The Friends of the Amargosa Basin will host Vole Fest 2025 on Saturday, March 29, bringing together conservationists, scientists, and community members for a day focused on the unique biodiversity of the Amargosa Basin. The free, family-friendly event will take place in Shoshone and Tecopa, offering guided field tours, educational activities, and an evening of trivia.
This year’s theme, “Water is Life,” underscores the connection between the endangered Amargosa vole and its wetland habitat. Organizers hope the event will raise awareness about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the desert ecosystem.
The day will begin with a morning field tour from 10 a.m. to noon at the Shoshone and Tecopa wetlands, where visitors can explore the marshes, observe habitat restoration projects, and learn about efforts to designate the Amargosa Basin as a National Monument. In the afternoon, the event will move to the Tecopa Community Center from 1 to 3 p.m. for hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and opportunities to meet scientists and conservationists. The community event will include free face painting, an interactive vole exhibit, and locally crafted food provided by Kit Fox Cafe.
The festivities will conclude with a vole-themed trivia night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Death Valley Brewing. Participants will have the chance to test their knowledge, win prizes, and enjoy food and drinks.
Vole Fest is designed to be both educational and engaging, offering a way for attendees to connect with the local environment and learn about conservation challenges. Friends of the Amargosa Basin board president Susan Sorrells described the event as a celebration of the region’s diverse plant and animal life, including the people who call it home.
“It helps us think a lot more about how our environment and especially water sustain healthy ecosystems, wildlife, and people,” said Janet E. Foley, a board member and professor at UC Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine.
The event is co-sponsored by the County of Inyo and is free to the public. More information can be found at friendsoftheamargosabasin.org or on the Friends of the Amargosa Basin social media pages.
