Spencer Hot Springs National Public Lands Day cleanup

As part of National Public Lands Day, the Battle Mountain District is hosting a cleanup event at Spencer Hot Springs, southeast of Austin, Sept. 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several Bureau of Land Management specialists along with volunteers are planning to remove trash and graffiti and replace ineffective fire rings.

Spencer Hot Springs is a popular, relatively isolated, destination for relaxing, sightseeing, wilderness exploration and countless public lands options. The site features diverse plants, wildlife, geology, recreational opportunities and more.

The objective is twofold. 

“Stewardship of our land is a shared responsibility,” said Kenner Vorheis, an outdoor recreation planner at the Tonopah Field Office. The BLM aims to enhance visitors' experience and protect natural resources. “During our cleanup event volunteers will meet our specialists, learn about bats and how we make and use bat boxes plus other aspects of nature.”

Spencer Hot Springs is primitive compared to some other destinations on public land. Vorheis said that participants should come prepared. There are no toilets, potable water or other services on site. She added that gloves, trash bags, and some trash grabbers will be provided.

For more information, contact Kenner Vorheis at (775) 482-7800 or email kvorheis@blm.gov. You may also visit our Public Lands Day event.