2024: Revitalization + Partnering with Old & New Friends

MARCH 11 — From Whitney Parks and Recreation Center, six children — three boys and three girls, ages 7 to 11 — had a blast on their first-ever hike. It was an adventure on the Lost Creek Discovery Trail at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area under the guidance of LVICO volunteers Bill K. and John G. with support by two staff members from Whitney. They balanced on rocks amidst the watery runoff of mountain snow above, climbed up to and through a waterfall, mounted monster boulders, crawled into crevices of a huge rock slab, and lunched on under the sun.

JUNE 1 — Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth clients and staff joined LVICO volunteers Cynthia G. and Daphne D. in the wilderness of Wildhorse Canyon in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Starting at 8,360 ft. elevation, they escaped the heat of the Las Vegas valley. Their three-mile trek wove through a mix of shaded woodland and open areas on a steady climb, gaining 1,000 ft. The leaders interpreted the land’s geology and plant life. Once of the leaders’ hammock (rigged up temporarily) was irresistible for at least two of the young adults unfamiliar with such hardy activity. Others contemplated the breath-taking views. They all discovered nature’s secret power — that special quiet, where wind through trees can sound like ocean waves — without modern day tunes and traffic.

JULY 6 — Donna Street Community Center’s 11 youth with two center chaperones and three ICO volunteers — Cynthia R., Nick S. and Sara S. — had a Robber’s Roost trail and cave adventure. That was after a stop at the Spring Mountains Visitor’s Center that so impressed one of the twin participants who said, “I want to work here.” And, upon learning that it’s rangers who work there, added “Then, I want to be a ranger.” The short hike was soon a steep climb into inviting shallow caves. The learned about the land, trees and wildflowers from the ICO team. The kids were thrilled to receive LVICO’s new participant stickers.