Monsoonal rains bring life to the desert
Dangerous flash floods usually earn our focus when discussing summer monsoons, but they also play an important role in the Las Vegas Wash ecosystem.
Las Vegas gets about half of its annual rainfall during the summer months. This moisture provides relief to the plants from the hot, dry air, promotes growth and flowering, and improves overall health.
Monsoonal rain also helps stimulate insect hatches, providing a food source for species higher on the food web.
Monsoonal rain is more than just a weather event; it supports and sustains desert biodiversity.
Where to go at the Las Vegas Wash
Clark County Wetlands Park
- 2,900-acre nature preserve
- Miles of trails for walking, biking, bird watching and more
- Nature Center with 10,000 square feet of interactive displays, artwork and activities
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Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
- Home to thousands of migratory and resident desert birds
- Nine ponds available for birding
- 3/4-mile long trail accessible by wheelchair
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Water quality
See how the wetlands at the Wash clean the water that runs through them, filtering out harmful residues from fertilizers, oils and other contaminants that flow downstream.
Revegetation
Find out how we are working to replace hundreds of acres of lost wetlands vegetation through restoration efforts.
Wildlife
Learn how we study hundreds of birds, fish and other wildlife species at the Las Vegas Wash.
Wildlife research
Upcoming events and meetings
Night Walk: Stalking Twilight at the Clark County Wetlands Park
Aug. 27, 2026, 7 - 9 p.m.