On Saturday, April 12th, students from the Henderson campus of Roseman University joined Wetlands Hands On in volunteering their time to help conservation efforts of the nearby Wetlands Natural Preserve. The students demonstrated their commitment to community service by dedicating their time and energy to picking up trash and debris from the area.

The Wetlands not only provide critical habitat for a wide range of desert plants and different animals species but also serve as an important infrastructure for natural water recycling, filtration, and flood control. Litter and debris can pose a significant threat to these fragile ecosystems, causing harm to wildlife and reducing the overall health and resilience of the wetlands and ultimately making them more vulnerable to the Las Vegas extreme heat.

The students' efforts were greatly appreciated by the Wetlands Hands On team, who rely on volunteers to help keep the area clean and safe for visitors, as well as attending Clark County Commissioners Jim Gibson and Tick Segerblom. Volunteers cleaned at Sunrise Trailhead and down both sides of Hollywood Boulevard from the trailhead down about 0.7 miles along the dirt road. The 6 teams of volunteers spread out over 44 acres of Wetlands Park and adjacent park land. By the end of the 2-hour event, the trash filled nearly three 40-yard dumpsters. Cumulatively, our volunteer teams collected 263 large landscaper bags of trash weighing in at a whopping 4,198 pounds!!

As future Healthcare Professionals, our students’ selfless efforts serve as an inspiring example that giving back and taking care of our community can take shape in many ways.