Events lined up through June at Fort Churchill State Historic Park

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

Come experience the awesome night sky over Fort Churchill State Historic Park at Friday's "Starry Night" event. Enjoy a tour of the celestial neighborhood while talking about the night sky as a remarkable natural resource to be celebrated, protected, and enjoyed. Please dress for the weather. Red lights are encouraged.
WHEN: Friday, June 3, 8:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
WHERE: 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.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount. (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4, is American Hiking Society National Trails Day®. Show your love for trails and the outdoors by joining our park interpreter for a 3.7-mile hike (one-way) along the Carson River Ranches. There will be plenty of sights and sounds to enjoy as we explore an area of the park known for its lush cottonwood forest and recognized as an important bird area. Please bring plenty of water, sun protection and comfortable close-toed shoes. Cameras, binoculars, insect repellant and a picnic lunch are also encouraged. Space is limited. Reservations required; please call 775-577-4880 to reserve your spot.
WHEN: Saturday, June 4, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Please meet at Buckland Station. The logistics of this hike will require caravanning, carpooling and shuttling. High clearance vehicles are recommended as travel on an unmaintained dirt road will be necessary. Buckland Station is located approximately 9 miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount. (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

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, June 5 & Sunday, June 26, 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.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount. (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Get Outdoors Day
It’s GO Day (National Get Outdoors Day)! A perfect day to get out, get active and embrace your local parks, forests, refuges or other public lands. If you are looking to discover a new park or simply re-visit an old favorite, come to Fort Churchill State Historic Park and join our park interpreter for a comfortable 3.5–mile hike (round-trip with lunch break mid-way) along the Nature Trail. This trail, which parallels the Carson River, provides plenty of opportunities to discuss and discover the rich cultural and natural history of the area. Please bring plenty of water, sun protection, and comfortable close-toed shoes. Cameras, binoculars, insect repellant and a picnic lunch are also encouraged.
WHEN: Saturday, June 11, 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: 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: Saturday, June 11, is “Discover Nevada State Parks” Day. Park entrance fees will be waived. There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

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, June 12, 10:00 a.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, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount. (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Photography Workshop
Bring your camera, family, and friends to Fort Churchill this summer and learn how to take stunning photos with photographer Marie Nygren. The program will start at Buckland Station with a short talk about art principles, including color, angles, patterns and light to help strengthen the composition of your photos. The talk will be followed by a short drive to Fort Churchill to shoot landscape photos and possibly a dramatic sunset. Marie will be on site to help make the most of this learning experience.

WHEN: Friday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Historic Buckland Station. Buckland Station is located approximately 9 miles south of
the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount. (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Junior Ranger
Calling all kids to Fort Churchill! Come and 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, June 18, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: 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.
COST: Park entrance fees apply. $7.00 per vehicle, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount. (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

Twilight Trek
Have you ever wondered what happens at Fort Churchill after the sun goes down? Join our park interpreter for a special evening exploration of the park. We will be learning about the animals that are active between dusk and dawn, and the adaptions that allow them to survive and thrive in the dark. Please bring plenty of water, comfortable closed-toe shoes and a flashlight.

WHEN: Friday, June 24, 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: 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, Nevada residents receive a $2.00 discount. (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.

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