Silver Lake

Silver Lake
By NLT

Silver Lake marsh, playa and uplands offer a unique opportunity to observe dozens of species of birds and interpret Great Basin ecology and unique basin and range landscape.

Nestled between the communities of Stead and Red Rock exists a wetland, bordered by tules and willows, that provides a home for more than 80 species of birds. Five hundred twenty-four acres of this vital nesting and migratory bird stopover, known as Silver Lake, are now protected as open space. This protection was facilitated by Nevada Land Trust and funding from the Nevada Division of State Lands Question One bond funding matched by generous landowner donations. The generosity of the Echeverria family and Lear Trusts was invaluable in the accomplishment of this project.

As part of the Pacific Inland Flyway, the Silver Lake marsh, playa and uplands offer a unique opportunity to observe dozens of species of birds and interpret Great Basin ecology and unique basin and range landscape.

As the valley surrounding Silver Lake is slated for additional human development, it is important to provide for conservation and preservation of the considerable wetland and wildlife habitat, and to allow the general public access as a place of quiet recreation for residents and visitors. The County's Regional Parks and Open Space Department, and the Nevada Land Trust will work with partner agencies, including the Lahontan Audubon Society and local residents, towards creating a nature study area at Silver Lake similar to the one that currently exists at nearby Swan Lake.