|
Clark County Wetlands Park
preserves and enhances natural and cultural resources and provides educational, recreational, and research opportunities for the public.
|
|
Thank you for subscribing to Wetlands Park Footprints newsletter. Share with your friends and let us know what you think at wetlands@clarkcountynv.gov. |
|
 Flood water blocking an overlook path at Wetlands Park (left). Flood water cascading downstream the Las Vegas Wash within Wetlands Park (right). Photos by Rebecca Jones ©Wetlands.
The Las Vegas Valley received a significant amount of rainfall over the course of several days in September. Wetlands Park consequently sustained damages. Some Park trails remain closed while we continue clean up and repairs. In the meantime, we ask for Park visitors to be cautious and vigilant while visiting our Park.
|
|
 Spooky spider at Haunt the Wetlands. Photo ©Wetlands.
Get lost in our Spooky Maze and Story Walk available for the entire month of October during daylight hours. Our maze of reeds will contain a self-guided story walk and decorations for all Park visitors to enjoy.
The month ends with our annual kid-friendly, family Halloween event, Haunt the Wetlands, planned for Friday, October 27 from 4 pm to 8 pm. Discover the eerie side of nature in a Creatures of the Night walk, wander through the eerie Spooky Maze of reeds decorated to thrill and delight, and encounter live animals. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes. Please note that this is not a trick-or-treat event. Tickets are required (ages 0-3 free).Tickets are $6 in advance and $10 on the day of the event. Visit events.ccwetlandspark.com to purchase your tickets online, or buy in-person at the Nature Store.
|
|
 It's official, the Spotlight On Nature Gallery (SONG) is now open. Photo ©Wetlands.
Friendly Pollinators: Free to Fly
Wetlands Park is pleased to present Spotlight on Nature Gallery's second art exhibition, Friendly Pollinators: Free to Fly, featuring Bobbie Ann Howell. Howell holds a Bachelor and Master's of Fine Arts and has been fine arts faculty at multiple universities. Her artwork is in public and private collections and exhibited in regional and national exhibitions. The art show includes drawings and cut paper compositions inspired by the birds, butterflies, bees, moths, and families whose free movement across the landscape is vital to each of us. The public is invited to a reception held on Saturday, October 7 from 1 pm to 3 pm. The gallery is located in the Wetlands Park Nature Center adjacent to the Nature Store. The art exhibition will be available for viewing from September 6 to October 22.
On Saturday, September 16, Bobbie Ann is offering a free Snowflake Camp Cut Paper Workshop from 10 am to 1 pm for ages 8+. Advance registration is requested. View Bobbie Ann’s Friendly Pollinators art exhibition and learn about this beautiful art form in a hands-on workshop.
|
|
|
2022 Audubon Photography Awards Traveling Exhibit
Winning photos were chosen from almost 50,000 entries in the annual National Audubon Society Photography Awards Contest. Learn more and see bonus video at Audubon.org.
Thanks to Red Rock Audubon for bringing the Awards Show to Wetlands Park.
|
The Nest is located in the Wetlands Park Nature Center in the Information Kiosk. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday,
9 am to 3 pm. No admission fee.
|
|
|
Call for Artists
Wetlands Park is inviting artists to uncover the interconnectedness within the Park's environment. Artists are invited to delve deep into the concept of roots - both metaphorically and literally - as a symbol of ground, resilience, and unity. Wetlands Park is seeking ten (10) professional artists or art teams to create temporary sculptures to be exhibited in the Nature Preserve from November 4 through November 30. This is a fantastic opportunity for artists to create thought-provoking and visually stunning installations that inspire Park visitors to consider their own connection to the environment. Visit our website for more information on the scope of the project and how to apply. The deadline to apply is Thursday, September 28.
|
|
|
 Volunteer, Alfredo Miranda, at Wetlands Park. Photo ©Wetlands.
Passionate volunteers are priceless. They are the heart and voice of Wetlands Park. Alfredo Miranda is one such volunteer. We were able to catch up with him to find out what it is that keeps him coming back year after year.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. I arrived in Las Vegas in 1974 and fell in love with the town. I worked for the Las Vegas Convention Center for 27 years, and even though I lived in the area for so long, I didn’t know about the Wetlands Park. When a co-worker told me about the Park, I came out to see it and fell in love with it immediately. I told my wife, “This is my place!”
How long have you been volunteering at Wetlands Park? Since 2021. I asked about volunteering in 2020, but because of the pandemic, I had to wait until it was safe to volunteer. I did my first hour of Wetlands Watch on May 22, 2021. Since then, I come out at least three times a week in the mornings and haven’t missed a Wetlands Hands On event.
How did you come to volunteer at Wetlands Park? The co-worker who introduced me to the Park was also a volunteer here. He told me that he rides his bike on the trails and likes to volunteer to help the Park.
What kinds of things do you do during a typical volunteer shift at Wetlands Park? I’m more than happy to come and visit the Park, walk around the trails, see the birds, coyotes, turtles, and, of course, the people. I like to greet people and say a few words as they enjoy the Park. I enjoy these brief conversations with visitors because I can share with them my love for the Park; it comes from inside. I also love helping with parking for special events.
Why do you like volunteering at Wetlands Park? I like to see the wildlife and plants of the Park. I love seeing things grow. Mostly, I love being part of the Wetlands Park family and sharing friendly banter with both staff and visitors.
What advice would you give someone thinking about volunteering at Wetlands Park? Join the family! I tell anyone who wants to be a volunteer how to get started: by talking to staff. A coworker told me about this place, and I’ve told another coworker about it, and he decided to become volunteer too!
What is your favorite thing about Wetlands Park? It’s hard to choose a favorite. I love the whole Park. I love exploring around the trails and different areas of the Park.
Thank you, Alfredo, for your commitment and passion towards the Wetlands Park.
We appreciate you!
|
|
Volunteers Needed! Wetlands Park is seeking volunteers, especially Information Hosts in our Nature Center and Education Facilitators for school field trips.
Is volunteering at Wetlands Park right for you? The first step to becoming a volunteer is to attend this informational class about the Wetlands Park, volunteer opportunities, and the process to become a Clark County Volunteer.
Saturday, September 16, 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Sign up at volunteer.ccwetlandspark.com
|
|
|
 Close-up of a Great-horned Owl's fierce gaze (left) by Philip Martini. Silhouette of a Great-horned Owl perched on a tree branch at dusk (middle) by Philip Martini. A Great-horned Owl perching on a tree branch in daylight (right) by Julie Jay.
Nature Close-up: Great-horned Owl
The sun is setting at Wetlands Park; the leaves are crisp and gently sway to the ground where they crunch under your boots. As you tilt your head back to look above you, you catch a glimpse of grey feathers. You hear a soft but notable hoo-h’Hoo and are certain the sound belongs to an owl. Moments later, you’re captivated by piercing yellow, round eyes. Undoubtedly, you’ve just walked into a Great-horned Owl’s territory.
Great-horned Owls are fierce predators and can be found across North America. At Wetlands Park, these birds are year-round visitors. These owls are notable for their astonishing appearance consisting of large ear-like tufts and massive yellow eyes. Their eyes provide excellent night vision, a useful trait for these nocturnal hunters. Their broad and rounded wings are coated with soft and lightweight feathers that allow this predator to fly quietly among the trees, sneaking upon their prey with no warning of their presence. The owls in the Southwest are paler and grayer with tawny-colored faces. Great-horned Owls favor a wide variety of forest habitats but can be spotted in the desert and urban areas. Their diet is extremely diverse and ranges from insects and fish to small mammals and other birds. The owls utilize their razor-sharp talons to sink into their prey. Remarkably, their talons are so powerful that when clenched, a force of 28 pounds are required to pry them open.
The next time you’re exploring the Park’s many trails, try to spot this amazing raptor hidden in the tall cottonwoods. That is, if they don’t spot you first.
|
|
 Wetlands Explorer kids learning about 'Birds of Prey'. Photo ©Wetlands
Fall brings WP Art Programs, Discovery Walks, Outdoor Stewardship Events, and kids' programs like Nature Tales, Wetlands Explorers, & Sunday Storytime. View our September Program Guide or our calendar. To learn more about all our programs and to register, visit programs.ccwetlandspark.com.
|
|
 Cattails in the Middle Ponds, August 2020. Photo submitted by Jon Drake.
Have you taken a photo in Wetlands Park that you would like to share? Want to see your Wetlands Park photo featured in an upcoming newsletter?
Submit your high-resolution photo(s) to: wetlands@clarkcountynv.gov Include your name, date, and location of the photo.
Post about it on Social media!
#CCWetlandsPark
#CallforWPphotos
|
|
 Take a Walk at Wetlands and Join the Club
Walking is good for one's physical and mental health, and a walk in nature is even better! Wetlands Walkers, a group of health and nature-oriented individuals, track their miles whenever they walk Park trails and earn rewards at various milestones.
Wetlands Park Discovery Walks make it easy and fun to earn miles.
Upcoming Discovery Walks (Walker membership not required)
Java Jaunt Birding: Saturday, September 23, 8:00 am to 10:00 am
The Road Less Traveled: Sunday, October 8, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Java Jaunt Birding: Saturday, October 21, 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Healing Power of Nature: Sunday, November 12, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Java Jaunt Birding: Saturday, November 18, 8:00 am to 10:00 am
As a group, their mileage is tallied to reach a yearly goal matching the migration distance of one of the Park's visiting species. In 2023 the Walkers are recognizing the White-faced Ibis and have a collective goal of trekking 4,000 miles.
Where might you spot a white-faced ibis at Wetlands Park? Try Tropicana Wash, Las Vegas Wash, or the Mitigation Wetlands at Duck Creek Trailhead.
As of September, our mileage is 3,523 miles. Can we collectively reach 4,000 miles by the end of the year? Join Wetlands Walkers to make it happen.
To learn more about the Wetlands Walkers program, the white-faced ibis, to sign up, or to log your miles, please visit our website, walkers.ccwetlandspark.com. Please visit programs.ccwetlandspark.com to sign up for a guided walk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
