July 19 Marks the Last Day to Cast Your Vote at Patagonia

In May, River Wranglers received an email from Patagonia, asking if they would like to participate in the Voice Your Choice Program.

The impetus behind the program is Patagonia’s desire to give money directly to our community in a way that helps a local environmental cause. Environmental activism is the backbone of Patagonia and giving to local environmental groups working on local issues is part of their mission. They believe that activism takes many forms, and voting (in national, state or local elections) is the beginning of how we get involved in local environmental issues.

Patagonia selected their top five organizations and invite the public to vote on the one that will receive a $4000 donation. The winner is determined by the most votes received.

The program launched in the store June 10 and ends July 19, 2008. The voting place is the Patagonia Outlet, situated on White Fir, off 4th Street and Woodhaven in Reno, west of McCarran Blvd.

River Wranglers set up a table Saturday, June 21 from 10:00-1:30 at the store. Silver Stage High School graduates, Kiley Woosley and Adam McGuire worked with River Wranglers coordinator, Linda Conlin, to introduce the non-profit to the public.

“We are so excited to be one of five organizations selected.” exclaimed Linda Conlin, River Wranglers coordinator. “But living in rural Nevada creates a challenge for residents to support River Wranglers because of the distance and cost of fuel. If you are shopping or have appointments in Reno, please consider going to the Reno Patagonia Outlet Store and voting.”

The reception to announce the winner of the Voice Your Choice Progam will be August, 3 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The public is invited to the Patagonia Outlet that evening as the winner is announce. You are invited to join the festivities and learn about other environmental causes in the area.

River Wranglers Recognizes Prida and Service to Nevada State Parks

The Carson River Festival, May 10, ended with a ceremony at Buckland Station to recognize Supervisor Jim Prida and his career with Nevada State Parks.

Prida, a graduate in Outdoor Recreation Management from the University of Nevada, Reno, began his career with Nevada State Parks at Ft. Churchill in 1974 as a park interpreter. Serving at parks throughout the state, he finished his 34 year career by spending the past 18 years as the supervisor of Ft. Churchill State Historic Park.

“I feel so honored with this ceremony.” said Prida “It is a wonderful gesture. It blows me away and makes my year. My career couldn’t have ended any better.”

River Wranglers hosted the celebration at Buckland Station where a commemorative tree was planted to mark a long and successful career. The silver maple tree was donated by Community Roots, a Dayton nursery.

“Jim Prida and River Wranglers worked together through the years.” remarked Linda Conlin, coordinator of River Wranglers. “We want to mark the end of his successful career and commend him for the Buckland Station restoration project which was a highlight of his later years with the park system.”

River Wranglers hosted the gathering at Buckland Station with refreshments. The afternoon festivities ended with a tour of Buckland Station led by Supervisor Jim Prida.

Silver Stage High School Students Volunteer at Carson River Festival

Sixteen Silver Stage High School students volunteered at the Festival and learned more about our river in the process.

Alex Mitchell and John Lawver presented an activity about wetlands. They met with Ranger Dominic Bravo at the wetlands in Washoe Valley State Park and learned about the habitat created by wetlands that provides nesting and feeding areas for a variety of animals. They presented a Project WET activity called Wetland Metaphor.

Hannah Rowley, Raleigh Fife and Amanda Smith displayed mammal pelts and information about coyotes, bobcats, cougars, beavers, badgers and skunk. Rowley developed an activity booklet for the public to match up the animal to its track. To prepare for the event the students met with State Park Rangers Eric Johnson and Rob Holley.

Rachel Willimott, interested in learning about agriculture, selected animal by-products as her subject. She researched information on-line and worked with Darci Beaton, Yerington, to learn more about the subject. Willimott created an activity to challenge the public to match up the products we use and rely on daily to the livestock animals.

Aquatic insects attracted Bonnie Cooper and she worked with Margie Evans from the Clear Creek Watershed Council to learn more about them. Cooper dressed as an aquatic insect, using the adaptations insects use to survive in water. The kids loved seeing how they get food and defend themselves from predators

Kyle Whetzel and Lyle Fife covered insects and arachnids. They traveled to UNR and met with Professor Kelly Kissine in the biology department. Whetzel featured a display with scorpions and Fife used a collection lent to him from entomologist, Henry Kilmer.

Rebecca Palmer, State Historic Preservation Society, met with Nancy Ussery to explore archaeology in Nevada. Palmer lent a variety of artifact, old bottles, cans, nails and glass, found in Nevada. Ussery developed a “dig” with the help of SSHS teacher, Pauline Rusert.

Bright colors and a paint brush provided the medium for face painter, Aubrey Childs as she decorated faces, arms and hands with flowers and insects. Central Lyon Youth Connections provided the supplies and volunteer to add to the color of the day.

Beth Clark traveled to the Mason Valley Fish Hatchery and worked with Doug Anderson to learn about fish in Nevada. She talked about fish; native vs. non-native species, and provided art activities for the visitors. Carolyn Mosher helped with gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) and wooden fish painting activities.

Tina Wilhelmi plans to volunteer at Lake Lahontan this year and selected a project to expand her knowledge of water bodies in Nevada. She spent the morning job shadowing Bud Stinson with Mason Valley Mosquito Abatement. Together they used nets to catch mosquito minnows, small fish that feed on mosquito larvae. As her project at the river, Wilhelmi helped children release the minnows in the river so they could help control mosquitoes in the Silver Springs area.

Mary Kay Riedl, environmental scientist with Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, worked with Thomas Lane as he explored non-point source pollution. Using an enviroscape model, Lane simulated pollution attributed to residents and showed the impact we have on our river. Non-point source pollution comes from improper use of fertilizer and pesticides, leaky car fluids or illegal disposal of those fluids etc.

Matt Duncan and Harlan Aigner worked together on a popular station, reptiles. Using some of his reptile collection, Duncan talked with the public about issues regarding native and non-native animals. Releasing non-native “pets” can cause problems for the native species. Children were able to hold snakes and lizards as Duncan and Aigner discussed the animals and their habitat requirements.

Before the Festival, Kiley Woosley spent volunteer hours doing streambank restoration with the Dayton Valley Conservation District. She worked with horticulturist, Dan Greytak, to rake in native seeds and cover them with erosion control cloth. Then the cloth was staked with wooden pegs. Woosley used pictures from the restoration project to create a display and talk with the public about the importance of well-vegetated river banks, able to hold soil and control erosion. She also distributed the lilac bushes sponsored by the Dayton Valley Conservation District.

River Wranglers appreciates Ft. Churchill State Historic Park and the Nevada State Park system for co-sponsoring this event. They also received support from Silver Springs organizations. New Hope Recovery Ranch volunteers helped set-up for the event. Burke’s Market supplied ice. Anna Brueher, Silver Stage High School, helped with event posters and materials. The Train Station Concession provided lunch for the teen volunteers. Central Lyon Youth Connections sponsored face painting to add a touch of color and festivity to the day.

Carson River Festival Draws Hundreds of Visitors to Ft. Churchill

Ft. Churchill State Historic Park and River Wranglers hosted the Carson River Festival on Saturday, May 10. High school students throughout the watershed presented activities for the public to learn more about the ecology of the Carson River.

Nine Dayton High School students volunteered at the Festival and learned more about our river in the process.

Theresa Hardy presented an activity about wild horses. Hardy adopted a mustang from the Warm Springs Correctional Center and was interested in learning about issues regarding wild horses in Nevada. She met with Bonnie Compston with the Wild Horse Preservation Society and Don Alt, a local rancher, to explore the various viewpoints regarding wild vs. feral horses.

“I agreed with both points of view.” said Hardy. “They just need to find a common ground and a way to work together.”

Zaria Hanses and Christy McCoy worked with John Swisher, Nevada Department of Wildlife, with Operation Game Thief – a display of poached animals from Nevada.

Kelly Elloyan, DHS sophomore, met with Pat Fried, Great Basin Sports, to learn about boating safety. As part of his job shadow, Elloyan traveled to Lake Tahoe and worked with a large group of disabled students to teach them the importance of wearing and properly fitting life vests. He brought an activity from Kids Don’t Float safety program to the Carson River Festival.

Meghan Hines prepared an activity comparing reptiles and amphibians. She used a hands-on activity to explore the differences in skin texture and eggs. She brought her pet turtles and talked about how damaging it can be to release non-native animals such as turtles and goldfish into the environment.

Ashley Putzer did her job shadow with George Baumgardner, curator of natural history at the Nevada State Museum. She did gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) with children at the river.

Lilli Lund explored her interest in recycling by meeting with Chet Sergeant from Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. She researched information about the impacts of paper and plastic bags on our environment. Lund offered an activity to color cloth grocery bags sponsored by River Wranglers and Lyon County Room Tax Grant.

Kids got a chance to explore bird migration with Kaci Mace. She met with Robin Powell, Nevada Audubon Society, and developed an activity for the kids to learn more about birds and competition. Kaci also gave books about Important Birds in Nevada to interested attendees.

Chris Sikora did his job shadow with the Carson City Fire Department. Sikora was interested in wild fires and the importance of developing defensible space around homes. He referred to Living with Fire curriculum from UNR’s Cooperative Extension as he provided information to the public.

River Wranglers appreciates all the support from Dayton Valley. Smith’s Food and Drug Store donated food for breakfast for the volunteers. Community Roots donated a hardy Silver Maple tree to commemorate Park Supervisor, Jim Prida’s retirement. The Dayton Valley Conservation District sponsored plants so each family attending the Festival took home a lilac bush from the NDF Nursery. Warren Shaul, DHS science teacher, was the official event photographer. Central Lyon Youth Connections sponsored face painting to add a touch of color and festivity to the day.

Support comes from Carson Water Subconservancy District, Western Nevada RC&D, Smallwood Foundation, Dayton Valley Conservation District and Patagonia. A Lyon County Room Tax Board grant promotes advertising.

Fernley Teens Volunteer at Carson River Festival

Teens representing four high schools volunteered to spend the day at the Carson River on May 10. They set up activities and stations for the public to learn more about the Carson River ecology.

Three Fernley High School students volunteered as River Wranglers and set up activities for the public to learn more about the ecology of the Carson River.

Chris Turk worked with Jennifer Dawson, Ft. Churchill State Historic Park ranger, to learn about Leave No Trace. This ethic, supported by Nevada State Parks, and other federal and state agencies, encourages people to leave no impact on the environment. Quote

As a nine year scout member and Eagle Scout candidate, Turk was excited to share his knowledge about Leave No Trace and teach people how to minimize our impact.

“I learned about Leave No Trace; to keep dogs leased in the backcountry and properly dispose of waste.” said Turk. “I brought examples of how to compact items for travel in the backcountry and get rid of excess packaging.”

Andi Bolstad was interested in exploring turtles and tortoises in Nevada. She learned that the most common turtle found in the Carson River is the Western Pond Turtle. Bolstad, a FHS junior, planned an activity for elementary children creating turtle rock art. The kids loved this activity.

Amanda Van Pelt worked with Bob Van Pelt, 4-H volunteer leader for the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program, to set up a display of the food that animals within the watershed consume.

This family-friendly event featured the Newlands Project mobile museum, sponsored by Lahontan Valley Environmental Alliance, and Operation Game Thief, sponsored by Nevada Department of Wildlife. Smokey Bear even made his appearance thanks to the Nevada Division of Forestry.

The Slidebase Jammers were on hand to fill the park with music and the public sat on straw bales eating picnic lunches as they enjoyed their great sound.

The Train Station concession provided a wide variety of choices for lunch and they generously provided food for the teen volunteers.

The Festival is sponsored by River Wranglers and Nevada State Parks. Additional support comes from Carson Water Subconservancy District, Western Nevada RC&D, Smallwood Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Non-point Source, Dayton Valley Conservation Service and Scolari’s Food and Drug Store.

Through a generous grant from the Lyon County Room Tax Board, the event was advertised by sending more than 52,000 flyers home with elementary students in Washoe, Storey, Douglas, Carson, Churchill and Lyon counties

If you missed out on the fun this year, don’t worry as the 9th annual event will be held May 2, 2009 and you’re invited! For additional information about River Wranglers email nevadariverwranglers@yahoo.com.

Silver Stage High School Constructs Shed for River Wranglers

The shed began as a high school construction class project without a home. It ended up as a storage shed for the local non-profit, River Wranglers.

“I approached Dick Mesna about building a shed for River Wranglers.” said coordinator, Linda Conlin. “He asked what size I was interested in, showed me the building under construction and we went for it.”

The Silver Stage High School Construction II class of 2007 worked on the shed all year long. Most of the building was constructed twice, the second time to “get it right.”

It is constructed more like a small home rather than a shed because it is framed 16” on center, is insulated, sheet rocked and textured. The students even constructed the trusses.

Andy Jimenez, Victor Albarron, Frank Crandall, Joe Copp, Adam Crandall, Andrew Codeiro and Dowain Swain were the principal members of the construction team, working on the project from beginning to end.

“You can literally park an elephant on it, it’s that sturdy” said Dick Mesna, construction teacher.

The shed, measuring 8x16 ft., has nearly 200 square feet of shelving for storage. Conlin is ready to fill it up with educational materials, monitoring supplies

Relocating the shed proved to be a challenge as it is so heavy. Mike Lenox, owner of Lenox Barns, offered to help move the shed.

For years River Wranglers stored equipment at Ft. Churchill and appreciates the state park for generously providing storage space. With the new storage shed, River Wranglers has the capacity to more effectively organize educational materials and equipment to work with schools in the watershed.

“I want to thank Dick Mesna and the team he inspired to create such a great building. Their construction is fantastic.” said Conlin. “I also appreciate Mike Lennox for taking time and providing equipment to move the shed. Such community support makes River Wranglers work along the Carson River even more meaningful.”

River Wranglers Recognizes Teen Volunteer of the Year

Kiley Woosley, a 2008 graduate from Silver Stage High School, was selected as the first annual teen volunteer by River Wranglers. She received a certificate and commendation at the senior awards night prior to graduation.

Kiley was involved with River Wranglers as a 4th grade student at Silver Springs Elementary School and traveled to the Carson River with a teen mentor. Several years later she returned as a mentor to work with a group of 4th graders.

Kiley worked several years with River Wranglers through Silver Stage High School and as a volunteer outside of class.

“River Wranglers has been a great experience because it’s given me hands-on training for my future career in rangeland management.” said Kiley regarding her years as a volunteer.

For years, Woosley worked with River Wranglers to teach the public about noxious weeds and streambank stabilization at the Carson River Festival. This year she traveled to Dayton and worked on a Dayton Valley Conservation District erosion control project.

“Whenever I needed volunteers, I could always count on Kiley to help willingly and enthusiastically.” said Linda Conlin, River Wranglers coordinator. “I will miss her when she leaves.”

Woosley is enrolled in the US Navy delayed entry program and plans to leave in August for basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Her spirit of cooperation and willingness to learn new things will serve her well in the future. River Wranglers thanks Kiley Woosley for her dedication and commitment to River Wranglers and the Carson River.

Voice Your Choice at Patagonia Outlet

Patagonia Outlet in Reno selected five organizations to promote during the Voice Your Choice Campaign. River Wranglers is one of the five! The publice is invited to learn more about the organizations and to select their favorite cause. We are setting up a display at Patagonia on Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 - 1:30. Come down and check us out and cast your vote for the organization you would like Patagonia to support with a $4,000 donation. Just imagine what we could do with $4,000 if we receive the mosts votes!!

The campaign began June 10 and ends July 19. You may vote in person each time you go to the store. Patagonia is located in west Reno so check out their website for directions and more information about Voice Your Choice. http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=1931&intl

You are also invited to the Voice Your Choice reception at Patagonia Outlet on August 3, 2008 from 5:30-7:30. You can check out each of the five organizations and learn how you can support environmental activism in northen Nevada. So come down and see us on Saturday, June 21. We'll be there...hope you will be there too!

Carson River Festival Receives Advertising Funds for 2009 Event

The annual meeting of the Lyon County Room Tax Board was June 11, 2008 in Yerington, the county seat in Lyon County, Nevada. Board members considered $350,000 in funding requests from each community in the county with $200,000 in funds. The grant money is collected from room taxes in county motels and hotels.

River Wranglers uses room tax funds to advertise the Carson River Festival, held each year in the springtime. This year River Wranglers requested $2,900 and received $2,500. Grant funds have strict guidelines and must be used to promote tourism and natural resources in Lyon County. River Wranglers plans to use their grant to create flyers, posters and banners to advertise the 2009 Carson River Festival.

Thanks to the Lyon County Room Tax Board for their support!

Teens Work on Erosion Control with Support from Patagonia

Students from Silver Stage High School traveled to Dayton Valley to work on stream bank erosion. River Wranglers coordinated the project with support from a grant funded by Patagonia.

Kylie and Rachel, two teens that presented activities about noxious weeds and agriculture at the Carson River Festival, planted native seeds and staked down erosion control mats along the Carson River.

“I like doing this because I am interested in pursing a degree in rangeland management.” said Kiley, a senior at Silver Stage High School. “I know that I am making a difference in our watershed.”

River Wranglers and Dayton Valley Conservation District coordinated work on the river as part of a bioengineering project. In the fall, students from Dayton, Silver Stage and Fernley High Schools worked with students from Dayton, Sutro, Silver Stage and Hugh Gallagher Elementary Schools. They bundled willows and placed them along the stream bank. By spring, the willows take sprout and their dense root system will hold the soil on the river bank in place.

A few high school students returned to the project to provide final treatments and learn more about bioengineering techniques.

“The teens are enthusiastic workers” said Rich Wilkenson, manager for the Dayton Valley Conservation District “They are doing a great job and are interested and concerned about the river.”

Non-Point Source Pollution...Everyone's Problem

NDEP environmental scientist meets with Silver Stage High School students

In preparation for the Carson River Festival, River Wrangler teens met with environmental scientist, Mary Kay Riedl, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, to learn more about non-point source pollution as they prepared for the festival.

“Point source pollution is being well regulated” said Riedl. “It is the non-point source pollution, which comes from ordinary folk like all of us, that is causing problems.”

Fertilizer and pesticide use, emissions from vehicles in addition to construction and erosion all contribute to pollution. Education coupled with action is the way to address the problem.

Kayla and Thomas teamed up to demonstrate non-point source pollution using an enviroscape model. They were one of many activities featured at the Carson River Festival on Saturday, May 10.

Taking the Classroom Outdoors

Students from Silver Springs Elementary School in Lyon County and CC Meneley in Douglas County monitor the health of the Carson River every month. Fourth grade students perform simple water monitoring tests which include: pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. They plan to share their results with each other and connect the schools which are connected physically by the Carson River.

Douglas High School Student Designs Logo for Carson River Festival

Students in Rita Borselli's graphic design class at Douglas High School, submitted designs for the 8th Annual Carson River Festival. Twelve artists were selected as finalists. The winning design was created by Ashley Villigan.

Local business owners in Carson Valley donated prizes to the artists to recognize their creativity. Thanks to Danny's Ironwood Grill, Minden Starbucks and Library Video for your donations.

The Carson River Festival, held in springtime each year, gives high school students the opportunity to explore their interest in environmental education by working with scientists to learn more about issues in the watershed. Then they develop kid-friendly activities for the event.

Art work by the top twelve graphic designers is on display at the Minden Library through August,

Fostering Environmental Stewardship

River Wranglers teaches Nevada children and teenagers to care for their local environment, firmly rooting their enthusiasm and passion for learning along the banks of the Carson River.

Under River Wranglers' direction, more than 5,000 youth have helped preserve river habitat since 1994. The nonprofit environmental group, in cooperation with public schools, teaches children to build homes for wood ducks, protect trees from beaver damage, and plant willows to control erosion of the sandy banks.

“River Wranglers is an example of community experts teaching children and sharing their knowledge.” said Lyon County School Board Trustee Barbara Johnson. “I feel strongly that children need to understand the environment in their neighborhood.”

River Wranglers' initial work with Silver Springs youth has had a ripple effect. Today more than 15 schools in four Nevada counties are learning to be stewards of their environment.

River Wranglers' largest influence remains in Lyon County, where the organization created a mentoring program, pairing high-school students in botany/zoology/chemistry classes with elementary students. Each year, teenagers teach groups of younger children how to test water quality, and combat bank erosion.

"I was very surprised when we got all of those macro invertebrates (bugs)," said one middle school student. "When we learned this in class, it was cool. But you showed us and that was awesome."

Fourth-grade students from Silver Springs Elementary School assess the river's water quality monthly. This activity meets the Nevada State Standards in science, math and Nevada history.

"I thought it was pretty amazing that we got to check how healthy the river is," said another student after determining the river was "in fair condition, but a little too low, and it has too much sediment covering the bugs that live on the bottom.”

Originally, part of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Service, River Wranglers became an independent organization in 2000. Guided by a board of seven directors who represent education and conservation, River Wranglers' mission is to conserve, explore and celebrate rivers through community programs, projects, and hands-on education.

"We want to excite youth, their parents and their grandparents by deepening their understanding of and commitment to watersheds, rivers and streams that sustain life for generations to come," River Wranglers' educational coordinator Linda Conlin said.

In achieving this goal, the organization helps Silver Stage Middle schools hatch rainbow trout eggs and release the minnows into the river.

Every springtime, River Wranglers hosts an event with Ft, Churchill State Historic Park called the Carson River Festival. The event in 2008 is scheduled on May 10. Families are invited to the river along Ft. Churchill to learn more about the watershed. Hands-on learning provides opportunities for children and their parents to explore the exciting world of nature.

Since 2001, River Wranglers partnered with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to sponsor a daylong field trip called “Make a Splash” for middle schools in the watershed. Students attend workshops about agriculture, mining, water safety, and Nevada history.

“It is important to teach children the delicate issues surrounding water and how we have to balance the uses of water.” said former Assemblyman and Speaker of the House Joe Dini.

River Wranglers encourages individuals and families that want to be more involved with the Carson River to contact us by email, nevadariverwranglers@yahoo.com, or phone (775) 577-2631. Check out the River Wranglers blog http://www.riverwranglers.blogspot.com/

River Wranglers...from the beginning

River Wranglers began in 1994 through a grant written by Mary Reid, Water Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension. The objectives were; 1) to supplement water quality data collected by professional staff in water quality agencies and scientific institutions. 2) to educate the public about water quality issues. 3) to incorporate water quality river monitoring into an ongoing school program. 4) to provide field experience for science students in rural communities. The grant was secured and $15,500 was allocated to determine the youth interest in water quality monitoring in central Nevada. When the grant funds were exhausted, Linda Conlin, project coordinator, continued to volunteer and kept the organization intact.

On October 20, 2000 River Wranglers incorporated and formed a non-profit organization. The mission of River Wranglers is exploring, conserving and celebrating our rivers through community programs, projects, and hands-on education. River Wranglers’ vision is to excite youth, their parents and their grandparents by deepening their understanding of and commitment to watershed, rivers and streams that sustain life for generations to come.