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.
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