July 2015 events at Fort Churchill State Historic Park

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

July 10 Twilight Tour: Immerse yourself in the most magical time of day in the desert. Join us for an easy 0.6-mile walk around the Fort Churchill ruins. Learn about the past while enjoying a beautiful sunset, clear skies, flitting bats and the company of friends and family. Please bring plenty of water, comfortable closed-toe shoes and a flashlight.

WHEN: Friday, July 10, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Fort Churchill museum.

July 12 Coffee with a Ranger: Bring your own 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, July 12, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Walk-in campsite at the Samuel Buckland Campground at Fort Churchill.

July 18 Pioneer Kids - Projects and Pastimes: What was it like to be an American pioneer during the 1800’s? In the days before video games, cell phones and cars, life was difficult. Pioneer families had to figure out how to survive on the frontier, making most everything they needed from scratch or by hand and figuring out how to entertain themselves. Join us for hands-on activities that introduce young learners to this time period. This event is geared towards children, accompanied by an adult, eight years of age and older.

WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 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: There will be no entrance fee for this event at Historic Buckland Station.

July 18 Star Party: Come enjoy an evening under the stars. Members of the Northern Nevada Astronomy Group will begin the evening with a short educational presentation, followed by a viewing of stars, planets, and other celestial objects through high-powered telescopes. Please dress for the weather. Red lights, lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged.

WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet in the gravel parking area adjacent to the Fort Churchill cemetery.

July 24 Park After Dark (Campfire Program): Have you ever wondered what happens at Fort Churchill after the sun goes down? Join us for a campfire event that explores the Park after dark. We may be talking about some of the Fort’s nocturnal residents or honing our senses to make the most of a nighttime adventure.

WHEN: Friday, July 24, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the “Pony Bob” Haslam Group Use Area at Fort Churchill.

July 31 Owl Prowl: Take part in a special evening exploration that has participants looking and listening for owls. Please bring plenty of water, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a flashlight. Space is limited; please call (775) 577-4880 to reserve your spot.

WHEN: Friday, July 31, 8 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill.

All events are open to the public and free of charge; however, there is an entrance fee into the park of $7 per vehicle (cash or check only). Nevada residents receive a $2 discount. Program schedules are subject to change due to weather and staffing. When going on any hike, please be sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear. Fort Churchill is located 8 miles south of Silver Springs, Nev., on Highway 95A. Turn onto the Fort Churchill road, and the park is one mile in on the left.

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.