Just a mile north of Fernley, Nevada, the Fernley Swales (1844-1868) are the ONLY example of deep sand swales left by emigrant wagons and oxen as they traversed the California Trail.  The Central Pacific Railroad grade (1868-1902) runs parallel to the trail, continuing the story of westward migration.

The Bureau of Land Management, Carson City office and the CA-NV Chapter of the Oregon-California Trails Association are hosting our annual cleanup party on National Public Lands Day to remove trash that has been dumped in and near the Fernley Swales. 

DIRECTIONS:  At the I-80 East Fernley Exit (Exit 48), turn north (left if eastbound, right if westbound). Continue straight (north) along the west side of the Terrible’s Truck Stop. We will meet along the dirt road just past Mission Way, the road to the Veterans Cemetery.

Wear a hat and layered clothing.  We recommend heavy gloves, boots and long pants – prickly weeds are abundant this year!  Bring snacks or lunch.  The BLM will provide trash bags, cleanup tools, extra gloves, cold drinks, a clean porta-potty and a hand wash station.