The All-In Clark County Regional Climate Collaborative isn't just talking about a greener future – they're planting it, one tree at a time!
Comprised of Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite, North Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), the Regional Climate Collaborative (RCC) supports the implementation of the All-In Community Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Each entity is doing its part to take action and drive impactful solutions. Since 2023, RCC members have worked together to plant and distribute over 12,000 trees throughout Clark County—and in the years ahead, they’re committed to expanding the urban tree canopy even further.
While Clark County residents are no strangers to hot temperatures, extreme heat events continue to increase in severity and frequency, putting human health and safety at risk. Five of the past six years have been the hottest on record in Clark County, with summers starting earlier, lasting longer, and having days that regularly exceed 110 degrees. Rising temperatures also amplify the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where cities experience higher air temperatures than the surrounding rural areas due to heat absorption by buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.
This is where the power of trees can make a difference in our community. Trees play a vital role in reducing heat, cooling buildings and streets, shading homes and businesses, and filtering air pollution. In fact, studies show that urban forest areas are an average of 3.0 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than urban non-green areas, and tall, dense roadside vegetation can lessen downwind pollutants by approximately 30%.
Here are just a few examples of how RCC members are coming together to make Clark County cooler, greener, and more resilient to climate impacts through tree plantings:
Clark County
The Stay Cool Clark County Community Canopy Project provides residents with free trees to plant at their home. Launched in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation in September 2024, the project has distributed a total of 4,550 trees to residents to date, prioritizing those who reside in areas of high heat vulnerability. The project has been a huge success, resulting in over 2,300,000 pounds of sequestered carbon!
City of Las Vegas
A designated Tree City USA between 1989-1998 and since 2002, the City of Las Vegas plans to plant 60,000 drought-tolerant trees and increase its tree canopy coverage to 20% over the coming three decades through its Urban Forestry Program. This initiative is the City of Las Vegas’ conscious effort to combat the urban heat island effect by increasing canopy coverage and building more green space, specifically in neighborhoods hit hardest by extreme heat and lack of greenery.
City of Henderson
The City of Henderson, a designated Tree City USA for 34 years, has committed to protect, maintain, and enhance Henderson’s tree canopy through their Municipal Forestry Program, a program that cares for and enhances the municipal forest for current and future generations to come. The Henderson municipal forest currently includes more than 30,000 trees. The program plan includes short- and long- term goals to standardize maintenance practices, encourage partnerships, enhance tree-related public programs and communication between the City and the community.
City of North Las Vegas
The City of North Las Vegas hosted its First Annual Arbor Day Event at Liberty Park on October 23, 2024. The event brought together community members to learn about proper tree care, maintenance techniques, and the environmental benefits of trees. Their second Annual Arbor Day Event will occur on October 22, 2025!
Moreover, in the last year, the City partnered with Nevada Plants, NFL Green, the Golden Knights, and other organizations to host planting and tree giveaways events, distributing more than 1,000 trees with the goal of addressing heat, air quality, and food insecurity issues, specifically targeting areas of high heat throughout the City.
City of Boulder City
On April 17, Boulder City hosted their 29th annual tree planting for Arbor Day at which a second-grade class of students helped plant a tree at Brave Field. The City presented the history and significance of Arbor Day, emphasizing the importance and benefits of urban forestry. This event is celebrated annually to showcase the City’s dedication to reducing the urban heat island effect in Boulder City.
City of Mesquite
The City of Mesquite is currently working on developing an Urban Design Element to include in the City of Mesquite Master Plan Update. Their hope is to incorporate a more robust street tree program that addresses several goals and policies regarding the urban tree canopy.
SNWA
In partnership with Impact NV, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) prioritizes expanding the tree canopy in heat vulnerable neighborhoods with low tree equity scores. Since the program was initiated in 2024, they have planted ~1,153 climate resilient trees, which at maturity will add ~426,116 square feet of canopy to high-risk areas. SNWA only supports the planting of trees that use low amounts of water and have large canopies. SNWA plans to continue this program through 2025 and anticipates many more plantings!
SNWA is also doing its part to increase Clark County’s urban canopy through offering a $100 tree rebate incentive for residents and businesses participating in the Water Smart Landscape program to convert intensive grass to desert landscape. Since its inception in 2023, this program has resulted in 5,516 planted trees. At maturity, this is estimated to add nearly 2.4 million square feet of canopy and cooling shade!
RTC
Last but not least is the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). In 2022, RTC conducted the Southern Nevada Urban Heat Mapping project to create a detailed map of distributed heat throughout the valley. This mapping project revealed the hottest neighborhoods in Southern Nevada, helping to inform heat mitigation projects including many of the tree canopy projects touched on above. Since then, RTC continues to participate in greening initiatives to mitigate the impact of extreme heat.
