Springs Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Springs Preserve |
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Springs Preserve, May 2019
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| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Area | 180 acres (73 ha) |
| Operated by | Las Vegas Valley Water District |
| Status | Open Year-round |
The Las Vegas Springs Preserve is a huge 180-acre park in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's a special place where you can explore nature and learn about the history of Las Vegas. The park is built around the original water source for the city, called the Las Vegas Springs.
At the Springs Preserve, you'll find beautiful desert botanical gardens, interesting museum exhibits, and outdoor areas for concerts and events. There's also an indoor theater, a gallery with old photos, and many walking trails that go through a wetland area. The Gardens at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, which opened in 1980, are now an 8-acre part of the Preserve.
Discovering the Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is a unique spot that teaches visitors about the desert environment. It shows how people can live in harmony with nature and use resources wisely.
A Look Back in Time
Work on the Springs Preserve started in 2005. Before that, a special sound wall was built to separate the site from a nearby highway. People also worked for many years to take care of and restore the natural springs and their water systems. The Springs Preserve officially opened its doors on June 8, 2007.
Green Living and Smart Design
The Preserve is a great example of "green building." It shows how buildings and areas can be designed to protect the environment. For instance, the parking lot is actually the roof of a large water storage tank. Also, many of the shaded areas around the park have photovoltaic cells. These cells use sunlight to create electricity for the entire site.
The gardens at the Preserve even use special vehicles that run on hydrogen. These vehicles get their fuel from a fueling station right there at the park, which is powered by the sun!
Exciting Exhibits and Trails
The Springs Preserve has many cool things to see and do:
- Origen Experience: This area has three fun, interactive exhibits. They tell stories about the Las Vegas Valley, showing how the area has changed from the past to today.
- Desert Living Center: This part of the Preserve has buildings that are designed to be very eco-friendly. It includes hands-on exhibits, learning opportunities, and a special lab for design. The center teaches people in Las Vegas how to save water and live in a way that helps the desert environment.
- Trails: You can walk on four different themed trails that cover more than 1.8 miles. These trails take you through beautiful landscapes and lead to a special wetland area.
- Springs Preserve Amphitheater: This is a cozy outdoor stage in Las Vegas. It's surrounded by museums and gardens, making it a great place for shows.
- Nevada State Museum: Inside the Preserve, this museum shows how Las Vegas grew over time. It also teaches about the natural history of the area, including its plants and animals.
- Nature Exchange: This small exhibit is perfect for kids, but adults can join in too! You can bring natural items you've found, like cool rocks or leaves, and trade them for other items. The more unique your item, the more "points" you get. It's a fun way to learn about nature. Remember, you can't trade items from national parks, state parks, or the Springs Preserve itself.
- Butterfly Habitat: Step into this special area and watch colorful butterflies fly freely around you. You'll learn about the plants they need to survive and how important they are for helping plants grow.
See also
In Spanish: Las Vegas Springs Preserve para niños
