Help Restore a Damaged Stream Habitat

Join us for a hands-on volunteer project to help restore a degraded stream crossing along a 4WD road in a sensitive riparian ecosystem. Over time, the streambed has become deeply rutted and soft, leading drivers to unintentionally widen the crossing area in an effort to avoid getting stuck. This has caused significant impacts to the surrounding habitat and water quality.

Here’s why this work matters:

• Streamside habitat is being damaged, reducing its ability to support native plants and wildlife.

• The disturbed area continues to expand, increasing the footprint of impact on the landscape.

• Loose sediment from vehicle tracks washes into the creek, degrading water quality and harming downstream ecosystems.

We’ll work together to reinforce the original creek crossing by placing rocks in the soft areas. This will create a stable surface that helps keep vehicle use contained while protecting the surrounding environment.

What to expect:

• Meaningful, physical work—lifting and moving rocks to stabilize the crossing.

• A chance to make a direct impact on the health of a desert stream and its surrounding habitat.

• An outdoor experience with a team of like-minded volunteers working toward a shared goal.

If you’re passionate about conservation, stewardship, and protecting the places we love to explore, this is your chance to make a difference.

The Sheldon Refuge is an amazing, beautiful landscape. This project is not one to miss. Let’s work together to restore this crossing and safeguard stream habitat for the future. Sign up today!

Photos from around the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

Check out our Stewards of Sheldon video and Sheldon Story Map.

Information:

Difficulty: Challenging - See our difficulty rating 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. 

Location: Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, camping at Virgin Valley Campground

Dates: Thursday, June 19th - Sunday, June 22nd

Travel: Leave Reno on Thursday morning, returning Sunday afternoon. A limited number of spots are available in Friends trucks to transport volunteers and carpooling is also an option. 

Food: Breakfast and coffee are provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, big group dinner (with dessert) on Friday and Saturday night. 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.

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].