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

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

Create Your Own Backyard Wildlife Habitat

Submitted by: Margie Klein (Conservation Educator, NDOW)

Would you like to create a haven for wildlife in your neighborhood? Join us for this informative lecture on how to create your own backyard wildlife habitat. You will learn how to provide food, places for cover and to raise young with plant choices, along with how to provide water and sustainable practices for your yard. Open up your yard to the vast world of birds, lizards, beneficial insects and mammals that can make your yard a place to treasure. Learn the steps to take to become certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Backyard Habitat.

Saturday, March 6th, 9:00-Noon, Workshop is $29. The first half of the workshop will go over habitat elements and the second half will discuss appropriate plants for the Mojave Desert, with a tour of the UNLV arboretum.

For more information, e-mail Michelle.Baker@unlv.edu or call 895-3254. Online registration also available: https://cedwebserver.unlv.edu/CourseStatus.awp?~~101HA1114

** Margie Klein and Paula Garrett are instructors**

Hey Kids! How to do the Great Backyard Bird Count

How to do the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 12-15, 2010
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count. You can count each day or just some of the days and you can count in different places.  Just be sure to keep a separate list of birds for each day and each location.

2. For each type of bird you see, count the most you see at any one time. For example, maybe you see two chickadees when you start watching, then five chickadees a few minutes later. The number you put on your list for chickadees is five.  Do not add two plus five. (This way way you don’t accidentally count the same bird twice.)

3. Enter your results on the Great Backyard Bird Count web site! Then watch the maps as more and more people enter their reports.

That’s it! Now get ready to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count because when it comes to watching birds, kids count!

Get Outdoors Nevada Activities

Submitted by: Get Outdoors Nevada

West side of the Spring Mountains Clean-Up
Date: Wednesday January 20th
Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, Families
Location: Lovell Canyon Area of the Spring Mountain Recreation Area.
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-Up

The Friends of Nevada Wilderness will complete their clean-up efforts on the West Side of the Spring Mountains on Wednesday, 1/20. This will be their third and final scheduled clean-up for the month of January. Please join them in their mid-week project. For more information please call Kurt Kuznicki, Wilderness Program Director with Friends of Nevada Wilderness at (775)745-3119.

Lovell Canyon Route Restoration
Date: Saturday, January 30th
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 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

Litter Indexing
Date: Friday, February 5th
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Audience: Adults, seniors, families
Location: City of Las Vegas Code Enforcement Building
Agency: Bureau of Land Management
Volunteer Work Type: Litter monitoring

Come out and help build partnerships in your community. The Bureau of Land Management is partnering with the City of Las Vegas and Republic Services to develop a system for monitoring the amount of litter and desert dumping in the Las Vegas valley. Volunteers are needed to ride along in City vans and assess the level of litter in neighborhoods throughout Las Vegas. Snacks and lunch will be provided. For more information on volunteering, please email or call Beth Barrie, Project Manager with Don’t Trash Nevada at (702) 895-5837.

Cattail Cutting – Ash Meadows
Date: Saturday, February 6th
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 6, 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.
Click here to register.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Fence Restoration
Date: Saturday, February 6th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Groups and individuals of all ages
Location: Black Canyon Wilderness Area
Agency: National Park Service (NPS)
Volunteer Work Type: Fence Restoration

A small group of volunteers (10-12) are needed to work with the National Park Service during the morning of February 6th as they build a section of boundary fence South of Boulder City in the Black Canyon Wilderness Area. Registration will start at 8:00 am at the National Park Service Headquarters and then carpool to the exact location. For more information and to register for this event please call: Nancy Bernard, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 702-293-8714

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 2oth
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 Clean-Up
Date: Saturday, February 20th
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Audience: Adults, seniors, Groups, Families
Location: Lovell Canyon
Agency: U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
Volunteer Work Type: Litter 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, February 20th, the U.S Forest Service will be conducting a cleanup at Lovell Canyon. This area is littered with debris left from shooters. Join Law Enforcement Officials as they work to return this area to its natural beauty.
Click here to register.

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 – Noon
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.

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.

Lovell Canyon Route Restoration
Date: Saturday, February 27th
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.

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.
Click here to register.

Winter Season Good Time For Animal Tracking With Kids

Submitted by: Margie Klein (Conservation Educator, NDOW)

With winter storms dropping snow in the high country, it’s an excellent time to take the kids outside for some snowy fun.  It’s also a good time to teach the kids, and anyone else who’s interested, about Nevada’s wildlife.

When snow covers the ground it makes animal tracks easy to see, and kids can have fun seeking them out for themselves.  Of course the first thing they’ll want to know is what animal made the tracks.  That’s where the teaching opportunity presents itself.  It helps to take along a field guide to help with the animal identification process.  Sketches of different animal tracks also are available on the Nevada Department of Wildlife website at ndow.org/wild/animals/tracks/.  Pocket track identification guides are also available at nearly every public lands visitor center.

“Animal tracks, and where they are found, can give kids and adults alike a glimpse into the life of the animal that made the tracks.  You can find out where they live, what they eat and even what they do,” said Doug Nielsen, conservation education supervisor for NDOW.  “It’s like solving a wildlife mystery.”

When you see a set of footprints made by an animal, look at the shape of it.  Does it have a cloven hoof like deer, four toes and a pad like coyotes and lions, or claws belonging to a bird?  Four toes and a pad close together on a long narrow foot may indicate a rabbit.  If you’re near water, prints could be webbed, signifying a duck.  Measure the relative size of the print.  Is it as big as your child’s hand?  Or are there many tiny prints running in a line?  Are the prints deep in the snow, which would be made by a heavy animal, or skimming along the surface, which could mean a little rodent?

Have the kids make their own footprint next to the animal track. Do they think the animal print could be from an animal larger or smaller than them? Can they tell if the animal has a short stride, with prints close together, or a large stride like the kids have when they’re running?

You and your children can also look for other signs of wild animals nearby.  Ask them if they see animal feces, called scat.  Then look around at the vegetation.  Do they see bedding down places where snow is disturbed and grass and brush is pushed down?  You can also look for bushes that have been nibbled off. Animals are on a constant search for food in the winter.

All of these signs can tell you what animals are living in the area where you and your children are playing.  It’s more likely that you’ll see the signs rather than the actual animals.  One thing to discourage your kids from doing is following the tracks to see if they can find the animal, especially if the tracks look fresh.  A good alternative is to have the kids draw the prints they see in a makeshift journal – any paper you have available will do.  They can put it together later, decorating and making notes when they figure out the identification.  Nature journaling is a great way to remember their wildlife experience.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety.  NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear.  Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license.  For more information, visit www.ndow.org.

Junior Duck Stamp Contest Open

Submitted by: Margie Klein (Conservation Educator, NDOW)

While the kids are on vacation and looking for something to do, get them busy observing wildlife and even entering an art contest.  The 2010 Junior Duck Stamp Contest, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is accepting entries now through March 15, 2010.  The Junior Duck Stamp Contest is an educational program designed to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation to students. Students research one of 46 species of duck, swan or goose, listed by the USFWS, and then conclude their learning by illustrating the species, using any of a number of artistic mediums.  Scenes should depict birds in their natural habitat.  Students are also encouraged to write a conservation message.  The message explains something that the student has learned about wetland habitats, conservation, or waterfowl.  It may also be a statement encouraging others to learn about and participate in conservation.

According to NDOW wildlife education coordinator Margie Klein, “The idea is to get kids outside to explore their surroundings and the many life forms they may see there.”

Junior Duck Stamps are similar to the Federal Duck Stamps, and sell for $5 each at post offices and wildlife refuges.  Not valid for postage, they are collectors’ stamps whose sale benefits environmental and conservation education programs.

The contest is open to K – 12 students across the U.S. & its territories.  Students from around the United States submit artistic renderings to their state, territory or district competition.  Winners from these competitions, called the “Best of Show,” are then submitted to the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest.  One image from the 53 Best of Show entries will become the next Junior Duck Stamp.  Prizes are $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, $2,000 for third place, and a $500 award is given for the best conservation message.  The national winner, along with one parent or guardian and the winner’s teacher will receive a free trip to Washington DC, to participate in the First Day of Sale ceremony.  The national winner of the 2009 contest was 16-year old Lily Spang from Ohio, with her depiction of a wood duck drake.  The 2009 Conservation Message Contest winner was 8-year old Christopher Voelkel from New Mexico, with his entry of “Our environment, our responsibility, our future.”

The USFWS also utilizes the Federal Duck Stamp program to introduce the National Wildlife Refuge System to participants by encouraging them to study waterfowl at these sites.  The timing of the contest also aids in waterfowl observation, since winter is a good time to see the birds.

Sam Hamilton, director of the USFWS, states, “At a time when children are increasingly over-scheduled and overwhelmed with electronic gadgets and media, the Junior Duck Stamp program helps them discover the value and joy in exploring their natural world.”

Klein added, “Everyone can find inspiration in nature.  And studying wildlife in its natural setting helps kids learn about ecology. ”

The contest website has resources to help kids get outside and explore their environment.  Rules and entry forms are available at www.fws.gov/juniorduck or 1-800-344-WILD.  The state coordinator in Nevada for the contest is Donna Withers, (775)-4223-5287 ext. 231, or donna_withers@fws.gov.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety.  NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear.  Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license.  For more information, visit www.ndow.org.

Next Page »