Creation of a cienega at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas Nevada

Background/Question/Methods

A new wetland habitat is being created in a functioning 25-acre flood detention basin on the Springs Preserve near downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The Springs Preserve, a new cultural, educational facility was opened in June 2007. The objective of the wetland project is to recreate the original springs system that occupied the site until it dried up in the early 1960s. The new 7-acre wetland has already added much needed wetland habitat to southern Nevada and will be an important exhibit to teach the public about the importance of desert wetlands. The construction of several ponds and a stream, and initial planting of vegetation occurred in Fall 2003. In addition to the wetland, several other plant communities are being established in the basin including a cottonwood-willow corridor, an acre of wet meadow, three acres of mesquite bosque, three acres of mixed Mojave shrub, and 11 acres of saltbush scrub. The basin includes a public walking trail nearing two-thirds mile long and an educational station that educates the public about the importance of desert wetlands and the functions of wetlands including the improvement of water quality.

Results/Conclusions Since the initial planting, many additional plants as well as animal species have migrated to the site including 31 birds, five mammals, one reptile, and numerous invertebrates. Bird species have included white-faced ibis, peregrine falcon, ruddy duck, black-crowned night heron, and great and snowy egrets. Mammals have included grey foxes, bobcats, antelope ground squirrels, and Western pipistrelles and Brazilian free-tailed bats. The coachwhip snake has also been sighted. Besides additional plantings of native vegetation, future projects in the basin include wildlife-observation decks and bird blinds. Maintenance issues such as mosquito and invasive plant control, and cleanup after flood events have been successfully addressed. Several research projects including plant and animal monitoring and a water quality study have been initiated by Springs Preserve scientists. Since opening, thousands of local residents and visitors to Las Vegas have toured the Cienega and have walked away with an increased understanding about desert wetlands.