One January Saturday, community volunteers joined forces with environmental experts from the USFWS to tackle the restoration of the river’s shoreline near the Camel Safari property outside of Bunkerville, Nevada. Erosion caused by flooding had widened the river, threatening the stability of the surrounding habitat. With determination and a collaborative spirit, volunteers meticulously planted native species such as Willow and Mesquite along the water’s edge in holes that had been pre-drilled by the USFWS. In time, these plantings will restore the integrity of the banks and prevent further erosion of the river.

Two weeks later, focus shifted to combating the invasive Tamarisk species, whose relentless proliferation had posed a formidable challenge to the region’s biodiversity. The BLM had previously masticated areas of Tamarisk to suppress its spread, leaving unattractive but necessary areas devoid of  plant material. Volunteers and agency staff worked together to plant hundreds of native willows , which when established will curtail the invasive plant’s dominance but also enable the resurgence of indigenous flora, thus fostering a more resilient riparian ecosystem. 

Through these collaborative endeavors, the Virgin River Coalition, alongside its esteemed partners, has demonstrated the power of community-driven conservation. By harnessing the collective expertise and enthusiasm of volunteers, coupled with the technical proficiency of government agencies, significant strides have been made in restoring the natural heritage of the Lower Virgin River. As the newly planted saplings take root and the Tamarisk retreats, a renewed sense of optimism permeates the landscape, echoing the enduring spirit of stewardship that defines the coalition’s mission.