My Last Day

Debbie Northcutt

Today is my last day at Wilderness Volunteers. I've truly loved working for WV for so many reasons, chief among them the opportunity to spend so much time in the field in our beautiful wild places. We are so lucky to live in the USA where we have a diversity public lands across the country, and being able to join in the stewardship of caring for them has been a pleasure.

Thanks to everyone, participants, agencies and especially the leaders of all the projects these last 18 years. A special shout-out to John Sherman for his generosity and helping me so much in the early years, and to Vince White-Petteruti who was a sounding board from the beginning.

Ashely Northcutt

I'm very proud of what Wilderness Volunteers has accomplished. I'm being succeeded by my daughter, Ashely -- I'm excited for her to take over as ED of WV and know she will bring a fresh, energetic and youthful experience to the organization.

Wishing you many more Happy Trails,

Debbie Northcutt

Truly Wild - Nevada's Jarbidge Wilderness

A photo from WV's 2011 project in the Jarbidge Wilderness

In the far northeastern section of Nevada, just below the Idaho border, lies the remote and rugged beauty of more than 110,000 acres of Jarbidge Wilderness. With soaring 10,000’ peaks looming more than 4,000’ above the Great Basin, this is an impressive wilderness area to visit. You are sure to find solitude, as this area is amongst the least visited wilderness areas in the lower 48 states, due solely to the remote location.

Jarbidge boasts many different plant species and lots of wild flowers

The aura of wilderness is in the fresh mountain air here. Indeed, the unicorporated community of Jarbidge is officially rated as having amongst the least polluted air in the country. There is an opportunity for tremendous bird watching, as the clear air and geography allow for sweeping, impressive views.  The geography is impressive, ranging from hoodoos reminiscent of Bryce Canyon to large granite peaks that feel like the Alps. A large range of ecosystems are present, from high desert to alpine. Large herds of deer and elk roam the area, as do the mountain lions that hunt them. Fish are abundant in the many lakes and streams that reside in this unusually wet area of Nevada.

A previous WV basecamp in the Jarbidge

The area receives substantial regular snowfall and the rough winters ensure the need for constant trailwork! Our project will be assisting the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest staff in maintaining trail in the striking Mary’s River Basin from August 22 - 29th. We’ll have pack support and will pack in around seven miles to camp, where we’ll make daily trips to work sites close by, so we can keep the trails accessible in this far out there place.

Join WV as we give back in the beautiful Jarbidge Wilderness

If a truly wilderness experience is what you crave, you can do no better than joining the service adventure in the Jarbidge Wilderness! Come breath the freshest air and  join us as we give something back in this remote, striking area. Learn more and signup here.