Carp Rodeo at Pahranagat NWR

Submitted by: Karyn Barnett, Park Ranger

Join us for a fun-filled day of fishing at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife Refuge staff are teaming up with the Nevada Department of Wildlife to help remove carp (see explanation of carp below) from Refuge waters.  Learn about native and non-native fish species in Pahranagat Valley.  NDOW will provide fishing equipment, as well as fishing clinics on casting, baiting, lures, tying knots, and handling.  Prizes will be given for largest catch [weight], the smallest catch, and the most caught!  The first 100 kids receive a tackle box.   Other fun activities include face painting, crafts, nature walks, informational presentations, educational booths and a barbeque lunch.  Those 12 years of age and older need a Nevada fishing license.  A day license can be purchased on-line for $9 at www.ndow.org.

When:    Sat., July 17, 2010
Time:     9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where:  Upper Lake Campground, Pahranagat NWR
Who:      All Ages
Cost:       Free
Contact:  Karyn Barnett [karyn_barnett@fws.gov]  (775)725-3417

Carp is a common name for various types within a large group of freshwater fish native to Europe and Asia.  Carp were first introduced in Nevada in the late 1800’s as a food source for early settlers.  Once introduced, carp can degrade habitat important for wetland dependant birds by destroying fragile water plants; making water cloudy, and causing damage to stream beds.

Since introduction, carp have spread throughout the state and become a nuisance to anglers.  The state record weighed 34 pounds 10 ounces, it was 38” in length and caught in 1995 on the Truckee River by Justin Edlund.  As bottom feeders, carp stir up materials in search for vegetative roots.  The waters make it difficult for preferred fish and wildlife because they need calm, clear waters to reproduce.  No one wants the carp, so in an effort to educate and remove them, let’s have some fun fishing for them!

The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas in Lincoln County, Nevada, is located along Highway 93 in the Pacific Flyway, and encompasses 5,380 acres.   The wildlife refuge was established August 16, 1963 to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl.  Pahranagat’s lakes and marshes are a rare sight in this part of Nevada.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

13th Annual Spring Wings Birding Festival

The 13th Annual Spring Wings Birding Festival will be held in Oats Park in Fallon, Nevada from May 14th to May 16th.

We will be running expert-guided birding tours for all experience levels of birders during each of the three (3) days of the festival.

On Saturday, May 15th, we will fill Oats Park with live music, food and craft vendors, free kid’s activities, presentations, and more from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Plan to stop in and participate in this day of fun at our beautiful city park!

To learn more about this informative and fun festival or to register for our birding tours, please visit our website at http://www.springwings.org/.

Sincerely,

Spring Wings Planning Committee

Walker Lake Education Day

Submitted by: Lorna Weaver (Walker Lake Working Group)

Education Day success leads to expanded festival at imperiled Nevada lake

Riding a wave of success from increased visitors in 2009, Walker Lake Education Day organizers are expanding the 2010 event that is designed to showcase the multi-agency/organization efforts to conserve the imperiled lake near Hawthorne, NV.

The nearly 1,000 people who attended Education Day in 2009 shows growing support for sustaining the fresh-water ecosystem that supports recreational fishing and thousands of migratory birds.

Plans for the 2010 event include expanded exhibits to provide one-stop shopping for answers to questions about how to save the fishery at Walker Lake that is on the brink of collapse due to lack of water from upstream diversions. New this year will be a demonstration and free lessons on stand-up paddle-boarding, the fasting growing sport in the world.

The 2010 Education Day will be held May 1 at Sportsman’s Beach, 11 miles north of Hawthorne on Hwy. 95 in west-central Nevada. This free family event will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and feature boating, wildlife viewing, fishing demonstrations, scientific and cultural exhibits, as well as children’s activities. Food will be available for purchase.

Walker Lake Working Group replaced its 15-year tradition of the Walker Lake Loon Festival last year with Education Day because of declining lake levels and the absence of significant numbers of loons that normally visit the lake during their spring migration.

Upstream diversions on the Walker River allow little or no water to reach the lake and dilute the dissolved solids that are left behind and are toxic to native fish that migratory birds rely on for food. However, Lahontan cutthroat trout are still available for fishing.

The Walker Lake Working Group supports continued efforts to find a secure, long-term source of water to sustain the lake’s ecosystem. Without additional water, the lake’s freshwater ecosystem will collapse within the next couple of years.

For information on Walker Lake Education Day call (775) 945-2289 (775) 677-8951 or visit the working group’s Web site at www.walkerlake.org.

April 2, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contacts with the Walker Lake Working Group:
Glenn Bunch, (775) 945-2289
Lorna Weaver, (775) 677-8951

Photo by: Patrick Pharris / PM Advertising & Marketing

Artist in Africa – Sharon K. Schafer

Join local artist, Sharon K. Schafer, for a beautiful multimedia presentation “Artist in Africa: Wildlife and Landscapes of the Masai Mara”.

April 15 – REI Boca Park, 7-8pm

April 28 – REI Henderson, 7-8pm

Birds in Vegas? (video)

Pam Nickels, Red Rock Audubon Society President, talks about birds at the Springs Preserve and the greater Las Vegas area.

NWF Certifies Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve as Wildlife Habitat

National Wildlife Federation Certifies Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve As A Wildlife Habitat

HENDERSON, Nev.— The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has recognized the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (2400 B Moser Dr.) as an official certified wildlife habitat site. The 100-acre preserve is home to thousands of migratory waterfowl and resident desert birds. It is located within the Kurt R. Segler Water Reclamation Facility and is staffed and programmed by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department.

NWF’s wildlife habitat certification program began in 1973, and since then more than 122,000 habitats have been certified nationwide. To become certified, a property must provide guidelines for making landscapes more hospitable to wildlife and provide the four the four basic elements that wildlife need: food, water, cover and places to raise young.

“The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is a fine example of environmental stewardship because it blends all the elements of a true wildlife habitat while meeting the educational and recreational needs of avid birders and residents of all ages,” said Jennifer Magby, Outdoor Recreation coordinator, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “For 12 years the preserve has served as a mini-refuge for wildlife, and this certification helps to validate the City’s efforts.”

According to the NWF, habitat restoration is critical in urban and suburban settings where commercial and residential development often encroaches on wildlife areas, limiting the availability of resources wildlife need to survive and thrive.

For additional information, call 267-4180 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

Skydance Studio and UNLV Fall Amazon Trip

Join Sharon K. Schafer on a trip to what biologists call the “green paradise” of the Amazon forest. Within this region, there exists exceptional national parks and reserves that contain the best wildlife viewing experiences in the Amazon.

The Field Museum in Chicago has documented that this pristine region of the Peruvian Amazon has the
highest diversity of mammals and trees in the world. The bird life is also outstanding, with 550 species recorded.

Also offered, an optional extension to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of Peru. Check out the itinerary and contact Sharon at 702 / 293.3929 or skydancestudio@earthlink.net if you have further questions.

Hope to see you on the Amazon.

Regards,
Sharon
Download brochure: http://www.redrockaudubon.org/files/UNLV_Amazon_Trip.pdf

Get Outdoors Nevada Activties

Submitted by: http://www.getoutdoorsnevada.org/

Placer Cove/Eldorado Canyon Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, February 13th
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages
Location: Placer Cove Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Agency: National Park Service (NPS)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

Litter clean-up events through Get Outdoors Nevada are a great way to get some heart-healthy exercise and make new friends, all-the-while promoting a healthy environment for residents of Southern Nevada. On Saturday, February 13th, the National Park Service will be conducting a cleanup at Placer Cove, located in the beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Join in and help return this area to its natural beauty. For additional information about this event, please contact Jennifer Winston at 702-293-8711.
Click here to register.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Clean-Up and Restoration
Date: Saturday, February 20th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages
Location: Lake Mead National Recreation Area – Laughlin, NV
Agency: National Park Service (NPS)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

Volunteers are needed to work with the National Park Service during the morning of February 20th, for a restoration and clean-up project in the southwest corner of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, near Laughlin, Nevada. 9 a.m.-12 noon. For more information and to register for this event please call: Nancy Bernard, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 702-293-8714.

Lovell Canyon Route Restoration
Date: Saturday, February 20th
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Audience: Adults, seniors, Groups, Families
Location: Lovell Canyon Rainbow Mountain Wilderness
Agency: U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
Volunteer Work Type: Restoration

The Friends of Nevada Wilderness will be continuing their efforts in restoring some user-created routes & former roads in the Lovell Canyon area on the west side of the Spring Mountains near mountain Springs. These routes were decommissioned a few years ago and need a little TLC to improve the Wilderness quality. Novice and experienced volunteers are needed, and the only requirements are a heart for the outdoors and a desire to make a difference. Join us in our restoration project and make some new friends. For more information and to sign up for this event, please contact Kurt Kuznicki, Friends of Nevada Wilderness (775) 745-3119

Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community – Desert Clean Up
Date: Monday, February 22nd
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages
Location: Mountain’s Edge
Agency: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up

The Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community will be teaming with the Bureau of Land Management for a large scale clean-up of public and private land on Monday, February 22nd at 8 AM. Vacant land parcels in this area have unfortunately become a dumping ground for everything from furniture to landscaping waste and construction spoils. Join us on this Monday volunteer event; we need your help to return our desert to its pristine state!
Click here to register.

Our Places Tell Stories Conference Assistants
Date: Wednesday, February 24th – Saturday February 27th
Time: Times vary, conference runs from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals
Location: Springs Preserve
Agency: UNLV Public Lands Institute and the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership
Volunteer Work Type: Conference Registration and general conference supervision

UNLV Public Lands Institute and the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership will be holding the 2010 Our Places Tell Stories Conference from Wednesday, February 24th – Saturday, February 27th.  Volunteers are needed to assist with conference registration and staff the conference Technology Center. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in Education about the Environment. If you would like to volunteer or receive more information, please contact Allyson Butler at 702-895-5734.

Stewart’s Point Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, February 27th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages
Location: Stewart’s Point Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Agency: National Park Service (NPS)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

Litter clean-up events through Get Outdoors Nevada are a great way to get some heart-healthy exercise and make new friends, all-the-while promoting a healthy environment for residents of Southern Nevada. On Saturday, February 27th, the National Park Service will be conducting a cleanup at Stewart’s Point, located in the beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Join in and help return this area to its natural beauty. For additional information about this event, please call 702-293-8717.
Click here to register.

Cattail Cutting – Ash Meadows
Date: Saturday, February 27th
Time: 9:00 AM – Noon, or until 3:00 pm if volunteers bring a sack lunch
Audience: Individuals, Groups, Seniors, & Families (must be at least 8 yrs. Old, under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian)
Location: Ash Meadows
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Volunteer Work Type: Restoration, cattail cutting

Ash Meadows is hosting a cattail cutting February 27th, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 3:00 pm. Volunteers will join Ash Meadow’s staff as they cut cattail from the waters of the warm natural springs. This prime Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish habitat gets infiltrated annually by cattail fronds, which make better habitat for crayfish, an exotic aquatic animal that competes for resources with the endangered pupfish. By cutting these fronds back each year, you are helping to improve an endangered desert fish’s habitat.

We’ll be getting wet and dirty all morning and, if you bring a sack lunch with you, we can enjoy the fruits of our labor together and chat about what else the Refuge is doing in its habitat restoration efforts. Snacks and water will be provided during the event. Hope to see you there!
Click here to register.

Lovell Canyon Route Restoration
Date: Saturday, March 6th
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Audience: Adults, seniors, Groups, Families
Location: Lovell Canyon Rainbow Mountain Wilderness
Agency: U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
Volunteer Work Type: Restoration

The Friends of Nevada Wilderness will be continuing their efforts in restoring some user-created routes & former roads in the Lovell Canyon area on the west side of the Spring Mountains near mountain Springs. This is the third in a series of projects to improve the Wilderness quality in the Rainbow Mountain and La Madre Wilderness Areas. We are looking for novice and experienced volunteers who have a heart for the outdoors and a desire to make a difference. For more information and to sign up for this event, please contact Kurt Kuznicki, Friends of Nevada Wilderness (775) 745-3119.

Great American Clean Up
Date: Saturday, March 6th
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Boulder Harbor
Agency: National Park Service (NPS)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup™ is the nation’s largest community improvement program, built on a foundation of individual responsibility and civic pride. In 2009 over 3 million volunteers and individuals from over 30,000 communities coast to coast participated in various volunteer events. Come take part in the coast-to-coast Great American Cleanup 2010 at Lake Mead National Recreation Area by participating in a litter clean up at Boulder Harbor. Be part of the volunteers Cleaning, Beautifying and Improving the Quality Of Life In Communities Across America Every Spring!
Click here to register.

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Boy Scout Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, March 6th
Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM or until 2:00 PM if participants bring lunch
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages
Location: Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up

Litter clean-up events through Get Outdoors Nevada are a great way to get some heart-healthy exercise and make new friends, all-the-while promoting a healthy environment for residents of Southern Nevada. On Saturday, March 6th, the Bureau of Land Management and a local Boy Scout Troop will be conducting a clean-up at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Join the BLM and local scouts in their efforts to restore this area to its natural state.
Click here to register.

Greenway & Ray Volunteer Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, March 13th
Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM or until 2:00 PM if participants bring lunch
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages
Location: End of Greenway RD, Henderson
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up

Litter clean-up events through Get Outdoors Nevada are a great way to get some heart-healthy exercise and make new friends, all-the-while promoting a healthy environment for residents of Southern Nevada. On Saturday, March 13th, the Bureau of Land Management and the UNLV Pre-Health Professionals will be conducting a clean-up near Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. BLM staff will be at the site cleaning up all day so feel free to bring a lunch and stay as long as you can.
Click here to register.

Save the Desert Eco-Walk
Date: Saturday, March 13th
Time: 8:00 am – 11:00 am, BBQ and Chili cook-off to follow
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Cottonwood Cove
Agency: National Park Service (NPS)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

Cottonwood Cove Marina on Lake Mohave presents an Eco-Walk. The National Park Service and Forever Resorts are co-sponsoring a desert clean-up in the Cottonwood Cove area. Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate in the desert clean-up.  Eco-Walk registration begins at 8 am, with the event beginning at 9 am. Volunteers will be cleaning up the area from the park boundary down to the Cottonwood Cove Marina. Cottonwood Cove Marina is 15 miles east of Searchlight, Nevada. We will have room for over 100 volunteers to participate. There will be a BBQ and chili cook-off following the clean-up for all volunteers helping out with the Eco-Walk. For more information about volunteering call Ed Tuite at 702-293-8717
Click here to register.

Las Vegas Boat Harbor Clean-Up & Eco-Dive
Date: Saturday, March 13th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Las Vegas Boat Harbor, Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Agency: National Park Service (NPS)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

Las Vegas Boat Harbor and the National Park Service are cosponsoring a beach clean-up and eco dive in the Las Vegas Boat Harbor area. Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate in the beach clean-up. Beach clean-up registration begins at 8 am, with the event beginning at 9 am.  Volunteers will clean-up land around the boat harbor and will return for lunch at 12 pm.
Divers must show a current PADI certification (“C” card) in order to participate in the eco-dive. Registration begins at 8 am for divers with diving beginning at 9 am.
Click here to register.

River Mountain Loop Trail Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, March 20th
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: River Mountain Loop Trail
Agency: City of Henderson
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership’s (SNAP) Interagency Volunteer Program and the Anti-Litter and Desert Dumping Teams will have a booth at the City of Henderson, annual River Mountains Loop Trail cleanup Saturday, March 20th from 8:00 a.m. to noon for a “spring cleaning”. If you are interested in learning more about some of your local trails or would like to lend a hand, please call Jennifer Magby with the City of Henderson at (702) 267-4050 to participate in the ‘spring cleaning” event. Registration and orientation is from 8:00-8:30 a.m. at Equestrian Park. Transportation will be provided from Equestrian Park to the trail. This is a great opportunity to be part of a local community event while getting some healthy exercise, spend time with the family, and make new friends.  A hat, water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and gloves are recommended.

Fairbanks Native Fish Translocation
Date: Wednesday, March 24th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 3:00 pm
Audience: Must be at least 12 years old. Any individuals between 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Fairbanks Spring
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Volunteer Work Type: Fish handling/Translocation
Other: The site will be extremely muddy so it is recommended that all volunteers dress appropriately (should have rubber boots) and bring additional spare clothes. Volunteers will not be getting in the water. Individuals must be comfortable handling fish, crayfish, and snails under direct supervision.

The USFWS will be conducting 3 native fish salvaging events as part of habitat restoration on the Refuge. Volunteers can sign up to work on a team of 8 for just the morning (9am to noon) or for the afternoon as well (12:30 to 3pm.) Volunteers will not necessarily be getting in the water, but need good hiking boots or rubber boots. The work involves catching the small fish in a net and under the direction of supervisors, separate native fish from invasive species. For additional information about this event, please contact Darrick Weissenfluh at 702-379-8268.
Click here to register.

Fairbanks Native Fish Translocation
Date: Saturday, March 27th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 3:00 pm
Audience: Must be at least 12 years old. Any individuals between 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Fairbanks Spring
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Volunteer Work Type: Fish handling/Translocation
Other: The site will be extremely muddy so it is recommended that all volunteers dress appropriately (should have rubber boots) and bring additional spare clothes. Volunteers will not be getting in the water. Individuals must be comfortable handling fish, crayfish, and snails under direct supervision.

The USFWS will be conducting their 2nd native fish salvaging event as part of habitat restoration on the Refuge. Volunteers can sign up to work on a team of 8 for just the morning (9am to noon) or for the afternoon as well (12:30 to 3pm.) Volunteers will not necessarily be getting in the water, but need good hiking boots or rubber boots. The work involves catching the small fish in a net and under the direction of supervisors, separate native fish from invasive species. For additional information about this event, please contact Darrick Weissenfluh at 702-379-8268.
Click here to register.

6 Mile Cove Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, March 27th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: 6 Mile Cove Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Agency: National Park Service (NPS)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

The National Park Service is looking for 100+ Volunteers for litter pick-up. Contribute your time to help protect one of the most serene areas in the park, while enjoying a day at the lake. Come and take part in the beautiful Spring weather and help clean up this special area. We will have fun and the environment will benefit from our efforts. 6 Mile Cove is located south of Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mojave 15 miles east of Searchlight, Nevada. This spectacular area overlooks the largest portion of the lake. There are magnificent views of wilderness areas. We need your help to keep our wilderness areas pristine.This volunteer event is perfect for those who want to get involved and make a difference. Come for the clean-up event, spend the day or spend the night. This is a popular camping area with bathrooms and plenty of beaches to spread out and enjoy other recreation like canoeing and kayaking.
Click here to register.

Conservation Transfer Area Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, March 27th
Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Conservation Transfer Area
Agency: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up, litter removal

Litter clean-up events through Get Outdoors Nevada are a great way to get some heart-healthy exercise and make new friends, all-the-while promoting a healthy environment for residents of Southern Nevada. On Saturday, March 27th The Protectors of Tule Springs, The Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, City of North Las Vegas, City of Las Vegas, and Nevada State Parks are teaming up with the Bureau of Land Management to conduct a large scale volunteer clean-up event at the Conservation Transfer Area by the north end of Decatur Rd. in Las Vegas, NV. Please join in to meet new people and help return this area to its natural beauty.
Click here to register.

Fairbanks Native Fish Translocation
Date: Sunday, March 28th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 3:00 pm
Audience: Must be at least 12 years old. Any individuals between 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Fairbanks Spring
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Volunteer Work Type: Fish handling/Translocation
Other: The site will be extremely muddy so it is recommended that all volunteers dress appropriately (should have rubber boots) and bring additional spare clothes. Volunteers will not be getting in the water. Individuals must be comfortable handling fish, crayfish, and snails under direct supervision.

The USFWS will be conducting their 3rd native fish salvaging event as part of habitat restoration on the Refuge. Volunteers can sign up to work on a team of 8 for just the morning (9am to noon) or for the afternoon as well (12:30 to 3pm.) Volunteers will not necessarily be getting in the water, but need good hiking boots or rubber boots. The work involves catching the small fish in a net and under the direction of supervisors, separate native fish from invasive species. For additional information about this event, please contact Darrick Weissenfluh at 702-379-8268.
Click here to register.

Las Vegas Wash: 2010 Begins with a Flurry of Construction

Submitted by: Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee

As the temperatures begin to rise and spring quickly approaches, one doesn’t have to spend too much time at the Las Vegas Wash before encountering bright yellow Caterpillars inching along. Although the small fuzzy insects that turn into butterflies are found along the Wash, it is actually the giant pieces of equipment — associated with most major construction projects — that are more likely to be encountered. And with three construction projects under way, the Las Vegas Wash is certainly crawling with these big earth-movers.

The Fire Station Bank Protection project is taking place at the east end of the Clark County Wetlands Park, just upstream of Lake Las Vegas. Construction began in January on this project that was previously described in the December 2009 Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee E-mail Update.

The second project is the Homestead Weir and Lower Narrows Weir. These two large weirs were designed and bid as a single project to help reduce the overall project costs. The project, designed by the Louis Berger Group, was expected to begin construction in early 2008. Due to the discovery of cultural artifacts within the planned construction area, the project was delayed, which allowed the Wash Project Team to work with the Nevada Division of the Environmental Protection Agency to address some of the pre-existing perchlorate issues in this area of the Wash.

The weirs will be constructed using rock rip-rap and will both be located between the existing Calico Ridge Weir and the Demonstration Weir. Each structure will be approximately 475 feet long and will stabilize several headcuts that currently drop approximately 30 feet. The project was awarded to Frehner Construction who submitted a bid well below the engineer’s estimate. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2011.

The final flurry of activity involves the annual arrival of the Bureau of Reclamation construction crew from Provo, Utah. This collaborative relationship has enabled the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee (LVWCC) to complete many necessary construction projects over the years in a timely and cost efficient manner. With funds dedicated to the Las Vegas Wash by Reclamation, the Southern Nevada Water Authority only has to cover the costs of materials and equipment rentals.

The crews arrived in early February and have a full slate of projects to keep them busy through May. Some of the scheduled projects include, excavating soil near the future Sunrise Mountain Weir and the northern extension of the Historic Lateral Weir; installing a culvert bridge over the City of Henderson outfall channel near the Pabco Road Weir; clearing approximately eight acres of invasive tamarisk that will likely serve as a future Green-Up site; decreasing the slope of the road on the east side of the C-1 Channel bridge; and conducting several small projects to repair damage sustained from the recent rains.

Although all of this activity may lead some to believe that the Clark County Wetlands Park won’t be a quiet oasis for a while, nothing could be further from reality. There are still plenty of areas throughout the park, especially the western portion, that promise abundant opportunities for seeing wildlife and escaping the normal Las Vegas hustle and bustle. The Wetlands Park is open from dawn until dusk and visitors are always welcome.

Las Vegas Wash Project Coordination Team
100 City Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89106
702-822-3300 www.lvwash.org

Activities: Kids Fest

Free nature and bird themed activities for kids and families!

KIDS FEST .. it’s free!
March 13, 2010 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Mountain View Park and Spirit Mountain Activity Center
1975 Arie Drive, Laughlin, Nevada

• Nestlings (ages 1-5)
  Go on an “I Spy” nature walk, learn how to move like an animal and enjoy a wildlife puppet show and storytime.

• Fledglings (ages 6-10)
  Go on an optical scavenger hunt, measure your wingspan and play wildlife games.

• Juveniles (ages 11-15)
  Go on an introduction to birding hike, learn how to use field guides and explore outdoor and nature careers.

Kids Fest is being brought to you by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Southern Nevada Birding and Wildlife Trails Partnership, and the Nevada Commission on Tourism in partnership with Laughlin Family2Family Connection, Clark County Parks and Recreation (Laughlin Office), Las Vegas – Clark County Library District Laughlin Branch Children’s Library, and other local youth service organizations.

Parking is limited, so go green. Please carpool, take the bus, ride your bike or walk to the park if you can!

Activity Date/Time/Location:

March 13, 2010 9:00am -  11:00am
Mountain View Park and Spirit Mountain Activity Center
1975 Arie Drive, Laughlin, Nevada

Field Trip: Wee Thump Joshua Tree Forest (IBA)

Added to schedule 2/24/10

Field Trip:  Wee Thump Joshua Tree Forest (IBA) March 13th

Wee Thump is a mature Joshua Tree Forest about 50 miles from Laughlin.  This area offers considerably more habitat diversity than the surrounding Mohave Desert and supports a broad assortment of wildlife including the only breeding population of Gilded Flickers known in Nevada.  Nest cavities are one resource that are almost exclusively absent from desert sites, and it is this resource that makes Wee Thump unique.  The ancient Joshua trees, many estimated to be over 250 years old, do offer cavities and so there is a unique guild of cavity nesters at the site.  In fact, the cavities not only provide important nesting opportunities but offer winter refuge for certain bird species as well.  These birds include Western Bluebird, Gilded Flicker, Northern Flicker, and Hairy Woodpeckers.  Ash-throated Flycatchers are abundant here.

Sharon Schafer, our featured Wildlife Artist for the Festival, will be leading this trip into one of her favorite areas; and will talk about wildlife art and how to create it.  We will drive to an area of Wee Thump where dirt roads penetrate the wilderness and find places to pull over and get out for walking.  Birders and other guides will point out what there is to see this time of the year.

Meet at Fisherman’s Access at 7:00am for a van ride to the IBA.  Bring clothes appropriate to the weather and sturdy shoes, binoculars, cameras, protective sun hat, and snacks and drinks for a 5-hour trip.  Expect to return to the festival hotel about 1:00pm.

Cost $32.00, max participants 26

Waterfowl banding in Fallon area

Just wanted to get the word out if anyone would be interested in assisting us banding waterfowl.

We have 2 projects going on right now.  The first is the long-term study of wood ducks.  The second is post-season banding of waterfowl.  We are just getting things started for the year.  We have caught about 80 woodies so far and read another 50 bands or so.  As for the effort at Carson Lake, we have birds beginning to feed on bait piles and hope to start catching ducks early this next week.  So, if you happen to see wire or corn while birding at Carson Lake, we ask to not disturb them, they are getting checked daily.

Below is a link for a semi-blog I will be posting.  It will be the primary way I will provide dates, times, and directions for when banding will be occurring.  This will cut down on my cell phone and emailing time.  No experience is necessary and we welcome anyone interested in banding waterfowl.

http://www.nevadawaterfowl.org/volunteer/volunteer-to-band.html

Chris Nicolai

Contract Waterfowl Biologist
1000 Valley Rd.
Reno, NV 89512
NEW PHONE NUMBER EFFECTIVE JANUARY 20, 2010 Office : (775)784-6558

Seminar: Petroglyphs – Wings and Wildlife On the Rocks

Over thousands of years, images of “wings and wildlife” have been recorded in stone on the cliffs and boulders in the deserts of the Southwest.  Scratched and pecked into the rocks as petroglyphs or painted on as pictographs, early native peoples created their impressions of the birds and animals that inhabited the area, along with a variety of patterns and designs.

This presentation includes photographs of images from a number of rock art sites that will compare different artistic styles and techniques, and demonstrate the vast array of subjects and creativity captured by these early artists.

Jeanne Sharp Howerton is a fourth generation native Nevadan from a cattle ranch in Nye County.  As a young child she became an avid bird watcher and lover of nature.  After teaching gifted and talented students in public schools for 30 years, she now enjoys writing history books, doing photography, star gazing, bird watching, gardening, and playing the fiddle.  She is the current president of the Southern Nevada Rock Art Association.

Seminar Date/Time:  Saturday, March 13th, 9:00am – 10:00am

Click here for Festival and Event registration!

Seminar: Binoculars, Bird ID, and Hummingbirds

3 How-To Classes with Bob Barnes

Binoculars: Selection and Effective Use
(Offered Saturday 1:00 pm)

• How can I test binoculars for quality?
• How can I buy a good pair of binoculars for $30?
• How can I use binoculars effectively with moving objects?
• Interactive workshop – bring binoculars; some available on site for use. Level: All audiences

Bird ID
(Offered Saturday 2:15 pm)

• What bird species do I already know?
• What are some tips for identifying species new to me?
• How can I use common birds to help me identify less common ones?
• Where and when should I practice ID?
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate to those who/want to teach bird ID.

Hummingbird Attracting and Tidbits
(Offered Saturday 3:30 pm)

• Feeders – Ants & Pam oven spray, cleanliness is godliness, put-up/take down dates, sugar/water ratio, yellow jackets.
• Tidbits – fast facts, migration, observation/ID, social life, status & distribution, references (books, CDs/DVDs)
• Level: All audiences

Since 1977  Bob Barnes has led over three hundred organized birding trips in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and Costa Rica.  Bob started the Kern River Valley Hummingbird Celebration and has taught numerous binocular and bird id workshops at the annual Kern River Valley nature festivals, at California State University-Bakersfield Extension, as well as in the field during hundreds of field trips.

Seminar Date/Time:  Saturday, March 13th, 1:00pm  2:15pm  and 3:30pm

Click here for Festival and Event registration!

Seminar: Colorado River Valley’s Big Horn Sheep

The Black Mountains, which is the range around Bullhead City and Laughlin, holds the largest contiguous population of desert bighorn sheep in the nation.  With growth come problems, especially fragmentation, which is the splitting apart of herd.  Zen Mocarski will discuss the biology of bighorn sheep, disease and predation issues, and mitigations efforts throughout the Black Mountains.  Come and enjoy this presentation and develop a newfound respect for these animals and where they live.

Zen Mocarski has been the Information and Education Program Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Region III office for seven years.  Twice a year he conducts bighorn sheep workshops and does countless talks on the venomous critters for schools, organizations, and different events throughout the region.  Just don’t ask him to identify all the different scorpions, there are, after all, 56 different species in the state.

Seminar Date/Time: Saturday, March 13th, 3:30pm-4:30pm

Click here for Festival and Event registration!

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