Spring means visit to Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

One of my favorite places in the Las Vegas Valley is the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary. The eight-acre sanctuary, located at 8103 Racel St. in northwest Las Vegas, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Gilcrease is a fun place to take kids but it's really a joy for anybody who has an interest in animals, especially birds.

When you enter Gilcrease, it doesn't take long to forget you're in Las Vegas. Birds of all kinds are everywhere, most of them in cages, of course. Some of them, presumably trained by past owners, will talk to you. Other animals also are to be found, including goats in a small petting zoo.

Spring is the best time to visit. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $5. Kids get in for $1.

Gilcrease is a worthwhile excursion now, but it's about to become even better. An anonymous donor has given the sanctuary $500,000 to make improvements and expand its educational programs. What a great gesture from whomever gave the money.

If you want to learn more about Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary, the Review-Journal's Centennial View neighborhood section recently published a nice story about it. Check it out here.