Clark County Wetlands Park Hosts Discovery Day to Promote Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Development

Event Overview

Clark County Wetlands Park organized a community-focused “Discovery Day” event on Saturday at the Wetlands Park Nature Center. The event was free and open to all age groups, featuring a variety of indoor and outdoor activities designed to engage participants with local ecosystems and wildlife.

Activities and Engagement

• Live encounters with desert creatures
• Crafts and interactive exhibits
• Opportunities for children to build wetland landscapes and create their own critters
• Presence of mascots Tommy the Turtle (Clark County Aquatics) and Mojave Max (Desert Conservation Programs) to entertain attendees
• Night walks and other outdoor explorations

Community and Partner Involvement

More than a dozen partnering organizations contributed suggested activities for families to enjoy throughout the summer. A total of 21 guest agencies participated, including representatives from Red Rock Canyon, Sloan Canyon, and local museums, enhancing community collaboration and environmental education.

Additional Amenities

• Ice cream tacos available for purchase from Happy Ending Chocolate
• Wetlands Park Nature Store open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering nature-themed gifts, apparel, books, and jewelry

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Goal 4: Quality Education

The Discovery Day event supports SDG 4 by providing inclusive and equitable quality education through interactive exhibits, live animal encounters, and hands-on activities that foster environmental literacy among participants of all ages.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Clark County Wetlands Park, as one of the largest urban wetlands in the Southwest, contributes to SDG 11 by preserving natural habitats within an urban setting, promoting sustainable urban development and enhancing community well-being.

Goal 15: Life on Land

The park is home to over 300 species of birds and 70 species of mammals and reptiles, including beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and snakes, aligning with SDG 15 by protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration with 21 guest agencies and multiple partner organizations exemplifies SDG 17, fostering partnerships that enhance environmental conservation and community engagement.

Park Operations and Visitor Information

1. The Nature Center operates Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering various programming activities.
2. Outdoor park areas are open daily from dawn to dusk.
3. For more information, visit the official website: Clark County Wetlands Park.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article highlights Clark County Wetlands Park as an urban wetland, emphasizing green spaces and community engagement in a city setting.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The park is home to over 300 species of birds and 70 species of mammals and reptiles, indicating biodiversity conservation efforts.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The event offers educational activities for all ages, including interactive exhibits and nature-related crafts, promoting environmental education.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Encouraging outdoor activities and community engagement contributes to physical and mental well-being.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 11.7 Indicator: Proportion of urban public spaces that are safe, inclusive and accessible.
2. SDG 15.1 Indicator: Forest area as a proportion of total land area; coverage of protected areas.
3. SDG 15.5 Indicator: Red List Index to monitor species extinction risk.
4. SDG 4.7 Indicator: Extent to which education for sustainable development is integrated in curricula and learning outcomes.
5. SDG 3.4 Indicator: Suicide mortality rate; coverage of mental health services.
6. Additional Implied Indicators:
   • Number of visitors participating in educational and recreational activities at the park.
   • Biodiversity metrics such as species count (300+ bird species, 70+ mammal and reptile species).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news3lv.com