Environmental well-being is top-of-mind for downtown Reno

By Heidi Bethel  

When walking along the many streets and paths that make up Reno’s Riverwalk district, it’s easy to see Mother Nature in all her glory. While the area is host to over 60 businesses, this hotspot also pays tribute to many environmentally friendly aspects to bring awareness, conserve the planet, and make a difference for generations to come. 

Green Spaces and Beautification 

The Riverwalk Merchants Association raises money to donate to ongoing beautification and rehabilitation efforts downtown including removing overgrown weeds, re-landscaping neglected medians, overseeing maintenance of parks and streets, and more. Throughout the corridor, visitors enjoy intentional public spaces that promote wellness and the well-being of the flora, fauna, and wildlife that call the area home — whether it’s enjoying a break among the trees lining the path along the river, watching squirrels, birds, and other critters forage at Idlewild, or listening to the bubbling brooks throughout the area. 

Environmentally Sound Practices

Many merchants and restaurants tout eco-friendly programs for their employees and their customers. A big nod to countering fast fashion is to shop at secondhand clothing providers such as Labels Consignment Boutique. Take a Downtown Reno Pedicab Tour for the best way to sightsee in Reno and ride guilt-free on a zero-emission tour that takes you to the Reno Strip, Wingfield Park, and both the Reno Arches. Eateries including Wild River Grille, Liberty Food & Wine Exchange, and Smith and River implemented a range of recycling and sustainability practices while serving delicious food and libations in the process.

Conscious Conservation Through Art

Take a stroll through the many art installations promoting conservation including “Legend” by Nathan Pierce. Inspired by conservation efforts to bring back the legendary Lahontan cutthroat trout to Nevada river and lake systems, the beautiful piece is located at 10 Ralston St. Through a partnership with renowned visual artist Todd Gilens and the Truckee Meadows Park Foundation, intriguing, educational, science-based art debuted in Fall 2023 in the downtown corridor. Through their “Confluence: Stream Science, Handwriting, and Urban Curbs” project, a nearly one-mile-long prose poetry installation rendered in flowing cursive handwriting leads through the Riverwalk District, down the paths and sidewalks along the banks of the Truckee River, from Idlewild Park to City Hall. Readers follow the flow of water as they read how water shapes landscapes and people, and how ecologists study and describe streams as living systems. The Riverwalk District is committed to sustainable practices and encourages the community to enjoy green spaces, environmentally sound practices, and creative conservation efforts during your next visit downtown.