AC Board Member John Hiatt wipes freshly poured concrete off of the posts of the new trailhead sign at China Ranch.

On January 15th, AC volunteers and Brian Brown from China Ranch Date Farm joined together to install a brand new trailhead sign at the China Ranch Trailhead. This sign was made possible through an REI grant for the purpose of improving signage, facilities, and trail access for the China Ranch trail system. Grants such as these are integral to the work the AC undertakes to improve the overall experience of visitors to the Amargosa Canyon. The new trailhead sign is a massive upgrade from the previous one and is designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions common to the region. The sign includes a detailed map of the trail system, trail tips, and information about the Amargosa Conservancy and our partner organizations and federal agencies. 

With nearly 10-foot steel posts and sign measuring over three-feet square, the sign’s weight and size made installation a technical challenge for the volunteers involved. Brian Brown of China Ranch Date Farm generously agreed to assist in digging the post holes and using a backhoe to lift the sign erect and slide it into place. Without this equipment, lifting a sign weighing several hundred pounds into place safely would have been impossible. Once in place, volunteers led by board member John Hiatt mixed and poured concrete into the holes around the posts to create a stable footing. This will ensure that the sign will be able to withstand heavy rains and wind without fear of tipping.

Without the support of partners like REI, these infrastructure changes would not be possible! A huge thank you to everyone involved who donated their time and financial resources to make these improvements happen.

Please consider supporting the Amargosa Conservancy’s mission of preserving and enhancing access to this remarkable landscape.

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