PUBLIC LANDS INSTITUTE ASSISTS WITH FIRST LADY’S VISIT TO LAS VEGAS

Project Manager Allison Brody visits with First Lady Michelle Obama following the announcement of the Let's Move Outside Initiative on June 1.

Public Lands Institute Project Managers Allison Brody and Daphne Sewing were instrumental behind the scenes to assist in a successful visit by First Lady Michelle Obama and the announcement of the Let’s Move Outside initiative.

Allison and Daphne worked with Winchester Cultural Center to involve kids and parents who participate in the Families in Nature Program. The program was developed by the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership and managed by PLI. It seeks to promote respect and stewardship for the environment through enriching experiences, exploration, and outreach. The program strives to connect each participant to our public lands in a deeper, more meaningful way. It allows participants to experience the importance of responsible use, exploration, and enjoyment of our public lands.

The overwhelming enthusiasm of the Families in Nature participants has led to the creation of an ongoing, bi-monthly program. Since its inception, more than 250 people have participated in seven Families in Nature events.

Families in Nature participants pose for a photo following the First Lady's visit.
Joining them are representatives from the federal agencies, Red Rock Visitors Center and PLI.

CULTURAL SITE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM GARNERS NATIONAL AND LOCAL RECOGNITION

Pictured left to right: Sali Underwood, Nevada SHPO Stewardship
Coordinator; Elaine Holmes, Site Stewardship Representative; George
Phillips, PLI Project Manager; Kelly Turner, USFS Archaeologist; Kathleen
Sprowl, BLM Archaeologist

More honors for the Clark County Cultural Site Stewardship Program, the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership, its team, and Public Lands Institute Project Manager George Phillips. Earlier this year, the program was designated as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Stewards by First Lady Michelle Obama. The designation recognizes the program for its successful use of volunteers to care for our historic and cultural heritage. “Preserve America Stewards are committed to preserving America’s diverse physical and cultural heritage, and their work demonstrates how individuals who care deeply about serving their country and their communities can make a difference,” Mrs. Obama said. The program is showcased here: http://www.preserveamerica.gov/stewards/NV_publiclands.html.

The program also recently received the 2010 Historic Preservation Award from the City of Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission. The Cultural Site Stewardship Program was recognized for its “outstanding dedication and efforts to monitor the condition of at-risk historic and archaeological sites in the Las Vegas area, and advancing the education and appreciation of historic resources for the citizens of Las Vegas.”

BARRIE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE

Beth receives award from Dave Dahlen, NPS Superintendent of Stephen T. Mather Training Center, Harpers Ferry, WV

Don’t Trash Nevada Project Manager Beth Barrie has been honored by the Servicewide Learning & Development Division of the National Park Service. Beth was awarded the Partnership Crystal Owl Award for her extensive work in developing the Interpretation and Education Distance Learning Platform.

NPS states that “the success of this platform has spawned a revitalization of field participation and promotion of professional standards within NPS and across the world.” Beth was instrumental in the vision, design, and implementation of the platform.

While Beth’s work on the platform started in 2005 while she was with the Eppley Institute, her significant contributions in interpretation began in 1998 during her doctoral work as a Canon National Parks Science Scholar. Beth’s contributions continue as she works at the UNLV Public Lands Institute. She is evaluating and documenting interpretive outcomes and training methods.

Quagga mussel reproduction dwarfs that of cousin mudsnail

"Quagga mussel reproduction dwarfs that of cousin mudsnail," by Keith Rogers, Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Hike with first lady among many Families in Nature excursions

"Hike with first lady among many Families in Nature excursions", by F. Andrew Taylor, Sunrise View.

First Lady Tells Vegas Kids To Get Outdoors - Las Vegas News Story - KVVU Las Vegas

First Lady Tells Vegas Kids To Get Outdoors - Las Vegas News Story - KVVU Las Vegas