Spend a weekend in the beautiful and pristine Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge while removing non-essential barbed wire fence that will help improve wildlife habitat and re-naturalize the area. 

Research shows that the West contains enough fencing to circle the equator 25 times which creates a huge problem for wildlife. Sage grouse, peregrine falcons, and other birds collide with fences, and ungulates (hooved wildlife such as deer and pronghorn antelope) must navigate an endless obstacle course. A 2021 paper found that pronghorn in Wyoming encountered fences an average of 249 times in a single year and changed their behavior around the barriers nearly 40% of the time. Fences often ensnare and kill large animals and is a leading factor in sage grouse mortality. Fences also separate mothers from calves, exclude herds from prime habitat, and exhaust and injure animals.

To help with this important issue, we will be removing the barbed wire and pulling out the metal or wooden posts holding it up. It is such a rewarding project to remove these fences and see a significant difference within a few hours.

The Sheldon is a vast and rugged land that provides year-round habitat as well as major wintering areas for the Oregon-Nevada interstate pronghorn herd. This is the largest protected landscape in Nevada managed exclusively for native wildlife species. The Sheldon Refuge contains some of the highest-quality sage-grouse habitats remaining in North America. Protecting this habitat and enhancing its health is an important part of minimizing the impact of a possible Endangered Species Act listing of the sage-grouse in 2015. The area's sparse vegetation is dominated by sagebrush, grasses, and other shrubs with local areas of juniper or patches of mountain mahogany. Along the wetter drainages at lower elevations, you can find willow, cottonwood, and aspen. Away from the creeks, water sources are rare, and due to the underlying rock and soil, most upland areas are remarkably dry.

Photos from the 2021 Sheldon Volunteer Project

More Information on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

Check out our Stewards of Sheldon video!

Information:

Difficulty: Moderate! See our difficulty rating scale here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level.

Location: Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

Dates: Friday, July 5th - Monday, July 8th (this is a 4 day project) 

Travel: Leave Reno on Friday Morning, returning Monday afternoon. Road conditions are still unknown for this year. We will be reaching out with more information closer to the project. A limited number of spots are available in Friends trucks to transport volunteers and carpooling is also an option. 

Food: Breakfast and coffee are provided on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Big group dinners (with dessert) on Saturday and Sunday nights!

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad. Camping gear available for loan. Suggested Packing List  

More Details: In-depth information such as camping location, weather, and project specifics will be sent to those who RSVP.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page or email [email protected]

RSVP is required to participate

Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP you are committing to join us on that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP online as soon as possible so another volunteer can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

Please note: The funding for this project is tentative. We may need to cancel this trip if we do not receive funding to host the project. If that happens, anyone who RSVPs will be notified by June 1st. Thank you for understanding.