A look back at Wash projects and events in 2009
As the new year begins, it is a good time to look back at the many substantial improvements seen in the Las Vegas Wash. Members of the Las Vegas Wash Project Coordination Team continue to move forward on projects that enhance the Wash, with volunteers always playing a major role. Several events in 2009 showcased the local community's commitment to preserving and enhancing Wash habitat.
In January 2009, an early 1900s milk house, also referred to as a root cellar, was mapped, disassembled and relocated to the Clark County Museum. The milk house came from the cultural site associated with the construction and excavation of the Lower Narrows and Homestead Weir project in 2008. The relocation was a cooperative effort between the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee, Bureau of Reclamation and Clark County. The Milk House is currently being stored at Clark County Museum awaiting reassembly and display to the public.
On March 21, the 14th semi-annual Wash Green-Up covered 7.5 acres and drew more than 350 volunteers. More than 2,160 plants were added at Downstream Pabco North. Seeding was incorporated into this event for the first time, resulting in large stands of sunflowers as well as other flowers planted by volunteers. October saw the largest planting event ever with the 15th semi-annual Wash Green-Up. Approximately 1,000 volunteers planted a 28-acre site at the Clark County Water Reclamation District and 6,137 plants became part of the Wash.
Although there were no implosions in 2009, material from previous events were used for the DU Wetlands No. 2 Weir bank protection. Materials came from the Westward Ho Casino and demolition of Clark County Water Reclamation District tanks. Referred to as 'riprap' and used to stabilize Wash channels, rubble from those facilities joined remnants of several other demolition structures used in various projects throughout the Wash. This practice has proven to be invaluable to the development and protection of the Wash, serving as an example of sustainability to future generations and neighboring cities.
Outreach events continue to play a major role at the Wash. Although many annual “Earth Day” events were not held in 2009 due to the economic downturn, “Party for the Planet” at Mandalay Bay, Clark County’s “Earth Day Rendezvous” and “What on Earth Day” at the Springs Preserve played a part in the increased interest and concern for our community. The partnership between the Wash and Mabel Hoggard Matjh and Science Magnet School moved forward by reviving the native plant greenhouse and nursery. Students continue to tour the Wash and become “scientists for a day,” and now have even more of a “hands on” experience by collecting cuttings, planting, watering and caring for native plants. Once mature, the plants will be part of restoring riparian and wetland habitat in the Wash.
With habitat remaining a central focus along the Wash, biologists completed their first report on terrestrial invertebrates at the Wash in 2009. The study involved collecting and identifying insects at 10 locations along the Wash and showed that revegetated areas are preferred over areas dominated by the invasive salt cedar. Biologists also continued bird surveys, including those for the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and Yuma clapper rail. No resident willow flycatchers were detected in 2009, although three migrants passed through the study area. Yuma clapper rails were surveyed as part of our secretive marsh bird study and while no clapper rail were identified, other target species were recorded. including the least bittern, Virginia rail and sora. The avian point count study entered it's fifth year and has now identified more than 170 species using Wash habitats. Staff initiated an aquatic bird count at weir sites along the Wash to identify the waterfowl, shorebirds and other water-loving birds that are using the increased aquatic habitats created by the Wash stabilization program.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our partners and community, the project continues to move forward. A complete year-end report for 2009 will be available in April.