2005 Field Trips

October 2005
  •  Adopt-a-Wash Weeding Event (Clark Co.), October 8th. Join volunteers on the north bank of the Las Vegas Wash for the "Adopt-a-Wash" weed pull event. We will be working to improve a site intended to be a small, beautiful emergent/riparian zone. The event will last from 9-11 am. All tools will be provided, and there will be a light breakfast snack to give us all a little weed-pulling energy. The site is immediately adjacent to the water. There are a few narrow channels that have cut through it, making careful footing necessary. However, the site itself is not wet, and we will steer clear of the water. If you are interested and would like to join volunteers, please contact Beth Hewitt at (702) 321-5008 or Sonja Kokos at (702) 326-5564.

 August 2005

  • Pacific Crest Trail, Donner Pass - Castle Peak area (northeastern California). Meet at 8:00 am in the McDonald's parking lot at the corner of West McCarran and Mae Ann (Safeway shopping center). This will be an all day hiking trip. We plan on returning to Reno no later than 5:00 pm. Wear sturdy hiking boots and sun-protective clothing; bring lunch, plenty of water, and sunscreen. Leaders Janet Bair (775) 329-9771 and Paul Mungan (775) 747-4567.
  • Ball Canyon (Washoe Co.), August 13th. A midsummer visit to this area, usually visited earlier by NNPS members should lead to new discoveries. Outing will be on private property. Must enter and leave with group through gates which are kept locked. Wear hat! Meet at Bordertown in the northwest part of the parking lot behind the casino at 9:00 am. To reach Bordertown (this is not Boomtown) take Highway 395 north from Reno to the Bordertown exit. Leader Chris Ross (775) 742-0518, or contact Bonnie Larsen (775) 972-0583.
  • New Mt. Rose Trail (Washoe Co.), August 6th. Meet at 8:00 am at the Pink Scolari’s parking lot in Southwest Pavilion at 8165 South Virginia St. We will drive to the new trail head at the Mt. Rose highway summit and hike as far as we can along the trail until snow or time prevents us from continuing further. Bring a lunch and plenty of drinking water. We should be back in Reno by 5 pm. Leaders Paul Mungan (775) 747-4567 and Melanie Scott (775) 746-1667.

July 2005

  • Lakes Basin (Plumas and Sierra cos., CA), July 30th. Plan on a flower-filled day in this beautiful area. Meet at 8:00am the McDonald’s on Lemmon Valley Drive. Taking Highway 395 north from Reno, exit Lemmon Valley. Turn right and make another right into the shopping center. Second meeting place at the park-and-ride on the north side of Highway 70 at the Highway 89 junction at Blairsden, CA. Arrive by 9:00 am. Leaders: John Dyer (775) 677-2714 and Paul Mungan (775) 747-4567.
  • Carson City area (northern Nevada), July 16th. Explore hills and canyons of the Carson area. In Reno, meet at 8:00 am at the Pink Scolari’s, 8165 South Virginia Street to carpool. In Carson City meet at 8:45 near the southeast corner of Albertson’s North Carson Store. From Reno, access via gas station entrance on West side of Highway 395 just past Glen Eagles Restaurant. From Carson, going north on Highway 395, go west (left) on College Parkway (intersection with traffic lights). Leader Larry Taylor (775) 883-6016.
  • Plumas-Eureka State Park, Jamison Mine to Grass Lake (Plumas Co., CA), July 9th. Group will decide whether to hike to a small lake or explore flatter areas. Wear sturdy shoes. Meet in the cul-de-sac between the Shell Station and the freeway off Red Rock Road for an 8:15 am departure. Traveling north on Highway 395 from Reno, exit Red Rock Road and turn right. You will see the Shell station across the road. Second meeting place at the park-and-ride on the north side of Highway 70 at the Highway 89 junction at Blairsden, CA. Depart the park-and-ride 9:15 am. Leaders Bill and Nancy Harnach (530) 994-3464, Reno contact: John Dyer (775) 677-2714.

June 2005

  • Sweetwater Mountains/Lobdell Lake (Mono Co., CA), June 25th. Meet at 8:00 am at the Pink Scolari's at 8165 S. Virginia St., second meeting place, at 8:45 am, at J.C. Penney's parking lot in Carson City. The walks should be short, easy, and non-strenuous (no more than 1/4 mile each). Bring lunch, plenty of fluids, sun screen, and shoes that can withstand walking in wet, somewhat muddy meadows. 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles are preferable, but not required. We will have copies of a Sweetwater Mountains plant checklist. Leaders John Reid (760) 932-9861(h) or (530) 581-6247(w) and Paul Mungan (775) 747-4567.
  • Big Den (Desatoya Mountains, Churchill Co.), June 10th-12th (Friday-Sunday). Vigorous hike Sat. morning up Big Den's striking, deep rock-gorge; stony trail, several stream crossings, wear long pants (some nettles). Strong hike up Willow Creek Sun. morning. Primitive camping, bring shovel, stove, table(?), water or microfilter; each person arranges own food. Check details with leaders Oyvind Frock (775) 826-8779 or Fred Peterson (775) 747-2364. High-clearance vehicle best, no camp trailers or motor homes. Meet at site Friday afternoon/evening. Travel directions from center of Fallon, NV, starting at stoplight on US Hwy 50 where US Hwy 95 turns south: 0.0 mi stoplight, go east on Hwy 50 from where Hwy 95 turns south; 47.1 Middlegate, junction with NV Hwy 361 to S, continue E on Hwy 50; 50.3 Junction, turn onto NV Hwy 722 to E toward Eastgate/Ione; 55.3 bridge at Eastgate (abandoned Hwy Maintenance Sta. & store, ranch house), continue E; 56.6 turn left on dirt road at "Wildlife Viewing" sign. 57.3 stay to left on dirt road; 59.7 "Big Den's Creek" sign and cattle guard, stay ahead; 60.2 stay right (ahead) on dirt road; 61.3 pass "Wilderness Study Area" sign and cattle guard; 61.5 Big Den "Campground"! Grab a spot. Note trailhead sign and visitors' book.

May 2005

  • Sierra Valley area (Plumas/Sierra Co., CA), May 30th (Monday). Not an "official" NNPS walk. Bill and Nancy Harnach invite you to go along with friends and neighbors on an outing they’ve been leading for the last several years. Meet under the bridge on A-23, left side, as you come off of Highway 70 at the Calpine turnoff. This is approximately 1 mile west of Beckwourth, CA. Meet there at 10:30 a.m. or meet Gary Monroe at the Lemmon Drive McDonald’s (see May 21) at 9:30 a.m. to arrange carpooling. Leaders: Gary Monroe: (775) 359-4863 and Bill and Nancy Harnach (530) 994-3464
  • Unionville - Star City Mining District (Humboldt Range, Pershing Co.), May 28th-30th (Saturday-Monday). This is a camping trip. Will hike 1-2 miles each day identifying plants. Because of limited camping area, please call leaders Paul Mungan (775) 747-4567 or John Dyer (775) 677-2714 if you plan on going.
  •  Sierra Valley (Marble Hot Springs Road, Plumas/Sierra Co., CA), May 21st. Meet at 8:00 am. at the McDonald’s on Lemmon Drive, reached by going north from Reno on Highway 395, or meet at 8:45 at the rest stop west of Beckwourth, California on Highway 70. We will also visit lands recently purchased by the Feather River Land Conservancy and botanize the fringes of the marshlands that run through the valley. No restrictions on cars and only about 3 miles of maintained dirt road. All walking on level ground. Leaders: Bill and Nancy Harnach, (530) 994-3464, Reno contact: Gary Monroe, (775) 359-4863.
  • Moapa (Clark Co.), May 21st. Botanizing in the Muddy River Headwaters. We'll explore a diversity of very un-desert habitats including marshes, flooded pastures, mesquite bogs, cottonwood groves, and riparian shrub lands in one of southern Nevada's unique flood plains. Wear shoes you wouldn't mind getting muddy or wet. Bring snacks, liquid, and a lunch. Presses are welcome. Meet at 7:00 am in Moapa at Calamity's Restaurant which takes about one hour to get to from Las Vegas. Take I-15 north to Exit 90 (Glendale/Moapa). Go straight at the stop sign at the bottom of the off ramp and Calamity's is ahead on the left. Contact Sonja Kokos for info. Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge (Nye Co.), May 14th. Ash Meadows is home to more than 24 endemic plant and animal species. The first part of the trip will focus on the endemics. Expect to spend approximately an hour or so exploring the refuge looking for rare plant species. The second part of the trip will focus on restoration efforts on the refuge, specifically the Longstreet Fire Site. Anna Schrenk will join us and bring us up to speed on current restoration activities. In addition to checking on the recovery of the burn site we will be collecting plant material for future restoration needs. Tools will be supplied for those interested in helping collect plant material. Meet at refuge headquarters at 10:00 a.m. (earlier if you would like to get some birding in prior to the field trip). Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, plenty of water and a snack. If you have any questions or plan on attending, contact Beth T. Hewitt by Friday May 13th (702) 321-5008 or Elizabeth_Hewitt [at] ccsn [dot] nevada [dot] edu).
  • Bass Flat area south of Fallon (Churchill Co.), May 7th. Easy walking. Bring mosquito repellent, hat, and rain gear as needed. Meet at the southwest side of the Quality Inn on Nugget Avenue for an 8:00 a.m. departure. Second meeting place at McDonald’s on Highway 50 in Fallon, for a 9:30 departure. Leaders Gary Monroe (775) 359-4863 and Melanie Scott (775) 746-1667.
  • Lower Las Vegas Wash (above Lake Las Vegas, Clark Co.), May 7th. Historically, the Las Vegas Wash was an ephemeral desert channel but since the 1950s has been transformed into a perennial riparian landscape. Because a significant riparian seed source was not available as the Las Vegas Wash transformed into a "river," much of the area is "behind the curve." In an attempt to re-create native riparian conditions found along other southwestern drainage's along the Las Vegas Wash, an intensive revegetation program is currently underway. Several sites along the Las Vegas Wash and a review of the evolution of the system will be provided. Leader Seth Shanahan. Contact Sonja Kokos (702) 326-5564 for info.

April 2005

  •  North Valleys/Red Rock area (Washoe Co.), April 30th. High clearance vehicles probably desirable. Carpooling desirable. Wear sturdy shoes for walking off trails. Meet 8:30 a.m. in the cul-de-sac between the Shell Station and Highway 395 on Red Rock Road. Take highway 395 north from Reno, exit Red Rock Road and turn right. You will see the station and meeting place across the road. Leaders John Dyer (775) 677-2714 and Bonnie Larsen (775) 972-0583.
  • Ball Canyon (Washoe Co.), April 23rd. Bad weather back-up date May 14. Entry is through gates that must be locked behind us. Must go in and out with group. Carpooling required. Dirt roads. Traveling north of Reno on Highway 395, take the Bordertown exit (almost at the California border). Turn left and cross over the freeway. Turn right to Bordertown. Meet in the northwest part of the parking lot behind Bordertown casino at 9:00 a.m. Leaders Fred Peterson (775) 747-2364 and Chris Ross (775) 861-6571 (w), (775) 742-0518.
  • Sloan Canyon (Clark Co.), April 23rd. This is a beautiful opportunity to see our newest Conservation Area with an expert leader. Meet at 9:00 am at the Arco station on Las Vegas Blvd. at St. Rose Parkway (there's a Jack-in- the-Box attached to that gas station). From there we will carpool to the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph site. A 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, more for the rutted dirt roads then anything. It will take approximately 20 minutes from the Arco station to the parking area for the Petroglyph Canyon trail. The total hike up and back should be approximately 2.5 miles. Participants will need to be able to scramble up a 10 foot pour-off and depending on folks abilities the way back may be through the desert over a fairly rough trail. We'll see some interesting geology and flowering plants, as well as the cultural sites. This should take until about noon. Depending on the group's interest and ambitions we can head to either Hidden Valley on the west side of the Conservation Area or the northeast area along the power line road. The flowers were nice a couple of weeks ago in the northeast area. Both of these areas will require 4x4 high ground clearance vehicles. A "quick trip" to these areas should take 2-3 hours minimum Bring plenty of water, food (lunch), sunblock, and a hat. Leader Kathy August (BLM), RSVP and information Sonja Kokos (702) 326-5564, sonjakokos [at] yahoo [dot] com.
  • Hot Springs Mountains vicinity (Churchill Co.), April 16th. Will hike an easy mile or less. Bring mosquito repellent, and rain gear and warm clothes as needed. Meet at the southwest side of the Quality Inn on Nugget Avenue (formerly McCarran House) for an 8:00 a.m. departure. Second meeting place at the Nightingale Exit on I-80 East for a 9:00 a.m. departure. Leaders Gary Monroe (775) 359-4863 and Paul Mungan (775) 747-4567.
  • Death Valley National Park (Inyo Co., CA), April 9th. Death Valley wildflower displays are reputed to be the best in 50 years! The field trip will begin at 9:00 am at Hell's Gate (2-2.5 hours from Las Vegas area: take US 95 North to Beatty, NV, turn left (west) onto Hwy 374, proceed west to Hell's Gate kiosk parking area on left side of the road). The wildflowers should be quite showy in this area then and will provide for an excellent meeting area. If things are a bit past flower here we can always head higher in elevation towards Daylight Pass (4316 ft). From here we will head to Titus Canyon. The road through Titus Canyon is closed but the western access to the mouth of the canyon is still open. (For latecomers needing to meet at Titus Canyon: follow Hwy 374 west to Hwy 190, turn right (north) on 190, turn right (north) on Scotty's Castle Rd., proceed ~15 miles to Titus Canyon Rd. [on right]).We will spend the majority of the day hiking up the canyon and looking at the wildflowers along the way. The hike up the canyon is only a slight incline and we will probably hike 3-4 miles total. In Titus Canyon there are usually a wide variety of plant species to enjoy along the way in addition to narrow slot canyons, unique geologic mosaic formations and potentially Bighorn Sheep sightings. We will stop for lunch along the way and head back to the cars by sundown. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, a lunch and sunscreen. The temperature will most likely be in the 80's but easily could be anywhere from 40-90°, so bring appropriate clothing for both extremes. For those of that are interested in staying over on Saturday night, most campgrounds fill up by mid day, however there is usually plenty of tent or RV (without hookup) sites at Stovepipe Wells (closest to Titus Canyon) and Sunset (Furnace Creek area). You can get more information on campgrounds daily at http://www.nps.gov/deva/Morning.pdf. Leader Jeff Kane, USGS, contact for more information Sonja Kokos 702-326-5564 or via email.

March 2005

  • Gold Butte (Clark Co.), March 5th. The Field Trip will convene at the Junction of the Virgin River and the Riverside Road (170), and the New Gold Butte Road (which is a Backcountry Byway), at 9:00am. Take Highway I-15 north from Las Vegas toward Mesquite, but you will get off the highway before Mesquite. From the Apex Exit outside of N. Las Vegas (Exit 58) it is 53 miles to Exit 112. We recommend you fill up your fuel tank, get snacks and use the restroom at Glendale Exits 90 and 91. Exit Hwy I-15 at Exit 112. Exit 112 is at the base of Mormon Mesa on the east side, and go right. From Exit 112 it is approximately 3 miles to the Virgin River. Cross the bridge and pull out at a wide spot at the junction of the roads. There is a sign there that says “Bundy’s Melons”. Leaders Todd Esque and Trent Draper. Contact Sonja Kokos (702) 326-5564, sonjakokos [at] yahoo [dot] com, for information.