BECOME A WILDERNESS WEED WARRIOR

Join us for a weedy Wednesday in Mount Rose Wilderness! We will meet at the Hunter Creek trailhead at 8 am and hike to a location along Hunter Creek Trail as a group to remove the invasive musk thistle. 

Musk thistle is classified as a noxious weed which spreads prolifically and negatively impacts native ecosystems. This weed thrives in disturbed areas like fire scars and replaces native plants. As wildfire seasons rage hotter and longer, restoration is vital to ensure native species have a fighting change at survival. Musk thistle competes with desirable native plants, and because of it's spiny nature, wildlife rarely graze upon it. When left unmanaged, it can take over and transform the landscape. Removing this invading species directly supports the health of our native ecosystems. Weed pulls are a fun way to spend time outdoors and help support the health of our native ecosystems. 

See one of last years Weed Pulls here!

Read more about the beautiful Mount Rose Wilderness here!

Information:

Difficulty: Moderate: The project involves hiking 2-4 miles, partially off-trail, creek crossings, steep hills up and down, carrying a shovel, using the shovel, bending up and down

Location: Hunter Creek Trailhead

Dates: Saturday, June 10th, 8 am - 3 pm

Travel: Meet at 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. 

More Details: In-depth information such as weather and project specifics will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project.

RSVP is required to participate.

Weedy Wednesday!

Join us for a weedy Wednesday in Mount Rose Wilderness! We will meet at the Hunter Creek trailhead at 8 am and hike to a location along Hunter Creek Trail as a group to remove the invasive musk thistle. 

Musk thistle is classified as a noxious weed which spreads prolifically and negatively impacts native ecosystems. This weed thrives in disturbed areas like fire scars and replaces native plants. As wildfire seasons rage hotter and longer, restoration is vital to ensure native species have a fighting change at survival. Musk thistle competes with desirable native plants, and because of it's spiny nature, wildlife rarely graze upon it. When left unmanaged, it can take over and transform the landscape. Removing this invading species directly supports the health of our native ecosystems. Weed pulls are a fun way to spend time outdoors and help support the health of our native ecosystems. 

See one of last years Weed Pulls here!

Read more about the beautiful Mount Rose Wilderness here!

Information:

Difficulty: Moderate: The project involves hiking 2-4 miles, partially off-trail, creek crossings, steep hills up and down, carrying a shovel, using the shovel, bending up and down

Location: Hunter Creek Trailhead

Dates: Wednesday, June 14th, 8 am - 3 pm

Travel: Meet at 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. 

More Details: In-depth information such as weather and project specifics will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project.

RSVP is required to participate.

This project is currently full. To join our waitlist, please email [email protected]

Check out Whitebark Pine Collection #2 project here!

Help the Whitebark Pine!

On December 25th, 2022 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule (87 FR 76882) to list the Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Whitebark Pine is an important component of western high-elevation forests, their populations have been declining in both the United States and Canada from combined effects. Warmer temperature trends have triggered epidemic outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) and lowered the trees’ resistance to white pine blister rust, caused by a nonnative fungus (Cronartium ribicola), both of which have killed millions of trees. Historical fire suppression allowed the march of more shade-tolerant competitors into Whitebark pine habitat, replacing this species through succession. 

Photo sourced from "Conservation and Management of Whitebark Pine Ecosystems on Bureau of Land Management Lands in the Western United States"

The overall goal of this project is to provide the BLM with Whitebark Pine seeds so they can study this specific Whitebark Pine population's resiliency towards known killers, propagate seeds, and keep seeds in a seed bank for dispersal at a later time in the event of a fire or population die-off.

The Whitebark Pine is considered a keystone species, meaning it increases the biodiversity of a community because of the important and critical role it plays in the lifecycle of many other species. This tree provides shelter and food for numerous other plants and animals. The work we are doing is an important step in helping save this tree and its surrounding ecosystem. 

This project has two parts. This RSVP page is for part one of the project.

For this project, we will split our time between the Pahute Peak Wilderness and Pine Forest Wilderness. We will be hiking to and working with small, isolated populations of the Whitebark Pine. We will cage the young pine cones with mesh baskets (photo above) to keep the Clarks Nutcracker from eating the seeds as they mature over the summer.

Please note: this project is longer than usual (Thursday - Monday) and will require strenuous hiking long distances over some rocky areas.

We will return to the same sites for the second part of the project in September to harvest the mature pine cones (separate RSVP page here).

Information

Difficulty: Hard: The project involves hiking off trail, up steep, rocky terrain, and carrying heavy loads

Location: Pine Forest Wilderness and the Pahute Peak Wilderness

Dates: June 22th - June 26th

Travel: 4WD and high clearance required. A limited number of spots are available in Friends trucks.

Food: Breakfast and coffee are provided on all work days, big group dinners provided Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night

Gear/Clothing: Please wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy work or hiking shoes. Camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad. Camping gear available for loan 

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

RSVP required to participate

Suggested Packing List 

Tony Leveille Memorial Project 

July 13-16, 2023

Pole Creek Ranger Station, Jarbidge Wilderness

Join Tony's family, the Forest Service (Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District), and others in a project to honor the legacy of Tony Leveille who passed away on October 22, 2022. Tony toiled many hours and untold miles working trails for the Forest Service. He spent much of his time walking or riding through the Ruby Mountains or Jarbidge. As it requests in his obituary: "In lieu of flowers or donations, next time you find yourself out in the hills and come across a piece of litter, it would make Tony smile if you were to pack it out for him." In that spirit, we head to Jarbidge to work in his name. You can view his full obituary here. 

The projects will include building two new corrals for the Slide Creek Trailhead, near Pole Creek Ranger Station and maintaining the Slide Creek and Hummingbird Trails, removing fallen trees, and clearing brush. We ask that anyone interested in joining RSVP on this page so we can plan the work accordingly. 

Note: This project is open to the public, but is meant to primarily be a memorial project for Tony. While his work impacted plenty of people he never met, keep the purpose in mind when signing up and know that the majority of the attendees will be his friends, family, coworkers, and colleagues in the Forest Service. We will be holding some memorial-type events at least one evening as well. 

Details:

Difficulty: Varies from Moderate to Strenuous. There will be different tasks available for different ability levels. Trail work will involve hiking 5+ miles, carrying gear, and moving heavy objects, and doing repetitive movements. The corral building will be in one location and involve digging holes and moving heavy pieces of metal. If you are concerned, reach out to discuss the work projects with us. 

Location: Slide Creek Trailhead, near Pole Creek Ranger Station, Jarbidge. Check-in first at Pole Creek Guard Station to register and sign risk assessment forms, and for directions to the work site. 

Dates: Thursday, July 13th to Sunday, July 16th. Thursday people will arrive in the afternoon and set up camp, Friday and Saturday we will do the work projects, and Sunday we will pack up camp and head home. 

Travel: For this project, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is not required to reach the campsite, but, higher clearance is recommended.

Food: Friends of Nevada Wilderness will provide a continental-style breakfast with coffee on Friday and Saturday mornings and full dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. Please bring your own lunches and snacks for the entire event and food for dinner on Thursday evening. Please email Tara with any food restrictions. We will plan for vegetarian versions of everything. 

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. If joining the trail maintenance portion of the project: a day pack with at least 3 liters of water and snacks. Camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp chair, plates, cups, utensils. For a recommended packing list, click here. Camping gear available for loan 

More Details: Details such as the exact camping location, 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. 

We require that everyone attending RSVP so we can plan the work projects and food accordingly. Thank you!

Please direct any questions to:

Tara Nasvik - Friends of Nevada Wilderness Senior Trails Coordinator

[email protected] 

OR

Josh Hertel
Recreation Management Specialist - USFS Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, and Jarbidge Ranger District

[email protected]

Whites Creek Trail Needs Your Help!

Whites Creek Trail in Mount Rose Wilderness needs your help! The trail has been eroding and needs tread, rock work, and drainage to help keep it safe for hikers. Join us in giving back to Reno's backyard wilderness by maintaining sections of the hiking trail. The work will include heavy maintenance on washed-out sections, brushing, and removing fallen trees. As always, no prior trail work experience is required to participate. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and of course it's going to be a fun day of volunteering with great people and rewarding results.

Mount Rose Wilderness is so close to Reno and offers an easy escape from the city. With such a large population accessing trails throughout the Wilderness Area, it's so important to make sure trails are maintained. A safe and well maintained trail means trail users are more likely to Leave No Trace and lower their impact on the natural environment, ensuring that the area is just as pristine for generations to come! Read more about Mount Rose Wilderness here and RSVP today! 

Information

Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous. It may not be appropriate for everyone. Requires the ability to hike 6 miles with a backpack, work with tools, sometimes move objects, and repeated motions. Having said that, feel free to reach out to us and discuss the difficulty of the project if you have any concerns. There are many roles in trail maintenance and we can usually find ones appropriate to meet most people's level. 

What to wear/bring: Long pants, long sleeves, sturdy closed-toed shoes. Bring a backpack with 3 liters of water, sunscreen, snacks, and lunch. FNW will provide gloves, hardhats, tools, and all the necessary training. 

Time: We will begin work at 8:00 am and go until mid-afternoon. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in and get your tools. 

Further Details: Further details including what to bring, daily schedule, and weather-related factors will be provided to those who have RSVP'd on a date much closer to the project date. Plans are subject to change. We will always give as much notice as possible when this happens. 

Contact Info: Please email or call with any questions or for further details [email protected] or our office phone number: 775-324-7667. 

RSVP is required to participate. Spots are limited. 

Show your love to Whites Creek Trail!

Whites Creek Trail in Mount Rose Wilderness needs your love! The trail has been eroding and needs tread, rock work, and drainage to help keep it safe for hikers. Join us in giving back to Reno's backyard wilderness by maintaining sections of the hiking trail. The work will include heavy maintenance on washed-out sections, brushing, and removing fallen trees. As always, no prior trail work experience is required to participate. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and of course it's going to be a fun day of volunteering with great people and rewarding results.

Mount Rose Wilderness is so close to Reno and offers an easy escape from the city. With such a large population accessing trails throughout the Wilderness Area, it's so important to make sure trails are maintained. A safe and well maintained trail means trail users are more likely to Leave No Trace and lower their impact on the natural environment, ensuring that the area is just as pristine for generations to come! Read more about Mount Rose Wilderness here and RSVP today! 

Information

Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous. It may not be appropriate for everyone. Requires the ability to hike 6 miles with a backpack, work with tools, sometimes move objects, and repeated motions. Having said that, feel free to reach out to us and discuss the difficulty of the project if you have any concerns. There are many roles in trail maintenance and we can usually find ones appropriate to meet most people's level. 

What to wear/bring: Long pants, long sleeves, sturdy closed-toed shoes. Bring a backpack with 3 liters of water, sunscreen, snacks, and lunch. FNW will provide gloves, hardhats, tools, and all the necessary training. 

Date/Time: Saturday August 5th. We will begin work at 8:00 am and go until mid-afternoon. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in and get your tools. 

Further Details: Further details including what to bring, daily schedule, and weather-related factors will be provided to those who have RSVP'd on a date much closer to the project date. Plans are subject to change. We will always give as much notice as possible when this happens. 

Contact Info: Please email or call with any questions or for further details [email protected] or our office phone number: 775-324-7667. 

RSVP is required to participate. Spots are limited. 

Trail work at Whites Creek Trail!

Whites Creek Trail in Mount Rose Wilderness needs your help to get it back in shape! The trail has been eroding and needs tread, rock work, and drainage to help keep it safe for hikers. Join us in giving back to Reno's backyard wilderness by maintaining sections of the hiking trail. The work will include heavy maintenance on washed-out sections, brushing, and removing fallen trees. As always, no prior trail work experience is required to participate. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and of course it's going to be a fun day of volunteering with great people and rewarding results.

Mount Rose Wilderness is so close to Reno and offers an easy escape from the city. With such a large population accessing trails throughout the Wilderness Area, it's so important to make sure trails are maintained. A safe and well maintained trail means trail users are more likely to Leave No Trace and lower their impact on the natural environment, ensuring that the area is just as pristine for generations to come! Read more about Mount Rose Wilderness here and RSVP today! 

Information

Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous. It may not be appropriate for everyone. Requires the ability to hike 6 miles with a backpack, work with tools, sometimes move objects, and repeated motions. Having said that, feel free to reach out to us and discuss the difficulty of the project if you have any concerns. There are many roles in trail maintenance and we can usually find ones appropriate to meet most people's level. 

What to wear/bring: Long pants, long sleeves, sturdy closed-toed shoes. Bring a backpack with 3 liters of water, sunscreen, snacks, and lunch. FNW will provide gloves, hardhats, tools, and all the necessary training. 

Date/Time: Sunday August 6th. We will begin work at 8:00 am and go until mid-afternoon. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in and get your tools. 

Further Details: Further details including what to bring, daily schedule, and weather-related factors will be provided to those who have RSVP'd on a date much closer to the project date. Plans are subject to change. We will always give as much notice as possible when this happens. 

Contact Info: Please email or call with any questions or for further details [email protected] or our office phone number: 775-324-7667. 

RSVP is required to participate. Spots are limited. 

SAVE THE DATE!

Where: Cedarville, CA 

When: August 18th and August 19th

Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness, the BLM Applegate District, Modoc County Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, and the Astronomical Society of Nevada, for a family-friendly weekend filled with fun activities and unbelievable stargazing! We are looking forward to bringing the Dark Sky Festival back this year and you can count on enjoyable and educational dark sky activities on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, all leading up to a star party on Saturday night. 

August 18th

4:00pm - Channel your inner Bob Ross for a dark sky painting class led by the talented Jen Rovanpera with the Applegate District BLM. We will meet in the garden at the Country Hearth where you can sip on a beverage of your choice, snack on some appetizers, and enjoy the beautiful ambiance that Cedarville has to offer. Remember, there are no mistakes, only happy accidents!

7:30pm - Stick around after dinner at the Country Hearth and grab a couple of friends for this year's dark sky trivia! Teams can be anywhere from 1-6 people, and prizes will be out of this world.

August 19th

10am to 1pm - This year we will be hosting a dark sky science fair, so bring the whole family and a healthy amount of curiosity. Come take a look through an 'H-Alpha' Telescope which allows you to safely view the surface of the sun, and at 11:30am, Astronomical Society of Nevada President Jim Faheywill be giving a talk titled 'Our Magnetic Sun'. The science fair will be held in the garden at the Country Hearth (if you haven't been there, it's really lovely!) and there will be a variety of information and activities for all ages and abilities. 

8:30pm - This is the event you've been waiting for! A dark sky star party showcasing the truly spectacular starry skies in the Surprise Valley / Massacre Rim region. From 8:30pm-midnight at the Surprise Valley High School, we will host a star party to take advantage of the amazing stargazing opportunities in that part of the world. Members from the Astronomical Society of Nevada will have a variety of telescopes set up for night sky viewing, and we encourage you to bring binoculars, telescopes, star guides, and night sky apps for a fun, engaging, and awe-inspiring night of stargazing!

10:30pm - Grab your camera and tap into your creative juices as Friends of Nevada Wilderness photographer Kirk Peterson leads a short introductory lesson on the basics of night sky photography. 

Please visit our Massacre Rim WSA and Dark Sky Sanctuary page for more information on the Sanctuary and places to stay in the Surprise Valley Area. We encourage you to make accommodations before you arrive, as lodging is limited in the valley and fills up quickly. 

Citizen astronomers are welcome! Bring your telescope, your knowledge of the night sky, and your enthusiasm to teach... and learn!