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This page last updated on 04/21/2017
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Today I attended the grand opening of Corn Creek Station’s new Visitor Center (Fig. 01), a 1,000 square-foot building with exhibit space, as well as administrative offices and a new maintenance building. The project also included enlarged parking areas for visitors and employees, new signing for trails and rehabilitation of disturbed landscaping. Funding for the $7 million project came from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. The picture below (Fig. 02) is a shot of the building’s rear from the sites’ newly constructed cement pond, which also makes water accessible for use in the new building's air-conditioning and fire-suppression systems. Inside, there is a small gift shop and nearly a dozen informative exhibit areas that highlight the offerings of Corn Creek and the uniqueness of the Desert National Wildlife Range and its offerings. I have to admit that I was surprised by how many people this event drew. The place was mobbed. I got there at 12:30 and they had already run out of food. Though I walked three of its main trails, needless to say there were so many people on the trails, that trying to capture pictures of any birds or wildlife was nearly impossible. I was however, able to get a few pictures of some crayfish (Fig. 03 & 04) and other small fish that were in the small spring fed stream that runs along the south side of the Jackrabbit Loop trail. The collage in (Fig. 05) is a compilation of pictures I took while hiking along the .5 mile Birdsong Loop Trail; one of the few remaining trails that still retains its natural effect. While hiking the southern end of the Coyote Loop trail, I capture this picture, titled “Diving Headfirst” (Fig. 06) of a bee gathering nectar from the blossom of a beautiful tree, though I not sure what it is (help anyone?). Finally, on the north end of Coyote Loop trail is the Railroad Tie Cabin. This was the first time I have ever seen it open to the public, allowing me to capture the interior pictures found in the collage in (Fig. 07). More information below.
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| (Fig. 03) |
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| (Fig. 05) |
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| (Fig. 06) Title - "Diving Headfirst" |
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| (Fig. 07) |
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Even though ancient cultures left their marks on this land, most evidence found here derives from the pioneers of more recent times. White settlers farmed the area, and a cabin, built with railroad ties, links the area to the rise and fall of local mining and industrialization. When the mines played out, the railroads failed, pulled up the track and moved on. Local ranchers gathered the ties for reuse as buildings, fence posts, and other things. It was built from ‘ties’ from the Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad after it ceased operation and was abandoned. This cabin home was occupied until 1939, when the property was taken over by the government.
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