Got a project?...
The Conservation District of Southern Nevada is interested in building community partnerships to make Clark County a sustainable place to live. CDSN is seeking innovative environmental projects. Fill out our Project Partnership Form to work with CDSN on a sustainability project. Submission of the form does not guarantee partnership with CDSN. This form is for informational purposes only and no contract is implied. Projects selected for further evaluation is at the discretion of CDSN. We look forward to making Clark County sustainable with you!!
|
Weed Abatement
The Conservation District of Southern Nevada (CDSN) completed the Valley of Fire State Park (VOF) Tamarisk Removal Project in October 2009. A Water Conservation and Water Quality Improvement Grant was awarded to CDSN by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in 2005. CDSN managed this successful project that removed tamarisk from 99 acres of the VOF wash. The project consisted of two separate phases. The first phase treated 43 acres of Tamarisk in the VOF wash in 2005 and 2006. Phase two treated an additional 56 acres, and retreatment of phase one was also performed along the wash in the fall of 2008 by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT). Due to its numerous years in operation and effective control methods, the Lake Mead NRA EMPT is widely regarded as one of the best invasive weed control groups in the region. Because of this, the team is often solicited by other federal land management agencies, local governments and other entities. Exotic invasive plants destroy cultural and historical sites, increase fire hazards, deplete natural resources such as water, and they crowd out native vegetation. Tamarisk is listed as a noxious weed in the State of Nevada and its removal allows for more water for native vegetation and also prevents the spread of tamarisk to other areas. The VOF wash is a tributary to the Colorado River (Lake Mead).
|
Through the Eyes of Children Calender
CDSN and the Clark County Department of Air Quality & Environmental Management sponsored an annual conservation poster contest. Winning posters from each age group K-12 were used to create a conservation calender that was given away to schools and public agencies. The calender also highlighted different schools conservation achievements and provided conservation facts and tips.
|
 |
| 2008 Calender |
|
|
 |
| 2005 Calender |
|
|
 |
| 2006 Calender |
|
|
 |
| 2007 Calender |
|
|
Student-to-Student Outreach Program
CDSN developed this program to give students from Silverado High School the opportunity to teach younger students about air quality, water quality and the impacts to their health. This was accomplished through a series of songs, games, plays, informal discussion groups and giveaways.
|
Air Quality Lesson Kit for K-12 Teachers
CDSN partnered with the Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management in cooperation with DRI, as a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education, to offer Air Quality Science Kit boxes to all Nevada teachers who represent rural and urban districts, and private or public institutions. The science boxes were portable suitcases containing scientific specimens and/or multicultural artifacts for all school ages, designed to supplement the study of air quality throughout the State of Nevada. Each box also included background information, a description of the artifacts or specimens in the box, and sample lesson plans. Some boxes also included additional books or audiovisual resources and/or hands-on pieces. For more information on science boxes or how to order please visit the DRI website.
|
"The expertise and professionalism at the Conservation District of Southern Nevada has been invaluable in the design and production of the Department's dust campaign marketing tools. Working with the District, DAQEM has been afforded innumerable partnership and outreach opportunities within the environmental and academic communities."
-Ron Smolinski, Outreach and Education Coordinator, Clark County Department
of Air Quality and Environmental Management
|
BOR Subsurface Irrigation Pilot Project
This project was a joint venture between the Conservation District of Southern Nevada and the Clark County School District with funding assistance from the Bureau of Reclamation. The purpose of this project was to test the Environmental Passive Integrated Chamber (EPIC) irrigation system as a water-saving irrigation method in Southern Nevada. The subsurface turf irrigation system was installed on a 2.25-acre activity field at David Cox Elementary School in Henderson, NV in February of 2006.
|
 |
| Activity field during installation |
|
|
Clark County Cooperative Weed Management Area
CDSN, as a member of the CWMA, helped create and distribute an invasive weed educational film to Clark County science teachers that highlights the importance of biodiversity and local invasive weed management strategies. The CWMA submitted a 2005 Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program in partnership with the City of Henderson to research and determine the effectiveness of reducing or eliminating pre-emergent weeds in turf grass by applying corn gluten meal to turf areas in the City of Henderson parks. The group also joined with Partners in Conservation to develop a pilot program that provides community volunteers with weed identification skills and GPS training to generate functional invasive weed location maps. The maps assist in on-the-ground weed removal projects.
|
 |
| English Flyer |
|
| Pet Waste Management Program
CDSN worked with the City of North Las Vegas and the Stormwater Management Committee on a Pet Waste Management Program. Based on sampling, fecal coliform (pathogen bacteria) has been consistently measured as a pollutant in water drained from the Las Vegas Valley. Fecal coliform is a pollutant identified as a cause for concern among local entities who protect our water quality. The main source of fecal coliform is believed to be pet waste in urban storm water runoff. The Pet Waste Management Program is designed to reduce fecal coliform levels through public education and distribution of free pet waste scoops in the City of North Las Vegas.
|
 |
| Spanish Flyer |
|
|
"The Conservation District of Southern Nevada takes on projects with vigor and enthusiasm and sees the projects to successful completion. The "Do your Doody" campaign was a successful and creative campaign/project to educate residents to pick up pet waste and how that benefits the environment."
-Leslie Long, P.E., Technical Services Manager, City of North Las Vegas,
Utility Department
|
Detention Center Xeriscape Project
The Clark County Detention Center xeriscape project fixed a high water use area to create a more water efficient landscape. Master gardeners helped out to provide career training for crews of an honor camp prison. The project was funded through a Nevada Division of Forestry and the US Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry grant.
|
 |
| Clark County Detention Center |
|
|
|
|
North Las Vegas Civic Center Gardens
CDSN and the City of North Las Vegas teamed up with community partners to create the Civic Center Conservation Gardens at the CNLV City Hall Complex. The project entailed converting a turf intensive landscape to a conservation demonstration garden. It encourages the City of North Las Vegas' residents and visitors to use effective landscape techniques for the desert southwest using best management practices relating to soil, air, wildlife, plants, trees, water and energy. A main trail and secondary pathways lead visitors through creative residential landscape designs showcasing specialty themes and gardens.
|
|
|
Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking (EMPACT)
The EMPACT program was an initiative of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EMPACT took a new approach to working with communities to collect, manage, and present environmental information. This information was then made available to individuals in the community so they could make informed day-to-day decisons. CDSN launched a local website under the EMPACT program. The website was functional in the early 2000's as it made environmental information available to residents. Real time data on local air quality, water quality, and weather conditons were provided. CDSN developed a users guide that assisted the public in accessing the information. Having met the program's goals, the EMPACT program ended in 2001 and grants for the program are no longer available.
|
 |
| Plaque Attack Poster |
|
|
Stormwater Plaque Attack Campaign
CDSN organized a kick-off for the Campaign in October 1999. CDSN distributed SPAC educational materials at Earth Day events in April 2000. Plaques were installed above storm drains to remind residents that the wash channels bring unfiltered water to Lake Mead, our local drinking water source.
|
 |
| Stormdrain Plaque |
|
|
Muddy River Habitat Restoration Project
This Project was determined by the Army Corps of Engineers to be successfully completed in June of 2000. The project satisfied requirements for Muddy River's mitigation of the riparian area, through eradication of tamarisk and revegitation with native species such as mesquite, sumac, acacia, cottonwood, willow, and various shrubs and grasses. CDSN developed an information report booklet that describes the lessons learned from the project.
|
 |
| Volunteers plant trees and shrubs |
|
|
 |
| Pollution Prevention Activity Funbook |
|
| Pollution Prevention Project
The District partnered with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, Clark County Comprehensive Planning, Clark County Health District, and UNLV to form the Pollution Prevention (P2) Team. The P2 Project objectives promote pollution prevention by providing education materials and promoting the proper disposal of household hazardous wastes. The Team participated in National Recycle Day in November 1997 and distributed P2 materials at Earth Day events in April 1998.
|
Paint-a-Drain Campaign
CDSN partnered with the City of Henderson to implement the "Paint a Drain Campaign". During a volunteer stenciling event in November 1997, approximately 20 volunteers stenciled the message "Don't Pollute! Drains to Lake Mead" on 90 storm drains in Henderson. Volunteers distributed brochures to residents to further teach them about proper disposal practices. CDSN also recruited over 100 volunteers through an on-going volunteer stenciling program, in which an additional 212 storm drains were stenciled. The project was funded through a Nevada Division of Environmental Protection 319 Clean Water Act grant. The National Park Service and the Bureau of Reclamation donated graphic and print services for 10,000 book covers, which were distributed to elementary students in Henderson.
|
 |
| Painting the drain |
|
|
 |
| "Don't Pollute Drains to Lake Mead" |
|
|
 |
| Aerial View of Boulder City Wetlands |
|
|
Boulder City Wetlands Project
In 1996, CDSN assisted Boulder City with the construction of wetlands to create a native species habitat, improve wastewater quality, and provide opportunities for education and recreation. The Nevada Division of Forestry's (NDF) Forest Stewardship Program awarded the District grant funds to create interpretive trail signs and an educational brochure for the project.
|
Virgin River Tamarisk Removal Workgroup
The CDSN teamed with landowners, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to form the Virgin River Tamarisk Removal Work Group. The Group addresses tamarisk control along the Virgin River, which includes areas in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. The Group planned to implement tamarisk removal demonstration projects on private land and develop a tamarisk management plan for the Virgin River. The Group implemented a pilot project at a burn site on the Muddy River, which included conducting a soils study and re-vegetation efforts in 1996.
|
|
