News Briefs

Energy innovations to be showcased at Lake Mead

The Lake Mead Institute is hosting an energy innovation day Saturday at the Alan Bible Visitor Center at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Rangers and local experts will be available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for programs and activities that explore the ever-changing energy needs at Lake Mead.

At 10 a.m., Shana Tighi, a hydrologist from the Bureau of Reclamation, will speak about drought conditions in the Colorado River System and forecasted water levels at Lake Mead. At 11 a.m., UNLV professor George Rhees will discuss sustainable energy and the future needs of the Southwest. At 1 p.m., Bruce Nyhuis, Lake Mead's chief of park maintenance and engineering, will share how solar panel installation has offset energy use at the visitor center, how an energy-connected grid works and how the National Park Service has lowered the carbon footprint of the park.

The park's "green team" will share convenient ways visitors can make their trip to the park more sustainable, as well as offer details about the park's single stream recycling program and water refill stations.

The Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program team will share the latest scientific findings and the effects of climate change on parks within the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

Throughout the day, visitors can show their artistic side by purchasing a square of scratch paper to etch their best conservation creation. Artwork will be displayed at the visitor center. Proceeds collected by the Western National Parks Association, a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service, will help raise money for Lake Mead education and program materials.

The visitor center is at 10 Lakeshore Road.

For more information call the visitor center at 702-293-8990.