Today in Las Vegas Magazine

It's So Easy Being Green

This place is a long-time coming, dating back to about 5,000 years ago, in fact. It was re-discovered in the early 19th Century, when Spanish traders forged a path that became known as the Old Spanish Trail, and christened this “Las Vegas,” which means “the meadows” in Spanish.

In the years that followed, the Las Vegas Springs welcomed tra-velers, traders, explorers and settlers – all of them drawn by one common denominator: water from the springs. In an effort to entice many to stay and settle, land near the springs was purchased by the railroad, which created the town site. Acquiring the water rights with the land (the water powered the steam locomotives) the Las Vegas Land & Water Company was established, though today it is now called the Las Vegas Valley Water District.

It has remained relatively untouched, until a year ago, when this National Historic Site evolved into a $250 million world-class attraction. Perhaps attraction may not be the right term, for although it’s impressive, it also stays true to its nature of preservation, and is leading the way in energy and environmental design.

It’s a place designed to give back to the community and everyone – young and old, will have many a favorite spot to claim. The Preserve is home to walking trails, gardens, a children’s play area, galleries and interactive exhibits. The walking trails and gardens are free to the public, but history buffs and older children will be drawn to the Origen Experience. Comprising three historic museum galleries, it’s guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment for the older generation – with various historical facts and trivia and interactive displays. Kids can be mini-explorers, and they will not want for something to keep them occupied – either outside, in the lizard habitat and rabbit burrow; in the People of the Springs Gallery, or the New Frontier Gallery housing numerous interactive video games and activities for the young.

The Desert Living Center is home to more galleries, an amphitheater and the gardens. Be forewarned though, that the preserve sits on 180 acres, so you need to carve out a substantial amount of time in your day to explore. Once there, especially if you are with children, you may find that a couple of hours is not enough time – and you would be right. We suggest you make a half-day of it and enjoy all that it has to offer – from the walking trails, to the exhibits, interactive displays, the gift shop and the Springs Café.

The best part of the Springs Preserve is it’s proximity to the Strip – mere minutes away from the corner of Charleston and Las Vegas Boulevard. For the more adventurous, CAT bus 104 stops at the preserve and taxis are readily available, though it may require advance planning on your part to book the return trip.

Although the original Las Vegas Springs, which was the lifeblood of the valley’s early settlers, is no longer flowing, its spirit and history is forever captured in this little oasis in the desert, right in the heart of Las Vegas.

-Rachel M. Sugay