Paint a Wagon and Build a Cabin: California Trail Interpretive Center Announces March Programs

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Elko District Office

Media Contact:

ELKO, Nev. – Paint a watercolor of a wagon, and build a log cabin out of pretzels and peanut butter at the California Trail Interpretive Center.

The Trail Center is presenting a variety of family friendly programs throughout March. The following programs are free and open to everyone:

March 3, 10:00 a.m.:  The Heat is On: Fighting Wildfires in Nevada

Over 1 million acres burned in Nevada through 650 wildfires during the 2017 fire season. What was it like to be on the front lines fighting these fires? Join us to discover why 2017 is considered one of the worst fire seasons in the last decade. Meet a BLM firefighter and learn about the equipment used to battle wildfires and how the BLM manages fire.

March 4, 2:00 p.m.:  Junior Ranger Program:  Paint a Wagon

Have you wanted to try painting in watercolor? Are you a skilled artist looking for an unusual still life? Bring your friends and family to this guided art lesson to paint a picture of a covered wagon. All ages and skill levels are welcome to this free event. Program is by Ranger Erika and all supplies are provided.

March 11, 2:00 p.m.:  Junior Ranger Program:  Stellar Pajama Party

Did you know there are between 100 and 400 billion stars in the Milky Way? Join Ranger Erika to explore constellations during a daytime pajama party. Put on your PJs, discover the mythology behind stars, create your own constellation viewers, and pick up tips for future star-gazing adventures.

March 17, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:  Meet the Guild: Crochet, Knitting and Spinning Wheel Demonstrations by the Ruby Mountain Fiber Folk

The Trail Center is recognizing Women’s History Month with the Ruby Mountain Fiber Folk. Fiber artists will provide knitting, crochet and spinning wheel demonstrations.

March 18, 2:00 p.m.:  Junior Ranger Program: After Journey’s End: Building a New Home

After arriving in California, many emigrants built log cabins. Join Nevada Outdoor School Interpreter Tim Burns and learn about the history of log cabins, including which group of settlers first brought them to America. Following the talk, build a miniature log cabin with pretzels and peanut butter.

March 24, 10:00 p.m.:  Find Your Trail:  The National Trails System 50th Anniversary

Did you know that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System? The National Trails System Act protects thousands of miles of trails and waterways. Two of those trails wind through Elko County:  The California National Historic Trail and the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail. Ranger Greg will provide an overview of our National Trails System.

March 25, 2:00 p.m.:  Junior Ranger Program:  Pioneer Chores

Think your chores at home are hard? Join Tim Burns in the pioneer camp and learn how to haul water, wash clothes, gather fuel for your campfire and other pioneer chores.

The California Trail Interpretive Center is located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center, call (775) 738-1849. Visit the Trail Center online at www.californiatrailcenter.org or https://www.facebook.com/californiatrailinterpretivecenter/.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.