By MAGGIE MCMURRAY
Moapa Valley Progress
It’s time once again for local residents to get out, take pride in their community, and make local landscapes even more beautiful. Public Lands Day 2016 is scheduled for this Saturday, September 24, at Logandale trails.
Partners in Conservation (PIC) is coordinating the efforts that will begin at 8 am at the main trailhead of Logandale Trails area. The event is expected to go until about noon.
PIC Administrator Elise McAllister said that this year’s Public Lands Day will go beyond the usual clean-up. With the construction of new restrooms scheduled to begin in December, the whole area will get an overhaul to make it look as new as the buildings.
The picnic and shade structures will be getting a new coat of paint, garbage cans will be pressure washed, and over 100 different native plants will be planted in the area. In addition to trailhead renovations, “You Are Here” signs with GPS location markings will be placed out on the trails at about 8 major trail junctions. That way people will have some point of reference while out riding, hiking, or exploring.
Also, those with off-road vehicles will be provided with gloves and trash bags for general cleaning and garbage pick-up while they are out riding around.
McAllister is excited about the changes coming to the area. “We’re going to use this day to focus on the main trailhead and freshen it up,” she said. “The BLM found some extra funding and has provided us with paint and native plants. Then when the new facilities go in we will have another smaller day to clean up and plant around those. The changes will really make a big difference in the area.”
As usual, volunteers who come to help PIC will not leave hungry or empty handed. McAllister said the day will start with doughnuts and juice, hot chocolate, and coffee. Everyone who participates will receive a free T-shirt and a free pass to any federal park. There will also be door prizes and lunch will be provided at the end of the clean-up at around 11:30.
“We hope to have so many people there that every doughnut gets eaten,” McAllister said.
PIC is also providing almost all the equipment needed to help out. They will have everything from gloves and trashbags to paint, painting supplies, and protective eyewear. They do ask that people bring shovels, if they are available, to help with planting.
“We’d love everyone to come,” McAllister added. “We’d love to have families, scout troops, 4-H clubs, church groups, or anyone who needs or would like to do a service project.”
McAllister stressed that attendees don’t need to have an off-road vehicle to participate. Most of the work will be right at the main trailhead which is easily accessible by car.
“It will be a fun event to meet people, enjoy a picnic at the end, and spend some time making our community better while experiencing the beauty of the great outdoors,” McAllister said.
For more information contact Elise McAllister at (702) 219-2033.
