Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/198558
interlopers try to lighten our load on the environment, technology and economics are often at odds with protecting wildlife, as solar facilities weigh the pros and cons of building on untouched lands. But new projects, like the Mandalay Bay Convention Center's massive solar array, are encouraging, as they place solar panels on existing buildings. "That is a great story for this city," says Moore. "It's a no-brainer in a place like Las Vegas. Every industrial rooftop, every shopping mall, every condo and apartment complex should have solar." The bottom line: Man isn't going anywhere, and neither is nature. "It's a very fine line that we walk in order to preserve natural habitats for the wildlife that live here and to accommodate the people who live here," says VanHorn. "In order to be stewards of our valley, we want to give our wildlife options and we want to consider migration patterns. We need to set an example for our children as well, so that we can show them there is a possibility of cohabitating here." Adds Moore, "An economy that is fundamentally built on growth is a house of cards. I think we have to be much more creative in how we live, especially in harsh environments like the desert. We can't pretend it's a tropical forest in Bali. It is a harsh environment that's also very fragile. We need to treat it like that." V WALK WITH THE ANIMALS Where to see Las Vegas's native wildlife. Springs Preserve Located on 180 acres in the heart of the city, at the site of the area's original springs and meadows, this is a great place to learn more about the Mojave Desert and the origins of Las Vegas, via exhibits, gardens, and trails. Look for more than 100 species of birds—including several types of hummingbirds—plus lizards, white-tailed antelope, ground squirrels, and, if you're lucky, a gray fox or two. springspreserve.org Mount Charleston The cooler, greener climes on the upper slopes of this 11,916-foot peak recall the Sierras. Mule deer and mountain lions share this ecologically distinct sky island surrounded by the harsh Mojave, with unique blue butterfly species and the Palmer's chipmunk found only here. gomtcharleston.com Clark County Wetlands Park This recently opened 2,900-acre park on Las Vegas's far east side features 13 miles of hiking trails and is home to approximately 212 species of birds and more than 70 species of mammals and reptiles. Look for quail, roadrunners, multiple types of dragonflies, and the odd coyote. clarkcountynv.gov Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Just west of the city, Red Rock offers ample trails winding through its breathtaking scenery, plus picnic areas and plenty of turnouts along the 13-mile scenic loop road. Keep your eyes peeled for the Cooper's hawk, a variety of lizards, the chorus frog—and snakes. redrockcanyonlv.org Vegas Valley Rim Trail (coming soon) This ambitious project is the brainchild of the Outside Las Vegas Foundation. When it's complete, more than 100 miles of trail will be available for both hiking and biking, linking users to numerous recreational areas. outsidelasvegas.org Most Las Vegas– area scorpions are small (up to about two inches long), but all can be rather intimidating. 106-109_V_F_JimMoore_Nov13.indd 109 10/23/13 10:35 AM