It’s been two short years since we started Friends of Avi Kwa Ame, and we have done amazing work with limited resources and a lot of love. Not only did we get up and running with a robust board, volunteer staff, an advisor’s council, and the support of over 100 members, we have also hosted over 120 monument-related events and worked with over 350 volunteers on restoration, conservation, research and educational outreach projects, with a total of over 20,000 volunteer hours donated!

CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION AND ADVOCACY

  • Clean Up Events at Christmas Tree Pass

  • Designated parking/camping pullouts at Wee Thump

  • Development of back country roads assessment plan

  • Developed “Visiting with Respect” guidelines

  • Support of Desert Thrasher Research Study

  • 2025 Spring Bioblitz plant and animal survey

  • Working toward International Dark Sky Park Designation

  • Stand For Public Lands Social Media Campaign and Events

  • Engaged with Nevada representatives and the public on land protection issues

  • Created collaborative agreement with Fort Mojave Indian Tribe

  • Created Oral History Program with Pipa Aha Macav Culture Society

  • Completed Oral History Project: The Fort Mojave Indian Boarding School

  • Current Oral History Project: History of the Monument Designation

  • Fire Recovery Area Joshua Tree study

EDUCATION, OUTREACH & INTERPRETATION

  • Developed detailed website and informative brochures 

  • Assessed and published over 20 trail and scenic drive descriptions

  • Published the Gold Beam yearly history, culture and science journal

  • Led hikes, tours, workshops and stewardship activities

  • Facilitated visits by school groups and clubs

  • Developing curriculum for school groups with Fort Mojave Indian Tribe

WALKING BOX RANCH

  • Converted the empty house and bunkhouse into a functional public space

  • Returned historic collection and furniture

  • Start of photo displays and interpretive info

  • Created a walking trail

  • Created an exhibition gallery

  • First art exhibition from Artist In Residence Program

  • Worked with UNLV, Nevada State Museum and Clark County Museum on history events.

  • Monthly 1st Saturday public events

SCIENCE & STORYTELLING

  • Hosted over 200 scientists, artists, writers, teachers and students

  • Over 50 Research stays, 15 events, 17 Artists/Writers in Residence

  • Great Basin Bird Observatory Thrasher Survey

  • UNLV Rodent Torpor Study

  • UNLV Triatomine Study

  • Red Rock Audubon Bird Survey

  • Hosted students from University of Derby, England

  • Improved water source for bats at wildlife pond

  • Created a new trail and gates to protect soil biocrust

  • Salvaged Plants demonstration garden

  • Researchers produced over 20 exhibitions and published articles