Summerlin desert cleanup set for Oct. 20, volunteers needed

The Howard Hughes Corp. , developer of the 22,500-acre Summerlin master-planned community, has joined forces with several local government and environmental organizations to host the first Southern Nevada valleywide community beautification project in honor of Make a Difference Day.

Individuals and corporations interested in supporting the various projects are encouraged to visit www.donttrashnevada.org.

The Howard Hughes Corp. desert cleanup event will be held 8-10 a.m. Oct. 20 in an undeveloped area of Summerlin South, at the far western end of Maule Ave., about one-half mile west of Fort Apache Drive near Faiss Middle School, 9525 W. Maule Ave.

Volunteers are needed to sweep the area and remove any trash items that impact the safety and aesthetics of the desert environment. Sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants and gloves are strongly recommended. Water will be provided.

This cleanup event marks The Howard Hughes Corp's. fifth desert cleanup in two years and the third cleanup in this area. More than 370 tons or 740,000 pounds of trash were removed during previous events, demonstrating the severity of illegal dumping in the Las Vegas Valley.

"We're proud to partner with other organizations that share THHC's (The Howard Hughes Corp.'s) passion for the environment," said Tom Warden, the company's senior vice president of community and government relations. "Illegal dumping is a valleywide issue that needs valleywide attention. Our combined efforts will contribute to the safety and beauty of our Southern Nevada home while increasing awareness about the environmental and social perils of dumping."

Valley residents are encouraged to act as wardens of state litter laws and contact the Southern Nevada Health District at 702-759-0600 when they witness violations. The day, time and license plate number is required to report an incident, and a photograph helps but is not necessary. A reward program is currently in place for reports that result in a fine.

"We can all do more to protect the health and safety of our community," Warden said. "Illegal dumping affects the well-being of our residents, animals and the environment. There's absolutely no reason for it."

For additional information about Summerlin's desert cleanup event, visit www.summerlin.com or www.donttrashnevada.org.

Contact the Southern Nevada Health District at 702-759-0600 for additional information on illegal dumping and state litter laws.

Developed by The Howard Hughes Corp., Summerlin began to take shape in 1990. For the past two decades, it has been ranked in the country's top 10 best-selling master-planned communities by regional and national research firms.

Located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin encompasses 22,500 acres with about 6,600 acres still remaining to accommodate future growth within the master plan.

The community is currently home to more than 100,000 residents.

Amenities include more than 150 neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 miles of the Summerlin trail system, 26 public and private schools, 14 houses of worship, nine golf courses, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities and business parks.

Homes are available in a variety of styles - from single-family homes to townhomes, condominiums and lofts - priced from the low $200,000s to more than $1 million.

Custom-home sites in The Ridges are priced from the high $200,000s.

Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the $800s.

For more information on Summerlin, visit www.summerlin.com or www.facebook.com/summerlinlv.