Join us for a unique and impactful project in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, where we’ll be removing trash from a former illegal marijuana grow site. These sites leave behind long-lasting to natural spring sites, degrade habitat, and scatter miles of plastic irrigation tubing across the landscape. Even years after being abandoned, the impacts remain. On past similar projects, the Forest Service found an average of 4.6 miles of irrigation line and nearly 2,000 pounds of trash per site.

This project will take us 2 to 4 miles off-trail into a remote area. Once on site, we’ll work together to break down and prepare materials for removal by cutting and bundling irrigation tubing, consolidating trash, and staging everything in a location accessible for helicopter extraction. Depending on site conditions, we may also pack out some materials.

For safety, law enforcement will assess and clear the site beforehand and join us during the project.

This project is supported in partnership with the Lincoln Dynamic Foundation, whose support is helping restore multiple springs across southern Nevada this year.

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. We will be hiking 2-4 miles off-trail, carrying our supplies for the day. We may carry some of the trash out from the site as appropriate. 

When: Wednesday, September 9th, 7AM-3PM

Where: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

What to bring: Sturdy closed-toe 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.

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 necessary training for the project. We will meet in the morning for a safety circle and talk about the project, then we'll hike to the site and begin working, stopping for lunch and snack breaks as necessary. 

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!

Join us for a unique and impactful cleanup project in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, where we’ll be removing trash from a former illegal marijuana grow site on public lands. These sites leave behind long-lasting damage. Illegal grows often divert water from natural springs, degrade habitat, and scatter miles of plastic irrigation tubing and trash across the landscape. Even years after being abandoned, the impacts remain. On past similar projects, the Forest Service found an average of 4.6 miles of irrigation line and nearly 2,000 pounds of trash per site.

This project will take us 2 to 4 miles off-trail into a remote area. Once on site, we’ll work together to break down and prepare materials for removal by cutting and bundling irrigation tubing, consolidating trash, and staging everything in a location accessible for helicopter extraction. Depending on site conditions, we may also pack out some materials.

For safety, law enforcement will assess and clear the site ahead of time. These grow sites have been abandoned for years, and our work is focused on cleaning up what’s been left behind.

This is a chance to be part of a meaningful effort to restore a trashed spring site in the Spring Mountains. 

This project is supported in partnership with the Lincoln Dynamic Foundation, whose support is helping restore multiple springs across southern Nevada this year.

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. We will be hiking 2-4 miles off-trail, carrying our supplies for the day. We may carry some of the trash out from the site as appropriate. 

When: Thursday September 10th, 7AM-3PM

Where: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe 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.

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.  

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!

For more information on volunteering with Friends of Nevada Wilderness, check out our volunteer information page here!

Join us for a backcountry trail project in the Arc Dome Wilderness as we continue restoring the South Twin Trail. This area was heavily impacted by flooding from Hurricane Hilary, and after several hitches by our professional trail crew, the first three miles are now passable. This trip takes us beyond that work to keep rebuilding. We’ll backpack three miles into the Wilderness and set up a base camp near our work site, spending two full days focused on rock work. Using grip hoists, rock bars, and jacks, we’ll move and shape stone to rebuild durable trail structures. This is physically demanding work, but also some of the most rewarding, offering the chance to build real confidence and skills in advanced trail techniques.

Beyond the work, this trip is a true backcountry adventure. You’ll spend your days in a rugged and beautiful landscape, your evenings at camp, and your time fully immersed in a place few people get to experience this way. Come ready to challenge yourself, learn a lot, and be part of something meaningful out in the heart of the Wilderness.

This project is funded by the OnX Adventure Forever Grant and the National Forest Foundation. We're so excited to partner with OnX in their mission to inspire communities to pass on responsible recreation ethics, enable land access, and promote healthy ecosystems. You can learn more about OnX here.

Learn more about the Arc Dome Wilderness area here.

Information

Difficulty level: Most Challenging- see our difficulty rating here. Strenuous with longer hikes, off-trail hiking, sometimes with significant elevation changes. These trips are very challenging and require excellent aerobic conditioning, past experience in outdoor settings, and familiarity with backcountry hiking and/or camping. Not for beginners. This trip will require backpacking 3 miles to our basecamp!

This is a backpacking trip. We ask that all volunteers are able to carry their own gear and food in their own backpack for the weekend (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, plate, mug, utensils, all food, clothes, etc.) plus work-specific tools that we will hand out at the trailhead. Long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy, close-toed shoes are required for our workday. Please also bring a hat and a rain jacket. Volunteers should ideally have prior backpacking experience before participating in this project. 

We will hike together as a group, taking frequent breaks, but expect volunteers to be able to complete this hike at a reasonable pace. 

There will be a water source at our campsite for the weekend. We will provide a water filter, but if you have one to share, we ask that you please bring that as well. Please bring the capacity to carry at least 3 liters of water at a time.

When: Thursday September 17th - Sunday September 20th

Where: South Twin Trailhead, Arc Dome Wilderness (roughly 4 hours from Reno)

Travel: The road to the trailhead is dirt, but should be passable in most vehicles. Please contact staff if you have any questions. There are limited spots in FNW vehicles from Reno. Reach out ASAP if you need a ride. There will not be FNW vehicles leaving from Las Vegas.

Food: No food will be provided on this trip. All participants must bring enough food for themselves for the entire weekend (Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday lunch, Thursday/Friday/Saturday dinner, Friday/Saturday/Sunday breakfast, and plenty of snacks).

Gear/Clothing: For this project, volunteers must supply their own backpacking equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, plate, mug, utensils, stove, all meals, clothes, etc.) and be able to carry it in their own backpack. Long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy, close-toed shoes are required for our workdays. Please also bring a hat and rain jacket. If you have any questions about what to bring, please reach out.

What to expect: In-depth information such as weather, travel plans, parking/camping, and project specifics, will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project. Friends staff members will provide any tool training necessary for the project. As this is a 'most challenging' and backpacking project, expect a staff member from FNW to reach out before the project to confirm your preparedness.

Are Dogs Allowed? No dogs are 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? All participants must RSVP individually. Please send them this link and tell them to sign up.

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

We can't wait to see you out there!

Join us for National Public Lands Day at the Rainbow Gardens Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) as we work to restore a desert spring and the surrounding landscape. This area has seen significant impacts from illegal dumping, with trash scattered both at the spring site and across the nearby terrain. We’ll be working together to remove loads of trash to improve the condition of the site and help restore this important habitat.

National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in the country, bringing together thousands of people each year to care for parks, forests, and open spaces. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger while making a real, local impact.

ACECs are designated because they contain unique natural, cultural, or ecological values that need extra care. Springs within these areas are especially important, providing critical water and habitat in an otherwise dry environment. Every piece of trash removed helps restore the health of the spring and improves the experience for wildlife and future visitors.

Come be part of National Public Lands Day and help care for a place that truly needs it!

Information

Difficulty level: Easy - See our difficulty rating scale here. This project is suitable for a wide range of physical abilities. It’s great for individuals new to volunteer conservation work. Appropriate for children over 12 years old with a parent or guardian.

When: Saturday September 26th, 8AM-4PM

Where: Rainbow Gardens Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), just east of Las Vegas

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe 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.

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.  

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!

For more information on volunteering with Friends of Nevada Wilderness, check out our volunteer information page here!

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!

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 encourages 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.

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 29th-November 1st

Where: Gold Butte National Monument

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe 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.

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 sensitive nature of the relict leopard frog habitat, 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!