Triathlon, hikes, classes on tap at lake in April

A variety of events are planned this month at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. These include:

BBSC Rage Triathlon April 12: Around 1,200 athletes will race through the recreation area on sprint, Olympic and half triathlon courses. The swim portion of the race takes place at Boulder Beach. Then, athletes will bike along Lakeshore Drive and Northshore Road. The race concludes with a run along River Mountains Loop and Historic Railroad Tunnel trails. Visitors may experience delays along Lakeshore Drive and Northshore Road and drivers should use caution when passing cyclists. For more information, visit http://bbsctri.com/rage.

Redstone Picnic Area Guided Walk April 12: Lake Mead Institute presents a ranger-led hike through the desert landscape. Participants will explore washes and canyons. This is an easy hike, about one mile round-trip. Reservations are required and space is limited. For reservations and more information, call the Lake Mead Visitor Center at 702-293-8990.

University Forum Lecture: America’s Wilderness Conservation April 15: Garry Oye, National Park Service chief of wilderness stewardship, will provide a University Forum Lecture “America’s Wilderness — Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation” at 7:30 p.m. at the UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum auditorium. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Wilderness Act. Oye will provide a brief history of wilderness-preservation efforts in the U.S., introduce several of his favorite wilderness areas and discuss management challenges currently being faced in wilderness protection. For more information, call 702-895-3401.

Bluffs Trail Guided Hike April 19: Lake Mead Institute presents a guided hike on one of the area’s most scenic trails to learn about the importance of protecting natural places for the plants and animals that call the Mojave Desert home. Reservations are required. This is an easy, 4 mile round-trip hike. Pets are not allowed. For reservations and more information, call 702-293-8990.

Sketch Class April 22: Work with renowned botanical illustrator Donald Davidson for a beginner’s sketch class, sponsored by Lake Mead Institute and Western National Parks Association. Learn how to draw and further understand the delicate Mojave Desert plants. Some supplies will be provided. The fee is $45 per person. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information and registration, call 702-293-8990.

Watercolor Class April 26 and 27: Donald Davidson is a known watercolor artist, painting the plants of national parks across the U.S. Sponsored by Lake Mead Institute and Western National Parks Association, participants will learn how to recording nature’s beauty with paint and brush. This is a two-day workshop; some supplies will be provided. The fee is $85. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information and registration, call 702-293-8990.