Wednesday, March 19, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
LAST WEEK I had the wonderful opportunity to judge the State Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Beth St. George of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service served as state coordinator. It was quite a chore to publicize the contest, pull together all the entries, organize them and arrange for their judging.
In 1985, I served on a seven-member panel to judge the 1986-87 Federal Duck Stamp Contest in Washington, D.C. It was quite an honor to participate and judge the 2,000 entries.
The State Junior Duck Stamp event was different but nonetheless exciting. Though there were fewer pieces to judge and the artwork was less sophisticated, the amount of effort put into these young people's work was evident.
The artwork entered was exceptional. The level of expertise exhibited in the paintings and drawings was high from kindergarten level all the way through high school.
Judging was not easy, but there were certain pieces that stood out from the rest. It was exciting to see so many young people participating in such a worthwhile project. Perhaps this contest will lead these young artists into a more proactive role in conservation and protecting waterfowl habitat, so that their subjects always will have a place to live.
The teachers of these young artists also deserve a round of applause for their commitment to working with their students on such a worthwhile project.
* HEAD FOR THE HILLS: With the temperatures hovering near 90 this weekend, those who have felt housebound will be searching for adventure. If you're not interested in the organized events, there are plenty of hiking trails scattered throughout Red Rock Canyon that are fun for the whole family. Make sure to take lots of water, though. Dehydration can sneak up on you when you least expect it. On Saturday, those in good shape can try the "White Rock Circle Hike." This six-mile hike gains 1,040 feet in elevation in the first two miles. Children between the ages of 5-12 will have their own fun on Saturday as they participate in "Pictographs and Petroglyphs." The program will feature the discussion of rock art. Children will look for rock art and create some of their own out of plaster. On Sunday, a program designed for newcomers and experienced wilderness travelers alike will be held. "An Introduction to Backpacking and Distance Hiking" will include slides and technique demonstrations regarding the various ways to efficiently backpack. Areas of emphasis will include planning and preparation, equipment and how to cover higher mileages. Two programs are scheduled for Saturday, March 29. In "Basic Map and Compass" and "Man, it's Hot!" you'll learn to read a map and a compass in the first program. Materials will be furnished during this three-hour program conducted in and around the Visitor Center. The second program will feature the people, animals and plants of Red Rock Canyon and how they adapt to the desert conditions. This program will be held during an easy one-mile hike on the Lost Creek Trail. To participate in these hikes, advance reservations are required. You can reserve a spot by calling the Visitor Center at 363-1921. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
* MORE BELLY BOATING: Following up on last week's column about the belly boat and float tube legislation: The bill was created, apparently to address conflicts between boaters and float tubers at Lake Mead. I understand how float tubers out on the water after dark might pose a hazard to boaters. I understand there are concerns for the safety of boaters and for those in tubes. There's no sense, though, in passing far-reaching legislation that would impact every waterway in the state, just to solve a Lake Mead problem. Additional regulations on the specific body of water could do the trick.
* DAY HIKING: The Clark County Parks & Recreation Adventure Recreation department is planning a day hike on Saturday, March 29. Call 455-8289 for details.
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