Historic women, the Arabia and Pioneer Christmas: California Trail Interpretive Center announces December programs
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ELKO, Nev. – Learn about historic Nevada women, a famous steamboat wreck, and enjoy Pioneer Christmas at the California Trail Interpretive Center.
The Trail Center is presenting a variety of family friendly programs throughout December. The following programs are free and open to everyone:
Dec. 1, 10:00 a.m.: Historic Women of Nevada
Settling in early Nevada was not easy, especially for women. Nevada women faced vast and empty landscapes, rowdy mining towns, and many other challenges. Join Interpreter Jordan Thomas and learn about historic Nevada women that helped create the state we love today.
Dec. 2, 2:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Program: How Strong is Your Knot?
One of the most challenging tasks on the California Trail was scaling the steep mountains in the high Sierra. At times, pioneers hauled their wagons up cliffs using lots of rope and animal power.
Join Ranger Greg Feathers and learn how to tie knots strong enough to haul a 2,000-pound wagon up a cliff. After instruction, junior rangers will use their own knots to haul a miniature wagon up a steep hill. This program will take place outdoors on rough terrain. Dress for cold weather.
Dec. 8, 10:00 a.m.: The Legend of the Arabia
In 1856, the steamboat Arabia sank in the mighty Missouri River and disappeared into mud.
Over 100 years, legends were told about the exact location of the wreck. In 1988, the steamboat was discovered. Soon after, the excavation of the steamboat began, uncovering thousands of artifacts that provide an intriguing glimpse of history. Join Volunteer Dinna Frost and learn about the fascinating story of the Arabia.
Dec. 9, 2:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Program: Nevada Skins and Skulls
Attention all kids: Join Volunteer Christine Wheeler and learn about Nevada animals. Touch and feel their skulls and skins, and learn about predators and prey.
Dec. 15, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Pioneer Christmas for Kids
Pioneer Christmas for Kids is the Trail Center’s annual holiday celebration. Cut paper snowflakes, create Christmas cards, and make other holiday arts and crafts. Rumor has it that Santa and Mrs. Claus will attend. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to benefit F.I.S.H (Friends in Service Helping) and families of Elko County.
Dec. 16, 2:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Program: Badgers: Mean, Hungry and Smart
Did you know badgers hunt rattlesnakes because they seem to be immune to their venom? Join Jordan Thomas and learn about these awesome, feisty creatures. Play a badger game and make a badger puppet.
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.