In this month's Indy Environment, we look at the biggest stories from July.

In Las Vegas, the shade from a lush tree can make a world of difference on a scorching summer day in one of the nation’s fastest-warming cities. But they don't necessarily cool the air around them, according to a new study from scientists at the Desert Research Institute.

The proposed creation of a $3.7 billion U.S. Wildland Fire Service at the Department of Interior has raised some eyebrows. Nevada fire officials say whether they are one firefighting agency or several, they will continue to work together.

Monday’s close of session means dozens of bills now await Gov. Joe Lombardo’s signature. Here’s a (far from comprehensive) rundown of some of the environmental and energy bills he'll consider.

Joshua trees, a symbol of the desert Southwest, face threats ranging from development to wildfires to a warming climate. For a decade, conservation groups have lobbied for them to be listed as endangered, and a recent court decision asks the federal government to once again consider protections.

Brown’s Creek was one of the areas devastated by the 2024 Davis Fire that burned nearly 6,000 acres in south Reno. The trail, and the hiking experience it offers, isn’t what it once was. Instead, it offers something different — a unique and intimate opportunity for Northern Nevada hikers to witness the destruction of, and regrowth, following a wildfire.

Friends of Red Rock Canyon recently purchased and installed adaptive equipment-accessible gates at three trailheads so that those with disabilities can use specially designed trail equipment to explore some of the canyon’s more remote areas.

A bill introduced by Sen. Melanie Scheible (D-Las Vegas) would prohibit the sale of single-use plastic water bottles on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.

Five Great Basin National Park employees - about 20 percent of the park's staff - have been rehired after being laid off in February. But staffing uncertainty remains.

The Tahoe Basin's trees were stripped during the development of Nevada's silver mines, and a stand of old-growth trees at Emerald Point are among the largest remaining ponderosa pines in the Tahoe Basin. But the trees are at 'high risk' if a fire were to burn through, according to a new study.