BLM Elko-Summer Outings

ELKO, Nev. – It’s time to take it outside and learn about wildflowers and wilderness.The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Cedar Creek Clothing are teaming up to offer camping and hiking activities for the entire family.

For the adventurous, there will be a weekend camp and hike in the Jarbidge Wilderness to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. The Jarbidge Wilderness, managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, was the only Nevada Wilderness set aside in 1964. At that time the wilderness was 64,667 acres. It was expanded in 1989 through the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act by 48,500 acres to 113,167 total acres as it exists today.

On Friday, July 25, from 3 p.m. until dark there will be a community gathering at Pioneer Park in Jarbidge, Nev. The gathering will include poetry readings, music, a campfire and stargazing after dark. On Saturday, July 26, there will be a guided hike in the Jarbidge Wilderness beginning at 9 a.m. followed by local history and readings from John Muir, Aldo Leopold, H.D. Thoreau and more at Pioneer Park.

To RSVP or for more information, please call Duane Jones of Cedar Creek clothing at (775) 738-3950, Blaine Potts of the BLM at (775) 753-0356, or Nancy Taylor of the Forest Service at (775) 752-1705.

For those wanting to stay closer to home, there will be a wildflower hike along the Island Lake Trail in Lamoille Canyon. This moderate guided hike will take frequent stops to provide information on the natural flora of the Ruby Mountains. This hike is Saturday, July 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Hikers should meet at Roads End parking lot and bring water, sunscreen, lunch and a camera.

To RSVP or for more information about the wildflower hike, please call Lea Garcia at (775) 753-0255 or Doug Clarke (775) 778-6127.