Sunday, December 27, 2009
BLM struggles against illegal dumping on federal lands
"BLM struggles against illegal dumping on federal lands," by Mike Stark, Associated Press Writer, Capital Press.
Illegal dumping rampant on federal lands in West
"Illegal dumping rampant on federal lands in West," by Mike Stark, Associated Press Writer, News-Leader.
Bureau struggles with illegal dumping on federal lands
"Bureau struggles with illegal dumping on federal lands," by Mike Stark, Associated Press Writer, Mother Nature Network.
BLM struggles against illegal dumping on fed lands
"BLM struggles against illegal dumping on fed lands," by Mike Stark, Associated Press Writer, MyFox47.com.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What old pines seem to like may kill them
"What old pines seem to like may kill them," by Stephanie Tavares, Las Vegas Sun.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
New online comic encourages children to explore outdoors
LAS VEGAS – A new virtual and creative partnership allows children in the Las Vegas Valley to explore the Mojave Desert and its animal inhabitants through online comics. The UNLV Public Lands Institute has joined with the Fillbach Brothers and the Springs Preserve to present “The Story of Gill, the Gila Monster Who Found a New Home.” The online comic is the first in the Discover Mojave series of online comics and graphic novels to feature animals found in the Mojave Desert.
“The Story of Gill” follows Gill the gila monster on an adventure as he is taken from the wild illegally by a wildlife smuggler and is rescued, only to face the risk of being stolen again. The online comic is based on the true story of a gila monster taken from the desert, who went on to live at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, then found a permanent home at the Springs Preserve. The story, created by Paula Jacoby-Garrett and Diane Yost, is written and illustrated by the Fillbach Brothers. Shawn and Matt Fillbach are well known in the comic book world. The Las Vegas residents are currently the artists for the Star Wars graphic novel series.
“The Story of Gill” online comic can be seen at discovermojave.org, with new comic strips added weekly. The website also features natural and cultural history facts and a teacher’s lounge to help teachers make curricular connections. Printed comic books and graphic novels will be available for purchase at a later date at the Springs Preserve Gift Shop, the Public Lands Institute and other locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Future comics and novels will include a Gambel’s Quail, the Vivid Dancer Damselfly, a fox and a woolly mammoth.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The man dedicated to saving the lake from little invaders
"The man dedicated to saving the lake from little invaders," by Stephanie Tavares, Las Vegas Sun.
Quagga mussels a toxic threat to Lake Mead
"Quagga mussels a toxic threat to Lake Mead," by Stephanie Tavares, Las Vegas Sun.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Summerlin Desert Clean-up removes tons of trash
"Summerlin Desert Clean-up removes tons of trash," Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
IVP Project Manager Discusses Desert Dumping on KNPR's State of Nevada Program
All manner of construction waste is being dumped in the desert around Las Vegas. The Southern Nevada Health District together with Summerlin has organized a clean-up with Don't Trash Nevada. They talk about what's out there and how it's going to be cleaned up.
Listen to the KNPR Interview (MP3)
Listen to the KNPR Interview (MP3)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Senator Reid recognizes Southern Nevada's contributions to National Public Lands Day
September 23, 2009
Hundreds of volunteers in Nevada will head to our public lands this Saturday, September 26 to celebrate National Public Lands Day. Senator Harry Reid has entered a statement into the Congressional Record regarding the importance of this day in Southern Nevada and across the state and nation.
National Public Lands Day 2009 Statement
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Trail Photo Contest
Trail Photo Contest - Sponsored by Henderson Parks and Recreation Department - - for National Trails Day Celebration
Do you have a winning shot? Do you have the discerning eye (and luck!) to capture a special moments in time on a Henderson trail?
Then grab your camera and start shooting, as the City of Henderson wants to see your best trail photo. The contest has been underway for a month and local residents, tourists, young and old are invited to submit their images.
"We're challenging photographers to be imaginative in coming up with photos that capture the spirit of trails in the City of Henderson. Then we can share these photos with the world," Jennifer Magby, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, COH said.
All photos must have a City of Henderson trail in the photo (i.e. Amargosa Trail, Boulder Highway Trail, Cactus Wren Trail, Equestrian Trail, Anthem East Trail, Pittman Wash Trail, River Mountains Loop trail, or Union Pacific Railroad Trail) in the photograph and identified by name on the entry form. Visit www.cityofhenderson.com for additional information and trail maps.
The top three finalists from each category will have their photographs on display at the National Trails Day Celebration, on October 3, 2009, on the Promenade at the Henderson Pavilion.
Start shooting today, the trails photo contest deadline is Monday August 31, 2009.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Las Vegas Middle School Receives National Award
Middle school students serve as national example of good stewards of our public lands
July 16, 2009
Dr. Wiliam H. “Bob” Bailey Middle School has been named the best school program in the nation. The recognition comes from Take Pride in America, a national partnership program aimed at increasing volunteer service on America’s public lands. Each year, Take Pride selects outstanding examples of stewardship across the country. Bailey Middle School is one of 15 recipients of the 2009 Take Pride in America National Award, representing projects and events in 11 states and the District of Columbia.
Bailey Middle School joined with Liliam Hickey Elementary School to initiate the Great Unconformity Community Sponsorship. The program was designed to increase student achievement while developing a sense of community pride through the sponsorship of the Great Unconformity, a national geographical landmark located on Lake Mead Boulevard about 1.5 miles from the schools. The site, which is adjacent to the urban environment, was being destroyed by spray paint graffiti, broken beer bottles, and general trash.
Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada joined with the students, parents, the Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers, Citizens for Active Management, UNLV, and Touro University Occupational Therapy students to sponsor the site. Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada is managed by the Public Lands Institute at UNLV and is a conservation initiative of the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership, a unique interagency partnership comprised of the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service.
Approximately 400 students, volunteers, and agency representatives conducted seven clean-up events from September 2008 through April 2009 and removed six dumpster-loads of trash. In addition, students, teachers, and parents interacted with the habitat and historic site to learn how to protect the environment. Representatives of the Great Unconformity Community Sponsorship will be in Washington, D.C. to be honored at an awards ceremony for all national award winners on July 17 at the Department of Interior.
Bailey Middle School has made more than 20 field trips to the site since 2005 when the school opened. Bailey was officially named a Take Pride in America School in 2007, the only school in Nevada to have the designation.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Peg Rees appointed Interim Vice Provost for Educational Outreach
The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peg Rees as the Interim Vice Provost for Educational Outreach, a position that she will hold while continuing to also serve as the Executive Director of the Public Lands Institute. Dr. Rees will provide the interim leadership to move the Division of Educational Outreach forward until the successful hiring of a new Vice Provost.
Dr. Rees is a Professor of Geosciences and has taught at both the community college and university levels, worked as an oil exploration geologist, and conducted National Science Foundation funded research, primarily in Antarctica, China, and the western United States. In addition, she has been an active member of the UNLV Women’s Studies faculty and has been funded by the National Science Foundation for interdisciplinary women’s studies, social science, and geology projects in earth science education.
While at UNLV, Peg has served as Chair of the Department of Geosciences, Associate Provost for Academic Resources, Senior Vice Provost, and as Associate Vice President for Research and Community Outreach. Most recently, she has led the development of the Public Lands Institute, which draws upon the expertise and creativity of faculty, students, and community members in southern Nevada and throughout the state and country to strengthen the national fabric that is essential for the protection, multiple use, sustainability, and management of public lands.
Please join us in expressing appreciation to Dr. Rees for her willingness to assume these additional duties and for her dedicated service to our university community.
Certification program offered to boost credentials of environmental educators and interpreters
Nevada educators and others have the opportunity to be certified as highly qualified
July 10, 2009
Educators, interpreters and others working at nature and heritage-rich attractions in Nevada now have the opportunity to receive the Nevada State Certification in Environmental Education and Interpretation. The Public Lands Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas will begin its summer 2009 cohort in August.
The comprehensive certification program will consist of two major components: coursework and an internship. The courses include the conceptual foundations, issues and methods of environmental education; environmental literacy; planning, implementing and fostering learning; and diverse audiences. The courses will be conducted in a workshop format from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning on August 12 and ending on August 19 at the Springs Preserve. A supervised internship with a trained mentor will follow the coursework. Participants then will be awarded a Nevada State Certificate in Environmental Education and Interpretation.
“This certification provides a variety of benefits to individuals and organizations,” said Allison Brody, Conservation Education and Interpretation program manager at the Public Lands Institute. “Educators, interpreters and others attain the knowledge, practical skills and experiences for work in public land areas, museums, zoos, aquaria and other nature and heritage-rich places. Organizations, including tour operators, gain highly qualified educators and interpreters to help connect with their audiences in meaningful and fun ways,” Brody explained.
The cost for the certification courses and internship is $150. Please visit enviroedexchange.org/certification to get more information. You may also contact Allyson Butler by email at allyson.butler@unlv.edu or phone at 702.895.5147.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Quaggas in Lake Mead being fruitful, expert says
"Quaggas in Lake Mead being fruitful, expert says," by Keith Rogers, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monitoring plan flexes its muscles with the mussels
The Public Lands Institute and its partners have developed the first standardized monitoring plan to track the quagga mussel at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Congratulations to Bob Bailey Middle School
June 16, 2009
LAS VEGAS – Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada congratulates Bob Bailey Middle School for being named the nation’s best school program. Take Pride in America recently announced its 2009 national award winners in 10 categories. Bailey Middle School was recognized for its Great Unconformity Bailey-Hickey Community Sponsorship program.
Friday, June 12, 2009
PLI Research Associate Profiled in Alum Magazine
June 12, 2009
PLI Research Associate Cayenne Engel and her desert research have captured the attention of Agnes Scott The Magazine, the alumnae magazine for Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. The Spring 2009 edition features a profile of Cayenne, who graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. View the article here.
PLI Research Associate Cayenne Engel and her desert research have captured the attention of Agnes Scott The Magazine, the alumnae magazine for Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. The Spring 2009 edition features a profile of Cayenne, who graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. View the article here.
Monday, June 1, 2009
National Public Lands Organization Recognizes PLI for its Service to the Public Lands Community
June 1, 2009
LAS VEGAS -- The Public Lands Institute (PLI) at UNLV is being recognized nationally for its work in public land management and stewardship. The Association of Partners for Public Lands (APPL) has awarded a Certificate of Achievement to PLI for its 5 years of exemplary service to the public lands community.
APPL is a not-for-profit organization that works to engage the public in caring for our nation's natural and cultural resources. In providing the award to PLI, APPL Executive Director Donna Asbury noted that “the quality and caliber of PLI’s collective work is truly impressive and inspiring.”
“We are honored by the award and humbled by Asbury’s comments about our work,” said Peg Rees, PLI executive director. “Our staff and volunteers put their hearts and hands in action. They are extremely committed to our public lands and work diligently toward the protection and responsible use of natural and cultural resources in Southern Nevada.”
PLI specializes in education, research, geographic information systems/database management, and civic engagement projects related to public lands. The institute was established in 2005 to work in collaboration with federal, state, and non-profit partners to create new knowledge, advance technology, improve education, and engage the community to enhance public lands management and stewardship. More information about the institute is available at publiclands.unlv.edu.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Lummis Elementary Expresses its Thanks to PLI
Students, teachers, and parents of William R. Lummis Elementary School recently learned more about Don’t Trash Nevada and Get Outdoors Nevada. The Public Lands Institute had a booth at the school’s third annual Science Night. The students decided to show their appreciation with creative and beautiful handcrafted thank you cards.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
PLI helps middle school students "rock and row"
The Public Lands Institute is working with the Clark County School District to provide instruction for its Project Adventure Curriculum in physical education classes. Students from select middle schools are learning about stewardship and new ways to enjoy being physically active on public lands. Secondary Physical Education Facilitator Hayden Ross has created a video pictorial of the rock climbing and kayaking activities.
The project is funded by the Michael Jordan Inspiration grant and the Junior League of Las Vegas, with additional support from Niketown Las Vegas, Nike, Vegas PBS, Woodson Dermatology, and the CCSD School-Community Partnership Office.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
UNLV and PLI Highlighted in the Management of Southern Nevada’s Public Lands
UNLV and the Public Lands Institute’s partnership and accomplishments with federal agencies are being touted in two recently released reports. The Las Vegas Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management prepared the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act: 10-Year Report to Congress. The report states “Universities (such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas) have become key partners on a number of projects by providing expertise through agreements with Federal agencies.” The report also details the accomplishments of the conservation initiatives managed by PLI, including the Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada program. The full report is available here (link to pdf).
The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership (SNAP) produced the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership Overview of Accomplishments. SNAP, created in 1997, is a partnership of the four federal land management agencies – the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. The report credits PLI with becoming “an academic leader in creative land management practices.”
If you would like more information on any of the projects, we would be pleased to provide it to you. Contact us at publiclands@unlv.edu .
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Dams Help Bald Eagles Extend Range in Nevada
"Dams Help Bald Eagles Extend Range in Nevada," The Heartland Institute.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
PLI Executive Director Recognized on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives
Executive Director Peg Rees was honored today (March 17, 2009) by Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District when Titus spoke on the House floor in support of House Resolution 211, a bill supporting the goals and ideals of National Women’s History Month. Titus cited Rees as one of the respected scientists in Nevada who play an important role in protecting the environment.
“I am honored that Congresswoman Titus recognized me and my work in Southern Nevada’s Mojave Desert before her House colleagues,” said Rees. “It was unexpected, yet very much appreciated.”
In her role as Executive Director of the Public Lands Institute, Rees is responsible for strategic planning and outreach within the state as well as nationally and internationally to guide and develop the institute. She is a geologist who has taught at both the community college and university levels, worked as an oil exploration geologist and conducted National Science Foundation-funded research primarily in Antarctica, China, and the western United States. In addition, she was an active member of the UNLV Women’s Studies faculty and funded by the National Science Foundation for interdisciplinary women’s studies, social science and geology projects in earth science education.
Below are Congresswoman Titus’ remarks as delivered.
“Today I rise in support of H.Res. 211 and National Women's History Month, which this year celebrates women who are taking the lead to save our planet. Women have played a critical role in the fight to protect the earth, as activists, scientists and public servants.
“In Nevada, many of the early environmental activists, like Tina Nappe, were women inspired to act by their childhood experiences in the beautiful Silver State. They have been joined by respected scientists such as Dr. Peg Rees, dedicated to finding new ways to protect the desert for future generations.
“As public servants, women have also made a significant contribution to saving our planet. In the Nevada legislature, for example, our women members have been ahead of their time, championing issues from renewable energy development, like Shelia Leslie, to smart growth, like Chris Giunchigliani.
“These many accomplishments are being documented, analyzed and disseminated to the public by the Women’s Research Institute at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas under the able direction of Dr. Joanne Goodwin.
“But Women’s History Month is not only a month of remembrance of the important women of our past; it is an inspiration for the next generation of women and a call for them to continue the fight to leave this precious rock a better place for our children than we found it.
“So, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, especially, Ms. Woolsey, for offering this important resolution that commemorates the 22nd Anniversary of National Women’s History Month.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Barrie Elected to Leadership Position
with National Association for Interpretation
March 10, 2009
Elizabeth Barrie has been elected vice chair of the College and University Academics Section (CUA) of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). Barrie is a research assistant professor in recreation with the Public Lands Institute, where she manages the Southern Nevada Interagency Volunteer and Take Pride in America programs. She also is an associate professor for recreation and sport management in the Department of Recreation and Sport Management in the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.
The 5,000 member-NAI is a professional association for individuals involved in interpretation of national and cultural heritage resources in such places as parks, museums, zoos, aquaria, nature centers, botanical gardens, and historical sites. The organization is divided into sections so members can network with others in similar subject-matter areas. The CUA section was the first section created by NAI in 2001 as a forum for college and university academics from around the world.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Schools use adventure curriculum to inspire kids
"Schools use adventure curriculum to inspire kids," by Laura Carroll, Whitney View.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
PLI Assistant to be Featured in National Park Service Lecture Series
PLI Assistant Mary Kirby can tell you a thing or two about many things, but it’s her knowledge of senior volunteer opportunities that has her taking center stage for the National Park Service in California. On February 21, Mary will present “Senior Volunteers in the Outdoors” and share “the many opportunities for seniors to volunteer for the outdoors in the Los Angeles area, from Santa Monica Mountains to Simi Valley and Ballona Creek.” She also will sign copies of her book following the presentation. Click here for more information.
Mary previously volunteered with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. She also is the author of Senior Volunteers Outdoors, focused on spreading the word about “seasoned” and retired folks volunteering for the outdoors. Mary joined PLI in 2008 and works as an assistant to the Interagency Volunteer Program and Limnology Assistance to Lake Mead.
Friday, January 30, 2009
PLI Executive Director to Lead Grand Canyon Float Trip
PLI Executive Director Peg Rees is joining with the UNLV Divison of Educational Outreach to offer a unique adventure through the Grand Canyon. Rees, who is also a geoscience professor at UNLV, and Artist/Naturalist Sharon Schafer of Skydance Studio will lead an eight-day raft trip through Marble Canyon and Grand Canyon. The trip will feature pre-trip talks of the geology and natural history of the area as you explore 220-river miles of beautiful byways. The trip begins May 29 and ends June 5, 2009 at a cost of $2,760, which includes instruction, raft trip, all transportation roundtrip from Las Vegas, waterproof bags for gear, sleep kit, and all meals. Register online at http://edoutreach.unlv.edu/index.html or call (702) 895-3394. For more information, e-mail michelle.baker@unlv.edu or call (702) 895-3254.
Bald eagles finding a new winter home
Bald eagles finding a new winter home, by Keith Rogers, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
