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Petition launched to prevent extinction of Red Rock sunflower near Las Vegas

You are here: HomeSave Red Rock in the NewsPetition launched to prevent extinction of Red Rock sunflower near Las Vegas

Originally published in KLAS CBS 8 News Now on

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An environmental group is petitioning the BLM to do more to protect a particular sunflower found at Red Rock.

The Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition on Feb.10, requesting protection for the Red Rock sunflower, also known as Helianthus devernii, under the Endangered Species Act.

According to the petition, there are believed to be fewer than 1,000 plants in total in three locations in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area west of Las Vegas.

The petition claims that wild burros and horses at Red Rock are threatening the sunflowers.

@saveredrock

It’s not every day we get to see #snow blanketing @redrockcanyonlv. But, today we do!

Thanks to @younginvegas for sharing the video with us.

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18167171533397178
It’s not every day we get to see #snow blanketing @redrockcanyonlv. But, today we do! Thanks to @younginvegas for sharing the video with us.

Tread Lightly: Protecting the Desert`s Delicate Ecosystem 🌻🌵

When you visit Red Rock Canyon, please remember that every step matters! To protect the fragile desert landscape and its inhabitants, it is absolutely essential to stay on sanctioned trails only.

Why stick to the trail?

• Protecting Fragile Soil: Desert soil is incredibly delicate. ""Social"" or unauthorized trails scar the land, leading to erosion and long-term damage.
• Safeguarding Wildlife: Off-trail travel disturbs habitats and can directly harm threatened species, including the federally protected Desert Tortoise.
• Preserving Native Plants: Many fragile plants, like the beautiful and rare Red Rock sunflower, are damaged easily and endangered. Staying on trail protects them.

Recreate responsibly and help us preserve the safety, sustainability, and serenity of Red Rock Canyon for every plant, animal, and visitor.

Learn more about our conservation efforts and the Red Rock Sunflower: 🔗saveredrock.com/save-the-sunflower

#StayOnTrail #LeaveNoTrace #SaveRedRock #RedRockSunflower #EndangeredSpecies #KeepRedRockHealthy #RedRockCanyon #Conservation #RecreateResponsibly

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18121220428602630
Tread Lightly: Protecting the Desert's Delicate Ecosystem 🌻🌵 When you visit Red Rock Canyon, please remember that every step matters! To protect the fragile desert landscape and its inhabitants, it is absolutely essential to stay on sanctioned trails only. Why stick to the trail? • Protecting Fragile Soil: Desert soil is incredibly delicate. ""Social"" or unauthorized trails scar the land, leading to erosion and long-term damage. • Safeguarding Wildlife: Off-trail travel disturbs habitats and can directly harm threatened species, including the federally protected Desert Tortoise. • Preserving Native Plants: Many fragile plants, like the beautiful and rare Red Rock sunflower, are damaged easily and endangered. Staying on trail protects them. Recreate responsibly and help us preserve the safety, sustainability, and serenity of Red Rock Canyon for every plant, animal, and visitor. Learn more about our conservation efforts and the Red Rock Sunflower: 🔗saveredrock.com/save-the-sunflower #StayOnTrail #LeaveNoTrace #SaveRedRock #RedRockSunflower #EndangeredSpecies #KeepRedRockHealthy #RedRockCanyon #Conservation #RecreateResponsibly

💖 This Valentine`s Day, let`s love Red Rock back! 💖

Red Rock gives us so much, but it needs our care and protection! That`s why we`re partnering with the Center for Biological Diversity to protect the rare, endemic Red Rock sunflower 🌻

This native species only has about 1,000 individuals in the wild, and is only found in @redrockcanyonlv.

🔗 Learn more about our efforts to Save The Sunflower by clicking the link in our bio. #SaveRedRock #ValentinesDay #LovetheOutdoors #Conservation #Outdoors #SavetheSunflower #LeaveNoTrace

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18077265974457910
💖 This Valentine's Day, let's love Red Rock back! 💖 Red Rock gives us so much, but it needs our care and protection! That's why we're partnering with the Center for Biological Diversity to protect the rare, endemic Red Rock sunflower 🌻 This native species only has about 1,000 individuals in the wild, and is only found in @redrockcanyonlv. 🔗 Learn more about our efforts to Save The Sunflower by clicking the link in our bio. #SaveRedRock #ValentinesDay #LovetheOutdoors #Conservation #Outdoors #SavetheSunflower #LeaveNoTrace

Save Red Rock has teamed up with the BLM to pursue designation of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area as an Urban Night Sky Place. This is a multi-year effort to keep Red Rock’s nighttime environment healthy, and encourage responsible visitation and education.

WHAT’S AN URBAN NIGHT SKY PLACE?
Determined by the International Dark Sky Places Program (IDSP), the designation preserves and protects dark sites – even those around urban areas – through responsible lighting policies and public engagement.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RED ROCK?
If achieved, this distinction would help reduce the impacts of light pollution, which disrupts wildlife and obscures our view of the night sky.

LEARN MORE
Come to our next Star Party on Feb. 21 to learn more about the project!

#SaveRedRock #StarParty #RedRockCanyon #DarkSkyInitiative #UrbanNightSkyPlace #LasVegas

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18408858634130382
Save Red Rock has teamed up with the BLM to pursue designation of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area as an Urban Night Sky Place. This is a multi-year effort to keep Red Rock’s nighttime environment healthy, and encourage responsible visitation and education. WHAT’S AN URBAN NIGHT SKY PLACE? Determined by the International Dark Sky Places Program (IDSP), the designation preserves and protects dark sites – even those around urban areas – through responsible lighting policies and public engagement. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RED ROCK? If achieved, this distinction would help reduce the impacts of light pollution, which disrupts wildlife and obscures our view of the night sky. LEARN MORE Come to our next Star Party on Feb. 21 to learn more about the project! #SaveRedRock #StarParty #RedRockCanyon #DarkSkyInitiative #UrbanNightSkyPlace #LasVegas

Mars in Your Hand: Our First Star Party of 2026 is Here! 🔭🪐

Journey to the Red Planet without leaving Red Rock Canyon! Join Save Red Rock and the Bureau of Land Management for our first Star Party of the year: "Mars in Your Hand: What Meteorites Teach Us About the Red Planet."

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center

We are thrilled to feature an expert presentation by Sierra Ramsey, a Ph.D. candidate in Geoscience at UNLV. Sierra has spent a decade conducting planetary science research, specializing in Martian geology. She uses actual Martian meteorites and cutting-edge analytical techniques to uncover the secrets of how magmas form and erupt on Mars. This is a rare opportunity to learn about the Red Planet from someone who literally works with pieces of it!

Our Star Parties are a key part of the effort to achieve the Urban Night Sky Place designation for Red Rock Canyon. Come look up with us and support dark sky conservation!

What to Bring:

🧤 Warm clothes (the desert gets chilly!)
🔦 A red flashlight (to protect our night vision)

Register to secure your spot today!
🔗 saveredrock.com/star-party

#SaveRedRock #StarParty #MarsInYourHand #RedRockCanyon #DarkSkyInitiative #UrbanNightSkyPlace #Astronomy #LasVegas #UNLV #CommunityEvent

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18108162058669369
Mars in Your Hand: Our First Star Party of 2026 is Here! 🔭🪐 Journey to the Red Planet without leaving Red Rock Canyon! Join Save Red Rock and the Bureau of Land Management for our first Star Party of the year: "Mars in Your Hand: What Meteorites Teach Us About the Red Planet." Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM Location: Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center We are thrilled to feature an expert presentation by Sierra Ramsey, a Ph.D. candidate in Geoscience at UNLV. Sierra has spent a decade conducting planetary science research, specializing in Martian geology. She uses actual Martian meteorites and cutting-edge analytical techniques to uncover the secrets of how magmas form and erupt on Mars. This is a rare opportunity to learn about the Red Planet from someone who literally works with pieces of it! Our Star Parties are a key part of the effort to achieve the Urban Night Sky Place designation for Red Rock Canyon. Come look up with us and support dark sky conservation! What to Bring: 🧤 Warm clothes (the desert gets chilly!) 🔦 A red flashlight (to protect our night vision) Register to secure your spot today! 🔗 saveredrock.com/star-party #SaveRedRock #StarParty #MarsInYourHand #RedRockCanyon #DarkSkyInitiative #UrbanNightSkyPlace #Astronomy #LasVegas #UNLV #CommunityEvent

Inspired by Red Rock Canyon? Become a Save Red Rock Ambassador! ❤️

Take your passion to the next level by joining our Ambassador Program. You`ll help protect the land we love, spread the word about our mission, and connect the community to the outdoors. 🫶

Ambassadors receive exclusive invites, participate in volunteer events, and amplify our efforts to keep Red Rock safe, healthy, and rural.

Make a difference where it matters most. Sign up today:

🔗 saveredrock.com/ambassadors

#SaveRedRock #RedRockCanyon #AmbassadorProgram #KeepRedRockRural #KeepRedRockSafe #KeepRedRockHealthy #NevadaOutdoors #CommunityAction

Open post by saveredrock with ID 17957017071027115
Inspired by Red Rock Canyon? Become a Save Red Rock Ambassador! ❤️ Take your passion to the next level by joining our Ambassador Program. You'll help protect the land we love, spread the word about our mission, and connect the community to the outdoors. 🫶 Ambassadors receive exclusive invites, participate in volunteer events, and amplify our efforts to keep Red Rock safe, healthy, and rural. Make a difference where it matters most. Sign up today: 🔗 saveredrock.com/ambassadors #SaveRedRock #RedRockCanyon #AmbassadorProgram #KeepRedRockRural #KeepRedRockSafe #KeepRedRockHealthy #NevadaOutdoors #CommunityAction

Ready for More Stargazing in 2026? We Need Your Help! 🌌🔭

Our 2025 Star Parties were a massive success, bringing over 1,200 people together under the beautiful dark skies of Red Rock Canyon. This year, we`re planning even more opportunities to connect our community with the cosmos, but we can`t do it without you!

We are launching a fundraising initiative to support our goal of achieving the Urban Night Sky Place designation from DarkSky International.

Your donation will directly fund:

• Expanded Programming including night hikes and more frequent star gazing parties
• Essential Supplies like lighting, informational materials, and equipment to run safe and engaging star parties
• Educational Presentations from expert speakers on astronomy, light pollution and more
• Scientific Data Collection in order to successfully complete our application
• Lighting retrofits to meet Dark Sky guidelines

Help us make 2026 our biggest and brightest year yet! Your support lights the way for conservation, education, and the protection of Red Rock Canyon`s breathtaking night sky.

Donate today and help us bring the stars to our community!

Click the link in our bio or visit 🔗 saveredrock.com/dark-sky/ to support the 2026 Star Parties! 🌠

#SaveRedRock #StarParty #Fundraising #DarkSkyInitiative #UrbanNightSkyPlace #RedRockCanyon #Astronomy #CommunityEvents #DonateToday

Open post by saveredrock with ID 17934225168175227
Ready for More Stargazing in 2026? We Need Your Help! 🌌🔭 Our 2025 Star Parties were a massive success, bringing over 1,200 people together under the beautiful dark skies of Red Rock Canyon. This year, we're planning even more opportunities to connect our community with the cosmos, but we can't do it without you! We are launching a fundraising initiative to support our goal of achieving the Urban Night Sky Place designation from DarkSky International. Your donation will directly fund: • Expanded Programming including night hikes and more frequent star gazing parties • Essential Supplies like lighting, informational materials, and equipment to run safe and engaging star parties • Educational Presentations from expert speakers on astronomy, light pollution and more • Scientific Data Collection in order to successfully complete our application • Lighting retrofits to meet Dark Sky guidelines Help us make 2026 our biggest and brightest year yet! Your support lights the way for conservation, education, and the protection of Red Rock Canyon's breathtaking night sky. Donate today and help us bring the stars to our community! Click the link in our bio or visit 🔗 saveredrock.com/dark-sky/ to support the 2026 Star Parties! 🌠 #SaveRedRock #StarParty #Fundraising #DarkSkyInitiative #UrbanNightSkyPlace #RedRockCanyon #Astronomy #CommunityEvents #DonateToday

Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Save Red Rock honors Dr. King`s legacy of service, equality, and collective action. His vision inspires us to work together to ensure that the beauty and benefits of our public lands, like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, are accessible and preserved for everyone.

If you are out enjoying the beauty of our public lands today, let`s honor the spirit of collective action by being responsible stewards:

Safety First:
• Stay on marked trails to protect fragile desert ecosystems.
• Carry plenty of water - the desert is deceptive, and dehydration is a real risk.
• Tell someone your plan and expected return time.
• Check the weather before you head out.

Leave No Trace:
• Pack out everything you pack in - this includes all trash, food scraps, and pet waste.
• Respect wildlife and never feed the animals.
• Leave what you find - rocks, plants, and cultural artifacts belong in the canyon.

Conservation is a collective action, requiring unity and purpose. Visit our website at SaveRedRock.com to learn more ways to support our conservation efforts!

#MLKDay #SaveRedRock #KeepRedRockHealthy #RedRockCanyon #HikingSafety #LeaveNoTrace #Conservation #Community

Photo credit: Ben Robertson @silvertreefilmsben

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18089984981078930
Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Save Red Rock honors Dr. King's legacy of service, equality, and collective action. His vision inspires us to work together to ensure that the beauty and benefits of our public lands, like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, are accessible and preserved for everyone. If you are out enjoying the beauty of our public lands today, let's honor the spirit of collective action by being responsible stewards: Safety First: • Stay on marked trails to protect fragile desert ecosystems. • Carry plenty of water - the desert is deceptive, and dehydration is a real risk. • Tell someone your plan and expected return time. • Check the weather before you head out. Leave No Trace: • Pack out everything you pack in - this includes all trash, food scraps, and pet waste. • Respect wildlife and never feed the animals. • Leave what you find - rocks, plants, and cultural artifacts belong in the canyon. Conservation is a collective action, requiring unity and purpose. Visit our website at SaveRedRock.com to learn more ways to support our conservation efforts! #MLKDay #SaveRedRock #KeepRedRockHealthy #RedRockCanyon #HikingSafety #LeaveNoTrace #Conservation #Community Photo credit: Ben Robertson @silvertreefilmsben

Red Rock Canyon is home to some of Nevada’s most unique wildlife, each playing a vital role in the desert ecosystem. 🌿🦅

🦉 Burrowing Owls – These tiny, ground-dwelling owls help control insect and rodent populations.
🦊 Kit Foxes – The smallest fox species in North America, they are expert desert survivors!
🐏 Desert Bighorn Sheep – Masters of the rocky terrain, they are Nevada’s official state animal!
🐢 Desert Tortoises – A keystone species, these slow-moving creatures dig burrows that provide shelter for other animals. But their habitat is shrinking due to urban expansion and development. Protecting Red Rock means protecting the animals that call it home.

📢 What you can do:
Drive carefully - watch for wildlife crossing the roads.
Stay on trails to avoid disturbing habitats.
Support conservation efforts - every voice matters! Visit our website at SaveRedRock.com to learn more ways to get involved today!

#SaveRedRock #ProtectWildlife #KeepRedRockRural #KeepRedRockHealthy #DesertEcosystem #WildlifeConservation

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18310200955249660
Red Rock Canyon is home to some of Nevada’s most unique wildlife, each playing a vital role in the desert ecosystem. 🌿🦅 🦉 Burrowing Owls – These tiny, ground-dwelling owls help control insect and rodent populations. 🦊 Kit Foxes – The smallest fox species in North America, they are expert desert survivors! 🐏 Desert Bighorn Sheep – Masters of the rocky terrain, they are Nevada’s official state animal! 🐢 Desert Tortoises – A keystone species, these slow-moving creatures dig burrows that provide shelter for other animals. But their habitat is shrinking due to urban expansion and development. Protecting Red Rock means protecting the animals that call it home. 📢 What you can do: Drive carefully - watch for wildlife crossing the roads. Stay on trails to avoid disturbing habitats. Support conservation efforts - every voice matters! Visit our website at SaveRedRock.com to learn more ways to get involved today! #SaveRedRock #ProtectWildlife #KeepRedRockRural #KeepRedRockHealthy #DesertEcosystem #WildlifeConservation

Looking Back at the Stars: Red Rock Canyon Star Parties in 2025! ✨🔭

What an incredible year for community and the cosmos! In 2025, the Star Party series – a collaboration between Save Red Rock, the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, and Red Rock Canyon NCA – had a stellar impact:

• 1,200+ People Hosted: Over a thousand members of our community gathered under the dark skies of Red Rock Canyon.
• Expert Presentations: Attendees enjoyed fascinating presentations from multiple experts in the fields of astronomy and light pollution.
• Cosmic Views: Thanks to multiple telescopes at each event, everyone had the opportunity to gaze at astronomical marvels and learn more about our galaxy.
• Giving Back: We proudly fundraised for the purchase of a new telescope, which was gifted by our partner Brett Torino Foundation to Red Rock Canyon NCA to enhance future educational programming!

These events are a vital part of our effort to achieve an Urban Night Sky Place designation for Red Rock Canyon. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped us learn, look up, and commit to protecting our dark skies!

Stay tuned for more Star Parties in 2026!

📸 Cover photo credit: Bureau of Land Management

#SaveRedRock #RedRockCanyon #StarParty #DarkSkyInitiative #UrbanNightSkyPlace #LasVegasAstronomicalSociety #Conservation #Nevada #Astronomy

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18091625621303460
Looking Back at the Stars: Red Rock Canyon Star Parties in 2025! ✨🔭 What an incredible year for community and the cosmos! In 2025, the Star Party series – a collaboration between Save Red Rock, the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, and Red Rock Canyon NCA – had a stellar impact: • 1,200+ People Hosted: Over a thousand members of our community gathered under the dark skies of Red Rock Canyon. • Expert Presentations: Attendees enjoyed fascinating presentations from multiple experts in the fields of astronomy and light pollution. • Cosmic Views: Thanks to multiple telescopes at each event, everyone had the opportunity to gaze at astronomical marvels and learn more about our galaxy. • Giving Back: We proudly fundraised for the purchase of a new telescope, which was gifted by our partner Brett Torino Foundation to Red Rock Canyon NCA to enhance future educational programming! These events are a vital part of our effort to achieve an Urban Night Sky Place designation for Red Rock Canyon. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped us learn, look up, and commit to protecting our dark skies! Stay tuned for more Star Parties in 2026! 📸 Cover photo credit: Bureau of Land Management #SaveRedRock #RedRockCanyon #StarParty #DarkSkyInitiative #UrbanNightSkyPlace #LasVegasAstronomicalSociety #Conservation #Nevada #Astronomy

With the new year in full swing, there`s no better time to commit to health and enjoy the great outdoors! The Red Rock Legacy Trail, now officially underway, is designed to be a safe, multi-use paved path for everyone who loves Red Rock Canyon. 🏃‍♀️🚴‍♂️

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists will be able to enjoy miles of uninterrupted, scenic riding.
🏃‍♂️ Runners and Walkers will have a safer place for their fitness routines.
👶 Parents with Strollers will be able to safely enjoy a peaceful outing with their little ones.
🦮 Pet Owners will be able to walk their dogs away from high-speed traffic.

This trail isn`t just about recreation; it`s about safety and accessibility. By moving pedestrians and cyclists off the highway, we are ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of our public lands without risk.

Make 2026 the year you explore more! The Red Rock Legacy Trail is a dream 20 years in the making, and it`s going to be an incredible amenity for outdoor exercise and enjoying the serenity of Red Rock Canyon NCA.

Learn more and follow the trail’s progress: redrocklegacytrail.com 🔗
📸 Photo credit: Bureau of Land Management

#RedRockLegacyTrail #TrailTuesday #SaveRedRock #KeepRedRockSafe #OutdoorFitness #RedRockCanyon #Nevada #MultiUseTrail

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18095486966500091
With the new year in full swing, there's no better time to commit to health and enjoy the great outdoors! The Red Rock Legacy Trail, now officially underway, is designed to be a safe, multi-use paved path for everyone who loves Red Rock Canyon. 🏃‍♀️🚴‍♂️ 🚴‍♀️ Cyclists will be able to enjoy miles of uninterrupted, scenic riding. 🏃‍♂️ Runners and Walkers will have a safer place for their fitness routines. 👶 Parents with Strollers will be able to safely enjoy a peaceful outing with their little ones. 🦮 Pet Owners will be able to walk their dogs away from high-speed traffic. This trail isn't just about recreation; it's about safety and accessibility. By moving pedestrians and cyclists off the highway, we are ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of our public lands without risk. Make 2026 the year you explore more! The Red Rock Legacy Trail is a dream 20 years in the making, and it's going to be an incredible amenity for outdoor exercise and enjoying the serenity of Red Rock Canyon NCA. Learn more and follow the trail’s progress: redrocklegacytrail.com 🔗 📸 Photo credit: Bureau of Land Management #RedRockLegacyTrail #TrailTuesday #SaveRedRock #KeepRedRockSafe #OutdoorFitness #RedRockCanyon #Nevada #MultiUseTrail

A new year means a fresh start and renewed commitment! Happy New Year from the Save Red Rock family! 🥳

We look forward to an exciting 2026 as we continue our mission to protect the safety, sustainability, and serenity of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for your dedication to conservation. Together, we can ensure this stunning landscape thrives for generations to come.

What are your conservation resolutions for the New Year? Let us know in the comments! 👇

#HappyNewYear2026 #SaveRedRock #RedRockCanyon #Conservation #NewBeginnings #KeepRedRockSafe #KeepRedRockHealthy #KeepRedRockRural

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A new year means a fresh start and renewed commitment! Happy New Year from the Save Red Rock family! 🥳 We look forward to an exciting 2026 as we continue our mission to protect the safety, sustainability, and serenity of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for your dedication to conservation. Together, we can ensure this stunning landscape thrives for generations to come. What are your conservation resolutions for the New Year? Let us know in the comments! 👇 #HappyNewYear2026 #SaveRedRock #RedRockCanyon #Conservation #NewBeginnings #KeepRedRockSafe #KeepRedRockHealthy #KeepRedRockRural

As the season of light and celebration continues, Save Red Rock wishes all who celebrate a meaningful and joyful Kwanzaa! ✨

May the light of Kwanzaa, and its principles of unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith, ignite within us a renewed commitment to working together, sharing the load, and safeguarding our shared environment and future through responsible action. Let this be a time of inspiration, commitment, and action that extends far beyond this week.

Habari Gani! Happy Kwanzaa!

#HappyKwanzaa #SaveRedRock #RedRockCanyon #Conservation #Community

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As the season of light and celebration continues, Save Red Rock wishes all who celebrate a meaningful and joyful Kwanzaa! ✨ May the light of Kwanzaa, and its principles of unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith, ignite within us a renewed commitment to working together, sharing the load, and safeguarding our shared environment and future through responsible action. Let this be a time of inspiration, commitment, and action that extends far beyond this week. Habari Gani! Happy Kwanzaa! #HappyKwanzaa #SaveRedRock #RedRockCanyon #Conservation #Community
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