Page 3 - 2006 DT 12 Issues

Some insects and amphibians are REI Rocks the Canyon
among the most creative hibernators.
Their many varying adaptations to n October 15, 2005, the REI store at The District shopping mall in Hen-
cold can be classified by two different derson, Nev. sponsored a work day to help restore and rehabilitate portions
methods: freeze tolerance (the ability Oof the Moenkopi Trail and areas adjacent to the Scenic Drive damaged by
to survive ice formation within the body a lightning fire in late July. The work was facilitated by a $5,000 grant from REI
cavity) and freeze avoidance (the pre- to Friends of Red Rock Canyon.
vention of ice formation within the body Breakfast and lunch were provided by Panera Bread and by Jason’s Deli, an
cavity where it would normally occur). active supporter of local community organizations, and Starbucks kept the coffee
Wood frogs tolerate freezing by produc- coming. REI’s Diane Starkus coordinated the donations and REI promoted the
ing an antifreeze which allows them to event on their website and in the store.
control when and where ice forms. They The event brought out 116 vol-
can prevent ice from forming in their unteers who donated a total of 615
cells, where it would kill them. Gall hours and the equivalent of $10,700
caterpillars avoid freezing at all costs. in labor at government rated rates.
Water that is free of impurities will re- But the real value of this well planned
main liquid down to -40 degrees F. The and well recruited project was the
caterpillars empty their guts of foreign spirit of the individuals, groups
particles and bacteria to purify the little and sponsors who came together to
Make a Difference for public lands.
water in their bodies. Then they produce Corporations, private groups and
an antifreeze that lowers the temperature government personnel worked as a
at which ice forms, a different type than team to accomplish the project ob-
that produced by freeze tolerant animals. jectives in the space of a day. REI, HSBC and Starbucks employees, along with
By combining both adaptation methods, Friends of Red Rock Canyon, the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association staff,
they can survive winter temperatures the Master Gardeners, Bureau of Land
as low as 36 degrees F. Many species Management rangers and fire crew,
of insects can even tolerate ice forma- built parking barriers, cleared fire
tion within their body fluids, to varying debris, repaired trails and transplanted
degrees. The Alaskan beetle can survive native vegetation.
temperatures as low as -87 degrees F. Over 2 miles of trails were re-
Hibernation studies may one day stored, as well as areas damaged by
provide medical technologies useful to fire vehicles. Large sections of braided
humans in performing transplant sur- trail were eradicated. Approximately
gery, treating certain metabolic diseases, 200 fire-damaged or destroyed park-
or traveling to the nearest star system. In ing barriers on a 3.5-mile section
the meantime, remember to look for that of the 13-Mile Scenic Drive were
replaced, along with fire damaged
“Do not disturb” sign and tread softly. erosion control barriers at the Calico II trailhead.
Someone may be sleeping. ! Our thanks to Pat Williams for planning and coordinating all the necessary ele-
ments in making the event a success. !

Recycling Program JOB POSTING

The Red Rock Canyon Position: Assistant Manager, part-time, Red Rock Canyon Book and Gift Store.
r e c y c l i n g p r o g r a m h a s The Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association has a part-time position
officially ended. available for an Assistant Manager in the Visitor Center Book and Gift Store.
Thank you to everyone Duties include, but are not limited to, oversight of daily store operations,
who contributed your plastic, purchasing, cash handling, and scheduling and inventory control.
aluminum and paper items Prior retail management experience is preferred.
while the program was in effect. Please contact Tom Roberts at 702-515-5364 or send resume via
—Barb Jorgensen fax to 702-255-8733 or via e-mail to troberts@rrcia.com.

FORRC/January 2006 Page 3