Summer of fun: Free events set at Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Fort Churchill State Historic Park is offering a variety of ranger-led programs during the month of July. Programs highlight the area’s rich history and abundant natural resources.

Coffee with a Ranger — Bring your own mug and join a ranger for some early morning conversation. Ask questions, learn about the park, share your experiences and make new friends.

The event is July 2 and 16 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Meet at the walk-in campsite at the Samuel Buckland Campground at Fort Churchill.

Junior Ranger — Calling all kids to Fort Churchill State Historic Park! Come and explore the rich history and natural wonders found in and around the park. A variety of activities, crafts and short hikes will be part of the fun. Please bring water, sun protection, insect repellent and comfortable closed-toe shoes. The program will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. July 8 at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill.

Campfire Program — Join our park ranger around a campfire to learn about the many things that make Fort Churchill State Historic Park a unique and special place. The event is 8:30 to 9:15 p.m. July 14 at the Pony Bob Haslam Group Use Area at Fort Churchill.

Insect Investigations — Come out to Fort Churchill from 10 a.m. to noon July 15 at the John C. Fremont Picnic Area at Fort Churchill and learn about some of the creeping, crawling, buzzing, and flying insects found in the park. See and learn first-hand about insect identification, collection and pinning. You will even have the opportunity to start your own collection. Program is intended for adults and children 6 years of age and older. Reservations are requested. Please call 775-577-4880 to reserve your spot.

Twilight Tour — Immerse yourself in the most magical time of day in the desert. Join our park ranger for an easy 0.6-mile walk around the Fort Churchill ruins. Learn about the past while enjoying a beautiful sunset, clear skies, flitting bats and the company of friends and family. Please bring water, comfortable closed-toe shoes and a flashlight. The tour will be from 8 to 9:30 p.m. July 21. Meet at the Fort Churchill Museum.

Junior Gardener — If you are naturally curious, like to learn by doing, love playing in the dirt, and are between the ages of 6-12, join our park ranger in the garden at Buckland Station to experience the satisfaction that comes from gardening. Please bring water, sun protection, insect repellent, gardening gloves and comfortable closed-toe shoes. The program starts at 10 and runs until 11:30 a.m. on July 22 at Buckland Station.

Star Party — Come enjoy an evening under the stars. Members of the Northern Nevada Astronomy Group will begin the evening with a short educational presentation, followed by a viewing of stars, planets, and other celestial objects through high-powered telescopes. Please dress for the weather. Red lights, lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged. The event will be from 8:30 to 11 p.m. July 22. To attend, meet in the gravel parking area adjacent to the Fort Churchill Cemetery.

Fort Churchill is eight miles south of the Highway 95A/Highway 50 intersection on Highway 95A, at 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs.

There is a park entrance fee of $5 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $7 for out-of-state visitors (cash or check only). There is no additional cost to participate in the program.