Vegas’ Green Gamble

Just 3 miles from The Strip is one of southern Nevada's most ambitious (and enjoyable) commitments to conservation.

Spring/Summer 2026 Issue

BY BRIANA BRADY
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPRINGS PRESERVE

The middle of the Las Vegas desert is the last place you’d expect to find an oasis like the Springs Preserve.

Built around the original water source for the Las Vegas Valley, this garden-like complex shows off a side of the city that offers more than casino-resort entertainment. This is where visitors can recharge, be inspired, and leave eager to plan their next visit.

There’s as much to do as there is to learn, making this the perfect gathering place for curiosity, culture, and community. Whether you’re planning a museum outing with the kids, a peaceful hike among native plants, or a workshop on sustainability, the Springs Preserve invites you to slow down and rediscover the desert.

mojave garden at the springs preserve in las vegas nv — Mojave Garden

two boys running on trails at the springs preserve las vegas — Springs Preserve Trails

History Meets Sustainability

Opened in 2007, the Springs Preserve sits on the historic Las Vegas Springs, which supported Native American communities for thousands of years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the site preserves the “birthplace of Las Vegas,” a legacy that is honored across the grounds. Here, the long history of the valley is on full display, from prehistoric wetlands to Indigenous cultures, frontier settlements, and the modern metropolis.

While the Springs Preserve works to honor the valley’s past, it is equally dedicated to looking toward the future. Each space inside the preserve is designed with eco-conscious living in mind, offering visitors a glimpse of the challenges a desert city faces in a changing climate while offering innovative solutions to sustainable growth.

These emerging technologies are literally built into its daily operation, from timeless design principles—north-south facing windows, passive ventilation, and green roofs—to innovative features like a biofiltration system recycling water for use in flush toilets and plant irrigation. Across campus, more than 2,200 photovoltaic panels are used as shade, generating clean energy in the process—some of which is utilized for on-site EV charging stations. Even the Preserve’s hydrogen-powered utility vehicles are doing their part for a greener future.

Natural Discoveries

Sustainability at the Preserve goes beyond its Platinum LEED certification. Every space is designed to protect the environment while inviting nature lovers of all ages to connect with the desert oasis.

Botanical Gardens

This award-winning garden is home to the world’s largest collection of Mojave Desert cacti and succulents. The botanical gardens also highlight sustainable and regional plants—including gardens dedicated to herbs, roses, and palms—as well as local wildlife. Many of the native plants were rescued from development sites and transplanted to ensure genetic authenticity.

Trails

More than 3.5 miles of winding trails meander through cienega wetlands, mesquite groves, and archaeological sites—all of which give visitors a peek into the landscape’s ecological origins. Don’t feel like walking? Ride the train on the main Exploration Loop Trail, which is a ton of fun for adults and kids!

Butterfly Habitat & Wildlife

The Butterfly Habitat, which is open during spring and fall, is a great exhibit for all ages who want to get a closer look at monarchs, painted ladies, blue morphos, and other flying pollinators. Outside of the Butterfly Habitat, there are 250-plus native wildlife species, from birds and butterflies to Mojave Max, Nevada’s official state tortoise, to keep an eye out for.

Nature Exchange

The Nature Exchange allows visitors to trade rocks, leaves, and other treasures from the outdoors for points, which are assigned based on quality, rarity, and knowledge of the item. This program encourages young naturalists to explore, observe, and appreciate nature through responsible and ethical collecting. Some of the natural finds include rocks, minerals, plants, and insects.

Exhibits For Every Generation

The Butterfly Habitat and gardens are just the beginning of what visitors may discover at the Springs Preserve. No matter what you enjoy, from hands-on science to living history, there’s an exhibit for everyone.

Origen Museum

Explore the valley’s story through more than 75 permanent exhibits. Favorite stops include the storm flood simulation chamber and an early-20th-century passenger car—complete with gossiping animatronics. The museum also includes an indoor theater, which features a short video of the valley’s history.

Boomtown 1905

Ready to take a trip to the past? Head to the train station to catch a quick ride over to Boomtown 1905 and explore a re-created early streetscape of Las Vegas, including railroad cottages, a depot, and a saloon. You can even try sending a message in Morse Code using a telegraph machine.

Nevada State Museum—Las Vegas

Located on-site at the Springs Preserve, this museum is home to countless state treasures ranging from dinosaur and mammoth fossils to exhibits dedicated to showgirls and Hoover Dam.

Recharge at the Springs Cafe for delicious sandwiches, burgers, salads, and desserts featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Paired with the panoramic garden views below, this stop makes for a perfect break between adventures.