For Immediate Release
September 13, 2010
Contact: Dan Balduini, (702) 515-5480
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex
4701 North Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89130
Phone: (702) 515-5450
Fax: (702) 515-5460
http://fws.gov/desertcomplex
"Flying Jewels of the Insect World" Featured Saturday at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge
LAS VEGAS – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) invites the public to a special program this weekend at the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This is one in a series of weekend programs scheduled at the wildlife refuge.
On Saturday, September 18, 2010, from 10 a.m. until noon, Bruce Lund will lead a walk along the trail and streams at the Moapa Valley refuge in search of dragonflies and damselflies. Lund, a Moapa resident and volunteer biologist at the wildlife refuge, calls them the flying jewels of the insect world. Participants can expect to see insects with names that match their exotic appearance — Flame skimmers, Blue-ringed dancers, Kiowa dancers, American rubyspots, and others. Lund will net a few of the insects so everyone has a close-up look, and then release them to fly free again. The trails are an easy walk, and cameras and binoculars are welcome.
The visitor area at the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., from now until Memorial Day. The visitor area includes two walking trails and a stream profile chamber featuring a water-level view of the endangered Moapa dace (small fish).
The wildlife refuge is staffed by citizen volunteers, and can only be open if the Service enlists enough volunteers. Persons interested in volunteering are asked to contact Harry Konwin, Volunteer Coordinator, at (702) 515-5494 or harry_konwin@fws.gov.
Located about 60 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1979 to secure habitat for and protect the endangered Moapa dace. In addition to spring and channel restoration efforts, re-vegetation with native plants, removing non-native species, and enhancing stream flows have benefited the Moapa dace and the White River springfish, as well as other endemic (native) species at the wildlife refuge. More information about the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge can be found on the Internet at www.fws.gov/desertcomplex/moapavalley, or contact Amy LaVoie, Refuge Manager, via email at amy_lavoie@fws.gov or by phone at (702) 515-5225.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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