Page 31 - 2007 DT 12 Issues

In the past few years I have thor- Gass Peak to the east are breathtaking.
oughly enjoyed doing volunteer work After our treks into Desert National
for the Nevada Rock Art Association by Bill Clayson Wildlife Refuge, I see the mountains
and The Friends of Red Rock Cultural CCSN History Instructor north of town in a new way. The shades
Resource Team. Just recently, I accepted of brown, which make the mountains
the job as Cultural Resources Chair and ollowing advice given in Afoot seem barren and lifeless, disguise a
also an appointment to the Board, where and Afield in Las Vegas and wilderness of unique wonders. While
I hope to contribute something worth- FSouthern Nevada, a guidebook I’m stuck in traffic, I only need to look
while to the Friends organization. for hikers, we decided to challenge north to stir the memories of our treks
ourselves with a hike up Gass Peak in into that wilderness. They provide an
March of 2006. Gass Peak, named for endless source of distraction.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE . . .
Las Vegas pioneer Octavius Decatur
Gass, is the tallest peak in the Las Vegas
Moving, moved, just away, returning? – range. It dominates the horizon on the
Please help us keep track of you and let us north end of the valley. Although just
know if you plan to move, have moved, will under 7,000 feet in elevation, the hike
be away for the summer/winter, or are back up Gass Peak is difficult. The trail is Desert Trumpet
in town. Drop a line to vsudduth@forrc.org, easy to follow for the first half-mile or Editor
any time before the 25 of the month. If we so, but disappears in loose rock as the Barbara Wolin
th
don’t know about a change of address, we climb gets steeper. The peak always
must stop delivery of the DT until you clue remains in view, but there are several Contributing Writers
Louis C. Kleber
us in. We don’t mind mailing to your away smaller peaks and ridges that require Jack Ryan
home. We do it all the time if we know endurance on the part of the hiker. I’m H. Dan Wray
where you are! Thanks embarrassed to admit it, but my wife Barbara Wolin
outpaced me to the top.
Summerlin Earth Faire-Saturday, The vivid colors and unique sights Publishers
Norm Kresge
April 21 - Enjoy a day at Town Center Park, of the mountain surprised us. Our feet Barbara Wolin
8 a.m.-4 p.m. to learn what’s going on with sank into loose white and red rock as we
other organizations and exhibitors. We’ll negotiated around varieties of cacti and Administrative Assistant
be there, too! Stop by and say “hello.” vibrant white and yellow flowers. Some Phyllis Lisi
of the grey-green rock outcroppings Gaffer
Red Rock Day – Saturday, April 28 - Bask contain the imprints of marine life from Norman Wolin
in the satisfaction of knowing you helped to 50 million years ago when the region The Desert Trumpet is published month-
keep Red Rock Canyon in shape. Come was under a prehistoric sea. A spring ly by and for FORRC members. Statements,
on out to the Visitor Center for a half-day snow had recently covered the leeward opinions and points of view expressed by
of volunteer service to the Canyon you side of the mountain and three or four writers are their own and do not necessarily
reflect those of FORRC. Please submit all
love! You can help clean-up, work on trails, inches remained near the peak. A hand- articles, photos and artwork NLT the15th of
slap on some paint . . . whatever needs ful of fresh snow tastes better than ice each month by calling 515-5350. If you are
cream when you’re winded and thirsty
interested in becoming part of the Desert
doing. Lunch will be provided. Sign-up on from a rigorous climb. Knowing that the Trumpet staff, contact Editor at 256-8043 or
the Web at www.getoutdoorsnevada.org or stifling heat of summer loomed in just a forrcnews@cox.net
call 702-895-4890. WE THANK YOU, and few weeks, this last taste of winter would FORRC is a non-profit 501 (c) (3)
the critters will, too! have made the hike worthwhile even if organization dedicated solely to the welfare
we hadn’t made the summit. The pan- of the Red Rock Canyon National Conser-
vation Area. FORRC provides volunteers
Nominate a young eco-hero for a $2,000 orama from the top rewarded our efforts and funding for projects including envi-
Barron Prize! - The Gloria Barron Prize further. Unlike Charleston Peak or other ronmental education, teacher workshops,
for Young Heroes (www.barronprize.org) summits around Las Vegas, Gass Peak natural resource protection, cultural resource
seeks nominations for its 2007 awards allows for an unobstructed view of the monitoring, hike programs and other services.
Annual individual membership is $25.00.
honoring young people ages 8 to 18 that whole valley (the only thing that spoils General meetings are held four times a
have shown leadership and courage in the view is a communications array at year; Board meetings are held on the second
Tuesday of each month at the Visitor Center
public service to people and our planet. the top, but that can be ignored). The unless otherwise posted. Messages may
Nomination deadline is April 30. —Ranger views of the Spring Mountains to the be left at 255-8743. Visit our website at www.
Kathy August. west and the Overton Arm of Lake Mead friendsofredrockcanyon.org

FORRC/April/2007 Page 7