Nevada State Museum enhances Springs Preserve

Just south of U.S. Highway 95 at 333 S. Valley View Blvd., the Springs Preserve includes 180 acres on the site of the historic springs that created a lush oasis in the Mojave Desert. Early Spanish explorers named the area of springs, creeks and wetlands Las Vegas, or “the meadows” in Spanish. The abundant artesian water that created the oasis was depleted as Las Vegas grew, but the Springs Preserve creates a cultural oasis.

As property long fenced off by the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the site escaped the urban development that now surrounds it. The acreage provided space for a unique kind of park.

The Springs Preserve demonstrates principles of sustainable living in harmony with our environment. Buildings meet “green” construction standards.

The philosophy of wise use of limited water resources in the desert underpins all facilities, programs and activities in the complex. Water use is apparent, but none is wasted as its continual reuse is built into systems.

Passive solar use principles apply in the way buildings and activity areas are oriented. Solar power is generated on-site inconspicuously, such as the solar panels installed atop structures shading the main parking area.

Landscaping throughout the preserve demonstrates diverse and even lush effects possible with the use of native plants, drought-tolerant species and specific flowers, fruits and vegetables that can adapt to the desert.

The Nevada State Museum building blends seamlessly into the handsome complex of existing buildings at the Springs Preserve. The museum long ago outgrew its building in Lorenzi Park. After an extended construction period, the museum finally relocated to the Springs Preserve in October. The 70,000-square-foot structure includes a generous 13,000 square feet of exhibit space. The museum’s exhibits enhance the Southern Nevada emphasis of other museums in the complex and expand the research to include the rest of Nevada.

Unfortunately, the new Nevada State Museum reflects the realities of the state’s current depressed economy. Because of cutbacks, the museum is open just four days a week, Friday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Springs Preserve remains open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but sees more visitors on weekends. Its gardens and trails open to members at 8 a.m., and its trails remain open until 6 p.m. or dusk, whichever comes first. Its cafe and gift shop are accessible without paying admission.

Visitors cannot go to the preserve just to see the Nevada State Museum. It does not have a separate ticket but is included in general admission ticketing or as a perk of membership in the Springs Preserve support association.

Nevada residents pay about half as much for admission as nonresidents. For residents, general admission is $9.95, $8.95 for seniors and students and $4.95 for youngsters ages 5 to 17. Children under 5 are admitted free. The admission fee gives access to all areas of the park, entrance to many regular programs and reductions in tickets for most special events or fees for classes.

Those who frequently visit the Springs Preserve save money by becoming preserve members. Individual annual memberships cost $25, paid for in a little more than two visits for an adult. The family annual membership fee of $60 covers entrance fees for two adults and two children. There are also annual single companion fees of $20.

Information about tickets and upcoming programs is available at springspreserve.org. Learn about upcoming activities that might interest you, such as bike rentals for exploring trails, weekly farmers markets, a traveling NASA space exhibit and gardening skills demonstrations.

Margo Bartlett Pesek’s column appears Sundays.