LAS VEGAS – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) invites the public to the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) next Friday for an evening of fun and learning. The entire family will enjoy Midsummer’s Eve at the wildlife refuge near Alamo, NV.
The event is scheduled for Friday, June 24, 2011 from 7-11 p.m. (PDT) in the day-use picnic area at the Upper Pahranagat Lake campground. The evening begins with an informal introductory gathering and a bring-your-own picnic from 7-8:15 p.m.
From 8:30-9:15 p.m., Ranger Sierra Willoughby will lead an informative session as participants discover how Pahranagat NWR and the surrounding desert come alive after dark. Fun, educational games are on tap for the children in attendance.
Finally, from 9:30-11 p.m., Willoughby will lead a walk by Upper Pahranagat Lake to take in an astounding view of the night sky over the refuge. It will be easy to see what attracts star gazers to rural Nevada. Without city lights clouding the view, a multitude of sparkling heavenly bodies is revealed.
Those taking part are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothes (it can cool off at night by the lake), a lightweight chair, a blanket to lay on ground for seating, a telescope or binoculars, and a flashlight (red filters will be provided to help preserve night vision).
For more information about this evening experience, contact Sierra Willoughby at (775) 725-3417 or via email to Christopher_Willoughby@fws.gov.
The Pahranagat NWR (www.fws.gov/desertcomplex/pahranagat) was established on August 16, 1963 to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl. The wildlife refuge is located approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas on U.S. 93 in Lincoln County, Nevada. Situated along the Pacific Flyway, Pahranagat's 5,380 acres contain lakes and marshes — a rare sight in this part of Nevada.
