Save Red Rock Canyon

Preserving Our Beautiful Canyon

Rare Red Rock sunflower at high risk of extinction, petition argues

You are here: HomeSave Red Rock in the NewsRare Red Rock sunflower at high risk of extinction, petition argues

Originally published in Las Vegas Review Journal on

About 3 million people visit Red Rock Canyon outside of Las Vegas every year, but few have noticed the tiny yellow sunflower that has called it home for centuries. It may face extinction without feder…read more

@saveredrock

Our Next Star Party is Coming! ☄️🔭
March 21st, 7:00 - 10:00 PM

Join us for a rare cosmic journey as we explore Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS!

🎤 Guest speaker Matthias Schmitt, astronomer, educator, and former Dark Skies Coordinator at @Cedar Breaks National Monument will be revealing secrets from the wider universe.

Telescope viewing and fun activities for the whole family are planned.

🔗 Register at saveredrock.com/star-party

#SaveRedRock #KeepRedRockHealthy #StarParty #CometATLAS #RedRockCanyon #Astronomy #DarkSkyInitiative #CommunityEvent #Nevada #UrbanNightSkyPlace

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Our Next Star Party is Coming! ☄️🔭 March 21st, 7:00 - 10:00 PM Join us for a rare cosmic journey as we explore Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS! 🎤 Guest speaker Matthias Schmitt, astronomer, educator, and former Dark Skies Coordinator at @Cedar Breaks National Monument will be revealing secrets from the wider universe. Telescope viewing and fun activities for the whole family are planned. 🔗 Register at saveredrock.com/star-party #SaveRedRock #KeepRedRockHealthy #StarParty #CometATLAS #RedRockCanyon #Astronomy #DarkSkyInitiative #CommunityEvent #Nevada #UrbanNightSkyPlace

🛒 Groceries for Good! 🌄

Want to support local conservation without spending an extra dime?

Every time you shop at Smith’s, you can help protect Red Rock Canyon — just by linking your Smith’s Rewards account to Save Red Rock. It’s easy, automatic, and makes a real difference.

Here’s how to get started:
🔗 smithsfoodanddrug.com/account/update
📍 Full instructions at SaveRedRock.com

Your daily routine can fuel a movement to keep Red Rock healthy, safe and rural. Because everyday actions add up to powerful change.

#SaveRedRock #ShopForRedRock #SmithsGivesBack #ConservationInAction

Open post by saveredrock with ID 18153696358453961
🛒 Groceries for Good! 🌄 Want to support local conservation without spending an extra dime? Every time you shop at Smith’s, you can help protect Red Rock Canyon — just by linking your Smith’s Rewards account to Save Red Rock. It’s easy, automatic, and makes a real difference. Here’s how to get started: 🔗 smithsfoodanddrug.com/account/update 📍 Full instructions at SaveRedRock.com Your daily routine can fuel a movement to keep Red Rock healthy, safe and rural. Because everyday actions add up to powerful change. #SaveRedRock #ShopForRedRock #SmithsGivesBack #ConservationInAction

Red Rock Canyon is alive with desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, foxes, and countless other creatures that make our canyon wild and unique. Today, we celebrate them — and recommit to protecting the fragile habitats they depend on.

Every time we safeguard Red Rock, we’re giving these animals a future. Let’s keep their home wild, safe, and thriving. 💚

#NationalWildlifeDay #SaveRedRock #ProtectPublicLands #KeepItWild

Open post by saveredrock with ID 17880439446478847
Red Rock Canyon is alive with desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, foxes, and countless other creatures that make our canyon wild and unique. Today, we celebrate them — and recommit to protecting the fragile habitats they depend on. Every time we safeguard Red Rock, we’re giving these animals a future. Let’s keep their home wild, safe, and thriving. 💚 #NationalWildlifeDay #SaveRedRock #ProtectPublicLands #KeepItWild

Don’t forget to sign up for our February Star Party! 🔭🪐

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

Sierra Ramsey, a Ph.D. candidate in Geoscience at UNLV will share secrets about Mars! 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 17936388990018229
Don’t forget to sign up for our February Star Party! 🔭🪐 Date: Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM Location: Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center Sierra Ramsey, a Ph.D. candidate in Geoscience at UNLV will share secrets about Mars! 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

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
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Blue Diamond, NV 89004
Tel (702) 350-1602