Getting out and about in the city of Henderson is not only easy, it's fun.

Throughout the entire city, you'll find trail systems for all ages and skill levels, whether you're jogging, walking or riding I guarantee there is a trail for you to explore and enjoy.

So much so that the City of Henderson is consistently being recognized with awards and praise for its parks and trails.

Today, we're not only going to walk and talk trails, we are getting off the pavement for a little adventure and wildlife education.

First things first, we're meeting up with a friend who's joining me on this adventure.

You know, the hawks and the hummingbirds.

Kalie, the city of Henderson consistently being recognized.

Awards and praise well-deserved.

Let's talk about your trail system and why it's so special.

So what's so great about our park and trail system is that we set a goal when we were first established as a Parks and Rec department to have a park and a trail within a ten minute walk of every single resident.

And so as we've expanded, which we have immensely over the years, we've continued building and continued adding trails.

So we're up to 12 trailheads, over 200 miles of trail that people can enjoy.

KELLY The beauty of your parks and trails for all levels, right?

All ages, all levels, all ages, all abilities.

That's what's so great about the Henderson Trail system is we have the paved past, but we also have the dirt pass that you can enjoy.

And I'm excited to go explore that because again, this is completely new for me.

I'm like a wide eyed kid here, excited to go explore some wildlife down there.

We're going to meet up with a very special friend who's also going to give us a little education when it comes to the wildlife.

Ready to go?

Lets do it.

You're taking me where?

So I'm taking you down into the wash on one of our lower trails.

And this is just behind Silver Springs Rec Center.

And that is what's so wonderful.

Again, just the contrast right here.

You have homes and then you look over here, you almost feel like you're in a different world.

Correct?

Yeah.

That's what's so great about it.

And it is so beautiful to see all these different, you know, you have a sign that says flora and fauna and long list Right.

To keep you aware of what you're going to see and get you excited about what's going on down here.

Just watch your step real quick and that's important.

Make sure you bring right proper hiking shoes, proper shoes, hat, sunglasses just below the paved trail is a section of Pitman Wash with a series of primitive trails.

This area is open to the public and has been preserved for wildlife.

It also serves as an urban wildlife education classroom to learn more about this area and its inhabitants.

We're meeting with Lauren from the Nevada Department of Wildlife Lauren Thanks so much for taking us around.

So much to see, so much to explore.

This one.

I've already become good friends with this right here.

What is that?

This is Cat Claw Acacia here.

It's also known as the wait a minute burst because it will definitely stop you in your tracks if you get too close.

It did stop me in my tracks.

I was like, What is that?

Getting a little too close.

Another thing I love about all of this, as your departments work together, let's talk about how you are helping this area and what the Nevada Department of Wildlife does out here.

Yeah, So the Department of Wildlife are essentially some of our main responsibilities revolve around protecting and conserving wildlife.

So down here in this specific area, we'll work on monitoring some of those populations.

But not only that, but also bringing some of that education to the public, too, whether it be through guided hikes or just generally informing folks of what exactly is in their own backyards.

Let's talk about this educated walks with guided hikes.

Where do they happen?

we do guided hikes throughout the entire valley in Pitman, Wash.

Here, just right on this dirt trail.

You know, even if this is a walk that you take every morning with your dog, you know, maybe you're not looking as closely at some of those plants or listening as closely to those birds.

So.

Guided walks or guided hikes are really great opportunity to really get to know exactly what is just around you.

And that brings me now with technology.

I naturalist something that I'm discovering and I'm so excited about exploring how it works.

Talk to me about that.

Yeah, I naturalist It's a fun app that you can download from a phone or any other device and it really allows you to not only maybe discover some plants or animals that you're unfamiliar with, but it's also a way for the community to collaborate with one another to get to know some of those communities that surround us.

You are going to show us how it works, and it starts with me popping out my phone.

Yeah.

Yeah, absolutely.

So once you download the I Naturalist app on your phone and that's free in the App Store.

Yeah, yeah, it's free in the App Store.

Anyone can use it.

Android, iPhone, whatever you have.

And then from there, it's as simple as just starting by taking a picture of something.

Let's go check it out.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Using a naturalist is like having a complete wildlife journal in the palm of your hand.

You can take pictures of plants, insects and animals you see outside.

And the app will help you figure out what they are.

It's like having super smart scientists at your disposal.

You can also see what other people found and learn about different species in your area to get the best results.

When using the AI naturalist, be sure to capture clear images of the organism you want to identify, ensure the subject is well-lit, and in focus.

Take photos from different angles to provide a complete view of the organism.

Include the surroundings and habitat in your photos to provide more information for identification.

Try to avoid covering the subject with fingers, shadows, or other objects.

Be patient.

If you don't receive an immediate identification, give it some time.

The naturalist community of experts and enthusiasts will review and help identify your observation.

And remember I naturalist is a community engaged with other users, contribute to discussions and assist in identifying observations to build a helpful and supportive network.

This is such a fun activity for all ages.

It's a great way to get out and explore, Become a citizen scientist.

Do yourself a favor.

Make the time to get out.

Walk look around and enjoy all this beauty and explore all the amazing trails here in the city of Henderson.

I will see you next time for more tales from the trails.