April events lined up at Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Fort Churchill State Historic Park is offering a variety of ranger-led programs during the month of April to highlight the area’s rich history and abundant natural resources.

Built in 1861 to provide protection for early settlers, Fort Churchill was once an active U.S. Army fort. it was abandoned nine years later. Today the ruins are preserved in a state of arrested decay. A visitor center displays information and artifacts of the fort’s history.

The Pony Express and the Overland Telegraph once passed through this area. Nearby is Buckland Station, a Pony Express stop, supply center, and former hotel built in 1870. Facilities at Fort Churchill State Historic Park include trails, a campground, picnic area, group-use area and access to the Carson River.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, historic and environmental education, camping, picnicking, photography and canoeing. The park is located eight miles south of Silver Springs on Alternate U.S. 95, and one mile on Fort Churchill Road.

Starry, Starry Night
The starry skies over Fort Churchill State Historic Park are a remarkable natural resource to be celebrated and enjoyed. Please dress for the weather. Red lights are encouraged.
WHEN: Saturday, April 9, 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Fort Churchill museum. Fort Churchill is located 8 miles south of the
Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs,
NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $7.00 per vehicle with a $2.00 discount for Nevada residents (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Junior Ranger
Calling all kids to Fort Churchill! Explore the rich history and natural wonders found in and around Fort Churchill State Historic Park. A variety of activities, crafts and short hikes will be part of the fun. Please bring plenty of water, sun protection, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Cameras, binoculars, and insect repellant are also encouraged.
WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill. Fort Churchill is located
8 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway
95A, Silver Springs, NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $7.00 per vehicle with a $2.00 discount for Nevada residents (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Coffee with a Ranger
Bring your favorite mug and join a ranger for some early morning conversation. Ask questions, learn about the park, share your experiences and make new friends.
WHEN: Sunday, April 17, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Walk-in campsite at the Samuel Buckland Campground at Fort Churchill. Fort
Churchill is located 8 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway
95A at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs, NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $7.00 per vehicle with a $2.00 discount for Nevada residents (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775.-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Twilight Trek
Have you ever wondered what happens at Fort Churchill after the sun goes down? Join our park interpreter for an evening of exploration. We will learn about the animals that are active between dusk and dawn, and the adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in the dark. Please bring a jacket, plenty of water, comfortable closed-toe shoes and a flashlight.
WHEN: Friday, April 22, 2016 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill. Fort Churchill is
Located 8 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000
Highway 95A, Silver Springs, NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $7.00 per vehicle with a $2.00 discount for Nevada residents (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

History Hike
Bring your walking shoes and join our park interpreter for a short hike (less than 1 mile) around historic Fort Churchill. See the fort ruins, learn about the early history of the area and hear stories about daily life at a frontier fort. Please bring plenty of water, sun protection and comfortable close-toed shoes. Cameras, binoculars, and insect repellant are also encouraged.
WHEN: Sunday, April 24, 10:30 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Fort Churchill museum. Fort Churchill is located 8 miles south of the
Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs,
NV 89429.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $7.00 per vehicle with a $2.00 discount for Nevada residents (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

The passport challenge continues: The Nevada State Parks Passport Booklet is now available and may be
picked up at any state park. Visitors who have their booklets stamped at 15 different parks will earn a free annual pass to all Nevada State Parks. The booklet, which serves as a travel aid as well as travelogue for park visitors, includes photos, a description of each park, lists of amenities, travel journal pages and spaces for validation stamps which have been designed to reflect each unique state park.

— Jenny Ramella is a Public Information Officer for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources