May 2025
Over the course of three days, nearly 200 Lincoln County students in grades 3–6 participated in guided tours of the Mt. Irish Archaeological District. Led by Alicia Styles, Basin and Range National Monument Manager, and Rayette Martin, Executive Director of Nevadans for Cultural Preservation (NVFCP), students explored two major petroglyph sites during engaging walking tours. On-site experts—including range specialists, biologists, and others—were available to answer questions and share insights throughout the visit.
Each group hiked a portion of the new 1.5-mile trail that loops from the primitive campground through the archaeological sites. After the hike, students returned to the campground for lunch and hands-on learning experiences. These included opportunities to explore cultural artifacts, examine animal skulls and pelts, interact with insect displays, and more.
As part of the experience, students reflected by writing down one thing they learned and one thing they wanted to learn more about. Two notable examples:
“I learned that leaving artifacts where they are is really important.”
“I want to learn the petroglyph stories.”
This educational event was made possible through collaboration between Bureau of Land Management Basin and Range National Monument staff, Nevadans for Cultural Preservation, and the Friends of Basin and Range National Monument. The Friends group secured transportation funding through the Conservation Lands Foundation, while NVFCP utilized support from a Lincoln County Archaeological Initiative Grant to cover additional expenses.
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