Las Vegas is at an inflection point. As water scarcity intensifies and landscape standards evolve, the case for native and regionally adaptive planting has never been stronger — yet barriers in procurement, policy, availability, and perception continue to slow adoption.

Join the AIA Las Vegas Placemaking Committee on April 30 for a dynamic moderated panel exploring how landscape decisions are made in Southern Nevada, from concept through installation and long-term maintenance. This discussion will bring together leading voices across design, horticulture, policy, and practice to share real-world experience on cost, procurement, risk, and performance when working with native and regionally adaptive plant material.

The panel will focus on what works, what does not, and how project teams are adapting their approach to create more durable, climate-appropriate landscapes without sacrificing project goals. Attendees will gain insight into the biggest challenges in incorporating native plant material, the limitations surrounding plant availability and procurement, the importance of collaboration across teams, and the long-term maintenance considerations that impact project success.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn what part of the project lifecycle presents the biggest challenges in incorporating native and regionally adaptive plant material.
• Learn the challenges that exist in scaling native and regional plant availability compared to traditional landscape palettes.
• Assess how collaboration impacts the feasibility and execution of native landscaping strategies.
• Assess how native and regionally adaptive landscapes perform over time, including maintenance requirements, common failure points, and strategies for long-term success.

Moderated by:
Jazmine Harris, AIA — Placemaking Committee Chair, AIA Las Vegas

Panelists:

• Norm Schilling
• Melissa Gonzalez
• Kym Martin

Event Details:
Date: April 30
Location: UNR Cooperative Extension, 8050 Paradise Rd #100, Las Vegas, NV 89123 — Classrooms B&C

Attendees may also have the opportunity to participate in a tour of the new native garden, seed greenhouse, harvesting area, or seed library before or after the panel discussion.

This event is presented by the AIA Las Vegas Placemaking Committee as part of its ongoing commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and the transformation of the built environment in Southern Nevada.

Note: Classroom assignment is subject to change. Updates will be communicated prior to the event.