The City of Henderson's Project GREEN (Green Valley Ecology, Environment, and Nature), is a 2.5 mile habitat restoration program located between Arroyo Grande Boulevard and Pecos Road along the Pittman Wash, with an entrance directly behind the Silver Springs Recreation Center.  The project area is an underdeveloped and unprotected natural area that carries floodwater from the mountains south of Henderson, to the Las Vegas Wash, and ultimately into Lake Mead. 

Earth Day 2008

 Habitat Restoration and Information Booths

Project Goal
The goal of the five-phase project is to protect and restore one of the few remaining large areas of natural habitat  in the Green Valley area.  The restoration of the Wash will result in a useable resource that will enhance the entire community.

Phase 1     Phase 2     Phase 3     Phase 4     Phase 5

Project Objectives
Replace Tamarisk with native plant species Reestablish native riparian habitat Develop recreational trail for community enjoyment

On November 5, 2002, Nevada voters approved the Conservation Initiative, commonly known as Question 1, which provided for the issuance of $65,500,00 in general obligation bonds.  $7,250,000 was allocated for the construction of recreational trails.

Through the State of Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Division of State Lands Question 1 Grant Program, the City of Henderson Public Works Department was ultimately awarded a total of $292,140 for design and construction of trails, project signs, and other amenities.

The Conservation Fund, through the generous support of the Eastman Kodak Company, awarded Project Green a $1,000 grant for the purchase of plants and trees.  This award is one of only 47 groups awarded nationwide for innovative local efforts to preserve and enhance the natural environment.

Funding Restrictions
Grant monies come with restrictions on how they can be spent and what they can be used for.  Among other things, Question 1 grant monies cannot be spent on tamarisk removal, irrigation, or new plants and trees, all of which are major components of Project GREEN.  Sponsors help through their generous contributions of goods and services.

Steering Committee
The Project GREEN Steering Committee was formed to help make design, funding, and maintenance decisions and is made up of volunteers from the community.  Support is provided by City of Henderson Public Works staff as well as volunteer technical advisors.

Steering Committee Meeting are the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

The  Steering Committee is always looking for motivated volunteers to:

• Participate in trail development, planting, clean-up, funding, or long-term maintenance
• Coordinate volunteers
• Coordinate planting and clean up
• Distribute information
• Spread the word and encourage others to become involved
• Recommend how grant money will be spent
• Research funding opportunities

Increased public involvement has had the added benefit of reducing vandalism in the wash.  Please volunteer today!

Before		After

Take a walk in the Wash
While the flow of water is normally small, the growth of noxious weeds, especially tamarisk (also known as salt cedar), has been abundant.

The tamarisk provides shelter to vagrants, collects trash, and interferes with the growth and lifecycle of native plants and animals in the Wash.

Eradicating the Tamarisk is a key component to the success of reestablishing the natural habitat in the Wash.