|
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.
|
|
 
Looking to have fun in the summer but want to escape the heat? Join us for Discovery Day on Saturday, June 28 from 10 am to 1 pm. The activities will be held indoors to help residents beat the summer heat. We're bringing the outdoors in! No advance registration is needed for this free event.
Discovery Day is open to participants of all ages. Highlights include encounters with live desert creatures, crafts and activities, and a full range of interpretive and interactive exhibits. Mascots Tommy the Turtle and Mojave Max will share in the fun.
Inside the Nature Center, kids will enjoy spinning a wheel to match their animal’s footprint, building a wetlands landscape, and creating a critter. Partnering organizations will offer suggested activities families can do all summer with their kids. Ice cream tacos will be available for purchase from Happy Ending Chocolate during the event.
The Wetlands Park Nature Store will be open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, where shoppers can find nature themed gifts, apparel, books, jewelry and more. For additional information, visit events.ccwetlandspark.com.
|
|
Haunt the Wetlands:
Friday, October 24
Join us for our annual kid-friendly, family Halloween event, Haunt the Wetlands on Friday, October 24 from 4 pm to 8 pm, and discover the eerie side of nature. Tickets are required for this event. More information to come on our website events.ccwetlandspark.com.
Visitor Appreciation Days: Friday, November 28 &
Saturday, November 29
Our visitors make our programs possible, and we're eager to show our gratitude! Bring your family and friends and join us on Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29 from 11 am to 1 pm for Visitor Appreciation Days after Thanksgiving. We'll have fun activities for all to enjoy. Free, no registration required. More information to come on our website events.ccwetlandspark.com.
|
|
|
 New regrowth thriving in burned areas of Wetlands Park Nature Preserve. Photo KP ©Wetlands.
On March 31, April 9, and June 9, the Clark County Wetlands Park experienced three fires. We'd like to thank the Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, Henderson Fire Department, and federal and state agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nevada Department of Forestry. Their coordinated efforts prevented the fires from spreading further.
In response to these fires, National Park Service crews planted over 250 ash trees in the burned areas of the Nature Preserve to rehabilitate the habitat. These trees were grown from seeds collected from Wetlands Park a few years ago, so we are happy to welcome them home! Thank you to Lake Mead's Invasive Plant Management Team for their commitment to aiding in the recovery of this area that means so much to us, the wildlife, and the public.
|
You can help prevent future fires by following Park rules. By obeying Park rules, you are respecting the Park and helping to keep everyone safe.
-
No open flames. Barbequing, grilling, campfires, and cooking are not allowed in the Park. Fires, stoves and fireworks are prohibited at all times.
-
No smoking.
To view a comprehensive list of Clark County Wetlands Park rules, please visit our Park Rules and FAQs webpage here.
|
|
 Wetlands Park staff preparing for a safe outdoor exploration by familiarizing themselves with the trails, wearing long sleeves, sunglasses, hats, and bags. Supplies should include essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. Photo KP ©Wetlands.
As the Las Vegas Valley transitions into the summer season, we'd like to remind the public to consider a few factors before visiting.
- Bring bottled water or a reusable water bottle. Drinking fountains can be found at the Nature Center, Neighborhood Park trailhead restrooms, Nature Center parking lot restrooms, and the Duck Creek trailhead.
- Wear comfortable clothes for walking, long sleeves, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and closed-toe shoes. Visit the Nature Store located in the Exhibit Gallery of the Nature Center during our hours of operation, Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm, to purchase any essentials you may need before your outdoor exploration.
- Always check weather reports before venturing out into the Park. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
|
|
 Unbound Art Exhibit Reception in the SONGallery on May 17. Photo ©Wetlands.
French for "outdoors," plein air painters today continue a rich tradition in art history of painting nature from direct observation. This practice allows the artist to capture more of what it actually feels like to be surrounded by nature: the warmth of the sun, branches swaying in the breeze, or the sound of water.
Every spring, local artists are invited to paint or draw en plein air at Wetlands Park during our annual Wetlands Art Day event. 25 artists that participated in this event were invited to the 3rd Annual Plein Air Invitational titled Unbound. Unbound includes a variety of media and is now on display through July 24 in the Spotlight on Nature Gallery (SONG) located in the Exhibit Gallery of the Nature Center, Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm. To view a list of participating artists, please click here.
Juror Bethsabee Nieves Barboza presented the following awards at the art exhibit reception on May 17.
Best in Show: "Vern's Pond" by Narz De La Rosa
Honorable Mention: "Last Ray of Sunset" by Jimmy Todacheeny
Honorable Mention: "My Daily Walk" by Pam Lopez
Honorable Mention: "The Watcher" by Pat Gombarcik
Photo: "Vern's Pond" (above) by Narz De La Rosa.
|
 Nature Inspired by Caryl Hepker Art Exhibit Reception in The Nest gallery on May 24. Photo ©Wetlands.
Wetlands Park is excited to host Nature Inspired, an art exhibition by Clark County Wetlands Park volunteer Caryl Hepker. Caryl has been a volunteer at the Park since 2019. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from Southern Illinois University. Nature Inspired includes some of her earlier work in weaving and other media, as well as Wetlands inspired recent works of art.
Visit The Nest gallery located in the Information Kiosk of the Nature Center to see Hepker's fascinating work now through July 27 during our hours of operation, Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm.
|
Wetlands Park has a current Call for Art for the 4th Annual Juried Exhibition, “In the Company of Animals,” to be in the Spotlight on Nature Gallery (SONG) from August 2 through November 1, 2025. This show celebrates the presence animals bring to wetlands and other environments: their natural grace, wisdom, and connection to place. Deadline to submit is Tuesday, July 15. To learn more about the scope of the project and to submit an application, please click here.
Coyote Photo by: Philip Martini
|
Stay Up to Date with Art News at Wetlands Park
Click here to subscribe to our art email list to receive notices of calls for art, scheduled exhibitions, and other art news at Clark County Wetlands Park.
|
|
 Stalking Twilight attendees learning about bats at Wetlands Park. Photo ©Wetlands.
Embark on your artistic journey this summer in a Studio WP Art Program. Kids can get creative through painting, drawing, or plaster and clay in a Nature Art for Kids and Kids Create class. Is watercolor your preferred medium? Take part in our Watercolor Painting for Adults classes. Interested in exploring different artistic mediums? Join us for Water at the Wetlands: A Summer Art series, a set of art classes for adults that touches on mediums including monotype printmaking, charcoal drawing, and sculpture.
Join us in celebrating pollinators through games and crafts for Pollinator Party on Saturday, August 2! To continue pollinator education, families can plant a flowering shrub and take it home to watch it grow. Red Rock Audubon Society presents their Nature Ambassador Program at Wetlands Park this summer where youth will explore Mojave Desert birds, plants, and insects.
Have you ever wanted to experience the Park at night? Accompany a park naturalist on a Discovery Walk and learn about the bats of Wetlands Park. Eager to learn more about nocturnal animals? Adventure on a full moon walk to discover night creatures during Stalking Twilight on Saturday, August 9.
Be our guest for Wetlands in the Summer: Evening Lecture Series presented by Wetlands Park Friends.
|
|
 Wetlands Park volunteer, Marsha, painting en plein air on Wetlands Art Day. Photo ©Wetlands.
One of the greatest gifts volunteers give is their time for the benefit of the Park. We appreciate our volunteers and their dedication to making a positive impact. Marsha Gladding is one such volunteer. We were able to catch up with Marsha and ask her about her experience as a volunteer at Wetlands Park.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I moved to Orange County when I was 12 years old. I had several jobs throughout my life, including working in finance, over the period of 30 years. I retired and moved to Las Vegas about 15 years ago.
How long have you been volunteering at Wetlands Park? Since 2013.
How did you come to volunteer at the Wetlands? After moving to Las Vegas, I was looking for places to walk and see birds. On my first walk at Wetlands Park, I saw a yellow bird in one of the trees and instantly became fascinated by it. Growing up in Southern California, I never saw yellow birds. When Wetlands Park advertised that they were recruiting volunteers, I knew I wanted to become one so that I could go back to see that yellow bird again.
What kinds of things do you do during a typical volunteer shift at Wetlands Park? When I first started, I worked in the Exhibit Gallery greeting visitors. I enjoy working there because I can engage with people. Now I volunteer as an Information Host in the Information Kiosk where I greet people, provide resources like maps to help visitors with wayfinding and recommend places to visit, and tell them about our upcoming programs and events. Now that it's starting to warm up, I also make sure people have water and are prepared to explore the Park.
Why do you like volunteering at Wetlands Park? Being a volunteer is perfection, easy, and fun! It fulfills me because I get to help people, and I'm sharing my love for nature and the Park with them.
|
What advice would you give someone interested in volunteering at Wetlands Park? Keep it fun! Find a role that fits you best and stick to it. Whichever role it may be, it must be fulfilling. Find something that fulfills you, and that you like to do, and share it with someone.
What is your favorite spot in the Park? The first overlook closest to the Big Weir Bridge- that is where some of my most "iconic" paintings take inspiration from.
Photo: Northern Flicker (top left) by Marsha Gladding. Big Bridge at the Wash (bottom right) by Marsha Gladding.
|
|
|
Volunteers Needed! Wetlands Park is seeking volunteers in all areas including environmental education, visitor services, and outdoor stewardship.
Is volunteering at Wetlands Park right for you? The first step to becoming a volunteer is to attend a Get Involved at Wetlands Park class. You'll learn about Wetlands Park, volunteer opportunities, and the process to become a Clark County Wetlands Park volunteer. Youth age 12 and up may volunteer with a guardian.
Get Involved at Wetlands Park
Sign up at volunteer.ccwetlandspark.com
|
|
|
 American Bullfrog (invasive species). Photo by Philip Martini.
|
|
 Baja California Treefrog (native species). Photo ©2002-2025 Jim Boone. birdandhike.com
|
 Woodhouse's Toad (native species). Photo ©2002-2025 Jim Boone. birdandhike.com
|
|
Leapers & Crawlers: Exploring Frogs and Toads
Although frog and toad are often used interchangeably, there are differences between the two amphibians. A few notable differences between the two amphibians are their physical appearances, habitat preferences, and egg shapes.
Frogs have more colorful, smooth skin that needs to stay moist and therefore prefer environments near still water like ponds, lakes, and marshes whereas toads are duller in color and have dry, warty skin that helps them to conserve water in drier habitats. Frogs use their long, powerful legs to leap but toads will hop and crawl using their shorter legs to move around on land. Frogs generally have a slimmer body shape and pointed noses while toads have a stocky body shape and a broader nose. When frogs lay eggs, they will do so in a grape-like, gelatinous mass in the water unlike toads that lay their eggs in a chain-like, floating strand structure.
At Wetlands Park, you'll likely see an American Bullfrog, the largest species of frog in the U.S. weighing over a pound and growing up to eight inches. Bullfrogs’ diet consists of a variety of smaller animals from birds to other frogs. Due to its overambitious appetite, the American Bullfrog is considered an invasive species at the Park as it displaces and outcompetes native frogs and toads. In addition, female bullfrogs have a startling high reproductive capacity and can lay up to 20,000 eggs at a time whereas native frogs, like the Baja California Treefrog, only lay up to 750 eggs at a time. Male bullfrogs have a deep croak used to attract mates and declare their territory. Their croak has been described as sounding like a mooing cow, hence the “bull” in its name.
You may also encounter the Baja California Treefrog, a native frog to the desert southwest. Males exhibit more of a green to dark gray appearance while females are gray and brown. Interestingly these frogs can change the color of their appearance based on their environment’s air temperature and humidity which also aids in camouflaging them from predators like bullfrogs and snakes. During the day, this frog will wait for flying insects to enter its line of sight before lunging its sticky tongue to catch its prey. The Baja California Treefrog makes the classic ribbet vocalization.
Woodhouse’s Toad is a medium sized toad measuring 2 to 5 inches in length. This terrestrial toad is native to the desert southwest and prefers to be in proximity to streams, ponds, and wetlands as they will return to the water to breed. These toads are opportunistic feeders and delight primarily with small insects but will also eat spiders, bees, and scorpions.
Visit Wetlands Park for an opportunity to hear the iconic sounds these amphibians produce!
|
|
 White-tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel. Photo submission by Geoffrey Newell.
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
|
|
Wetlands Walkers is a self-guided program for individuals looking to reach personal fitness goals while walking in the beauty and serenity of nature. Participants walk the trails in the Park, track mileage, and earn rewards at milestones. Walk with friends, family, or on your own. Reward notifications are issued once a month via email. Anyone can join!
As a group, walked mileage is tallied to reach a yearly goal matching the migration distance of one of the Park's visiting species. In 2025 the Walkers are recognizing the Green Darner Dragonfly, which annually migrates approximately 5,700 miles over multiple generations. As of June, the Walkers' mileage is 3,170! To learn more about the Wetlands Walkers program, the annual species, to sign up, or to log your miles, please visit our website, walkers.ccwetlandspark.com.
Wetlands Park offers monthly guided walks which make it easy and fun to earn miles. Visit programs.ccwetlandspark.com to sign up for an upcoming guided walk.
Upcoming Guided Walks (Walker membership not required but pre-registration is)
Discovery Walk: Bats Friday, July 11, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Stalking Twilight Saturday, August 9, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm (registration coming soon)
|
|
|
Educator, Translator, & Navigator
The Wetlands Park Navigator mobile app is brought to you with support of Wetlands Park Friends. Download the mobile app through Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The Navigator provides content including tours, maps, directions, and other Park information in English, Spanish, and Tagalog.
|
|
|
|
|
|
