The Springs Preserve goes back to the future
In Spanish, Las Vegas means “the meadows.” While these days it may be a desert out here, the recently opened Springs Preserve is living proof that Las Vegas’ history is definitely not dry.
A 180-acre cultural and historical attraction, Springs Preserve, known as the birthplace of Las Vegas, exists on one of the natural springs that Las Vegas was once home to that dried up in 1962. The site endeavors to teach visitors about Las Vegas’ past, once abundant with water, and to think about the future. As Jesse Davis, public relations manager for the Springs Preserve notes, Las Vegas is here because of water and that in order to move forward with the city’s future, it’s necessary to appreciate its past.
The Springs Preserve, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is administered by the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the agency that manages the city's water and promotes conservation. Home to entertainment, exhibits, galleries, trails, and gardens that provide recreational and educational opportunities to visitors it’s a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip.
Through its many aspects, a key component of the Springs Preserve is education for both kids and adults alike. There is the Origen Experience, an area designed to teach visitors about the early inhabitants that made the springs in the Las Vegas Valley their home. There is also the Natural Mojave Gallery, which features interactive exhibits that explore the geological history of the Mojave Desert and the formation of the Las Vegas Valley and the springs.
The People of the Springs Gallery includes 33 exhibits focusing on the cultural history of the Springs Preserve and the development of Las Vegas while the New Frontier Gallery offers 13 different video games and activities that educate people about Las Vegas and the principles of sustainability. The latter houses an exhibit of live desert wildlife, including lizards, snakes, Gila monsters, bats, desert cottontail rabbits and more.
Another main goal of the Springs Preserve is educating people about conservation and preparing for the future. That is the mission of the Desert Living Center, a complex of five buildings and 43 exhibits that also offers, events and activities that demonstrate the benefits of recycling, conservation and alternative energy.
Also on the grounds is the eight-acre The Gardens at Springs Preserve, which is a wonderful place to walk through and learn about desert vegetation. For those who enjoy hiking, four trails featuring interpretive displays of the cultural and environmental history of Las Vegas wind through the picturesque venue.
In addition, there is a kids’ playground built to resemble a desert canyon, the Springs Café operated by Wolfgang Puck, a gift shop, classes, entertainment and more.
- by Bobbie Katz, Las Vegas Reporter for HelloMetro
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