Free monthly talks on climate, gardening, and desert living with Dr. Robert & Gail Brandys at Cactus Joe’s, May–January.
A Free Monthly Lecture Series by Desert Love Native Plants
Join Desert Love Native Plants for Climate Talks, a free monthly lecture series exploring gardening, climate science, native plants, and the future of desert living in Southern Nevada.
Presented by Dr. Robert C. Brandys and Gail M. Brandys, Master Gardener, this engaging community series blends practical gardening advice with climate and geology research, all focused specifically on the Las Vegas Valley. Topics include climate change, native plants, urban heat, irrigation timing, desert soils, sustainable landscaping, and creating resilient gardens for the future.
Whether you are a gardener, plant enthusiast, homeowner, environmental advocate, or simply curious about how our changing climate is impacting life in Las Vegas, these talks are designed to be informative, approachable, and locally relevant.
Monthly Lecture Topics
May 30
Climate Change in Las Vegas
June 27
Why “Full Sun” Plants Die in Las Vegas
July 18
Las Vegas Valley Geology & Soil Types
August 22
When to Water
September 19
What Is a Native Plant?
October 24
Building a Microclimate
November 21
What Should You Plant for 2030–2050?
December 19
Native Plants in Captivity
January 30
Heat Pumps, EVs, and Cooling the Valley
Event Details
📍 Location: Cactus Joe’s Nursery – Las Vegas
🕙 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
🌿 Free Admission
📅 Monthly from May through January
Each lecture is a stand alone presentation, so attendees are welcome to join any session throughout the series.
Free monthly talks on climate, gardening, and desert living with Dr. Robert & Gail Brandys at Cactus Joe’s, May–January.
A Free Monthly Lecture Series by Desert Love Native Plants
Join Desert Love Native Plants for Climate Talks, a free monthly lecture series exploring gardening, climate science, native plants, and the future of desert living in Southern Nevada.
Presented by Dr. Robert C. Brandys and Gail M. Brandys, Master Gardener, this engaging community series blends practical gardening advice with climate and geology research, all focused specifically on the Las Vegas Valley. Topics include climate change, native plants, urban heat, irrigation timing, desert soils, sustainable landscaping, and creating resilient gardens for the future.
Whether you are a gardener, plant enthusiast, homeowner, environmental advocate, or simply curious about how our changing climate is impacting life in Las Vegas, these talks are designed to be informative, approachable, and locally relevant.
Monthly Lecture Topics
May 30
Climate Change in Las Vegas
June 27
Why “Full Sun” Plants Die in Las Vegas
July 18
Las Vegas Valley Geology & Soil Types
August 22
When to Water
September 19
What Is a Native Plant?
October 24
Building a Microclimate
November 21
What Should You Plant for 2030–2050?
December 19
Native Plants in Captivity
January 30
Heat Pumps, EVs, and Cooling the Valley
Event Details
📍 Location: Cactus Joe’s Nursery – Las Vegas
🕙 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
🌿 Free Admission
📅 Monthly from May through January
Each lecture is a stand alone presentation, so attendees are welcome to join any session throughout the series.
Lineup
Gail Brandys
Bob Brandys
Good to know
Highlights
- In person
- Free parking
Location
Cactus Joe's Blue Diamond Nursery
12740 Blue Diamond Road
Las Vegas, NV 89161
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
5/30/26 Climate Change in Las Vegas—the History and the Possible Future
Las Vegas has experienced one of the highest average daily temperature increases of any city in the United States in the last few decades - only surpassed by Reno. Average nighttime temperatures have risen nearly 8°F since the 1950s, and even more when you look at the full historical record. This has fundamentally changed the ecology of the valley. The urban heat island created by our modern civilization complicates this further. Understand what is happening, why, and what you can do to adapt and mitigate the risk.