On the heels of Arbor Day 2022, Howard Hughes® (HH), developer of the Summerlin® master planned community, announces its support of the City of Las Vegas’ tree initiative “Going Green for Good Health,” a program to raise funds to plant 60,000 more trees, particularly in areas of the city most affected by the urban heat island. This month, HHC donated $25,000 to the campaign to fund more than 60 mature, park-ready trees that will be planted this year.
The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, which provides a vehicle for the public to contribute to city priorities, has a goal to raise a minimum of $150,000 to fund a variety of nursery and park-ready trees to plant in areas of the city where trees are lacking. According to a UNLV Desert Research Institute study, East Las Vegas has the highest concentration of the urban heat island effect in the Las Vegas Valley, experiencing surface temperatures one to seven degrees higher than other areas of the city.
This phenomenon of urban heat island can exacerbate the duration and intensity of heat, increase heat-related illnesses, decrease air quality, and affect workers’ health and productivity, especially in low-income areas with few or no trees.
“We are honored to support this campaign to fund more trees in areas of the City of Las Vegas that need them most,” said Kevin T. Orrock, President, Las Vegas Region, Howard Hughes. “We know firsthand how important trees and landscaping are for not only promoting good health, but for building a sense of community pride, natural shade, and cleaner air quality. We encourage others in the valley to join us by supporting this worthwhile initiative that will create more equitable tree canopies throughout the city.”
According to Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman, City of Las Vegas, the community’s response to the tree initiative has been very positive. “For all the obvious reasons, trees evoke a strong emotional response given their many attributes and value,” said Mayor Goodman. “Our good friends at Howard Hughes very much understand this, and we appreciate their contribution that will help us plant more trees to help all areas of the city go green.”
On March 21, City of Las Vegas urban forester, Bradley Daseler, spoke to students at Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, one of 26 schools in Summerlin, about the importance of trees. He explained in detail the urban heat island effect and how trees can play an important role in reducing heat and making communities healthier and cleaner. As a follow up to this amazing learning opportunity, students from Alexander Dawson plan to raise funds for the tree campaign at a future student farmers market.
Now entering its 32nd year of development, Summerlin delivers more amenities than any other community in Southern Nevada. This includes more than 250 parks of all sizes; resident-exclusive community centers, pools and events; 200-plus miles of interconnected trails; ten golf courses; 26 public, private and charter schools; a public library and performing arts center; Summerlin Hospital Medical Center; houses of worship representing a dozen different faiths; office parks; neighborhood shopping centers; and, of course, Downtown Summerlin®, offering fashion, dining, entertainment, Red Rock Resort, office towers, City National Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights National Hockey League practice facility, and Las Vegas Ballpark®, a world-class Triple-A baseball stadium and home of the Las Vegas Aviators®.
In total, Summerlin currently offers nearly 120 floorplans in 20-plus neighborhoods throughout nine distinct villages and districts. Homes, built by many of the nation’s top homebuilders, are available in a variety of styles – from single-family homes to townhomes, priced from the $400,000s to more than $1 million.