August events at Fort Churchill State Historic Park

SILVER SPRINGS, Nev. — Fort Churchill State Historic Park is offering a variety of ranger-led programs during the month of August. Programs highlight the area’s rich history and abundant natural resources.

History Hike: Bring your walking shoes and join a 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 water, insect repellant, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a flashlight.

WHEN: Friday, August 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fort Churchill Museum.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $5.00 per vehicle. There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Family Campfire Program: National S’mores Day
Join park staff for a celebration of the quintessential campfire treat! Whether you are a s’more connoisseur or have never tried the deliciously gooey combination of chocolate, graham crackers and toasted marshmallows, National S’mores Day is for you. The park will provide the fixings.

WHEN: Friday, August 10, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fort Churchill Museum.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $5.00 per vehicle. There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Starry, Starry Night
Experience the awesome night sky over Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Enjoy a tour of the celestial neighborhood while talking about the night sky as a remarkable natural resource to be celebrated and enjoyed. Please dress for the weather. Red lights are encouraged.

WHEN: Saturday, August 11, 8:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
WHERE: Fort Churchill Museum.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $5.00 per vehicle. 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, August 12 & Sunday, August 26, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Walk-in campsite at the Samuel Buckland Campground at Fort Churchill.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $5.00 per vehicle. There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Reading with a Ranger
Join a park interpreter at Buckland Station for story time. Visitors will explore the area’s rich cultural and natural history through children’s books and activities. Let this be the perfect beginning or end to an afternoon spent in and around Fort Churchill State Historic Park. This program is designed for children ages 4-8, but all are welcome to participate.

WHEN: Saturday, August 18, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 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: Free
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Gold Fever: Prospecting at Buckland Station
Discover the excitement of the gold rush era and experience your own “Eureka” moment as you pan for gold and learn about the mining history of the area. Gold panning supplies will be provided for this drop-in program.

WHEN: Sunday, August 19, 11 a.m. to 1 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: Free
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Junior Ranger
Calling all kids to Fort Churchill State Historic Park! Explore the rich history and natural wonders found in and around the park. A variety of activities, crafts, and short hikes will be part of the fun. Please bring water, sun protection, insect repellant, and comfortable closed-toe shoes.

WHEN: Saturday, August 25, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $5.00 per vehicle. There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Night Hike
Join Ranger Tom for a nocturnal experience at Fort Churchill. Explore the world of owls, bats, coyotes, and other critters that make the most of the park after dark. Quiet activities and an interactive nature walk will test your night vision and challenge your senses. Please bring water, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a flashlight. This hike is about 1.5 miles long and crosses sandy and uneven terrain. Program is intended for adults and children ten years of age or older. Space is limited. Reservations required; please call 775-577-2345 to reserve your spot.

WHEN: Saturday, August 25, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $5.00 per vehicle. There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

Trail Mixer
Happy National Trail Mix Day! What better way to celebrate this day than on a trail enjoying a tasty treat? Join park staff at Fort Churchill for an evening program that includes a MYOM (Make Your Own Mix) session and a short hike around the park to trail-test our concoctions. We’ll provide the fixings. Please bring plenty of water, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a flashlight.

WHEN: Friday, August 31, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Pony Bob Haslam Group Use Area at Fort Churchill.
COST: Park entrance fees apply, $5.00 per vehicle. There is no additional cost to participate in the program.
CONTACT: Kristin Sanderson, 775-577-4880, bucklandstation@hdiss.net

— Jenny Ramella is the Education and Information Officer for Nevada State Parks.