An Evening of Connection, Action, and Fun
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LAS VEGAS, NV — Taking place near the proposed East Las Vegas Monument, the 10th annual Nevada Public Lands Day Block Party observed a single-day volunteer event dedicated to public lands. This year touched upon the modern challenges facing Nevada’s public lands: extreme weather, policy challenges, and resource extraction. Bringing together everyday Nevadans, conservation advocates, and Tribal leaders for an evening full of family fun and collective action. Speakers included Regina Norte, a member of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe; Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev.; and Warren Graham, chairman of the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe.
Barbara Hartzell, Member of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe and Executive Director of Indigenous Voices of Nevada, issued the following statement:
“Today was a joyful extension of all the precious moments Public Lands can inspire. We are proud to work alongside partner organizations to create a space filled with fun, education, and action within the greater East Las Vegas community. It is important, now more than ever, that we stay fully informed, civically engaged, and hopeful for the future. We recognize that Nevada’s families are forced into impossible decisions with the reality of skyrocketing costs and extreme weather, but what is happening cannot be normalized.
“The alarms are ringing, and every one of us can act. These lands are our home and our responsibility. As Indigenous people, that responsibility is a cornerstone of our way of life. Since time immemorial we’ve known—these lands will only take care of us as well as we take care of them. The Silver State’s unique, diverse, and flourishing landscapes are a direct result of centuries of grit and love. From protecting sacred sites like Avi Kwa Ame to uniting against reckless data centers, we have proven to be more than capable. This Nevada Public Lands day was a celebration of all that hard work, and a promise to continue the fight.”
Olivia Díaz, Mayor Pro Tem, issued the following statement:
“I am proud of the many community-based partners and neighbors that joined us to celebrate our public lands today! As the representative for one of the areas with the highest heat island index in southern Nevada, I am grateful to everyone that is contributing to raising awareness and helping us address this challenge. I invite everyone to get engaged with the various efforts championed by our partners and our city-led initiatives, like our Free Tree Program for residents living in our hottest zip codes.”
Kristee Watson, Executive Director of Nevada Conservation League, issued the following statement:
“What happened here tonight is what protecting public lands actually requires: neighbors, Tribal nations, elected officials, and advocates showing up together, in the same room. Our role at the Nevada Conservation League is to carry that energy into the spaces where decisions get made, from state agencies to Washington, so protections like the proposed East Las Vegas National Monument move from proposal to law. This turnout tells every decision-maker that Nevadans are paying attention and are not backing down.”
Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Institute for a Progressive Nevada, issued the following statement:
“Each Public Lands Day we are reminded of how precious Nevada’s public lands are. From hiking and fishing to bringing our children to parks and enjoying the outdoors, Nevadans cherish these spaces as places to connect, explore, and build memories. We must continue working to protect and preserve our public lands in the face of efforts to sell them to the highest bidder. Today’s celebration reflects our community’s commitment to keeping these treasured lands accessible and protected for generations to come.”
Daisy Ambriz Peres, Native Habitat Operations Manager at Get Outdoors Nevada, issued the following statement:
“Today showcased the beautiful partnership of our community and reminded us that public lands are an important part of who we are: places where people, wildlife, and native flora can coexist and thrive.
Public lands belong to all of us, but we are not the only ones who depend on them. They are also the home to our non-human neighbors, the native plants and wildlife that make Nevada so intrinsically unique. It is imperative that we continue to be stewards of these lands, care for them, and advocate for their continued and expanded protection so these landscapes can remain natural, accessible, and thriving for generations to come.”
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ABOUT NEVADA PUBLIC LANDS DAY: Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event dedicated to public lands. Our 10th annual Nevada Public Lands Day was held at Gary Reese Freedom Park, near the proposed East Las Vegas National Monument. This year, we’ll spotlight how BIPOC communities are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis and share actionable steps for making a difference. We’ll also provide important information about ongoing climate initiatives and efforts to protect Nevada’s public lands and cultural heritage for a day of community, advocacy, and monumental impact.