Clark County is located in the Mojave Desert which is an arid region encompassing portions of California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.  The local climate has mountains, basins, flats, and sparse vegetation.  Silver, gold, and iron have been found and mined in these areas.  The Mojave a desert is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals.

The conditions of the Mojave Desert are distinctive.  The daily temperatures vary greatly from more than 110 degrees in the summer to freezing conditions in the winter.  The average precipitation is less than five inches per year usually occurring in the winter months.  Summers are hot, dry and windy.  These unique circumstances make living in the Mojave Desert a rare experience.  While the extreme temperatures can be challenging, they also provide us with some beautiful conditions and local sights.

The following tips and reminders will help you adapt and thrive while living in the Mojave Desert. 

• Replace the air filters in your home monthly.  Check them more often if they are full of dust when you do replace them or your doors and windows have been left open for extended periods of time. 
• Always be aware of your surroundings.  Never leave valuables unsecured.  Report crimes, abandoned vehicles and extremely suspicious activities immediately.  Call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.
• When traveling in the desert, always observe plants and animals from a safe distance.
• Walk the inside and outside perimeter of your home this month to check for cracks, leaks, damage and pests.  Make arrangements to fix damage that is excessive, dangerous, or that may lead to water or energy waste. 
• Call the Department of Air Quality's dust complaint hotline at (702) 385-DUST (3878) to report excessive amounts of blowing dust from construction sites and other sources. Every complaint is investigated.

 Trip Of The Month:  Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is located six miles from Lake Mead and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas via Interstate 15 off Exit 75.

It is Nevada's oldest and largest state park.  Hiking, camping, picnicking and photography are great activities to participate in while visiting this park.  Don’t miss the petroglyphs and the visitor’s center when you are there. 

For more information visit http://parks.nv.gov/vf.htm or call (702) 397-2088.