Vegas Springs Preserve Scores Lion's Share Of Nevada's $42 Million Trails Cash

Nevada is about to get a major outdoor upgrade, with state officials announcing Wednesday, June 10, 2026, that $42 million in fresh funding is headed to recreation and conservation projects across the state. The biggest single check is going to the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, where the money will back a new science center and a Colorado River exhibit. The rest of the package is spread across trail construction, river and wetland restoration, and wildfire mitigation work in rural counties, with officials saying the investments are meant to boost outdoor access, support local economies and repair landscapes damaged by fire and invasive species.

The awards were rolled out by Gov. Joe Lombardo's office and the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, according to News3LV. More than $29.5 million of the total comes from the department's Conserve Nevada Program, including over $19 million for the Springs Preserve Origen Museum's new science center and Colorado River exhibit. The announcement also pointed to roughly $3 million for major trail systems, citing projects like the Vegas Valley Rim Trail, the Wetlands Loop Trail at Clark County Wetlands Park and the Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail. More than $7.5 million is headed to the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Nevada Division of State Parks. Lombardo said in a statement that "Nevada is home to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities."

Conserve Nevada is the state's voter-approved conservation and recreation bond program and, according to the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, it has backed more than 200 projects since 2002. DCNR materials note that the program is designed to leverage bond proceeds for a wide range of work, including acquiring sensitive lands, improving river corridors, building trails and reducing wildfire risk. Officials say these grants often help unlock matching dollars and partnerships with local governments and nonprofits, which is bureaucratic speak for getting more bang for each public buck.

Projects Cover Rivers, Trails And Wildfire Recovery

The state announcement sketches out a long to-do list that stretches across Nevada: habitat restoration and recreation access along the Humboldt, Muddy, Carson, Truckee and Walker rivers; investments at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument; and projects like the Canepa-Carcione open space, Tahoe Meadows boardwalk repairs and the Lamoille Summit trail system. It also highlights wildfire mitigation work in the Ruby Mountains and the Warm Springs Natural Area, plus post-fire landscape restoration in the Carson City BLM district and wetland enhancements in Smith Valley. Conserve Nevada says the package helps protect roughly 34,800 acres of recreation and habitat, according to News3LV.

Springs Preserve To Expand Science And River Exhibits

The Springs Preserve, home to the Origen Museum, botanical gardens and interactive exhibits, is set to receive the largest slice of the funding to build a new science center and a Colorado River exhibit, according to the announcement. The Springs Preserve website describes Origen as an interpretive museum that features live-animal exhibits and hands-on displays geared toward families. Preserve leaders say the new funding will broaden educational programming around water and desert ecosystems. The award lines up with broader Conserve Nevada priorities to invest in park and trail infrastructure in the Las Vegas area, as detailed by the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and local partners.

Next Steps And Local Impact

State officials say the money will move through Conserve Nevada and partner agencies to kick off planning and permitting, while local partners will handle project design and matching funds. Recreation advocates and local officials have long argued that smart investments in trails, parks and river access can draw tourists and help stabilize gateway economies. Residents who want details on specific project timelines or neighborhood impacts are being directed to contact the Conserve Nevada program or their local parks offices for updates.