Nevadans for Cultural Preservation

Supporting Conservation at Little Red Rock

Despite a heat warning across the valley, more than a dozen dedicated employees participated in this year’s Howard Hughes Service Day in partnership with NVFCP. The group spent the morning learning about local preservation efforts before rolling up their sleeves to help clean up debris at Little Red Rock.

The day offered not only an opportunity to give back, but also a chance to better understand the delicate balance of our desert ecosystem. Along the way to the cleanup site, the group encountered a desert tortoise—an unforgettable moment that turned into a valuable learning experience.

Desert tortoises, a threatened species in our region, have a unique and fragile survival mechanism. When picked up or handled, they may release their stored water as a defense response. Because water is so scarce in the desert, this loss of hydration can be life-threatening and, in some cases, fatal. Observing the tortoise in its natural habitat reinforced the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance.

Events like Service Day highlight the meaningful impact that community involvement can have on conservation efforts. Even under challenging conditions, the team’s commitment made a difference—helping preserve the natural beauty of Little Red Rock for generations to come.

March 2026

Speaker Series Presentation by Courtney Mooney MS, AICP
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This presentation provided a narrative for the rise and fall of the drive-in theater in the United States as a mid-century cultural phenomenon that capitalized on America’s love of the automobile and personal freedom, and new-found leisure time. Drive-in theaters had an especially large impact on rural towns, drawing together community members who might not otherwise mingle for family-friendly entertainment and relaxation. The location and types of known drive-in theaters in Nevada were discussed within a larger national context, and an analysis of the Sagecrest Drive-in Theater in Yerington, Nevada, as a rural theater that exemplifies the national trends in drive-in theater popularity, was provided.

Watch a recording of this presentation on our YouTube Chanel here. 

Image: Sagecrest Drive-in from 2004. Photographer is Rob McQueen

March 2026

There are weekends that leave you tired—and then there are weekends that leave you tired and inspired. Our recent volunteer project in Basin and Range National Monument was definitely the latter.

With a small but incredibly determined crew, we set out to make a tangible difference across some of Nevada’s most culturally significant landscapes. What we accomplished in just a few days was nothing short of remarkable.

Friday kicked things off with equal parts logistics and hands-on preservation. After receiving signage installation materials and setting up camp, the team got straight to work addressing a sensitive issue—graffiti near ancient petroglyphs. With permission and careful techniques, the damage was camouflaged, helping restore dignity to these irreplaceable cultural expressions.

Saturday was the kind of day that tests both grit and teamwork. At Mount Irish Archaeological District, volunteers spent the entire day installing six interpretive signs along a 1.5-mile trail that winds through four distinct petroglyph sites. The trail begins and ends at the campground, but there was nothing easy about the work in between. Every post hole had to be dug by hand. Concrete had to be mixed and poured. Tools and materials had to be carried in on foot. It was physical, demanding labor—but no one backed down. By the end of the day, the trail had been transformed into a richer, more informative experience for future visitors.

Sunday morning arrived with sore muscles and a shared sense of purpose. The group split into two teams to cover even more ground. One headed to White River Narrows Archaeological District, where they with permission successfully removed spray paint from seven boulders—another step toward preserving the integrity of these sacred and historic sites. 

The second group focused on a historic cabin in the Mount Irish area, removing fire rings that had been built far too close to the fragile structure. It was a sobering reminder of how easily human activity can put these places at risk. Just last year, a large wildfire—caused by human activity—burned through the surrounding area. Thankfully, the cabin was spared. This time, prevention was the priority.

Throughout the weekend, one thing was clear: this work doesn’t happen without people who care deeply and are willing to act on that care. Our volunteers showed up, worked hard, and left these areas better than they found them.

We’re incredibly grateful for this small but mighty group. Their efforts ensure that visitors today—and for years to come—can experience these landscapes with the respect, understanding, and sense of wonder they deserve.

March 2026

The dust had barely settled after this year’s Mint 400 when a different kind of crew rolled in—not for speed or spectacle, but for stewardship.

NVFCP was proud to take part in the post-race cleanup, and it quickly became clear that this effort was about far more than picking up debris. It was about education, connection, and a shared commitment to protecting Nevada’s desert landscapes.

Organized by our partners at the Nevada Offroad Association, the cleanup brought together around 20 dedicated volunteers. Armed with gloves, bags, and a strong sense of responsibility, this group set out with a simple but powerful goal: leave the desert better than they found it.

What made this year especially meaningful for NVFCP was the opportunity to share an often-overlooked perspective—the difference between historic artifacts and modern trash. Out in the field and through a short PSA video, we helped participants understand that not everything old should be removed. In a place as rich in history as Nevada, even a rusted can or weathered fragment can tell a story. Knowing what to leave behind is just as important as knowing what to pack out.

The volunteers embraced that message wholeheartedly. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn underscored something we’ve long believed: responsible recreation isn’t a burden—it’s a point of pride. It’s how we ensure that public lands remain accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful for generations to come.

This wasn’t just a cleanup. It was a reminder that preservation and recreation can go hand in hand when people care enough to do things the right way. The individuals who showed up that day weren’t just volunteers—they were stewards, leaders, and advocates for Nevada’s future.

Watch the Facebook Video here

February 2026

The hum of conversation, the shuffle of agendas and brochures, and the shared love for Nevada’s rugged past made this year’s expo more than just an event—it became a meeting ground for preservation, passion, and community.

NVFCP hosted an educational table that drew in a steady stream of curious locals and visitors alike. What stood out wasn’t just the interest—but the enthusiasm. People weren’t simply stopping by; they were engaging, asking questions, and most importantly, expressing a genuine desire to protect Nevada’s cultural resources. Time and again, we heard the same sentiment: these places matter, and they deserve to be treated with care. That message—one of preservation over exploitation—clearly resonated.

We weren’t alone in carrying that torch. Our valued partner, the Nevada Offroad Association, joined us in reinforcing the importance of responsible recreation. They brought a practical, boots-on-the-ground perspective, reminding attendees that enjoying Nevada’s vast landscapes and protecting them can—and must—go hand in hand.

Also lending her voice was preservation advocate Tami Force of Nevada Ghost Towns & Beyond, whose passion for the state’s historic sites is both infectious and inspiring. She highlighted the delicate balance between exploration and conservation, encouraging visitors to experience Nevada’s heritage sites with respect and mindfulness.

Beyond the conversations and shared ideas, the expo proved to be a powerful space for connection. We had the opportunity to meet a wide range of individuals—from local business owners to community leaders, and even the Mayor. Each interaction opened the door to new partnerships and future collaboration, strengthening the network of those committed to safeguarding Nevada’s history.

Events like this remind us that preservation isn’t a solitary effort—it’s a collective one. And judging by the energy and support we saw at the expo, Nevada’s past has a strong and passionate future.

February 2026

Speaker Series Presentation by Kayla Wolfe

Park Interpreter, Kayla Wolfe took folks on a virtual tour of Valley of Fire State Park’s new Visitor Center, opened November 2025. She explored the new exhibits, focusing on the thought process behind their concepts and design. By honoring the interests of guests, knowledge of professionals, and needs of the park’s history and wildlife, the team at Valley of Fire was able to create an interactive space that captures the magnificence of, and inspires stewardship for, the surrounding landscape. We’re excited to give viewers a deeper look into the thoughtful consideration given to each educational display.

To watch a video of the talk on our YouTube Channel click here. 

February 2026

On Sunday morning, nine dedicated volunteers chose service over sleep and gathered at Little Red Rock for a community cleanup effort. What started as a simple trash pickup quickly became a powerful reminder of how stewardship and education can go hand in hand.

Armed with gloves, trash bags, and determination, our group spread out across the area. One team focused on removing small debris—carefully collecting shards of broken glass and scattered nails. Piece by piece, they combed through the site, ensuring that unsightly reminders of past vandalism were safely removed.

Meanwhile, another group hiked through the nearby wash. Along the way, they discovered rusted-out car parts, illegally dumped linoleum, and countless bits of miscellaneous trash. The hike turned into a meaningful mission as they cleared debris from areas that often go unnoticed but are deeply impacted by neglect.

Perhaps the most encouraging part of the day came when we encountered individuals trespassing in the area. Instead of conflict, we found opportunity. Volunteers took time to respectfully educate them about the importance of protecting the site. To our surprise and gratitude, those individuals didn’t just listen—they joined us. Gloves went on, trash bags were handed out, and together we worked toward a cleaner landscape. It was a powerful example of how simple conversations can inspire immediate action.

By early afternoon, bags of trash and buckets of nails and glass were gathered, and the difference was visible. Yet the experience also left us reflecting on a sobering truth: it takes only moments to shatter a bottle or scatter debris, but hours of patient effort to restore what’s been damaged. The burned nails and broken glass we collected were small reminders of how easily a special place can be harmed—and how much care it takes to make it whole again.

It was more than a cleanup. It was a day of stewardship, education, and shared responsibility. We left tired but encouraged, reminded that even a small group of committed individuals can make a meaningful impact—and that sometimes, all it takes is an invitation to turn bystanders into partners in preservation.

February 2026

The Bureau of Land Management and the Friends of Avi Kwa Ame recently hosted their first-ever Junior Ranger Day at Walking Box Ranch in Searchlight, Nevada — and it was a fantastic celebration of public lands and hands-on learning.

The event featured interactive stations staffed by a variety of “-ologists,” giving visitors the chance to explore everything from archaeology to ecology and learn how to responsibly enjoy and protect our shared landscapes. Nevadans for Cultural Preservation brought out a mano and metate along with other artifacts to demonstrate the importance of archaeological context and why artifacts should always be left where they are found.

Guests also enjoyed guided tours of the historic Walking Box Ranch, adding a rich layer of local history to the day’s activities.

Interested in future events at Avi Kwa Ame National Monument? Be sure to check out the events hosted by the Friends of Avi Kwa Ame to stay connected and get involved!

Photo is of the NVFCP booth. Jr. Rangers come in all ages!

February 2026

Southern Nevada Gem & Mineral Society invited NVFCP to talk at their February meeting. These rockhounds spend ample time in the Nevada backcountry and run across cultural sites like old mining buildings and Native American petroglyph sites. We are honored they invited us to share preservation information with their members. 

​The purpose of the Southern Nevada Gem & Mineral Society is to promote interest and education in the various earth sciences, mineralogy, gemology, and to foster the exchange of knowledge in the lapidary arts. They are a non-profit, community service organization. They also have a Lapidary and Education Center in Las Vegas where they have a shop and hold most of their classes and some events such as rock swaps.

January 2026

Speaker Series presentation by Isabelle Guerrero

The Nevada Archaeological Association (NAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of Nevada’s antiquities. The NAA preserves Nevada’s antiquities, encourages the study of archaeology and educates the public to the aims of archaeological research. The NAA promotes common professional and avocational interests of NAA members furthers its purposes through non-profit activities including, but not limited to, education, training, meetings, workshops, publications and other relevant activities.

In this talk Isabelle shared information about some of the past NAA meetings, and revealed details about the upcoming 2026 Annual NAA Membership meeting in Mesquite, NV. It was clear that Annual Membership meetings always offer exciting field trips and incredible workshops.

She explained that one of the more recent focuses of the NAA has been support of University student researchers; and shared some details on the amazing past and ongoing student projects funded through the NAA.

Finally, she introduced the phenomenal research coming out through their Nevada Archaeologist publication.

To watch a video of the talk on our YouTube Channel click here.