Mother Nature celebrated Earth Day in a big way Friday with an afternoon rainstorm. While it may have kept people indoors for the day, it’s helping to make for an impressive display of wildflowers.
Janel Johnson, botanist for the Nevada Natural Heritage Program, said it’s a good time to see the rare monkey flower, a small yellow bloom native only to western Nevada.
“Happily, conditions this year are just right for the monkey flower, and it’s been seen on Prison Hill and the south Indian Hills area in Carson City,” she said.
If you see the Carson Valley monkey flower, Johnson would like you to contact her at jdjohnson@heritage.nv.gov so the location can be recorded.
Even if you don’t get a rare sighting of the elusive flower, there’s still plenty of desert foliage on full display.
More details on the Carson Valley monkey flower can be found at heritage.nv.gov/taxon_detail/29235.
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Event officials with the Carson City Off-Road mountain bike race have reached out to Muscle Powered looking for volunteers.
According to Tatum Boehnke, volunteer coordinator for Carson City Off-Road, “There are multiple amateur and pro races throughout the weekend, and we need over 200 volunteers in order to have the event run smoothly.”
There are going to be a number of events and points of interest that will appeal to others besides just those participating in the races.
“The race weekend includes a giant expo, concerts, beer gardens and a crit race, so it is going to be a great time for all,” Boehnke said.
Those interested can sign up at vols.pt/Nt8kbc or email Boehnke at tatum.boehnke@gmail.com. Include the day/job/shift for which you would like to volunteer.
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LBL Equine Rescue is hosting a Painting Party fundraiser on May 1 at Silver Stage Elementary School, 3800 W. Spruce Ave., Silver Springs.
Attendees learn to paint on canvas, and no previous experience is necessary.
Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be sold at noon, with painting to follow at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $30 and must be purchased by Monday. They can be bought at today’s International Horse Rally in front of the Legislature, or call 775-350-4900.
All proceeds go to LBL Equine Rescue, a nonprofit.
Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com.
