THE STATE OF NEVADA
Nevada became the 36th state to enter the union in 1864, and the phrase "Battle Born" on the state flag reflects Nevada's entry on the Union side during the American Civil War.
The Nevada state flag has a cobalt blue background; in the upper left quarter is a five-pointed silver star between two sprays of sagebrush crossed to form a half wreath (sagebrush is also Nevada's state flower). Across the top of the wreath is a golden scroll with the words "Battle Born" in black letters. The name "Nevada" is below the star and above the sprays in golden letters. The original design was approved in 1929, and was modified in 1991.
Nevada designated sagebrush as the official state flower in 1917. Sagebrush bushes grow up to 12 feet (along rivers or other relatively wet areas - more typically it grows 3-6 feet in height) and produces small yellow and white flowers in the late summer or early fall.
Sagebrush (also called big sagebrush, common sagebrush, blue sagebrush, or black sagebrush) is a coarse, hardy ,silvery gray-green bush that grows in the desert southwest of the United States. It has a strong pungent fragrance, especially when wet. Native American Indians used the leaves of sagebrush for medicine and sagebrush bark for weaving mats.
Nevada designated the mountain bluebird as the official state bird in 1967 (also the state bird of Idaho). A member of the thrush family, the mountain bluebird lives in Nevada's high country and sings with a clear, short warble.
The mountain bluebird is a small thrush found on ranchland and other open areas of the American West. It prefers more open habitats than other bluebirds and can be found in colder habitats in winter. Only the female bluebird builds the nest. The male sometimes acts as if he is helping, but he either brings no nest
SINGLE LEAF PINYON
Nevada designated the single-leaf pinyon as the official state tree of Nevada in 1953.
The single-leaf pinyon is an aromatic pine tree with short, stiff needles and gnarled branches that grows in coarse, rocky soils and rock crevices. Normal height for this tree is about 15 feet, but the single-leaf piñon can grow as high as 50 feet under ideal conditions.
THINGS TO DO
The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world. During three days in early September, you can look up into the Reno skies and see a rainbow of hot air balloons soaring about. Taking place just a few miles north of downtown Reno, the event enchants both young and old with its vibrant colors and inspiring music. With an average of 125,000 spectators attending the event each year, the number of lives touched by the beautiful spectacle continues to rise just like the balloons themselves.
When you visit Carson City, NV, take an interactive flight lesson in a powered hang glider, also known as a Trike with Hang Gliding Tahoe. Soar over the beauty and wonder of the high Sierras. Experience stunning Lake Tahoe and the rugged Sierra mountains from a birds-eye view few ever experience.
The Mojave Desert is the driest and smallest of the North American deserts and was named after the Mohave tribe of Native Americans. The Mojave Desert covers over 22,000 square miles and stretches across parts of four States – Southeastern California, Southwestern Utah, Southern Nevada and Western Arizona. There are several national parks in the area including the Mojave National Preserve, the Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley, which is the hottest place in North America.