Spring Mountains visitor center offers youths things to do

The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway offers a cool retreat from the Las Vegas summer heat.

Visitors have a chance to explore new hiking routes and participate in a variety of programs and activities. From crafts to night hikes, sightseers can explore their surroundings and learn about the history and culture of the site.

"Our goal is to help people enjoy, understand and protect the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area at large," said Peggy Hash, education and interpretation specialist. "When people enjoy the outdoors and create good memories, they'll want to protect the environment."

One of the best ways to get children excited about nature is through crafts, Hash said.

An art program is set from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Children, adults and families are invited to visit the craft table to "make-and-take" a nature-inspired craft as a souvenir.

Past crafts have included butterfly origamis, pasta snakes and birds made out of pinecones.

A Junior Ranger program is planned from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays for youths 6 or older.

Youths have a chance to learn how to protect the Spring Mountains and its wildlife.

"Participants do activities based around stewardship of the mountain," said Bob Loudon, director of the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway. "They pick up litter, learn about animals and plants and about fire prevention."

After completing the course, youths will receive a Spring Mountains Junior Ranger badge.

Registration is $5, and advanced registration is encouraged at gomtcharleston.com/register.html.

Another popular program that was recently added is the center's night hikes, planned from 8 to 9 p.m. Saturdays until mid-September.

Adults and children are invited to put their senses to the test and learn about the adaptations of nocturnal animals.

"The hike is on the trail that leads down to Kyle Wash," Loudon said. "It's an easy hike. It focuses a lot on human and animal senses."

"You never know what you might see during the hike," Hash said. "One night, we saw bizarre glowworms."

Participants can bring a flashlight, although it is not required.

Registration is $5, and advanced registration is encouraged at gomtcharleston.com/register.html.

Families are also invited to learn about the Spring Mountains from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, when naturalists and volunteers are set to showcase the natural history of the Spring Mountains and feature weekly exhibits and tabletop activities. Participants can ask questions and talk about their trip.

The center is also set to host Science Safari: Pollinators from 9:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 15. Families can discover the power of pollinators and explore the relationship between flowers, birds, bees, butterflies and more through games, art and exploration with naturalists and professional biologists.

Registration is $5, and advanced registration is required at gomtcharleston.com/register.html.

In September, a few events are scheduled for visitors, including Science Safari: Mammals from 9:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 12.

"We'll have a trained biologist set up live traps to give people a close encounter with a mammal," Loudon said.

Families also can learn about the animal's adaptations, tracks and trails.

Most activities are prearranged through September. Those looking for a chance to escape the summer heat and relax with live music will have a chance to at the center's Mt. Charleston amphitheater.

The Nevada Old-Time Fiddlers are set to perform from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and the Red Rock Ramblers Sept. 13. That time is to be posted at gomtcharleston.com closer to the date. Admission to each concert is $5.

A fall festival is planned Oct. 17 in the afternoon or early evening, with educational booths, live music and a bonfire.

"We've had overwhelmingly good feedback about the activities we offer here," Hash said. "We want our programs to be educational but also fun."

— To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.