Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Las Vegas Springs Preserve consists of convert|180|acre|km2 dedicated to nature walks and displays and is owned by the Las Vegas Valley Water District and operated by the Las Vegas Springs Preserve Foundation. The Preserve is located approximately three miles west of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The Preserve is build around the original water source for Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Springs.

The Springs Preserve includes colorful desert botanical gardens, museum galleries, outdoor concert and event venues, an indoor theater, historic photo gallery and a series of walking trails that meander through a wetland habitat.

The Gardens at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, previously known as the Desert Demonstration Gardens opened in 1980 at another location. The gardens now occupy convert|8|acre|m2 within the Springs Preserve site.

History

While construction on the preserve began in 2005, the custom designed sound wall separating the site from U.S. Route 95 had been erected earlier. There also was work over the years to maintain and restore the springs, the waterworks and infrastructure of the springs. The Preserve opened on June 8, 2007.

Green building efforts

The Preserve shows people how to live in the desert environment and how to take advantage of what is available. Part of this project showcases a dual use concept. For example, the parking area is actually the roof of the reservoir and the shade structures in various areas are photovoltaic cells used to generate power for the site.

The gardens also use a fleet of hydrogen powered utility vehicles. The vehicles are refueled on site by a solar powered hydrogen fueling station. [cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Fueling Up Is A Gas|url= |work= Las Vegas Review-Journal | page= 3B |publisher= |date=2007-04-17 |accessdate=2007-04-17 ]

Major exhibits

*Origen Experience is comprised of three interactive exhibits. Each exhibit is filled with stories about the Las Vegas Valley, following a natural progression from the past to the present.
*Desert Living Center is a campus of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings features interactive galleries, educational opportunities, a design lab and technical training center.
*Trails -- Walk four uniquely-themed trails that encompass more than convert|1.8|mi|km of picturesque landscapes leading to a cienega.
*Springs Preserve amphitheater Las Vegas' only intimate outdoor venue surrounded by museums and gardens.
*Nevada State Museum a new building for the museum with an expected opening in 2009.
*Nature Exchange: A small exhibit located in the desert living center. This exhibit is aimed towards children but encourages adults to participate. The Nature Exchange is a unique learning environment that relies on the personal "trading" of found natural items and information about them, to motivate interest and understanding. The trader receives points depending on rarity and size of the object that him/her are trading. (One can not exchange objects from national parks, state parks, or the Springs Preserve.)

Sources

* [http://www.springspreserve.org/ Las Vegas Springs Preserve]
*Las Vegas Review-Journal
*Las Vegas Sun
* [http://www.natureexchange.com/ Official Nature Exchange site]

External links

* [http://www.springspreserve.org/ Las Vegas Springs Preserve]
* [http://travelnevada.com Official State of Nevada Tourism Site]

References