Escape to the Springs Preserve in August 2010

Come see the family side of Las Vegas with indoor summer fun for all ages

For Immediate Release: Jul 22, 2010

KIDS ONLY

Night at the Museum
It's Saturday "night at the museum" fun for kids only! Parents can drop off their kids (ages 5 to 12 only) at the Preserve for a safe night of entertainment, including a Disney movie and a guided scavenger hunt. Guests also will have full access to all interactive games and exhibits at the Preserve's Origen Experience, including the outdoor animal exhibits. Snacks and a pizza dinner will be served. Saturday, Aug. 14, 6 - 10 p.m. $25. Includes dinner. Purchase advance tickets online or in person by August 12.

FAMILY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Don't Touch!
Join us in the Nature Exchange to explore the sensory cues species send out to tell us to steer clear-and to survive in a harsh desert. Saturday, Aug. 7, 10:30 a.m.- noon; Sunday, Aug. 8, 1:30 - 3 p.m. $8 adults, $6 children 5-17; members take $2 off.

Eat with Care
Honey collectors risk bee stings, and berry pickers face thorns! Join guest chef Bianca from Whole Foods Market to see, touch and taste tricky-to-get treats. Saturday, Aug. 8, 1:30 - 3 p.m. $8 adults, $6 children 5 - 17; members take $2 off.

"Peak" Fun with REI
Even hot Mojave summers don't slow down lizards, snakes and tortoises! Come to the Nature Exchange for crafts, fun and games about these scaly desert denizens. Saturday, Aug. 14, 1:30 - 3 p.m. Free for members or included with general admission.

Natural "Ouch" Remedies
If your family's outdoor summer fun comes with dry skin, sunburns or bug bites, we've got a cure - natural remedies you can make at home! Thanks to Whole Foods Market for our supplies. Saturday, Aug. 21, 1:30 - 3 p.m. $8 adults, $6 children 5 - 17; members take $2 off.

First Aid for Families
Learn how to treat minor injuries that can occur as your family explores the desert, and how to pack your compact first-aid kit. Ages 6 and up only. Saturday, Aug. 28, 1:30 - 3 p.m. $8 adults, $6 children 5 - 17; members take $2 off.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Unnatural History
Unnatural History presents an illuminating look at how people witness wildlife and how civilization could be impacted by our changing environment. The exhibition features the work of two different artists portraying animals in various man-made settings. Don Simon's fantastic, colored-pencil imagery and Richard Barnes' photographs of natural history museum dioramas inspire contemplation about man's impact on our natural world. On display through Sept. 12, 2010, 10 - 6 p.m. daily in the Big Springs Gallery in the Origen Experience. Free for members or included with general admission.

Springs Preserve Photo Contest
In its third year, this contest showcases the best photos taken within Nevada that illustrate the Preserve's mission to "inspire communities to sustain our land and embrace our culture." On display through Oct. 17, 2010, 10 - 6 p.m. daily in the Patio Gallery. Free for members or included with general admission.

SMART LIVING: HOME AND GARDEN

Go Solar
Let experts from Bombard Renewable Energy show you how you can have an $8 power bill every month via NV Energy's SolarGenerations TM Rebate/Net-Metering Program and other financial incentives for solar power. Bring your most recent power bill (both pages) for a free power-bill analysis! Thursday, Aug. 12, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Free. Pre-registration not required.

Drip Irrigation
In just 3 hours, learn how to design a drip-irrigation system, select and assemble components and install it yourself. Experts from the SNWA Conservation Division share tips. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2 - 5 p.m.; Thursday Aug. 19, 6 - 9 p.m. Free. Pre-registration is recommended due to limited space - call 822-7705.

Sustainable Pantry: Fantastic Fruit
Fresh seasonal fruit enhances any dish-from salads and sauces to decadent desserts. Chefs from the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck share tasty recipes using the freshest fruit available. Wednesday, Aug. 18, 6 - 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Cost per class is $30 members, $35 nonmembers. To reserve your space call 822-7786.

Introduction to Energy Conservation
Slash your energy bills while doing something good for the environment. Join NV Energy to learn about programs that help you save energy and money at home. Thursday Aug. 19, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Free.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Springs Preserve Admission Prices:
General admission cost for Nevada residents is $9.95 for adults, $8.95 for students, seniors, teachers and military, $4.95 for children ages 5 - 17, kids 4 and under are free. Springs Preserve Value Memberships are $25 for individuals or $60 for a family, which includes annual access for two adults and all dependent children under the age of 18 within the same household. Donor level memberships are also available. Memberships are good for one year from the date of purchase and include additional benefits outlined on the Springs Preserve website. Admission for nonresidents adults is $18.95, $17.05 seniors, students and military, $10.95 for children ages 5 - 17, kids 4 and under are free. Cost for admission to special events and classes vary and can be found at www.springspreserve.org.

About the Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre national historic site that is the original oasis of Las Vegas and a beacon for a sustainable future. Located three miles from the Strip, the Preserve provides indoor and outdoor experiences that enrich, educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Indoor experiences include two exhibition galleries dedicated to showcasing art of local and national significance in 8 - 10 exhibits annually, on-site technologically advanced learning centers, over 300 state-of-the art interactive museum exhibits and an immersive theater experience. Outdoor experiences at the Preserve include 8-acres of botanical gardens, a series of walking trails leading to historical structures and a restored wetlands, live desert wildlife exhibits, a child's play area, and a 1,800-seat amphitheater. Celebrating the diversity of Las Vegas culture, the Preserve offers events and educational programming that enhance every season of life in the Mojave. Award winning LEED Platinum architecture and water smart desert landscaping highlight the Preserve's dedication to sustainability.

Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), hours vary for classes and special events. Gardens and trails close at 6 p.m. or dusk (whichever comes first.) The Springs Preserve is located at 333 So. Valley View Blvd. Visit www.springspreserve.org for additional information or call 702-822-7705.