Basque Dancing and Butterflies: The California Trail Interpretive Center Announces May Programs
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ELKO, Nev. – Enjoy a spring Basque dancing program and learn about butterflies at the California Trail Interpretive Center.
The Trail Center is presenting programs throughout May. The following programs are free and open to everyone:
May 6, 2:00 p.m.: Spring Basque Dancing Program
The Elko Arinak Basque Dancers will perform a variety of folk dances. Many of the dances are illustrated stories of traditional lifeways from the Basque Country. The dance group, first formed in 1967, has performed throughout the United States. The dancers took part in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in July 2016.
May 7, 2:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Program: Pioneer Wagons: Why Did They Pack That?
Why was a Dutch oven so important to pioneers? How many socks did they pack in their trunks? Volunteer Dinna Frost will discuss what emigrants packed in their wagons, and why.
May 13, 2:00 p.m.: The Archaeology of the Donner Party
There are so many different accounts of the Donner Party and their fateful winter encampment, how do we know the facts? Archaeology! BLM Archaeologist Dan Broockmann will discuss the archaeological excavations of Donner Party encampments. He will discuss what the excavations teach us about the members of the Donner Party.
May 14, 2:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Program: Butterflies: Creatures of Mystery
Everyone can recognize butterflies. But what do they eat? How far they can travel? Join BLM Biologist Beth Wood, and find out which butterflies may be found in Elko County. Learn how to prolong a butterfly's stay in your garden.
May 20, 2:00 p.m.: How to Make a Primitive Bow
Have you ever wondered how American Indians made simple wood bows powerful enough to kill a deer, bighorn sheep, or even a bison? Kent McAdoo has been making and shooting primitive bows for 20 years. He will demonstrate how to make these beautiful and effective weapons. The speaker will review the diversity of wood species used for bow construction, as well as some fundamental construction principles using hand tools.
May 21, 2:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Program: Meet the Mule
Are mules really stubborn? Are they smart? Learn the answers to these questions and more from BLM Outdoor Recreational Planner Kristine Dedolph and her mule.
May 27, 2:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Program: Flint, Steel and S’mores
Join Park Ranger Alex Rose and learn how the mountain men created campfires with flint and steel. Following the program, enjoy making s’mores around a crackling fire.
May 28, 2:00 p.m. Junior Ranger Program: How to Shoot a Bow
Attention all kids: Learn the basics of archery from Brian Pratt, a certified instructor with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). All equipment provided. Space is limited, and registration required. For students age 9 through 15. To register, call 738-1849.
For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center, call (775) 738-1849. Visit the Trail Center online at www.californiatrailcenter.org or https://www.facebook.com/californiatrailinterpretivecenter/.
The California Trail Interpretive Center is located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.