Las Vegas Springs Preserve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 expected to open June 2007.
The Preserve was once home to bubbling springs that 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.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978, 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, have been open since 1980 on approximately two acres at 3701 W. Alta Dr., across the street from the Preserve site. The Gardens on Alta Dr. have closed to relocate plants to the new eight-acre site opening within the Preserve. During the relocation, the Gardens visitor center, located at 3701 W. Alta Dr., will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, excluding major holidays.
The Preserve will show 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 site is marked as Nevada Historical Marker 40.
[edit] 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 completion date of 2008.
