Nicodemus Wilderness Project
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NWP Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists - Las Vegas Wash, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

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Las Vegas Wash, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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nreigh



Registered: August 2007
City/Town/Province: Las Vegas
Posts: 1
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I helped reintroduce native plants to the Las Vegas Wash, a critical area of our valley where rain water drains into Lake Mead. Here in Las Vegas wetland vegetation has decreased from 2,000 acres to just 200 acres over the past 30 years. These plants help hold topsoil together, "polish" the water as it drains into the lake, and provide habitats for over 300 species of fish, birds, and wildlife. So far, the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee has replanted 50 acres of wetlands with thousands of trees and shrubs and the help of volunteers like me. Each spring and fall, we gather together at a given location to remove invasive vegetation, dig holes, and plant fresh, native flora on a few acres of otherwise barren land.
This particular event was held in the south end of the valley, nearest to the lake. We arrived early in a vain effort to beat the heat. There were hundreds of people of all ages, genders, and races, all ready to work together. After taking part in a delicious group lunch provided to us by a local restaurant, the work began. The thousands of trees and shrubs were placed at several stations throughout the area, and the volunteers were divided into groups and assigned to a station where the planting would take place. At first it seemed impossible that we would be able to plant all those trees, even with as many people as were present, but after a short while the stations began to empty and the land began to turn green. It was a difficult task, especially in the desert sun and heat, but it was immensely gratifying to return to the area months later to see the lush ecosystem that has resulted from our effort.
· Date: August 5, 2007 · Views: 8395 · File size: 15.9kb, 36.4kb · : 640 x 480 ·
Hours Volunteered: 6
Volunteers: 200
Authors Age & Age Range of Volunteers: Various
Area Restored for Native Wildlife (hectares): 7
Native Trees Planted: 3000
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