As one of our valued volunteers, you make up an integral part of the future health of the Black Rock National Conservation Area. 

Our conservation projects and programs are a great way to explore, connect with friends (old and new), and give back to your community in a safe and fun environment. In addition to being a steward of your public lands, volunteering is the perfect excuse to see some of Nevada’s most spectacular backcountry. Our events in Reno are a great way to meet new people and to get to know Friends better, too!

To get started on your journey as a volunteer with Friends of Black Rock, please fill out this brief questionnaire.

2023 Volunteer Opportunities

➤ Fly Ranch Nature Walks – Become an assistant Docent!

Nature Walks wind their way through two distinct and separate areas of the 3,800-acre Fly Ranch, totaling roughly two miles, and led by our trained docents. Docents are trained to provide a fun and educational experience for visitors regarding the history, land-art, and sustainability projects of Fly Ranch, and the greater Black Rock National Conservation Area, including its unique geology, flora, fauna and recreational opportunities. 

Docents also help to keep the group safe and organized while touring Fly Geyser, a now-iconic geothermal geyser constantly growing and changing as it sprays and deposits minerals, enabling the growth of multi-colored algae on its surrounding natural terraces.

IMPORTANT: To become a docent you must first attend the Fly Ranch Docent Volunteer orientation and training (current Leave No Trace certification and Wilderness First Aid/CPR experience is highly encouraged). Bilingual speakers encouraged!

Fly Ranch Sign Up

➤ National Public Lands Day-Soldier Meadows Clean Up – September 23-24

Soldier Meadows is a spring-fed wetland that has been inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous Peoples of the Great Basin. This ancient caldera with its many seeps and springs is also home to the endemic Desert Dace, a hot water-loving minnow, as well as the Soldier Meadows Snail, a rare and endangered springtail snail that only exists in this particular and peculiar habitat. 

Because of its unique beauty and the vulnerability of its flora and fauna, Soldier Meadows is considered an ACEC (Area of Critical Environmental Concern). Because of this, it requires continual stewardship, and the volunteer efforts of people like you. So come camp overnight with Friends and help to remove trash and debris, as well as some of the overgrowth that results in flooding, thereby allowing the Green Sunfish to threaten and attack the endemic Desert Dace. 

Sign Up

➤ Volunteer for Site Stewardship Projects

Join our fabulous Staff and local volunteers for an educational and rewarding day of conservation at various sites throughout the National Conservation Area. Meet at our Visitor Center in Gerlach to gear up and learn about the day’s project before heading out on your own stewardship adventure. This is an excellent opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful sites in Black Rock country in the company of a knowledgeable guide in small groups.

To learn about upcoming projects click here.

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