Promising, patient research

"Promising, patient research," Las Vegas Sun.

Popular sport fish could solve Lake Mead's clam infestation

"Popular sport fish could solve Lake Mead's clam infestation," Las Vegas Sun.

New online comic encourages children to explore outdoors

LAS VEGAS – A new virtual and creative partnership allows children in the Las Vegas Valley to explore the Mojave Desert and its animal inhabitants through online comics. The UNLV Public Lands Institute has joined with the Fillbach Brothers and the Springs Preserve to present “The Story of Gill, the Gila Monster Who Found a New Home.” The online comic is the first in the Discover Mojave series of online comics and graphic novels to feature animals found in the Mojave Desert.

“The Story of Gill” follows Gill the gila monster on an adventure as he is taken from the wild illegally by a wildlife smuggler and is rescued, only to face the risk of being stolen again. The online comic is based on the true story of a gila monster taken from the desert, who went on to live at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, then found a permanent home at the Springs Preserve. The story, created by Paula Jacoby-Garrett and Diane Yost, is written and illustrated by the Fillbach Brothers. Shawn and Matt Fillbach are well known in the comic book world. The Las Vegas residents are currently the artists for the Star Wars graphic novel series.

“The Story of Gill” online comic can be seen at discovermojave.org, with new comic strips added weekly. The website also features natural and cultural history facts and a teacher’s lounge to help teachers make curricular connections. Printed comic books and graphic novels will be available for purchase at a later date at the Springs Preserve Gift Shop, the Public Lands Institute and other locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Future comics and novels will include a Gambel’s Quail, the Vivid Dancer Damselfly, a fox and a woolly mammoth.

The man dedicated to saving the lake from little invaders

"The man dedicated to saving the lake from little invaders," by Stephanie Tavares, Las Vegas Sun.

Quagga mussels a toxic threat to Lake Mead

"Quagga mussels a toxic threat to Lake Mead," by Stephanie Tavares, Las Vegas Sun.

Summerlin Desert Clean-up removes tons of trash

"Summerlin Desert Clean-up removes tons of trash," Las Vegas Review-Journal.