Red Rock Audubon Society Information Center

World Wetlands Day Returns to LV Wash

February 1, 2012 By RRAS Info

For the second year in a row, the Las Vegas Wash will host a World Wetlands Day public outreach event on Thursday, Feb. 2, recognizing the importance of wetlands and the water quality benefits they provide.

Although relatively new to the Las Vegas Wash, World Wetlands Day has been celebrated since 1971. This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Tourism,” which further promotes the idea that wetlands can be a positive contribution to the tourism industry of communities like Southern Nevada.

The Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee (LVWCC) is hosting several activities on World Wetlands Day that will be available to the public.

Activities include a volunteer clean-up near the Pabco Road Weir to collect trash that has washed downstream from past flooding events and inundated vegetation stands.

Previously, volunteer clean-up events were a regular occurrence at the Las Vegas Wash, but due to a great response from the public, as well as the further development of the Clark County Wetlands Park, these events haven’t been as necessary in recent years. Gloves, trash bags and other equipment associated with the cleaning will be provided at the site.

Other World Wetlands Day activities include several short walking tours to showcase the wetlands and discuss their complexities. To work within the spirit of this year’s theme, the LVWCC has been coordinating with the National Association of Conservation Districts who will be holding their annual conference in Las Vegas.

World Wetlands Day events will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2 at the Pabco Road Weir parking area, located off of Galleria Boulevard. For more information, visit www.lvwash.org.

Residents, scientists devoted to ensuring creatures are safe from development

January 27, 2012 By RRAS Info

Las Vegas Review Journal, Centennial View

By Maggie Lillis
VIEW STAFF WRITER

Give a hoot in the name of the western burrowing owl, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asks.

For reasons unknown, dozens of the elusive dwellers call Centennial Hills home. Most of their human neighbors don’t even know that the small, camouflaged owls are there.

But for others, such as the Gilcrease Orchard and Centennial Hills resident Owen Nelson, a fondness of the owls prompted them to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Red Rock Audubon Society to raise awareness and protect the sensitive species.

Urban development is a major foe to the bird, as construction threatens to dwindle the burrowing owls’ numbers via habitat loss and destruction.

On a small scale, Nelson has shooed away those tampering with the burrows near his home, where he has monitored the situation for about 12 years.

Through his binoculars, he has marked their breeding habits and revel ed in their diurnal — active during the day — cycles. He has watched them “rest” on one leg, snatch up insects and small rodents and keep watch of their hawk predators. Nelson built an artificial burrow in his front yard welcoming the birds closer to his protective eye, but they haven’t taken him up on the offer.

“They’re unobtrusive little fellows,” he said. “I’ve pretty much observed them year-round. They’re so interesting.”

He was a whistle-blower to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when construction crews were about to blade over the birds’ homes, said biologist for the service Christiana Manville.

Nelson wasn’t alone.

“During the development boom years of the early 2000s, it was a concern,” she said. “We’d get calls from the public, (some) almost crying, about bulldozers approaching burrowing owls they’ve followed.”

The calls prompted the service to draft a brochure for construction companies explaining how to easily comply with service regulations of the birds. Although not endangered, the western burrowing owl is considered a ” bird of conservation concern” by the service.

Construction companies have been compliant with the service’s requests in the past.

“Nobody wants to hurt cute animals like this, and they were easy to work with,” service spokesman Dan Balduini said. “But we had the boom bust and we don’t know how many are still in business. It’s kind of a hit-or-miss type of thing.”

Through partnerships and volunteer efforts, the service has been able to keep record of the owls and relocate those whose homes were jeopardized by development. Last year, the service, the Red Rock Audubon Society and staffers at the Gilcrease Orchard built three artificial burrows for the birds.

Western burrowing owls typically claim the discarded burrows of the desert tortoise, the kit fox or the ground squirrel as homes for themselves, their mate and their average three to four chicks per litter.

The birds can adapt to artificial burrows if conditions are right, Manville said.

“They’re like us — they know their neighborhood,” she said.

In February 2010, a pair of burrowing owls occupied the artificial burrows designated in the northeast corner of the orchard.

The owls have been a friend to the orchard, scooping up insects and lizards off crops, orchard director Mark Ruben said. During the busy pumpkin season, the owls’ artificial burrows were a destination for hayrides, he said.

The orchard is exploring expanding the educational potentials of its elusive tenants.

When flood control officials commenced work on a wash adjacent to the orchard last year, the fix to protect one burrowing owl was as easy as moving a fence 3 feet, Manville said.

In two parcels of undeveloped private land across from the Gilcrease Orchard, the groups arranged for the protection of about 10 owls sharing burrows.

“They will move and adapt to a new burrow with our help,” Balduini said. “It doesn’t halt work. It’s kind of unique.”

Similar projects have protected owls near Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road, and Nellis Air Force Base, Manville said. But continued protection is key, she said.

“It would be great to have as much community help,” she said.

In 2008, Manville organized and developed the Urban Burrowing Owl Monitoring Project. At its peak, 35 volunteers helped keep watch of burrows for and with the service.

“I felt like I had to do something,” she said. “I found people are really drawn to this species.”

But the effort is short-staffed now, she said. Volunteers are still needed to keep watch or help install new burrows.

Manville said she’s also looking into grant funds to distribute the brochure more wildly and possibly band, or tag, the owls, for better records on their migratory patterns. She hopes more research will help better understand the species and why they flock to an urban area under such delicate circumstances. No matter what, she said, “It’s their home.”

Filed Under: Partner Submitted News, Urban Burrowing Owl Project Tagged With: Christiana Manville, Gilcrease

National Wildlife Week: Habitat Planting @ Corn Creek 3/10

January 23, 2012 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Get Outdoors Nevada

National Wildlife Week: Habitat Planting
Date: Saturday, March 10
Time: 8am – 3pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, must be at least 8. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Volunteer Work Type: Planting

Celebrate National Wildlife Week by making a difference in your community! Join a team of volunteers to plant native willow trees at Corn Creek. Native plants help prevent erosion, keep down dust, and provide important habitat for wildlife. Individuals need to be in fairly good physical condition as planting requires the ability to bend, kneel, get a little dirty, and lift 1 gallon potted plants. Plan to be outside in cool, sunny conditions with no shade – a hat and sunscreen are recommended. Work gloves, water, snacks, and a good time will be provided. If volunteers stay past noon for second session, they should bring a lunch.

Click here to register

Filed Under: Partner Submitted News, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: Corn Creek

Pahranagat NWR Seeks Audubon’s Help with Bird Activities

January 10, 2012 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Sierra Willoughby, Visitor Services Specialist, Pahranagat NWR

Pahranagat NWR was founded in 1963 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to protect habitat for over 250 species of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. The refuge protects and manages riparian habitat for these and other wildlife species. Wildlife viewing, and in particular, bird watching is one of the most popular recreational activities here at Pahranagat NWR. Pahranagat NWR is located 90 miles north of Las Vegas along U.S. 93.

As a partner in conserving birds and their habitat, we would like to invite the Red Rock Audubon Society members to assist us with educating the public about birds and bird watching. We have the following events planned and we would like your help. I will organize carpooling from Las Vegas for all events.

• 02/18/2012: For the Pahranagat Great Backyard Bird Count, we invite RRAS members to come mentor youth and adults in spotting birds here on the refuge, so that they can then record observations in their own backyards. The event will start at 9:00 am at picnic shelter at the Upper Lake.

• 05/10/2012: Students from Pahranagat Valley Elementary, Middle, and High Schools will visit the refuge in rotating shifts to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. A raptor talk and live demonstration will be part of the event as well as bird-themed educational activities such as crafts, and bird watching walks at Upper Pahranagat Lake. On this day, the refuge would very much welcome any RRAS members to share the love and wisdom of the world of birds with local students.

• In addition, if there are any folks who are planning a field trip outings to the refuge, please let the refuge know if you would like to partner in getting the word out about the event.

For more information or to sign-up to help at an event, please contact Sierra Willoughby at 775-725-3443 or Christopher_Willoughby@fws.gov.

Filed Under: Partner Submitted News, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: Pahranagat, Sierra Willoughby

Wild & Scenic Film Festival: 10/13, 10/26, 11/02

October 31, 2011 By RRAS Info

The 2011 Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Las Vegas will be 7 p.m., Wed., Nov. 2, 2011 at The Rio – Brazilia Room (3700 W. Flamingo Road). It’s 100 minutes of film with a bunch or shorter films, described below.

Animals Save the Planet – Meerkats One in a series of humorous, animated, short films in which animals give humans tips on how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Produced for Animal Planet by Academy Award-winning studio Aardman Animations (Wallace & Gromit; Chicken Run). In this episode, meerkats weigh in on auto emissions (cough).
Nico’s Challenge A 13-year-old boy faces special challenges when he decides to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest freestanding mountain. His goal is to raise money and deliver free wheelchairs to the disabled people of Tanzania. How he accomplished that and so much more.
Eagles Among the Swarm A hauntingly beautiful film about the thousands of Pacific Dunlin birds who spend the winter in Boundary Bay, British Columbia. At the season’s peak, numbers can reach up to 20,000 birds at a time, with enormous flocks racing and circling over the calm waters like a flickering ballet – all under the watchful eyes of the waiting raptors.
Animals Save the Planet – Supermarket Bags What do camels, kangaroos and pelicans have in common? They bring their own bags when they go shopping.
Coast is Clear: Learning from our Mistakes The Canadian government is considering a proposal from Enbridge for a 1,170-kilometer pipeline from Alberta’s tar sands to the coast of British Columbia. The pipeline would bring more than 200 crude oil tankers annually to this spectacular coast, many of them larger than the Exxon Valdez. It’s not a question of IF an oil spill will occur but WHEN. Since 2003, Enbridge has caused at least 63 spills, leaks, and releases.
Walking the Line: New Energy in the Old West The story of one man’s stunning quest to walk across Nevada while exploring the effects of renewable energy on the fragile desert landscape and wildlife.
Animals Save the Planet – Energy Efficient Penguin When a pedaling penguin is your source of power, you save fish by switching to energy efficient bulbs!
Crossroads – Sage Grouse A film for the Montana Audubon Society about the impact oil and gas development has on sage grouse, a species recently warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Sage grouse have been lost from about half of its historical environment. Their numbers in Nevada have greatly declined due to loss, fragmentation and degradation of the grassy, big-sage habitats it needs.
Into Darkness Journey along with a group of cavers who push through impossibly small passages thousands of feet underground to access some of the final frontiers on earth. The images and sounds of these spectacular and remote wilderness caves reveal a fantastic world unlike anything we experience on the surface.
Oktapodi Two octopuses help each other in a comical escape from the grasps of a stubborn restaurant cook.
The Fishman That’s what they call sound engineer Mike Kasic, who lives along the Yellowstone River in Livingston, Montana, and spends his days swimming with the current as one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the U.S. winds its way from mountain wilderness to the prairie. Kasic watches trout in fast currents filled with frothing water tornadoes and stops occasionally to make way for a crossing bison. His message is simple: a river is more than its water; what lies beneath is a wilderness that is often overlooked but critical for the Yellowstone ecosystem to thrive.
Animals Save the Planet – Gassy Cows Why do sheep put up with those flatulent cows? Why do you?
Border Country Sometimes a mountain is just a mountain, a climb just a climb. But sometimes it’s more than that. Jeremy Collins and Mikey Schaefer climb a new route on Yosemite Valley’s Middle Cathedral in honor of two friends recently killed in a climbing accident. A tribute to Jonny Copp and Micah Dash, a response to both the catastrophe and the beauty that restores in wild places.
Brower Youth Award – De’Anthony Jones De’Anthony is one of six 2010 winners of the Brower Youth Awards established by the Earth Island Institute in honor of the founder and legendary activist David R. Brower. De’Anthony teaches his peers at Mission High School in San Francisco about environmental justice and ecological sustainability.

*************************

This January, SYRCL’s (South Yuba River Citizens League) 9th Annual Wild & Scenic® Film Festival returns with another incredible selection of films to change your world. Each year, the Wild & Scenic® Film Festival draws top filmmakers, celebrities, leading activists, social innovators and well-known world adventurers to the historic downtown of Nevada City, California.

Considered the largest film festival of its kind, this year’s films combine stellar film making, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire and ignite solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for the next generation. Festival-goers can expect to see Award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, Native American and indigenous cultures.

For more information visit the websites:

http://www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/

http://www.wildnevada.org/2011-wild-a-scenic-film-festival.html

October 13
Nevada Wilderness Project
Reno, NV
www.wildnevada.org

October 26
Nevada Wilderness Project
Mesquite, NV
www.wildnevada.org

November 2
Nevada Wilderness Project
Las Vegas, NV
www.wildnevada.org

Filed Under: Facebook Feed, Partner Submitted News

Protectors of Tule Springs Nature Hike

October 17, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Jill DeStefano

Time for the next field trip out to the bearpoppies and mammoth site.

When: Saturday October 29th at 9am
What: 2 mile round trip walk over rough desert terrain and small hills
Who: Led by Jill DeStefano and Sandy Croteau of POTS
Bring: Your own water, sunscreen, hats, sturdy shoes etc
Where: Corner of Grand Teton and Aliante Parkway (there is a gate which we will open at 8:45am. We have to let you in. Please do NOT be later than 9am or call me!!!

NO FACILITIES on the walk. Hike AT YOUR OWN RISK. We ask that you leave your cell phones in the car or turn them OFF completely.

We are still anticipating legislation for a National Monument, despite the conflicts with NV Energy and their insistence on an additional line. Please continue your support and understand that legislation is a lonnnnnnnng and drawn out process. WE ARE GETTING THERE!!!!

Please RSVP. We will be taking names and signing you in at the gate.

Thanks, as always for your support and pass this on to interested parties.

Jill K. DeStefano
Protectors of Tule Springs
8079402

Filed Under: Partner Submitted News

Congratulations Bristlecone Audubon!

October 17, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Lois Ports

Congratulations to the new Bristlecone Audubon Society!

Provisional Status For Bristlecone Audubon Chapter is Official

As a Provisional Chapter with the National Audubon Society, Bristlecone Audubon has cleared its first major hurdle in a bid for “Permanent” status with one of the Nation’s foremost environmental activist and education organizations. As Lynn Tennefoss and Rebecca Sills of National Audubon put it, we’re just 15 members and a bank account short of permanent status. So, keep those membership cards rolling in folks.

In the coming months and years, Bristlecone Audubon will continue its aggressive efforts to expand our membership throughout Elko, White Pine, Lander and Eureka counties in northeast Nevada. Remember, let your friends know to use those snail-mail-in Audubon Membership Forms (American Avocet form) and pencil our Chapter Code, “C0Z P52 0Z” into the “Official use only” box when signing up with the Audubon Society. If you need more Membership Forms, please just let us know. Please do not have anyone sign up online since the Chapter does not get credit that way!

Announcing: Bristlecone Audubon Contest for Best Logo Design
Winning entry will be used on all future Bristlecone T-Shirts, Ball Caps, etc. Entries will be voted on at the Annual Buzzard Sunday BBQ in May 2012. There are no rules and no age limits. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places are being considered.

Announcing: Bristlecone Audubon Elections
26 October 2011 at our business meeting. We are hoping to fill several positions, not the least of which are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Chair. We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Melody Asher for stepping up as Bristlecone Audubon’s FIRST EVER President.

Bristlecone Audubon territory includes that area of northeast Nevada bounded by the counties of Elko, Eureka, Lander and White Pine. While this area is roughly the size of some eastern States (e.g. Maine), every attempt will be made to include our far flung members in all Chapter activities.

Filed Under: Partner Submitted News

Get Outdoors Nevada Events 10/22 – 12/03/2011

October 17, 2011 By RRAS Info

Make a Difference Day 2011 at Red Rock
Date: Saturday, October 22nd
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Audience: Groups and individuals (must be at least 7 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
Location: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Agency: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Volunteer Work Type: Habitat restoration and weed removal

Contribute your time to give back to one of the most serene areas in Southern Nevada, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Come and take part in the beautiful fall weather and assist the BLM, Friend’s of Red Rock Canyon, Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association, and Public Lands Institute in a number of restoration projects. The BLM is looking for volunteers to help with the following projects: pathway building, step building, weed and tree trimming, weed and brush removal, cactus planting, and seed ball making and throwing. Please join us in our celebration of Make a difference Day 2011. We will have fun and the environment will benefit from our efforts.

Click here to register.

Las Vegas Boat Harbor Eco-Dive and Beach Clean-up
Date: Saturday, October 29
Time: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, Families, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Location: Lake Mead – Las Vegas Boat Harbor
Agency: National Park Service
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up

Come join Las Vegas Boat Harbor and the National Park Service in cleaning up Lake Mead! Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate in a beach cleanup near the Las Vegas Boat Harbor shoreline. Registration begins at 8 AM with the event beginning at 9 AM.

Divers must show proof of diver certification (“C” card) in order to participate in the Eco-Dive.

Las Vegas Boat Harbor will be providing lunch for all participants, so registration is a must. RSVP to Elizabeth at 702-293-8717, or via email at Elizabeth_Gann@nps.gov. Join us for some Halloween fun!

Red Rock Canyon Transit Feasibility Study
Date: Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th
Time: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Audience: Groups and individuals
Location: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Agency: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Volunteer Work Type: Transit Feasibility Study

As part of the Transit Feasibility Study for the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, the Bureau of Land Management is requesting the help of volunteers to collect vehicle data at six parking lots along the drive. The study dates are Friday, November 4 and Saturday November 5, 2011. The volunteers would work three or four hour shifts between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Click here to register.

Callville Bay Beach Clean-up
Date: Saturday, November 5
Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, Families, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Location: Lake Mead – Callville Bay
Agency: National Park Service
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up

Come join Forever Resorts and the National Park Service in cleaning up Callville Bay! Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate in a beach cleanup near Callville Bay Marina. Beach cleanup and registration begins at 8 AM with the event beginning at 9 AM.

Forever Resorts will be providing lunch for all participants, so registration is a must. RSVP to Elizabeth at 702-293-8717, or via email at Elizabeth_Gann@nps.gov

Stewardship Saturday
Date: Saturday, November 5
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, must be at least 12 yrs. old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Ash Meadows
Agency: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Volunteer Work Type: Cattail Cutting

Removing cattails is an important part of the restoration process as they slow stream flow and promote the existence of exotic crayfish .These crayfish, among other exotic species, eat and compete with the endangered Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish. Overgrown cattails and reeds will be cut along an outflow stream channel. All participants should be comfortable swimming or wading in water up to four feet deep. Warning: you WILL get wet, but the water is warm! It is recommended to bring shoes and clothes that can get wet and dirty, as well as a change of clothes for afterwards. Water, snacks, gloves, tools, and a good time will be provided for everyone!

Click here to register.

Stewardship Saturday
Date: Saturday, November 12
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, must be at least 12 yrs. old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Pahranagat
Agency: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Volunteer Work Type: Native Planting

The native planting is an important part of the restoration process as native plants compete against exotic species, stabilize disturbed soils, and provide habitat for wildlife. Come help refuge staff plant riparian vegetation in degraded and/or altered sites. With this planting event, the refuge hopes to create and restore riparian forest habitat for a variety of avian species. Enjoy planting seeds and small containers of grasses, shrubs and trees. There may be a few spots of mud. Individuals need to be in good physical condition as planting requires bending, kneeling, and getting dirty. Plan to be outside in warm, sunny conditions with no shade – a hat and sunscreen are recommended. Work gloves, water, snacks, and a good time will be provided!

Click here to register.

Stewardship Saturday – Seedball Scatter
Date: Saturday, November 12
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, must be at least 12 yrs. old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Desert National Wildlife Refuge – Corn Creek
Agency: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Volunteer Work Type: Native Planting

The native planting is an important part of the restoration process as native plants compete against exotic species, stabilize disturbed soils, and provide habitat for wildlife. Come help refuge staff plant previously created seed balls. With this planting event, the refuge hopes to enhance existing habitat for a variety of avian species. Enjoy distributing and planting seeds of native grasses and shrubs. Plan to be outside in warm, sunny conditions with no shade – a hat and sunscreen are recommended. Work gloves, water, snacks, and a good time will be provided!

Click here to register.

Placer Cove Beach Clean-up
Date: Saturday, November 12
Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, Families
Location: Lake Mead – Placer Cove
Agency: National Park Service
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up

The National Park Service is hosting a cleanup project in Eldorado Canyon. Volunteers are asked to come out and help us remove litter along the shoreline and natural environment at Placer Cove. The National Park Service will provide tools, gloves and water. Please contact Chris Pietrafeso for more information at 702-293-8711 or Christopher_Pietrafeso@nps.gov.

National Family Day
Date: Saturday, November 19
Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, Families
Location: Lake Mead – Boulder Beach
Agency: National Park Service Campground
Volunteer Work Type: Clean-up Come out and help beautify Boulder Beach Campground at Lake Mead! Volunteers will be working with maintenance staff to trim overgrown vegetation and rake debris that have accumulated over the summer season. Tools and gloves will be provided. For more information or to register for the event, please contact Chris Pietrafeso at 702-293-8711 or Christopher_Pietrafeso@nps.gov.

Gardening Gone Wild: Native Planting Event
Date: Saturday, November 19
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Audience: All ages; groups are welcome; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Volunteer Work Type: Planting

Join a team of volunteers to place native plants at a restoration site near the Apcar/Jones stream at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Planting requires bending, kneeling, and getting a little dirty. Plan to be outside and wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and a light jacket or sweatshirt if weather requires. Work gloves, water and snacks will be provided, along with a chance to meet other volunteers who enjoy Nevada’s outdoors.

Click here to register.

Stewardship Saturday
Date: Saturday, December 3
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Audience: Adults, Seniors, Groups, must be at least 12 yrs. old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Ash Meadows
Agency: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Volunteer Work Type: Cattail Cutting

Click here to register.

Filed Under: Facebook Feed, Partner Submitted News, Volunteer Opportunities

Desert Tortoise Translocation Volunteers * STILL NEEDED*

October 17, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Angie Covert, DTCC’s Research Coordinator

The Desert Tortoise Conservation Center Staff needs your help translocating 500 desert tortoises back to their natural habitat in the desert. Preparation will begin August 15th and will last through October. We are looking for dedicated individuals to help the staff in all aspects of the translocation.

Volunteers are needed for various duties:
• Feeding tortoises
•Tortoise surveillance
•Tote washing
• Assisting the staff with releasing tortoises
• Data collection
•Volunteer with your 4×4 vehicle (with closed cabs/beds) to help transport to the release site And much much more!

If you are interested please email Angie Covert at acovert@sandiegozoo.org

“As you may know, I work for the San Diego Zoo at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center here in Las Vegas. My staff and I are trying to release 500 desert tortoises back to the wild this fall – the SDZ is the only organization legally allowed to release tortoises to the desert since they are a threatened species. I was hoping one of you could send out the attached flyer to the rescue network because we are looking for volunteers to help us with this huge endeavor. I know that all of us already volunteer a lot of our time, but this is a special event since people will get to help us mark, transport, and release these special animals back to the wild. Under normal circumstances, it’s against the law for people to touch wild desert tortoises so this will be a treat for people who are interested. They just need to commit some time to an orientation and training, and then they can help on site with preparing the tortoises for release, and then with the release itself. This will happen starting in late Aug and will end in late Oct, and people can commit as much or as little time as they like as long as they’re willing to work hard while they’re here with us. People who are interested can contact Angie Covert, the DTCC’s Research Coordinator, for more information or to sign up at acovert@sandiegozoo.org .”

Filed Under: Facebook Feed, Partner Submitted News, Volunteer Opportunities

Adventures on the Rocks; Nevada Rock Art Event 10/15/11

October 12, 2011 By RRAS Info

Dear Friends,

The Nevada Rock Art Foundation is a statewide, non-profit professional foundation that serves to protect and preserve Nevada’s rock art legacy. We in the west, and particularly in Nevada, are graced with a wealth of petroglyphs and pictographs, but this incredible resource is at risk from urban encroachment and the natural elements.

NRAF is hosting a party on October 15th in Las Vegas to help support our efforts and engage the community in our mission. Join us at Adventures on the Rocks for food, fine wine, and fun as we raise awareness about Nevada’s priceless rock art legacy, and take the opportunity to bid on some great ‘Adventures’- like tours of rarely seen rock art sites, a VIP evening at the Las Vegas Ballet, or a kayak trip on Lake Mead! This is a chance to meet folks from our Foundation and the Las Vegas community who share an interest in preservation of this priceless legacy and the spectacular, natural environments it is found in.

All funds from this event support NRAF’s mission. We hope you will partner with us by sharing this invitation with your members and community- because the past deserves a future!

Oct 15, 2011
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Summerlin Life Time Athletic
10721 W. Charleston Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89135

Join us for food, fine wine, and fun on October 15th as we raise awareness about Nevada’s priceless rock art legacy! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bid on some great ‘Adventures’, like tours of rarely seen rock art sites, a shopping spree in Las Vegas, or a kayak trip on Lake Mead!

Tickets are $20/person. All proceeds benefit the Nevada Rock Art Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of Nevada’s rock art heritage.

Filed Under: Partner Submitted News

World Wetlands Day Returns to LV Wash

Residents, scientists devoted to ensuring creatures are safe from development

National Wildlife Week: Habitat Planting @ Corn Creek 3/10

Pahranagat NWR Seeks Audubon’s Help with Bird Activities

Wild & Scenic Film Festival: 10/13, 10/26, 11/02

Protectors of Tule Springs Nature Hike

Congratulations Bristlecone Audubon!

Get Outdoors Nevada Events 10/22 – 12/03/2011

Desert Tortoise Translocation Volunteers * STILL NEEDED*

Adventures on the Rocks; Nevada Rock Art Event 10/15/11

Events Coming Soon!

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