Riparian Habitat Creation and Maintenance in Desert Environments
Capacity: 100
(Details subject to change.)
On this tour, you’ll explore the restoration and management of forested wetlands along the Las Vegas Wash, a former natural drainage from nearby mountains into the Colorado River. These wooded areas now carry rainwater, shallow groundwater, and reclaimed wastewater. Trees and wetlands together provide vital habitat linking the Colorado River system to Nevada’s wilderness. The Henderson Bird Preserve and Clark County Wetlands Park are public resources with diverse goals and strong partnerships supporting tree and habitat stewardship. These forested oases for people and wildlife will make you forget you’re in the Las Vegas Valley.
Novel Tree Development in Hot, Arid Systems
Capacity: 100
(Details subject to change.)
A limited supply of suitable tree species is a common challenge in urban forestry. With growing support for canopy expansion, Las Vegas Valley managers are testing new species with traits for long-term success. On this tour, you’ll visit the Las Vegas State Tree Nursery with City Forester Brad Daseler to see how a productive nursery was built from scratch to grow quality stock and educate partners and the public. You’ll also learn how Las Vegas addresses the challenges of growing trees in a hot, dry climate where species selection and quality are critical. The tour continues to the Springs Preserve, a 180-acre cultural site and botanical garden at the original Las Vegas springs, showcasing diverse desert-adapted habitats.
Urban Orchards: Using Tree Benefits to Address Food Insecurity
Capacity: 100
(Details subject to change.)
With mild weather, abundant sunshine, and relatively few pests and diseases, fruit trees grow surprisingly well in the Las Vegas Valley. On this tour, you’ll learn how fruit trees in parks, gardens, and community centers provide shade, cooling, and a healthy local food source. Several organizations have partnered to establish fruit trees in food deserts, building on decades of research to plant and manage the best varieties for the region. The tour includes visits to a community food forest project and the University Demonstration Orchard in Las Vegas, where you’ll learn how resilient, productive varieties are selected for the desert environment.
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