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!