I imagined all of Nevada looking like Las Vegas; flat, dry, rocky, brown and dusty..with some mountains in the distance. Nevada’s elbow proves to be quite different. We spent the past two days hiking through the green rolling hills that surround Pyramid lake. We pushed our way through thick groves of Woods’ rose (Rosa woodsi) and black cottonwood(Populus trichocarpa). We drove through mountains covered in Utah juniper(Juniperus osteosperma) and we camped between Big sagebrush(Artemisia tridentata), rubber rabbitbrush(Ericameria nauseosa), and desert peach(Prunus andersonii). Everything is in bloom. Everything smells good. The sunsets are jaw dropping.

Our assignment was to collect stubble height data from grazing springs that are important Lek areas for the Greater Sage-Grouse. The measurements we gather will provide a baseline analysis for our range department to determine if the areas should be grazed.

In my mind, we were grass hunting.

Tomorrow I’m spending my day planting trees. I can’t wait.

cows grazing at Flanigan’s Allotment

Tufa towers at Pyramid Lake

view of a playa from the top of Rock Canyon

hills looking South from Rock Canyon

grass hunting

camping at Flanigan’s Allotment

sunset in the hills

hiking at Rock Canyon

Sam and Alec hiking back to camp during sunset

Monique Gil

Carson City, Nevada

SFFO Carson City BLM

Last year’s intern team began experimenting with transplanting saltgrass rhizomes. The rhizomes are harvested from Adrian’s allotment and moved to Swan Lake. Our mentor, Dean, asked us to expand the grow site to help determine the best location for saltgrass survival. We had an eventful day at Adrian’s allotment where we used a pick hammer to locate and extract the rhizomes. While working, we stumbled upon a decomposing horse carcass. Dean informed us that the carcass has been decomposing for a few years.  We spent a day and a half planting at Swan Lake. The first day, we were able to eat lunch in the presence of a Bald eagle. The second day was less eventful, but it was enjoyable to work in the warm sun.

Horse Carcass at Adrian’s Allotment

Railroad at Adrian’s Allotment

Planting rhizomes at Swan Lake.

Lunch with Bald Eagle

Seeding OHV roads at Hot Springs Mountain

Storm Cloud over neighborhood at Hot Springs Mountain.

Monique Gil

Carson City, Nevada

SFFO Carson City BLM