Monday, April 29, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
Volunteers will plant more than 600 ponderosa pine seedlings Saturday in the soils of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
Many of this area's ponderosa pines are 100 to 300 years old. Insects, people and drought all take their toll.
Soroptimist International of Greater Las Vegas and the U.S. Forest Service are sponsoring the 10th annual Plant-A-Pine day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Kyle Canyon Campground on Mount Charleston.
"The goal of planting is to replace the older, mature trees with healthy, vigorous stands of trees and to ensure a forest for future generations to enjoy," said Recreation Forester Tim Short.
Tree plantings have traditionally been held in October, but the Forest Service suggested moving the event to spring so the trees have a better chance of survival.
"Generally, the best time to plant is in the spring when the trees are coming out of their dormancy stage and receive water runoff from the melting snow," Short said.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring drinking water and wear sturdy gloves and comfortable shoes. After planting, fire rings are available for cookouts. For more information, call 363-6889.
Volunteers will join SIGLV, Southwest Gas Trailblazers, Mirage Voice, Spring Mountains Association and other interested individuals to help reforest developed recreation sites in Kyle Canyon.
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