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Springs Preserve

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Las Vegas Springs Preserve consists of 180 acres dedicated to nature walks and displays and is owned by the Las Vegas Valley Water District. The Preserve is located approximately three miles west of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

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

The Gardens at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, previously known as the Desert Demonstration Gardens, open since 1980, are now located within the Springs Preserve site on 8 acres. The previous garden site was only 2.5 acres.

Springs history

The Springs Preserve is the site of a natural oasis. Over 10,000 years ago, springs broke through the desert floor,[citation needed] creating grassy meadows (called las vegas by Spanish explorers). The bubbling springs were a source of water for Native Americans living here thousands of years ago. It also sustained travelers of the Old Spanish Trail and Mormons who came to settle the West. American traveler John C. Fremont camped at the springs in 1844. The springs stopped flowing to the surface in 1962 as the water table dropped as more water was pumped out to meet the demands of a growing population than was being replaced by rainfall and snow melt.[citation needed]

The springs and associated infrastructure have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978[1] and are marked as Nevada Historical Marker 40.

Springs Preserve 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.[2]

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 1.8 miles 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.

Sources

References

  1. ^ "National Register of Historic Places".
  2. ^ "Fueling Up Is A Gas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 2007-04-17. p. 3B. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
Preceded by Nevada Historical Markers
40 		Succeeded by
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