Keeping Nevada Wild...

This Is Nevada...

2012-01-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Muddy Mountains Wilderness Trio by Kurt Kuznicki

Start the Year Off Green by Repurposing Your Old Calendar!

2012-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

Make cards and envelopes, turning each picture-of-the-month into an envelope and then matting the index images and affixing them to the front of blank greeting cards.

What You Need:

An out-of-date calendar

Colorful paper cut into 3x4 rectangles

Card stock (8.5x11 can be cut into half sheets)

Paper cutter or scissors

Double-sided tape or rubber cement

Optional: Envelope, carefully taken apart, to use as template

Cards

1. Using a papercutter or scissors, cut out each of the index images, leaving a white border around each.

2. With rubber cement, or double-sided tape, fix one of the index images onto a complimentary color square. Then affix the colored square to the greeting card.

Envelopes

1. Trim off the white edges of the picture-of-the-month.

2. Using the calendar grid on the back as a guide, cut a one-by-four rectangle out of each side. You can also take apart a greeting card envelope from the store - approximately 6x5 - and use that as a template.

3. Fold over flaps. DO NOT GLUE OR TAPE.

4. If desired, cut a notch, triangle, or other design under envelope flap.

5. Fold over and seal sides.

Wilderness Wingding Gets Wild!

2011-12-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

Attendees packed the Tahoe Room at the Grand Sierra Resort! (all photos by Marcial Reiley)

Membership Coordinator Richard Knox greets volunteers and supporters

Mingling...

...and munching!

Stewardship Director Pat Bruce takes the stage

While a rapt audience watches.

Susan Lisagor from Senator Harry Reid's office thanks volunteers

Partnership of the Year - US Fish and Wildlife Service (Sheldon and Desert Refuges)

Group Partner of the Year - Nevada Outdoor School

Special Recognition - Law Office of Demetras and O'Neill and Black Rock Bicycles

Blue Helmet Gals!

Volunteer of the Year Scott Hall

Agency Person of the Year - Carol Reott Hotchkiss, US Forest Service

Wilderness Wingding Awardees Announced!

2011-12-08T13:41:00.001-08:00

Friends of Nevada Wilderness will be celebrating individuals and organizations who played a special part in our 2011 field season. These awardees will be honored at the Wilderness Wingding at the Grand Sierra Resort in the Tahoe Room. The celebration begins at 6 pm with an awards ceremony at 7 pm on Friday, December 16, 2011. This event is open to the public.

2011 Volunteer of the Year – Scott Hall
Scott was an integral part of the success of the 2011 stewardship season. This year alone, he completed eight projects, became certified in cross-cut saw use, attended two trail maintenance courses and obtained a government driver’s license. Scott, as a volunteer trip captain, led several trips. Friends is in the process of elevating volunteers to higher levels of responsibility within our stewardship program, and Scott’s dedication is the blueprint for the essential role that a volunteer can play in protecting our cherished places.

Agency Partnership of the Year – US Fish and Wildlife Service (Desert and Sheldon Wildlife Refuges)
The US Fish and Wildlife Service was instrumental in helping Friends of Nevada Wilderness lead an Alternative Spring Break trip for UNR students to the Pahranagat and Desert National Wildlife Refuges in southern Nevada and remove over 75 miles of barbed wire fence from the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.

Agency Person of the Year – Carol Reott Hotchkiss – US Forest Service
Carol Reott Hotchkiss, Recreation Planner for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, provided immeasurable support for developing a very successful interagency partnership with Friends of Nevada Wilderness. Her guidance and vision played a key role in setting up a crew of Student Conservation Association interns to do extensive wilderness monitoring in southern Nevada.

Corporate Partner of the Year – REI
REI has been instrumental in supporting Friends of Nevada Wilderness over the years. In 2011, REI generously supported a two-week project to re-route the trail to the summit of Griffith Peak and many other wilderness stewardship projects throughout the state.

Ruler of the Spooler Award – Bill James
A long time supporter and wilderness volunteer, Bill James, designed, built and donated two ingenious barbed wire spoolers that were used to remove over 75 miles of barbed wire in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, improving wildlife habitat.

Group Partner of the Year – Nevada Outdoor School
Working in partnership with the BLM and Friends of Nevada Wilderness, the Nevada Outdoor School has hosted a "Kid's Camp" since 2006 to engage youth and allow parent-volunteers to work on stewardship projects during the Black Rock Rendezvous, National Public Lands Days and other projects.

Blue Helmet Awardees – volunteers who attended at least three trips over the 2011 season: David Book, Elyse Briski, Don Brown, Danielle Cotte, Larry Dwyer, Matthew “Metric” Ebert, John Fiske, John and Hermi Hiatt, Dorothy Hudig, Gordon Jackson, Paul Jackson, Dylan Kuhn, Martin Mace, Barry and Kathy Morgan, Susan Murphy, Anthony Rivera, Dick Ross, Darcy Shepard, Jim Switalla, Chuck Thomas, Mike Thorson, Joe Trujillo.

In 2011, volunteers worked on over 100 projects, giving 9,500 hours and donating a total of $223,236 of in-kind labor to Nevada’s wild lands. Please join us in celebrating the volunteers and members who made it possible.

This Is Nevada...

2011-12-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

Newspaper Rock (photo by Brian Beffort)

Nevada's Big Give - A Stunning Success!!

2011-11-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

With our Golden Ticket, we raised over $5,000 in one day!!!!

Mark Your Calendars - Nevada's Big Give is Thursday!

2011-11-15T16:45:00.000-08:00

Raise money online for Celebrate Gold Butte, Celebrate Wild Nevada

This Is Nevada...

2011-11-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

Lime Canyon Wilderness blooms in spring (photograph by Kurt Kuznicki)

Pine Forest Bill Introduced!!

2011-11-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

Alder Creek by Scott Smith

On November 2, 2011, U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Congressman Joe Heck (R-NV) and Congressman Mark Amodei (R-NV) today introduced the Pine Forest Recreation Enhancement Act. This bill is the result of over two years of cooperation between conservation organizations like Friends of Nevada Wilderness, sportsmen and hunting clubs, and government agencies. 26,000 acres in northern Nevada will be designated as protected wilderness under the bill.

Find out more here:

http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/pr_11211_humboldtcountyconservationbill.cfm

This Is Nevada...

2011-10-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

The sands of South Bitter Ridge in the proposed Gold Butte National Conservation Area
(photograph by Kurt Kuznicki)

Partners in Conservation Award Ceremony

2011-10-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

Jose Witt, Sheena Britschgi, and Shaaron Netherton accept the Partners in Conservation Award from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on September 21, 2011 in Washington, DC.

National Public Lands Day 2011 - Black Rock

2011-09-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Before...

And after the route restoration in the Calico Mountains!

Pat and Kristine inspect invasive species

Sunscreen - a necessity on the playa!

Smile!

This Is Nevada...

2011-09-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Our 2012 Calendar Cover Girl, Gold Butte (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

This Is Nevada...

2011-08-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Tall Grasses at Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (photo by Darcy Shepard)

Griffith Peak Re-Route Project

2011-08-25T22:16:00.001-07:00

Friends of Nevada Wilderness, the Student Conservation Association interns under the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership, and over 20 volunteers will be working over the next ten days to re-route the trail to the summit of Griffith Peak, the third highest mountain in the Spring Mountains.

Some will be camping out along the trail while others will come up to help for a day or bring up supplies.

A pack string will bring up water for the trail crew.

And they're off! Check back for regular updates on the team's progress!

This Is Nevada...

2011-08-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Top of Blowout Mountain in the Sheldon Refuge (photo by Brian Beffort)

Opening of the Black Rock Visitor Center

2011-08-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

The new Black Rock National Conservation Area Visitor Center is officially open for business, education, and enjoyment!

The official ribbon cutting
Shaaron and Pat share a smile

Examining the artifact display

Learning about the journey westard

This Is Nevada...

2011-08-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Summitting the Currants (photo by Roger Scholl)

This Is Nevada...

2011-08-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

North Fork of the Little Humboldt at Dusk (photo by Brian Beffort)

This Is Nevada...

2011-07-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

Rainbow Over Sheldon Refuge (photo by Darcy Shepard)

This Is Nevada...

2011-07-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Lunar eclise over Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (photograph by Don Brown)

Summer of Sheldon Part One

2011-07-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Over 30 volunteers came out to Badger Campground in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to pull fence that was blocking antelope migratory routes and wildlife water access.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness teamed up with the Oregon Natural Desert Association to take out almost four miles of fence in five hours - most of the fence had five strands of wire - that's a total of 20 miles rolled and bundled!

After their hard work, the team was treated to bowls of Dutch oven Jambalaya, a hearty stew prepared by Sheena Britschgi.

Thanks again for all your hardwork - the antelope appreciate it!

This Is Nevada...

2011-06-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

The flora of the Calico Mountains (photo by Brian Beffort)

Summer of Sheldon 2011

2011-06-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Friends of Nevada Wilderness is offering three opportunities to get out in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and help Nevada's pronghorn antelope this summer! Our Sheldon Rendezvous has been so successful in the past, we've decided to triple it this year!

June 24-26, 2011

July 22-24, 2011

August 26-18, 2011

Volunteers will be pulling barbed wire fence out that obstructs pronghorn antelope migratory routes and water access under the direction of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. On Saturday evening, there will be a Dutch oven entree and volunteer potluck - Friends of Nevada Wilderness will provide the main dishes, just bring a side or dessert to share!

The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 570,000 acres of high desert sagebrush-steppe ecosystem and boasts wandering herds of pronghorn antelope and scatterd bands of bighorn sheep along with a variety of bird and butterfly species.

Call 775 324-7667 to reserve your spot - space is limited, so call today!

Black Rock Rendezvous: Before and After Calico Mountains Route Rehab

2011-06-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

Calico Mountains, May 2011

Before volunteers from the Black Rock Rendezvous begin work restoring the route (photo by Sheena Britschgi)

After the group finishes, no trace of the illegal route is left (Sheena Britschgi)

The hard workers!

Black Rock Rendezvous: Before and After at Mormon Dan

2011-06-06T19:19:00.001-07:00

Black Rock National Conservation Area, May 2011

Before volunteers with Friends of Nevada Wilderness, Friends of Black Rock-High Rock, Nevada Outdoor School and BLM staffers begin working (photo by Darcy Shepard)

Laying out the pieces (Darcy Shepard)

Teamwork! (Darcy Shepard)

Volunteer rake away traces of their footprints (Darcy Shepard)

After volunteers are done (Darcy Shepard)

This Is Nevada...

2011-05-23T13:03:00.001-07:00

Winter camping in Blue Eagle (photo by Brian Beffort)

Trail Maintenance: Before and After

2011-05-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Mt. Rose Wilderness, May 2011

Friends of Nevada Wilderness teamed up with the Forest Service to bring Dolly Chapman to lead a 3-day course in crosscut saw safety and skill, leading to B-level certification (photo by Darcy Shepard)

Students got in the field on the White's Creek Trail to remove a downed tree (Darcy Shepard)

After 45 minutes and two cuts, the team removes the obstructing portion (Darcy Shepard)

The cut part is rolled off to the downward side of the trail (Darcy Shepard)

The class with instructor Dolly Chapman (Darcy Shepard)

This Is Nevada...

2011-05-06T14:47:00.001-07:00

Pahute Peak by Kurt Kuznicki

Happy Earth Day!!

2011-04-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

This Is Nevada...

2011-04-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

The foothills surrounding the Black Rock playa (photo by Darcy Shepard)

This Is Nevada...

2011-04-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Tracks in the sand (photo by Brian Beffort)

Restoration: Before and After

2011-04-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

Cow Camp - Desert National Wildlife Refuge, April 2011

Before the team begins work, an illegal road threatens archaeological sites (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

During the restoration process, 185 feet of roadway was restored (Kurt Kuznicki)

An additional 5,400 feet of track is cut off from the legal road and left to naturally remove itself (Kurt Kuznicki)

After the group finishes (Kurt Kuznicki)

This Is Nevada...

2011-04-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Capturing clouds as a storm rolls into the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (photo by Kelli Belmont)

Removal: Before and After

2011-03-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

Desert National Wildlife Refuge, April 2011

Before the team takes down 2,920 feet of fence (photo by Darcy Shepard)

The fence ran along a series of rocky ridges the team climbed to reach the site. The fence was approximately 2.5 miles from the cars with an elevation gain of 750 feet. (Darcy Shepard)

Equipment to remove the posts had to be hauled in, then the removed materials hiked back out (Kurt Kuznicki)

After the team cuts down the sheep wire, barbed wire, and pulls out the posts (Darcy Shepard)

2011 National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance Conference

2011-03-31T01:15:00.000-07:00

This Is Nevada...

2011-03-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

Close-up of Joshua Tree in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (photo by Darcy Shepard)

Alternative Spring Break with Friends of Nevada Wilderness

2011-03-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a taste of the work our awesome team of volunteers put in over Alternative Spring Break in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge! (all photos by Kurt Kuznicki)

Thanks again for all your hard work!!

Before and After: Construction

2011-03-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Highland Ridge Wilderness, September 2008

Materials for the exclosure are laid out before the crew begins work (photo by Brian Beffort)

After the team finishes the exclosure (Brian Beffort)

This Is Nevada...

2011-03-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

Winter in the Mt. Rose Wilderness (Photo by Brian Beffort)

This Is Nevada...

2011-03-01T15:11:00.001-08:00

Desert National Wildlife Refuge (photo by Brian Beffort)

Spend Spring Break in Wild Nevada

2011-02-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

March 13/14 - 18/19: Enjoy a rewarding spring break in the outdoors! Spend 5 enjoyable days and 4 glorious nights under the stars in the spectacular wilderness just north of Vegas. Teaming up with our southern Nevada staff we will be carpooling from Reno down to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. We will leave Reno on Sunday, March 13, work Monday through Friday and return to Reno on Saturday, March 19. We will also set aside a day during the week to visit the Red Rock National Conservation Area for people who want to explore.

A more rugged area of the fence

Your stewardship work will consist of pulling out barbed wire and fence posts, rolling up barbed wire strands and possibly hiking some of the material out. We will camp at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge about 5 miles from the project staging area. Some hiking (up to 4 miles roundtrip each day) will be involved depending on what portion of the fence we are working on. Be prepared to work full days in a rugged and relatively remote location - a place where you can soak up the grandeur of the desert.

Please join Friends of Nevada Wilderness and meet like-minded people for a unique opportunity to enhance habitat on the largest wildlife refuge in the lower 48!

For more information please contact:

Reno
Wes Hoskins, Forest Project Coordinator: 775-762-6730, wes@nevadawilderness.org

Las Vegas
Kurt Kuznicki, Southern Nevada Director: 775-745-3119, kurt@nevadawilderness.org

SCA Interns Learn to Leave No Trace in Gold Butte

2011-02-13T17:51:00.000-08:00

Having a little fun while learning to Leave No Trace (photograph by Kurt Kuznicki)

The crew's camp (Kurt Kuznicki)

Happy hikers (Kurt Kuznicki)

Taking a study break (Kurt Kuznicki)

Decoding the Petroglyphs (Kurt Kuznicki)

Holding up the Leave No Trace standards! (Kurt Kuznicki)

Grand Opening of the Bird Song Loop Trail

2011-02-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

Friends of Nevada Wilderness volunteers joined folks from the Southern Nevada Conservancy, Friends of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, and the Red Rock Audubon Society in Fall 2010 to construct the Bird Song Loop Trail. On January 22, 2011, the official ribbon cutting and blessing of the trail was conducted.

A guided bird hike (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

The trail being enjoyed (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

Thanks to everyone who came out for the construction and the celebration - wilderness warriors will enjoy the trail for decades to come!

This Is Nevada...

2011-02-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

View from the Bird Song Loop Trail in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

Restoration: Before and After

2011-01-31T14:15:00.000-08:00

Lovell Canyon, January 2011

An illegal off-road track before volunteers start work (Photo by Chris Hensley)

Volunteers bring in wood and other material to form a natural barrier to keep vehicles out of restricted areas (Chris Hensley)

The final touch (Chris Hensley)

After the group is done (Chris Hensley)

2011 NWSA Conference in Las Vegas

2011-01-27T19:41:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday, Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge!

2011-01-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in northern Nevada celebrates its 70th birthday this Wednesday!

Check out our video, "Sheldon Rendezvous 2010," to see some of the work we've done in the refuge:

Lovell Canyon Restoration - Day Two

2011-01-16T02:38:00.001-08:00

Another successful day in Lovell Canyon!

2010: By the Numbers

2011-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Interested to see what we accomplished this past year? Check out the video below!

Volunteering With Friends of Nevada Wilderness

2011-01-11T15:42:00.000-08:00

As we gear up for a productive 2011 season, we're excited to see returning volunteers and greenhorns join us! If you're interested in volunteering but not quite sure what you'll be doing, watch our video, "Why Volunteer?", below to get a taste of the Friends of Nevada Wilderness stewardship experience.

Lovell Canyon Restoration - Day One

2011-01-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

7 buckets of glass and 32 bags of trash were collected last Saturday by FNW volunteers at Lovell Canyon - a great start to 2011!

Thanks to everyone who came out for our first project of the year...

You made a big difference to a beautiful slice of Nevada wild!

Removal: Before and After

2011-01-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

Table Mountain, September 2009

An illegal fire pit is spotted...

And traces are removed by Friends of Nevada Wilderness.

This Is Nevada...

2011-01-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

Rainbow in Rainbow Canyon (photograph by Brian Beffort)

Removal: Before and After

2010-12-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Weethump, February 2006

Before beginnning, volunteers inspect the debris to be removed.

Friends deconstructs the larger pieces...

And loads the debris onto a flatbed to be taken to a legal dump site.

This Is Nevada...

2010-12-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

Nevada snowscape by Steve Chandler

Wingding 2010 Photos Are Here!

2010-12-16T14:03:00.001-08:00

Over 250 people attended the 2010 Wilderness Wingding at the Grand Sierra Resort on Friday night! Here are some of the photos, visit our Facebook page to see more!!

Our Blue Helmet awardees - volunteers who participated in three or more trips this field season! (Photo by Graham Stafford)

Musical guests Code Bluegrass rocked the house! (Photo by Graham Stafford)

Volunteer of the Year Caleb with Wes, Pat, and Kurt (Photo by Graham Stafford)

The Dwyers check out the raffle items (Photo by Graham Stafford)

Little Wilderness Warriors (Photo by Graham Stafford)

Jo and Shaaron share a smile (Photo by Graham Stafford)

The Buballas minus Louis (Photo by Graham Stafford)

Louis minus the Buballas (Photo by Graham Stafford)

AmeriCorps volunteers Ursula and Darcy take a moment to smile (Photo by Graham Stafford)

Rain in the Black Rock

2010-12-15T08:41:00.000-08:00

By Brian Beffort.

"Playa" in Spanish means beach. I've always found humor in exploring the Black Rock Playa, and other dry lake beds across Nevada, often when the land is parched, bare, thirsty, with no water to be seen anywhere--hardly beach.

Not today. The playa this week is living up to its name. Inches of rain have already fallen this week in the Black Rock region, making this desert look more like a marine environment. Volunteer Chris Ripps and I enjoyed a beautiful trip to Soldier Meadows in the calm and beautiful window before the storms hit hard. Here are some pictures.

Sunset at Soldier Meadows...the calm beauty before the storm. (photo be Brian Beffort)

After driving rain on my tent all night long, we woke to see calm weather and fresh snow on Pahute Peak. (Brian Beffort)

After a few dry-but-windy hours, the storm set in. Misty rain first shrouded only the higher reaches of the Calico Mountains. (Brian Beffort)

Then it spread across the entire playa. (Brian Beffort)

After only a couple hour's of rain, every depression on the ground became a drainage. And while I've heard of glacial milk, the mineral rich sediment filling rivers in glacier-scoured mountains, this was my first encounter with alluvial milk pouring toward the playa here in the Calicos.

Photo by Brian Beffort

At 3pm on Tuesday, the playa was a lake. This is the cove just north of the 12-Mile entrance to the playa, a place where I have camped often with lots of other people for National Public Lands Day and other events. Good thing this storm didn't come then. And what will happen when such a storm comes during Burning Man?

Photo by Brian Beffort

Walking among the dune, stepping over rivulets, and staring out into the misty expanse reminded me of exploring the coast at low tide on a misty, rainy day.

This Is Nevada...

2010-12-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

Snow on the Granites (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

Wilderness Wingding Tomorrow Night!

2010-12-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

Fabulous food, amazing prizes, and great live music, all at the beautiful Grand Sierra Resort!

Friday, Dec. 10

from 6 pm until 10 pm

at the Grand Sierra Resort

in the Tahoe Room

Suggested $10 donation at the door

Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness at this community event to honor the hard work of our 2010 volunteers, sponsors, and agency partners!!

Tonight! Meet the Author: Brian Beffort

2010-12-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

Photograph by Brian Beffort

Tonight at 7 pm, Friends of Nevada Wilderness Associate Director Brian Beffort will be sharing a slideshow of his spectacular wild Nevada photography at the REI store in Henderson. An avid hiker and explorer, he will also be discussing and signing his hiking guide, "Afoot and Afield: Las Vegas and Southern Nevada." Southern Nevada Program Director Kurt Kuznicki will also be there with Wild Nevada 2011 calendars.

This Is Nevada...

2010-12-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

Moon over Cathedral Gorge (photograph by Bonnie Rannald)

Restoration: Before and After

2010-11-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

Alder Creek, August 2006

Despite a sign barring off-road vehicles, an illegal track has formed (photo by Pat Bruce)

Friends of Nevada Wilderness and volunteers work to remove the traces of the track (Pat Bruce)

After the team is finished and a new sign post up, the lack of a track will deter off-highway riding (Pat Bruce)

This Is Nevada...

2010-11-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

Clouds rolling in over Mt. Rose (photo by Brian Beffort)

Can you name these tracks? Answer!

2010-11-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

Did you correctly guess which animal created these prints in the snow?

A coyote! (photo by Philip DeManczuk)

A bear! (photo by Philip DeManczuk)

Can you name these tracks?

2010-11-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

Snow in Nevada offers a lot of delightful past times, but can be especially helpful to animal watchers and photographers! Can you name the creatures that made these tracks? Check back Monday for the answers!

Photo by Brian Beffort

Photo by Kurt Kuznicki

Removal: Before and After

2010-11-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

North Black Rock

Before Friends of Nevada Wilderness volunteers clean up an abandoned campsite

The team dissassembles a rusted-out fridge...

...and loads it onto a flatbed to take to dispose of.

After the team is done, no trace is left

StorySongs Benefit a Success!

2010-11-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

The audience waits for the show to begin (photo by Darcy Shepard)

Thank you to everyone who came out to StorySongs: A Benefit for Nevada's Wild Places on Friday night. Mark Vollmer and Jim Eaglesmith performed for a full house, and all proceeds will go towards conserving and maintaining Nevada's public lands!

A special thanks to Patagonia Reno for hosting the event, and New Belgium Brewery and Cepage Selections of Reno for their generous beverage donations.

Removal: Before and After

2010-11-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

North Black Rock, August 2008

Volunteers wind up yards of barb wire

After a long day of work

This Is Nevada...

2010-11-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

Changing seasons at Little High Rock (photo by Graham Stafford)

Help Get Volunteers’ “Boots on the Ground”

2010-11-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Get your own boots on the ground when you donate! We will be giving away four gift certificates for a pair of Keen shoes or boots through the month of November – no minimum donation required!

Constructing the Birdsong Trail: Before and After

2010-11-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

Desert National Wildlife Refuge, November 2010

Daybreak over the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

Volunteers carry supplies along the trail (Kurt Kuznicki)

The team puts in steps on an incline (Kurt Kuznicki)

After the group finishes (Kurt Kuznicki)

The group after a hard day's work (Kurt Kuznicki)

Thanks to everyone who came out and helped for one, two, or all three days - the Birdsong Trail in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge is now complete thanks to you!

Trail Building: Before and After

2010-11-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Toiyabe Crest Trail, July 2009

Friends of Nevada Wilderness volunteers begin working on an obstructed portion of the Toiyabe Crest Trail

After the team clears the trail

This Is Nevada...

2010-11-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

A cloudy day at Steptoe Spring (photo by Arla Ruggles)

Wilderness: A Beacon of Hope in a Changing Climate

2010-11-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Two recent articles have underscored the importance of wilderness areas—and in particular Nevada’s areas—as refugia to help species survive the onslaughts of climate change.

The myriad micro-environments nestled among Nevada's mountain ranges provide greater options for plants and wildlife trying to survive in a changing climate (the High Schells Wilderness, photo copyright Norman Herterich).

On October 27, the Washington Post reported on an article published in the online scientific journal, Nature:

“A growing number of creatures could disappear from the earth, with one-fifth of all vertebrates and as many as a third of all sharks and rays now facing the threat of extinction, according to a new survey assessing nearly 26,000 species across the globe.

“In addition, forces such as habitat destruction, over-exploitation and invasive competitors move 52 species a category closer to extinction each year, according to the research, published online Tuesday by the journal Science. At the same time, the findings demonstrate that these losses would be at least 20 percent higher without conservation efforts now underway.

"We know what we need to do," said Andrew Rosenberg, senior vice president for science and knowledge at the advocacy group Conservation International and one of the paper's co-authors. "We need to focus on protected areas, both terrestrial and marine."
…
In short, wilderness and other protected areas help minimize species extinction. A recent article, “Dancing with Climate Change” in High Country News explains the why:

“Mountain climate is patchy, explains [Forest Service ecologist Connie Millar]. The American West is warming more rapidly than other parts of the U.S., but that's just on average. Within the 11-state region lie tens of thousands of cooler pockets, due, in large part, to the presence of mountains. Biologically, this translates into resilience. On the flat, for example, an organism might have to travel several hundred miles to find a suitable niche, whereas in the mountains, a hop, skip and jump will often do the trick. "Because mountains are so topographically rough, so heterogeneous, they provide incredible opportunities for movement," Millar observes.”

In short, Nevada’s mountainous wilderness areas hide niches, micro-climates, where species can survive while everywhere else is becoming unsuitable.

Unfortunately, we don't know which species, or how many, will be forced to move to adapt to a changing climate. But by protecting Nevada’s wild landscapes, we ut we can give a fighting chance to those here at home.

Journey to the Center of the Wild: Wes Hoskins on the Hunter Creek Trail

2010-11-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

By Wes Hoskins

Renee, Michael, Sara, Paul, and Tim (photo by Wes Hoskins)

On Saturday, October 23, four volunteers from the UNR Freshman Honors program along with Renee Aldrich and I hiked up our favorite drainage, Hunter Creek. We installed 10 check steps and dams to help with eroded areas caused by: (1) the amount of people using the trail and (2) the fact that the trail resides on steep slope.

Paul hard at work on the trail (Wes Hoskins)

We also naturalized by revegetating 3 informal trails that led down to the creek. On this trail there are no designated routes down to the water.

Michael and Sara pause for a picture (Wes Hoskins)

We did leave a few places to access the water so that dogs and people may drink. We humbly ask that if you are on the Hunter Creek Trail and need to get to the water please don’t walk where a path has not already been developed. The paths that exist now have been consciously left there.

Tim and Paul create a designated path to the creek (Wes Hoskins)

I look forward to hiking the trail in the winter, but we won’t be doing any more work there until 2011. Thanks again to Tim, Paul, Sara, Michael, and Renee!

Would you like to see your trip on the blog? Write up a description of your hike and include a photo or two and email it to darcy@nevadawilderness.org and your adventure could be featured!

Restoration: Before and After

2010-10-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Jett Canyon, June 2009

Before Friends of Nevada Wilderness begins eliminating an illegal off-road track from the wilderness area

After the FNW team finishes

Journey to the Center of the Wild: Kurt Kuznicki and the Las Vegas Mountaineers Club on the South Loop Trail

2010-10-27T13:16:00.001-07:00

By Kurt Kuznicki

We partnered with the US Forest Service and another volunteer along with the Las Vegas Mountaineers Club to work on the South Loop Trail in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. Five of us camped overnight before the trip in the Cathedral Rock area.

We hiked up the South Loop Trail with the intentions of restoring the big switchback cuts just below the ridge, but turned around because of slippery, snowy slopes.

We came back down to around 9700 ft and started repairing switchback cuts on the way down. It was pretty chilly and the trail was wet and muddy but we were rewarded with beautiful view of a cloudy valley and a very snowy Mt. Charleston.

A great big "Wild Thank You" to the Las Vegas Mountaineers Club for coming out on a chilly damp day to make a difference by doing some trail work in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness!

The Silver State Blazes Gold

2010-10-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

By Brian Beffort

Friends of Nevada Wilderness Stewardship trips have taken me into the North Black Rock Range and the Pine Forest Range for years. Each of these mountain ranges hides majestic aspen stands you cannot see from the highway. Glorious, cool and quaking in summer, with emerald leaves and burbling streams bouncing over the rocks.

But to see them in fall--ablaze with gold, orange, even red--is one of the fairest views Nevada affords. Luckily, on the weekend of October 16-17, I was lucky enough to coincide my trip with a blaze of color.

These But they're so darn remote, the roads are rough; and an unlucky brush with a winter storm could leave me stranded deep in the mountains. Lucky again, I enjoyed warm, calm days and nights--just in time as the first fierce winter storm howls outside as I type.

Two hours of dirt north of Gerlach, Mahogany Creek rises from Summit Lake into the northern drainages of the North Black Rock Range. In this small watershed lives the purest-remaining strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. In fact, when the LCT died out in Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River, replacement fish were relocated from Summit Lake. Stradling this stream rarely deeper than a few inches, I had trouble imagining 12 and 20-inch fish swimming up over these rocks to spawn.

Somewhere in the combination of shorter days and colder nights of autumn, deciduous leaves pull the cyhlorophyll out of their leaves and beging shutting down for winter. The sugars that remain can turn brilliant colors.

The next range to the northwest likes the Pine Forest Range, which rises to 9,377 feet. The Blue Lakes and Alder Creek wilderness study areas comprise about 25,000 acres of forested slopes, cool lakes, stunning granite outcrops and yes, more aspen.

On Monday morning, October 18, the Humboldt County Commission voted unanimously to support wilderness. It was a wonderful feeling to enjoy my morning cup of coffee while taking these pictures, knowing that a bunch of people from diverse backgrounds put aside all other possible disagreements to agree that this beautiful place deserves to be protected as wilderness. In this age of negative advertising and partisan politics, t's not often we see people come together like that. It's what makes America great. That's good news, by any measure.

Wild Nevada 2011 Calendars Still Available!

2010-10-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

Have you picked up your Wild Nevada 2011 calendar? Check out our website for a special deal, but hurry, the offer ends Nov. 15!

February

June

November

Click here for more of the gorgeous photos of natural Nevada featured in the calendar.

Are you a retailer interested in carrying our calendar? Join Barnes and Noble, Patagonia, Sundance Books, REI, and others - email darcy@nevadawilderness.org for details!

Removal: Before and After

2010-10-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, June 2009

Volunteers remove barb wire (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

After the team finishes for the day (Kurt Kuznicki)

This Is Nevada...

2010-10-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Last light at Bitner Ranch (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

Why We Love the Clean Water Act

2010-10-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Waterfall in the Calico Mountains (Kurt Kuznicki)

On October 18, 1972, a variety of amendments modified and reorganized the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Now known as the Clean Water Act, it allows the Environmental Protection Agency to establish programs to set wastewater standards for the industrial sector as well as water quality standards for all surface water contaminants.

The statute employs a variety of regulatory and nonregulatory tools to sharply reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. –Environmental Protection Agency

The CWA aims to restore and maintain the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of America’s waters. With clean water, fish, shellfish, and wildlife can maintain healthy population levels, and plants can flourish in their natural habitats.

Marshes and shallow lakes form the American Avocet’s habitat (photo by Diane McAllister)

Nevada wilderness areas contain a variety of surface waters that are monitored for contaminants and protected from non-permitted pollution discharge thanks to the Clean Water Act.

Fishing at Baker Lake (photo by Jim Yoakum)

Kayaking in Black Canyon (photo by Brian Beffort)

Alder Creek in Blue Lakes (Brian Beffort)

You can read the entire text of the Clean Water Act here.

Save the Date: 2010 Wilderness Wingding

2010-10-16T03:51:00.000-07:00

Food, friends, and a good glass of red at the 2009 Wingding

We’re starting to plan for the Wilderness Wingding – our annual volunteer appreciation event that is open to the community. With a raffle and silent auction, live music, and great food from local businesses, Friends of Nevada Wilderness members, volunteers, sponsors, and staff are all looking forward to the event on Friday, Dec. 10 at the Grand Sierra Resort! In fact, we’ve devoted a blog to share the details with you. Visit the Wilderness Wingding blog to find out about food, prizes, and performances!

StorySongs: A Benefit for Nevada’s Wild Places on Nov. 12

2010-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Experience the songs of award-winning musician Jim Eaglesmith blended with the award-winning photography of Mark Vollmer in an unforgettable live event to benefit Nevada’s wild lands. Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness Friday, November 12 at 7 pm in the Reno Patagonia Outlet’s employee cafe for this once-in-a-lifetime performance. Tickets are available now! Call 775 324-7667. ($15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 kids)

Capturing the Mt. Rose wilderness (photo by Mark Vollmer)

Aspens turn gold in northern Nevada (Mark Vollmer)

The gnarled trees of Mt. Charleston reach for the sky (Mark Vollmer)

Mark Vollmer has been a long-time supporter of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, and is also our cover photographer for the Wild Nevada 2011 calendar. His work has been displayed in galleries across Nevada and California, including the Truckee River Gallery, and he was honored with the 2007 Excellence in Teaching award from Truckee Meadows Community College.

Check out Jim Eaglesmith’s YouTube Channel to see more of the duo and hear about how they work together to pair scenic Nevada photography with moving music.

Restoration: Before and After

2010-10-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Calico Mountains, 2007

Friends of Nevada Wilderness works to remove traces of an illegal off-road track (photo by Brian Beffort)

After the team finishes (Brian Beffort)

Camp Cuisine: Black Forest Cake in a Dutch Oven

2010-10-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

The perfect wrap up to a camp dinner, plus leftovers are great to dunk in morning coffee!

Double-layer dessert – to conserve coals and space, the Black Forest Cake cooks on top of Apple Crisp in Honor of Crazy Steve at National Public Lands Day 2010 in Black Rock (photo by Darcy Shepard)

Black Forest Cake in a Dutch Oven
1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix and its required ingredients
1 can cherries (whole, not in syrup), drained
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chocolate chips

1. Mix cake according to box directions.
2. Fold in chocolate chips and cherries.
3. Melt butter in Dutch oven. Once oven is greased, pour cake mix in.
4. Follow cooking directions on cake box by placing the appropriate amount of coals over and under the Dutch oven to achieve desired temperatures.
5. Bake until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Do you have an awesome outdoor recipe? See it featured in our “Camp Cuisine” series! Submit your recipe to darcy@nevadawilderness.org

Friends of Nevada Wilderness Receives the Golden Pinecone

2010-10-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

Friends of Nevada Wilderness Executive Director Shaaron Netherton hard at work on National Public Lands Day 2010 (photo by Graham Stafford)

Friends of Nevada Wilderness has been honored with Nevada EcoNet’s 2010 Golden Pinecone Environmental Award for Non-Profit Organization. The award is presented each year to six individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to northern Nevada’s natural environment.

“The annual Golden Pinecone Celebration celebrates the good work of citizens to preserve and enhance the wonderful environment of northern Nevada.” -Nevada EcoNet

The ceremony will be held on Friday, November 12, 2010 at the McKinley Arts Center, tickets are $35 and available at http://www.nevadaeconet.org/ and by calling (775) 323-3433.

This Is Nevada...

2010-10-11T11:47:00.001-07:00

Waterfall in Goshute Canyon Wilderness (photo by Scott Smith)

Removal: Before and After

2010-10-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Thomas Creek, July 2006

Illegal fire pits were discovered along the trail.

Before Friends of Nevada Wilderness

Volunteers disperse the stones...

And leave no evidence afterwards.

Come Out to the Gear Swap at the Patagonia Outlet

2010-10-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness at the Patagonia Gear Swap at the Patagonia Reno Outlet. Browse for gently used outdoor gear Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 am until 1 pm and stop by our table!

Yelp Helps Las Vegas (and Friends of Nevada Wilderness!)

2010-10-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Restaurant review website Yelp is hosting an event to help Las Vegas-area nonprofits! On Thursday, Oct. 14 from 7 until 9 pm, southern Nevadans are encouraged to stop by the Atomic Testing Museum for volunteering and membership information from local nonprofits. Not only can you find out how to help your community, complimentary cocktails from Bombay Sapphire and VnC Cocktails and light food will be provided. 21 and up only - sorry little ones!

You must RSVP at http://www.yelp.com/events/las-vegas-yelp-helps, so get your name on the list and stop by and say hi to Friends of Nevada Wilderness!

Camp Cuisine: Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings

2010-10-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

Need something hearty at the end of a long day's hike? Try Sheena Britschgi's Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings!

Sheena is almost ready to put the dumplings in while preparing for the potluck at Black Rock National Public Lands Day 2010 (photo by Darcy Shepard)

Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings
2-1/2 to 3 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)
3 cups water
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried sage or marjoram, crushed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 cup sliced celery (2 stalks)
1 cup thinly sliced carrot (2 medium)
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 package of Bisquick (use the ‘just add water dumplings’ recipe) or your favorite dumpling recipe

1. Combine 3 cups water, onion, salt, sage/marjoram, pepper, bay leaf, celery, carrots and mushrooms in Dutch oven. Bring to a boil
2. Chop chicken pieces, add to broth mixture. Cover and cook until chicken is done.
3. Prepare dumplings according to instructions. Add to top of mixture.
4. Cook until dumpling dough is cooked all the way through.

REI and FNW Team Up in the Spring Mountains

2010-10-04T11:08:00.001-07:00

Volunteers got dirty Sunday, Oct. 3, in Blue Tree when Friends of Nevada Wilderness teamed up with REI to perform trail maintenance in the Spring Mountains.

Heading up the trail (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)
Making the sweeping vistas accessible to everyone (Kurt Kuznicki)
Even the kids helped out! (Kurt Kuznicki)

The whole group after a productive day (Kurt Kuznicki)

Thanks again to everyone who gave up a precious Sunday to support Nevada’s wild places!

This Is Nevada...

2010-10-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Boundary Peak framed in fall colors (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)

Journey to the Center of the Wild: Wes Hoskins on the Pasco Canyon Trail

2010-10-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

By Wes Hoskins

Friends of Nevada Wilderness ended its 2010 series of projects in Alta Toquima on Sept. 24-26, 2010 with a big logging and lopping event. We have adopted de facto the Pasco Canyon and Pine Creek trails which are adjacent to each other and sit on the east side of the Alta Toquima range.

The scenery at Alta Toquima (photo by John Fiske)

We first identified this trail-clearing project when while scouting the area in August, trying to find an erstwhile connector between Pasco and Pine Creeks so that we might create a nice loop section out of the two drainages. But we were thwarted during the scouting trip by wild rose, thick as kudzu, lashing our skin and downed willow trees blocking every turn. The connector, even though it is on the Forest Service visitor maps is not a viable route right now. We may still try to conquer the connector but that will have to be left for next year. The connector was not a viable one-weekend volunteer project so we moved on to look at Pasco Canyon.

The obstructed trail before Friends of Nevada Wilderness (John Fiske)

Hiking up 2 miles we found that an intense weather event had demolished the trail. Aspen, willow, and water birch trunks and limbs lay scattered around the area for over one mile.

The trail after the team cleared it (John Fiske)

Clearing out this trail to aid access for hunters and horse users was a perfect project, we decided to get it done the last weekend of September and we did it in a day with 6 volunteers. We logged out 217 dead, downed, and hazard trees, in addition we created a 500 foot re-route in an especially impacted area. This project was highly needed and the satisfaction level at the end was super-high.

Big thanks to Larry, John, David, Mike, and Phil (John Fiske)

I have to put in a good word for Phillip Breslow. An honors student at UNR, he came out to satisfy some required service learning hours, but he worked as hard as anybody on the trip. He loves to be in the backcountry and I truly hope that he sticks around. Soon, my generation will need to find wilderness champions from the next generation, if they are like Phil, Nevada’s public lands will be in good hands.

Phil earns some relaxation time after working hard! (John Fiske)

Just so you all know, the Pine Creek Trail out of Pine Creek campground is now cleared out and leads up to the Jefferson complex of peaks. Length of the trail is approx 12 miles roundtrip.

Would you like to see your trip on the blog? Write up a description of your hike and include a photo or two and email it to darcy@nevadawilderness.org and your adventure could be featured!

National Public Lands Day Round-Up

2010-10-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

The 17th annual National Public Lands Day brought out volunteers across the state to restore, conserve, and protect Nevada’s public lands. Over 75 people from FNW, Friends of Black Rock High Rock, Nevada Outdoor School, and Mountain View Montessori School attended a two-night camping excursion to the Black Rock Desert to build buck and rail fences and remove debris. While the weather was hot in the Black Rock Desert, the 25 volunteers from FNW and Friends of Gold Butte in southern Nevada faced temperatures over 100 degrees! Meanwhile, Forest Project Coordinator Wes Hoskins led a trip to Alta Toquima to log downed trees and perform general trail maintenance on the Pasco Canyon Trail.

Friends of Nevada Wilderness celebrated National Public Lands Day by…

Encircling two sensitive dune habitats with natural underground springs that were being destroyed by irresponsible off-highway vehicles (photo by Graham Stafford)…

Clearing the debris (an entire dumpsterful!) off public lands from a former living encampment (photo by Brian Beffort)…

Putting up over 175 posts and putting in 80 native plants in Gold Butte (photo by Andy Sanchez)…

Logging out 217 downed trees and creating a 500-foot re-route along a trail in Alta Toquima (photo by John Fiske)…

Kurt Kuznicki from Friends of Nevada Wilderness and President of Friends of Gold Butte Nancy Hall (photo by Andy Sanchez)

…and we worked with over half a dozen organizations including Friends of Gold Butte, Friends of Black Rock High Rock, Nevada Outdoor School and Mountain View Montessori School!

A big thank you to all our volunteers, the wonderful nonprofits we worked with, and the government agencies that assisted us – we made a fantastic contribution to Nevada’s public lands.

Removal: Before and After

2010-09-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

Weepah, May 2007

A rusty unused water tank in Weepah (photo by Pat Bruce)

Volunteers deconstruct the debris (Pat Bruce)

The tank is loaded onto a flatbed so it can be disposed of (Pat Bruce)

Camp Cuisine: Apple Crisp In Honor of Crazy Steve

2010-09-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Did you get a chance to try Brian Beffort’s delicious Dutch oven Apple Crisp at the National Public Lands Day potluck in Black Rock? Now you can make it yourself!

Brian Beffort is ready to mix his "Apple Crisp in Honor of Crazy Steve" (photo by Darcy Shepard)

Apple Crisp In Honor of Crazy Steve
Serves 10-12
6 tart apples, chopped into 1" cubes
1 1/2 cups whole oats
1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons cinnamon

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut butter into small cubes, then mix all ingredients together. Pour into greased Dutch oven or baking dish.
3. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through to maximize crispiness.
4. Served best with fresh, hand-cranked vanilla ice cream.

This Is Nevada...

2010-09-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

Joshua Tree Sunset (photo by Scott Smith)