Revised 2012 Fernley Swales Cleanup,,National Public Lands Day,,
Dee Owens
2012 Fernley Swales Cleanup
National Public Lands Day
Fernley Deep Sand Swales Cleanup Project
The CA-NV Chapter of the Oregon-California Trails Association is organizing a cleanup party on Saturday, September 29, National Public Lands Day, to remove trash that has been dumped in and near the Fernley Deep Sand Swales. Staff from the Carson City Bureau of Land Management Office will be pitching in to help.
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands American’s enjoy. The annual volunteer program is designed for hands-on volunteer work in restoring and conserving the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of our nation's public lands.
The Deep Sand Swales, immediately north of Fernley and just south of the historic Central Pacific Railroad bed, were created by the passage of thousands of pioneer covered wagons. They are the only example of Deep Sand Swales on the entire California Trail. No Deep Sand Swales exist on the Oregon Trail. These Swales and the Central Pacific Railroad Bed are wonderful historic resources of which we all can be very proud!
If anyone would like to arrive on Friday, Jim & Denise Moorman will be happy to take you on a guided tour of the Swales and the surrounding Forty Mile Desert area.
You are invited to help out.
When: Saturday, September 29, 2012, starting at 9am until approximately 3pm. Afterwards we’ll gather at Fernley’s Wigwam Restaurant for an early dinner (225 West Main).
Where: Fernley is about 35 miles east of Reno. Take the I-80 Exit 48 (East Fernley) and turn north. We’ll meet ¼ mile north, just behind Terrible’s Truck Stop where the pavement ends and the dirt road begins.
Where to stay:
§ Fernley Super 8 Motel, 775-575-5555, 1350 West Newlands Drive
§ Best Western Fernley Inn, 775-575-6776, 1405 East Newlands Dr.
§ Comfort Suites Fernley, 775-980-6514, 800 Mesa Drive.
What to wear: Wear a hat, heavy duty work gloves and layered work clothing. The temperature will be anywhere from cool to hot. Boots are recommended.
What to bring: Rakes, scoop-type shovels and pitchforks. If you have a pick-up truck or trailer which can be used for hauling trash to the transfer station, it would be very much appreciated.
Food, Drink and Miscellaneous: Bring your lunch, snacks, drinks and plenty of water. Also consider sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen and something to sit on during lunch.
Safety: Always watch where you step and be very careful when you pick up boards, flat items or just about anything. You might want to turn over these types of items with a stick or tool before you pick them up. Watch where you place your hands. Wear heavy duty work gloves. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Rewards: At the end of the day you will feel good about returning these Historic Sand Swales closer to their original state and will have made some good friends. You will experience a nice sense of accomplishment and community pride! And you will have walked in the same trails as thousands of emigrants who were in pursuit of their dreams and a new life in California.
Contact: If you would like to join us or have any questions, please contact Jim & Denise Moorman at 775-223-6181 or