Nevada Site Stewardship Program celebrates 20 years of protecting cultural resources

The Nevada Site Stewardship Program (NSSP) is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of dedicated volunteer service in protecting Nevada’s archaeological, historical, and paleontological resources. Since its founding, the program has played a critical role in safeguarding cultural sites across the state through education, monitoring, and community partnership. 

Administered through the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, the program has built a remarkable record of service and interagency collaboration. NSSP stewards have monitored sites for 28 federal, state, and local government agency offices, demonstrating the program’s broad reach and strong partnerships. Over the last 20 years, the program has trained 1,539 site stewards who together have conducted 8,575 site visits and monitored 572 cultural sites across Nevada. During this work, stewards have submitted 2,300 reports documenting damage or potential threats, driven nearly 560,000 miles, and contributed more than 51,000 volunteer hours to safeguarding Nevada’s heritage. 

“The Nevada Site Stewardship Program is a shining example of how committed volunteers can make a real, lasting impact,” said Samantha Rubinson, Nevada Site Stewardship Program Coordinator.  “Our stewards’ dedication has helped ensure Nevada’s cultural sites are cared for and protected.” 

“DCNR is proud to recognize this milestone and the volunteers whose commitment makes this work possible,” said Vinson Guthreau, Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Our stewards are the backbone of this program, and for 20 years, they have helped tell the Nevada story and preserved history that defines our state.” 

NSSP will commemorate the anniversary throughout the year with new initiatives, expanded outreach, and special events recognizing its dedicated volunteers. The program’s Annual Appreciation events will anchor the celebration, with three regional events planned. The first is scheduled for October 25, 2026 for Southern Nevada stewards. The second appreciation event will take place on February 20, 2027 in Mesquite, and the third is planned for June (date to be determined) 2027 in the Carson City area. Final locations for the Mesquite and Carson City events will be announced in the coming months. 

The program will also launch a statewide social media campaign titled “Site in Need.” This initiative highlights cultural sites requiring the most protection and seeks to expand public involvement in stewardship.   

In addition to these events, NSSP has scheduled two‑day Site Steward training classes. These trainings provide participants with the skills and knowledge needed to help monitor and protect cultural sites across Nevada. Classes will be offered regionally, with dates set for Las Vegas on October 31 and November 1, 2026; Mesquite on February 6–7, 2027; and Carson City on May 8–9, 2027. Individuals interested in becoming site steward can register at https://form.jotform.com/230966255515157.  

For more information about the Nevada Site Stewardship Program, or to learn how to become a site steward, visit https://shpo.nv.gov/stewards or email the program at [email protected].