RTC, Clark County Invite Community To Tree Planting Celebration To Highlight New Heat Relief Initiatives

Following the release of results from the Heat Island Mapping campaign conducted by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), Get Outdoors Nevada, and community volunteers, the RTC and Clark County have invited Southern Nevadans to a tree planting on Friday, May 12, at 8:30 a.m., at Joe Shoong Park, 1503 S. Wesley St.

The celebration, headlined by Clark County Commissioner and RTC Board Member Tick Segerblom, District E, and RTC Deputy CEO Angela Castro, will spotlight new initiatives to help mitigate the effects of heat in Southern Nevada, particularly in the hottest areas of Clark County. These areas include the eastern portion of the valley, home of Joe Shoong Park. Installing new bus shelters small enough to fit where traditional shelters cannot, and increasing the amount of shade by planting additional trees and vegetation throughout the area, are just two solutions that will be highlighted at Friday’s event.

“With peak summer temperatures fast approaching, it’s important that we find new ways to increase sun protection and improve the quality of life for our community,” said Segerblom, “especially for those who live and work in the eastern part of the valley, which experiences higher temperatures than other parts of the community.”

“In our role as a community connector, we recognize the impacts of heat on Southern Nevadans who choose to walk, ride bikes, or take transit,” RTC CEO MJ Maynard added. “This celebration is an exciting opportunity to thank those volunteers who contributed to our recent heat mapping study, while highlighting new initiatives that will improve comfort for commuters in the hottest parts of the valley.”

The “Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign” study was conducted by more than 60 volunteer teams who drove pre-mapped routes with special sensors mounted to their cars. They were able to collect temperature and humidity measurements that were used to create detailed maps of heat distribution across the valley. The interactive maps, summary report and more are available on RTC’s website.

Southern Nevada, which has one of the fastest-warming climates in the country, was one of 14 locations in the U.S. chosen to participate in the heat mapping campaign. Supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), local project partners included the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability, UNLV School of Public Health, and Get Outdoors Nevada. Nevada Plants, Nevada Division of Forestry, and Clark County Real Property Management are also supporting the tree planting celebration.