The Gardens at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve
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The Gardens at the Springs Preserve, (8 acres) are desert botanical gardens located at 3701 West Alta Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada. The gardens are open daily, except holidays. There is no admission charge to view the gardens.
The gardens contain over 300 species of desert-compatible plants arranged in a dozen gardens, and are designed to teach water conservation through water-efficient landscaping. Garden staff offer free classes, demonstrations and expert advice.
The Springs Preserve is the site of a natural oasis. Over 10,000 years ago, springs broke through the desert floor, creating grassy meadows (called las vegas by Spanish explorers). American traveler John C. Fremont camped at the springs in 1844, but 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.
The Springs Preserve consists of 180 acres dedicated to nature walks and displays, in addition to the garden; these additional areas are expected to open in 2007.
