Southern Nevada Conservancy

Three decades ago, a group of forward-thinking community members created Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association in hopes of helping locals and tourists alike connect with Red Rock Canyon. Now, 30 years, five sites, a few name changes and millions of visitors later, Southern Nevada Conservancy continues to provide expert, cost-effective visitor services at some of Nevada’s most popular public lands sites.

With 2.3 million residents in Clark County and growing, people are discovering and enjoying local public lands at rates previously unheard of for this area. Such visitation puts a strain on the natural and cultural resources these areas are set aside to protect, as well as the federal agencies tasked with managing them. Our work eases that strain by introducing visitors and students to the history and science behind these places while inspiring them to be good stewards of their public lands.

The Conservancy works as a cooperating association partner to federal land management agencies, providing services and programs that enhance the visitor experience at some of Nevada’s most popular public lands. These are activities that people expect to find when visiting natural and cultural destinations but the managing agencies often do not provide directly.

Our Interpretive Programs team puts the natural and cultural world into context with thoughtful and imaginative activities designed to build curiosity, understanding, and fun. What better place to foster interest in STEM careers than in the great outdoors? What better time to encourage good stewardship of public lands than right now!

Many visitors want to take home a piece of their public lands experience. SNC’s Retail Operations team keeps visitors connected to those memories with hand-picked souvenirs, books, and gear, much of it produced locally. And if you just want an awesome t-shirt or water bottle to use while you’re hitting the trail, we have you covered.

We also fill niche roles land management agencies have a need for such as amenity fee collection at Red Rock Canyon NCA or litter volunteer management at Mt. Charleston. Through Special Projects such as designing maps and interpretive trail kiosks, our activities enhance the educational value of the places we serve and the experience of the people that visit.

Public lands education and stewardship is a people-powered endeavor. Our staff are passionate about the outdoors, and we work to ensure our love of public lands shows through in everything we do. Like you, we are hikers and mountain bikers, trail runners, rock climbers, OHVers, equestrians, birders, campers, and stargazers.

Many of our Interpretive Naturalists that lead guided hikes and educational programs are Certified Interpretive Guides, which gives them the training and experience to provide fun & engaging programming for all ages.

Our Retail staff have decades of experience in designing, purchasing, and displaying specialty products both over-the-counter and online. We work directly with local artisans to offer crafts, jewelry, and other goods found nowhere else.

Up at Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, hundreds of volunteers donate thousands hours of their time to accomplish important tasks such as litter pickup in the Spring Mountains.