Pahrump Earth/Arbor Day organizers recruit booths, honor John Pawlak's legacy

Organizers for the 23rd annual Pahrump Earth/Arbor Day are inviting government agencies, nonprofits, businesses and community organizations to staff booths and exhibits for the April 18 celebration at the Bob Ruud Community Center. Hosted by the Southern Nye County Conservation District, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and combines Earth Day and Arbor Day programming to connect residents with conservation resources, workforce partners and local environmental groups.

The event has a long history of drawing partners such as the BLM Pahrump Field Office, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Amargosa Conservancy, Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge and Valley Electric Association. This year’s recruitment drive aims to fill exhibitor space and broaden participation so attendees can learn about habitat protection, water-wise landscaping and energy programs in one place. Lead organizer Tamalyn Taylor is coordinating booth placement and logistics.

The 2026 celebration will be the first Earth/Arbor Day since the passing of longtime local environmental champion John Pawlak on Nov. 11, 2025. Organizers say they will continue Pawlak’s legacy of community stewardship by sustaining educational programming and local partnerships that have grown under his leadership. For many residents, the event serves both as a practical resource fair and a communal moment to honor volunteers who have shaped Pahrump’s conservation culture.

Beyond tree planting and native-plant displays, the event has meaningful public health and equity implications for Nye County. Shade and increased tree canopy reduce heat exposure and improve outdoor comfort in an arid landscape, while access to information on water-saving practices and energy assistance can help lower household costs and reduce heat-related health risks. For older adults, families and residents without reliable transportation, a central community fair offers direct access to conservation advice, utility programs and wildlife agency contacts that might otherwise be difficult to reach.

The event also provides an economic and civic boost for local nonprofits and small businesses that use the fair to recruit volunteers, distribute materials and offer services. In a rural county where resources are often dispersed, bringing multiple agencies together reduces barriers to information and makes participation more equitable across neighborhoods.

As planning continues, organizers encourage groups interested in exhibiting to contact lead organizer Tamalyn Taylor to reserve space and coordinate outreach. For residents, the April 18 celebration is an opportunity to learn practical steps for conserving water, cooling yards and protecting local wildlife while honoring the community service of John Pawlak. The fair will be a visible measure of how Pahrump balances desert realities with hands-on conservation and collective care.