2008 Spring Green-Up

It was a bright day Saturday March 8, 2008, and more than 450 volunteers for the spring Green-Up donned hats and sunscreen in preparation for an afternoon of planting.  A 5.5-acre site near the Historic Lateral Weir was the venue the event.  After checking in, volunteers enjoyed a delicious lunch before dispersing into the field.  The invasive weed salt cedar plagues waterways throughout the western United States.  A successful event would mean integration of 2,000 native plants in the Las Vegas Wash (Wash), to replace salt cedar.  Ongoing efforts to clear salt cedar from the Wash are essential to promote establishment of native plant species. 

Site Supervisors demonstrate for volunteers.	Hard working volunteers.

This event was filled with return volunteers like Boy Scout Pack 99, Las Vegas Kids for Saving the Earth and Boy Scout Troop 256, but also some new groups.  Caesar’s Palace Green Group was in full force as well as the Clean Water Coalition.  After volunteers had lunch, Project Team staff explained the overall plan for revegetation at the Historic Lateral Weir, and demonstrations were conducted by site supervisors to help expedite successful plantings.  Moreover, to ensure that participants matched the right plant with the appropriate hole, a colored coded system was used.  For example, a green flag at a hole signaled that a brittlebush plant, should be planted there.

Volunteers gather to check-in.

Volunteers disburse to planting sites.

Site Supervisors demonstrate for volunteers.

Due to the abundance of dedicated and determined volunteers, planting went smoothly.  As Project Team staff answered questions about wildlife and restoration at the Wash, work at the site progressed.  Near the end of the event, it was clear that volunteers and organizers achieved success.  With a little initial help from supplemental irrigation, the site will grow into valuable habitat for native birds and lizards.  Revegetation also helps to stabilize Wash banks.  Thanks again to residents of the Las Vegas Valley for helping with this event.  Because of your effort, the Wash will remain an inspiring stage for desert flora and fauna.  For more information about the Wash, continue to visit www.lvwash.org.

Brittlebush plant.

Young volunteers proud of their work!

Young volunteers work hard too!

Volunteers and Site Supervisors work together.

Volunteers dig in deep!

Volunteer hard at work!