Help Restore Vole Habitat in Shoshone

The federally endangered Amargosa vole (Microtus californicus scirpensis) is a medium-sized, marsh adapted rodent and is one of the most threatened animals in North America.  It was reintroduced into Shoshone in 2020.  Amargosa voles are only found near water and utilize three-square bulrush (Schoenoplectus americanus) marshes for forage, nesting, and protection against predators.  Marsh 31 near the pupfish ponds is being invaded by phragmites and quailbush.  We need help removing these plants so that we can make it mostly three-square bulrush again.  Shoshone is 1/2 hour West of Pahrump and a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas.

When:  May 3 & 4, 2024.  Each day, we will work from 8 am to 3 pm.

We will be doing the following activities:

Digging up phragmites with shovels.
Removing quailbush and other non-desirable plants.
Planting three-square bulrush plugs in cleared areas.
Installing weed barrier plastic around the marsh edges to keep out phragmites.

What to Bring:  Dress in layers so if you get hot you can remove a layer.  Bring rubber knee high boots if you have them as some areas will be muddy.  Bring a hat, sunscreen, work gloves and a water bottle which can be refilled if needed.  Bring your own food.

To Register:  Contact Christiana Manville by text, phone or email:  702-271-6137 Christiana_Manville@fws.gov  Please specify which day you want to volunteer for.

Thanks for your interest in conservation along the Amargosa River.

There will a free group dinner at the Crow Bar and free camping is available.  Cocktail hours at the Crow Bar starts at 5 pm.  Dinner at 5:45 pm.  You need to RSVP for dinner and camping.