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 encourage 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.

See photos from last year's Project at this spring!

Information

Difficulty: 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. The project will involve a variety of tasks including: a very steep hike down to the site on trail, carrying and using hand tools, shoveling, carrying heavy buckets, possibly getting wet, and bending up and down. 

Travel: We will be leaving Las Vegas at 1 pm, on Monday, October 28th, to arrive at the campsite before dark. The road to the campsite is a gravel road that may be rough at places. A 4WD high-clearance vehicle is required. Limited space is available in one of our Friends' trucks. Please reach out ASAP if you will need a ride.  

Dates: Monday October 28th, 2024 - Wednesday October 30th, 2024 (***Please note: this is a mid-week project***)

Food: Breakfast and coffee are provided on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, and a big group dinner (with dessert) is provided on Tuesday night! Volunteers are responsible for your dinner on Monday night, lunches, and snacks. We will have plenty of water available for refilling your bottles. 

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work boots or hiking shoes. *You may get wet working in the spring, a towel and water shoes are also recommended.* Camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, utensils, plates, camping chair, etc. We have some camping gear available for loan. Please review our Suggested Packing List  

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

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 another volunteer can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].