Earth Day activities set at Springs Preserve, Red Rock

Earth Day is officially recognized today in keeping with the tradition set by its founder, Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970, but events to mark the occasion will be held Saturday at Springs Preserve and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Both events are free and open to the public.

Dubbed, "What on Earth Day," the event at Springs Preserve from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday will feature a science and art fair, Earth Day olympics, scavenger hunts, performances and special tours.

Springs Preserve is a 180-acre national historic site at 333 S. Valley View Blvd., at Meadows Lane between Alta Drive and U.S. 95.

At Red Rock Canyon's Red Spring Picnic Area in Calico Basin, visitors can learn how to adopt a more "green" lifestyle, from following examples of development of the Summerlin community to conserving energy and water.

"The green movement is gaining in strength and momentum. It's becoming more of a priority for developers across the nation, and more and more residents are looking for ways to contribute to the cause," said Tom Warden, senior vice president of community and government relations for The Howard Hughes Corp., which is Summerlin's developer.

The event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Red Spring Picnic Area also will feature interactive children's activities, interpretive hikes, fire safety tips, and Dutch oven cooking demonstrations.

The Red Spring Picnic Area is off state Route 159, four miles west of the Las Vegas Beltway.