Scotty and I decided to take advantage of the fabulous Las Vegas weather and venture to a new part of town. We headed north towards something called The Springs Preserve. It is a 180-acre "adventure" (as the pamphlet says) that features a detailed look at the geological and biological history of Nevada, interactive exhibits that focus on sustainable living solutions, and a botanical garden with a wide range of desert plants. Well, we all know how I feel about botanical gardens (especially ones attached to chocolate factories), so this was a trip three years in the making.
And I have to say, it was very, very interesting. I love the fact that this type of institution finally exists in Vegas. It is refreshing to see movement for a more 'green' desert in a place where conservation, in my opinion, is not a priority. (I'm sorry, but it really is the wild west out here some days.) Vegas also seems to always get reprimanded for a lack of culture (although one could argue that you cannot not have culture, in a rather post-modern fashion), and while this isn't technically a museum or art exhibit, it's certainly closer to the mark than most.
And Scotty and I loved it. We liked it so much we bought a year pass. (Brian, are you reading this?) We didn't get a chance to check out many of the exhibits since it took us almost 45 (death-defying) minutes on the 15 to get there (and one wrong turn on Charleston which landed us on...Commerce? Commerce? I locked the doors). Nap time was closed in quickly, but it is definitely worth many future visits.
The trails were especially neat, although I reject the idea of a trail if you can see the entire area you are walking in. I call that more of a path. But there are over three miles of "trails" and with our new year pass, we can get in early to walk (8am instead of the normal 10am). This might be a fun option for the summer months, since I'm wracking my brain on a daily basis as to what I'm going to do with a nine month old all day long in 120 degree weather.
And in typical "this is my child" form, out of everything at the park, what did Scotty like the most? The exhibit about recycling? The desert lizards? The pear cacti?
No, he loved the artificial grass the best. Check it out.
And I have to say, it was very, very interesting. I love the fact that this type of institution finally exists in Vegas. It is refreshing to see movement for a more 'green' desert in a place where conservation, in my opinion, is not a priority. (I'm sorry, but it really is the wild west out here some days.) Vegas also seems to always get reprimanded for a lack of culture (although one could argue that you cannot not have culture, in a rather post-modern fashion), and while this isn't technically a museum or art exhibit, it's certainly closer to the mark than most.
And Scotty and I loved it. We liked it so much we bought a year pass. (Brian, are you reading this?) We didn't get a chance to check out many of the exhibits since it took us almost 45 (death-defying) minutes on the 15 to get there (and one wrong turn on Charleston which landed us on...Commerce? Commerce? I locked the doors). Nap time was closed in quickly, but it is definitely worth many future visits.
The trails were especially neat, although I reject the idea of a trail if you can see the entire area you are walking in. I call that more of a path. But there are over three miles of "trails" and with our new year pass, we can get in early to walk (8am instead of the normal 10am). This might be a fun option for the summer months, since I'm wracking my brain on a daily basis as to what I'm going to do with a nine month old all day long in 120 degree weather.
And in typical "this is my child" form, out of everything at the park, what did Scotty like the most? The exhibit about recycling? The desert lizards? The pear cacti?
No, he loved the artificial grass the best. Check it out.
Amazed Bear
He couldn't get enough of the stuff. He even protested a little when we left.
We have to go already?
I think my favorite part is that while walking on the path, er, trail, you can actually still see the skyline of the Strip hotels. Only in Vegas.
Desert Conservation Bear
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