are subject to change. We will always give as much notice as possible when this happens.

Want to bring a friend? All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc). Please send them this link and tell them to sign up.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page here or email [email protected].

RSVP is required to participate.

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 that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

SP: Información:

Dificultad: Todos los niveles. Habrá proyectos disponibles para todos los niveles incluyendo niños.

Ubicación: Soldier Meadows

Fechas: Viernes 25 de septiembre - Domingo 27 de septiembre

Como Llegar: Para este proyecto, no se requiere un vehículo 4x4 para llegar a los campamentos (siempre que no esté demasiado mojado), pero se recomienda un vehiculo alto y con llantas en buen estado. 

Comida: Se ofrece desayuno y café el sábado y domingo. ¡Competición de cocina a carbon y cena compartida el sábado por la noche!

Equipo/Ropa: Mangas largas, pantalones largos, calzado resistente para trabajo o senderismo. Equipo de campamento: carpa, bolsa de dormir, aislante. Tenemos equipo de campamento disponible para prestar. Lista de equipaje sugerida.

Más detalles: Se enviara información detallada como la ubicación exacta del campamento, los proyectos, y las condiciones climáticas a quienes hayan confirmado su asistencia en una fecha mucho más cercana al proyecto. Los planes están sujetos a cambios. Siempre avisaremos con la mayor antelación posible cuando esto ocurra.

¿Queres traer a un amigo? Todos los patrticipantes deben anotarse individualmente. Por favor comparti el link del proyecto con ellos para que se antoren.

¿Preguntas?: Consulte nuestra página de Preguntas Frecuentes o envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected].

Se requiere confirmar su asistencia para participar.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness y nuestros colaboradores dedican mucho tiempo y recursos a la organización de proyectos. Al confirmar su asistencia, se compromete a unirse a nosotros en ese proyecto. Entendemos que pueden surgir circunstancias que le impidan asistir. Entonces, si ya no puede asistir, cancele su RSVP lo antes posible para que otro voluntario pueda unirse al proyecto. Puede cancelar su RSVP a través del enlace de cancelación en encontrando el correo electrónico de confirmación de este proyecto o enviando un correo electrónico a [email protected] 

Join us this year in the Mt Moriah Wilderness as we take on Horse Canyon! This is your chance to be part of a hands-on effort to restore a beautiful backcountry trail and make it safer and more enjoyable for everyone who visits.

We’ll be rolling up our sleeves and getting to work—clearing overgrown brush, removing downed trees, rebuilding sections of trail, and possibly building features like rock steps, retaining walls, and armored drainages. Whether you’re new to trail work or have experience, there’s a role for you on this project. We’ll share more details about trail conditions after our spring scouting trip.

Trail work isn’t just hard work—it’s meaningful work. By improving and maintaining this trail, you’ll help protect the surrounding landscape, reduce impacts to fragile ecosystems, and create a durable path for future visitors. You’ll leave with new skills, a strong sense of accomplishment, and a direct connection to the land you helped care for.

Come be part of this rewarding trip; we’d love to have you out there with us. All you need to bring is your love of the outdoors and a willingness to get your hands dirty for a good cause.

Check out these pictures from one of our volunteer projects here last year. 

Learn more about the Mt Moriah Wilderness area here.

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 1st-4th

Where: Mt. Moriah Wilderness Area

Travel: An AWD vehicle is needed to reach the campsite, high clearance recommended, please contact staff if you have any questions. There are limited spots in FNW vehicles from Las Vegas. There is no FNW vehicle leaving from Reno/Sparks. Reach out ASAP if you need a ride or would like to offer rides. 

What to bring: sturdy work or hiking 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. As this is an overnight trip you will need camping gear, dinner for Thursday, lunch and snacks for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a camp chair, and any entertainment you would like for the evenings. Check out our suggested Packing List.

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 dangerous nature of trail maintenance, 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!

Lahontan cutthroat trout are a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. In 1970, they were listed as Endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act, but in 1975, the listing was downgraded to Threatened to allow for more flexible management. 

The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area (ISA) was established in 1973 to ensure the preservation of this threatened species of fish, in its natural habitat and to maximize spawning areas. Interestingly, this is the purest strain of Lahontan Cutthroat (LCT) that remains (wildlife officials used fish from this population and others to restock the struggling population at Pyramid Lake and in the Truckee River). To protect the water quality, over 2,000 acres (20 percent of the study area) were fenced to exclude livestock from the stream headwaters. In 2022, we worked to repair some sections of the fence that have been damaged which allowed livestock and horses to enter the area and damage this important habitat. This year we are returning to scout and make repairs to the fence line. 

As always, this project is free! We will be providing breakfast with coffee Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well as a delicious dinner on Friday and Saturday night. We have camping gear available for those who need it. The road to the project area requires 4 wheel drive and high clearance. We will have limited space in Friends trucks to transport volunteers and carpooling is an option as well. 

The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area (ISA) is on part of the ancestral homelands of the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe (Agai Panina Ticutta) and adjacent to their current sovereign territory. The Tribe has played a major role in the protection and ongoing restoration of this fish that holds cultural significance for them. The fish composed a large part of tribal members’ diets and were the focus of many cultural gatherings. Summit Lake is closed to non-tribal members, and tribal members are limited in how many fish they can catch. Currently, Summit Lake is home to the only self-sustaining, robust, lake population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.

Photos from our two LCT ISA fence improvements - Project #1 & Project #2

Check out more information on the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area

Information

Difficulty: Moderate - See our difficulty rating here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. We will be hiking 3-6 miles off-trail, up and down steep slopes, with fence tools and heavy supplies. Volunteers who are regularly physically active can participate at this level.

Location: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area, Mahogany Canyon

Dates: Thursday, October 8th - Sunday, October 11th

Travel: Leave Reno on Thursday morning, returning Sunday afternoon. High Clearance and 4x4 are required to reach the campsite. A limited number of spots available in Friends trucks, and carpooling is also an option. 

Food: Breakfast and coffee are provided on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and a big group dinner (with dessert) on Friday and Saturday nights. Volunteers must bring their own lunches and snacks.

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad. Camping gear is available for loan. Check out our suggested Packing List.

Are Dogs Allowed? Due to the dangerous nature of fence work, no dogs are allowed on this project. 

Want to bring a friend? All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc). Please send them this link and tell them to sign up.

More Details: In-depth information, such as camping location, weather, and project specifics, will be sent out about a week before to those who have RSVP'd.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page here or email [email protected].

RSVP is required to participate.

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 that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

Join us in Restoring Mount Rose Wilderness! 

In Spring 2026, volunteers will work hard to remove invasive musk thistle from Mount Rose Wilderness! This fall, we will head into Mount Rose Wilderness to spread native seeds in these recovering riparian areas and help bring back native plants. We will hike bags of seeds from native grasses and pollinator-friendly plants, spread them across the meadows by hand, and then let nature take them from there. These are fun projects that usually only take half a day to complete, but can make a huge difference in the ongoing restoration efforts. 

Photos from the 2025 Seed Spreading Projects in Mount Rose

Check out more information on Mount Rose Wilderness

Information:

Timing: Seeds are the most successful if spread right before snow or rain, so therefore, we are not setting specific dates at this time. Our timeframe is Late October through mid-December. Those who register on this page will be notified as soon as possible before we head out (about a week's notice). At that point, you can let us know if you are available to join us. Spots will be limited on those projects. 

Difficulty: Moderate - See our difficulty rating scale here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routing. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. The project involves hiking 2-6 miles, partially off-trail, creek crossings, steep hills up and down. We will carry no more than 10 lbs of seed each. These projects may not be appropriate for children under 12 years of age. 

Location: Hunter Creek Trailhead

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and a lunch/snacks. Shovels and gloves will be provided. 

RSVP/Registration: If you are interested in joining us, please register below. We will contact you as soon as possible before a re-seeding project (about a week's notice). Because this is weather-dependent, flexibility in scheduling is necessary, thanks for your understanding. 

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page or email [email protected]

RSVP is required to participate.

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 that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: We are not setting specific dates at this time. Seeds are most successful if spread right before snow or rain, so therefore flexibility in scheduling is necessary.