Las Vegas has become the most unsustainable city in the world

Once an oasis, the marshes were drained a century ago in favor of tourism and development. The artesian wells and springs are long gone, farms have disappeared, and the city depends on Lake Mead for its water supply, which is at its lowest level since the construction of the Hoover Dam. Unless extreme water saving measures are adopted, the future of Las Vegas and its inhabitants look bleak. Las Vegas is in danger of running out of water!

Crop Circles on the Shores of Lake Mead

Growing plants in the Nevada desert presents significant challenges due to several harsh environmental factors. One primary issue is water scarcity, with agriculture heavily dependent on Lake Mead, which has been experiencing a significant decline in water levels. The desert climate features hot, dry summers with low humidity, making water retention in the soil difficult. Additionally, cold winters can stress plants unaccustomed to such temperature swings. The soil itself poses further difficulties; it is often acidic and contains few nutrients, requiring expensive soil amendments to support plant growth. These conditions necessitate innovative solutions and careful resource management to achieve successful cultivation.

Growing To Give is constructing an agricultural project that will demonstrate water-smart irrigation technologies on the shores of Lake Mead.

Crop Circles are changing the shape of agriculture by utilizing circle, concentric circle, Archimedean, and Fibonacci geometric designs to grow plants. These designs maximize sun penetration for optimal flowering and fruit set. Paths between circular rows of plants provide easy access for planting and a quick harvest.

At the heart of each Crop Circle is a Crop Circle Irrigator, a proprietary 3-piece assembly that imbeds in soil below grade to water and fertilize each plant in the circle. The assembly holds water within a fertilized vessel that feeds each plant over time creating a self-contained targeted agriculture system. The advantages are numerous:

- Crop Circles use 90% less water compared to flood, drip, and spray irrigation methods.

- Crop Circles use 85% less fertilizer.

- This is a “plant-and-forget” agricultural system requiring little maintenance.

- Crops are grown organically and the “need-to-weed” is virtually eliminated.

- Crop Circles double yield in half the space.

A Project to Feed People in Need

Feeding those in need in Las Vegas presents numerous challenges, exacerbated by food inflation that disproportionately impacts financially vulnerable populations. As food prices soar, food desert areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food are hit the hardest, making it even more difficult for residents to obtain healthy options. Community gardens, which could provide a partial solution, are sparse and unable to meet the demand. This highlights the urgent need for a city-wide, state-sponsored "gardening at home" initiative to empower residents to grow their own produce. A promising project, Crop Circles on the Shores of Lake Mead, aims to tackle food insecurity by initially providing Goji berries and eventually expanding to include a variety of conventional garden vegetables and herbs. This initiative, in collaboration with local non-profit organizations, local food banks and sponsors, has the potential to significantly alleviate food insecurity and foster self-sufficiency across Las Vegas.

Help us improve food security and conserve water in Las Vegas. Donating $100 will help people struggling to feed themselves and their families each and every day.

Gogi Berries

We intend to grow three varieties of Goji berries: Red Goji, Black Goji, and Golden Goji, each with distinct characteristics and benefits.

The Goji berry (Lycium barbarum), also known as wolfberry, has gained popularity due to its numerous health benefits. With an ORAC value of around 3,290, goji berries have a much higher antioxidant capacity compared to many common vegetables including kale and spinach. The Goji berry plant typically exhibits a weeping branch habit, especially when laden with its nutrient-rich fruits, creating a visually striking and delicate appearance.

The plant can reach a height of 3 to 6 feet and spread about 4 feet wide. It thrives in dry climates and can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from 10 degrees below zero to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal candidate for growth in the Nevada desert, particularly along the shores of Lake Mead. Known for its minimal water requirements and low maintenance needs, the Goji berry plant is well-suited to the arid environment of this region. The berries are renowned for their high levels of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, fiber, and various phytochemicals, which contribute to their anti-aging properties, immune system support, and potential cancer-fighting benefits. With its resilience to harsh conditions and health-boosting fruits, the Goji berry is an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture and feeding those in need throughout the valley.

An Unidentified Food Object (UFO)

Local businesses will be invited to sponsor the project; restaurants, casino properties, hotels, and others will be asked to participate. The produce grown will be shared; some by chefs, some by individual sponsors, however, the bulk of what we grow will be “gifted “to charitable organizations including local churches and food banks for distribution to those in need, particularly those living in “food deserts”.

The UFO may be open to the public for tours and will co-host sponsored events to increase awareness in the hope that it would be adopted by other cities across the country. The program will partner with the media to promote the idea of a “UFO” appearing almost overnight on the shores of Lake Mead. Both night flight tour helicopters and airline traffic to and from Vegas will “discover” the newest attraction by the dam as we create a “Crop Circle” with night-time lighting visible from 5,000 feet in the air.

Crop Circle Garden Initiative

The average residential water use in Las Vegas is approximately 220 gallons per day per household. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has set a target to reduce this usage to about 180 gallons per day per household by 2035. These figures reflect ongoing efforts to promote water conservation in response to the region's water scarcity challenges. In an effort to reduce water use and address food security throughout the city, we will implement a government supported, city-wide water-smart Crop Circle Garden program. Each garden will use just a fraction (4 gallons) of the 170 gallon per day goal targeted by the city while growing enough food to support a family of four.

During the implementation phase, residents will be engaged through workshops and educational campaigns, learning how to cultivate their Crop Circle Gardens with techniques that align with the city’s stringent water use goals. As a result, the program aims to reduce residential water consumption, foster community involvement, and improve local food security, serving as a model for sustainability in the most unsustainable city in the world.

Beyond Food Deserts: Water Smart Farm & Garden Promotional Benefits

Las Vegas is not only a hotspot for entertainment but also could be a burgeoning center for innovative agricultural practices. The latest buzzword in the city’s culinary scene is the "UFO" or Unidentified Food Object, which represents a movement towards sustainable and water-smart farming and gardening. Given the pressing concerns over the Colorado River and Lake Mead’s water levels, Las Vegas restaurants, particularly those on the famous Strip including the Bellagio, are leading by example. There is great interest in sourcing fresh produce from farms and gardens that employ water-saving techniques, ensuring that every bite is as environmentally friendly as it is delicious. The Ramsay Burger, a notable icon on the Strip, has embraced this trend by incorporating locally grown, water-smart produce into its menu. This initiative not only supports locally-grown agriculture but also raises awareness about the importance of water conservation, a critical issue for the city of Las Vegas, which imports almost 100% of its food from somewhere else.

Discover an Unidentified Food Object (UFO) at a Las Vegas Restaurant

Growing To Give in collaboration with Vegas strip casino resorts and 5-star restaurants, can encourage visitors to experience the culinary innovation of UFOs at various sponsoring locations up and down the strip. After a uniquely satisfying meal, tourists can extend their eco-friendly adventure by taking helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, witnessing firsthand the depleting Colorado River and the now famous bath tub ring that surrounds Lake Mead. Additionally, the tour will include a fly over of our agricultural Crop Circles on the Shores of Lake Mead sustainable farm project, which are not only artistic but also demonstrate advanced water management techniques. Crop Circles symbolize the intersection of agriculture, art, and sustainability, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for water conservation efforts in the region.

Area 51 Flapjacks, Flying Saucer Burgers, Alien Jerky

Las Vegas offers an eclectic mix of dining experiences, making it a gastronomic hotspot for visitors and locals alike. Among the best restaurants in Las Vegas, Italian gems like Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar near the Strip and Maggiano’s Little Italy at Fashion Show Mall serve up authentic dishes in a sophisticated setting. For steak lovers, the legendary Golden Steer Steakhouse on Sahara Avenue and the upscale Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar at Park MGM are top choices, renowned for their perfectly seared steaks and classic ambiance. Affordable restaurants in Las Vegas, such as Tacos El Gordo on the Strip, provide delicious and budget-friendly options. For a quirky twist, you might stumble upon unidentified food objects (UFOs) like flying saucer burgers at the themed Alien Fresh Jerky outpost in Baker, California, just a short drive from Vegas.

The Las Vegas Strip dining scene is a culinary adventure featuring establishments by celebrity chefs. Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay at Caesars Palace and Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar at The LINQ Promenade attract food enthusiasts with their signature dishes and bold flavors. Downtown Las Vegas is a treasure trove of ethnic cuisine, offering spots like Le Thai and Therapy, where unique and vibrant flavors take center stage. Family-friendly Vegas options such as the Rainforest Cafe at the MGM Grand and the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip ensure enjoyable dining experiences for all ages. For fine dining in Las Vegas, head to Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand or Picasso at Bellagio, where romantic settings and exquisite dishes make for an unforgettable evening. Keep an eye out for fun, themed dishes like Area 51 flapjacks at the Black Bear Diner, adding a playful element to your meal.

Supporting Growing To Give initiatives while enjoying great food is possible by dining at restaurants that back community food desert projects in Vegas. Vegenation in Downtown Las Vegas is one such establishment contributing to feeding those in need. The community farm and garden project in downtown Las Vegas is also supported by several local eateries. The best Las Vegas buffets, such as Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace and The Buffet at Wynn, offer a vast array of dishes, including both identified and unidentified food objects (UFOs). These might include intriguing dishes like alien slippers, a playful take on dumplings, at Chinatown's Golden Tiki. Seafood restaurants in Las Vegas, such as Mastro’s Ocean Club at The Shops at Crystals, and sushi restaurants like Sushi Kame on Spring Mountain Road, provide exceptional dining experiences while supporting the community. Dining at these establishments not only satisfies your culinary cravings but also contributes to meaningful local projects.