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Anthony (Tony) Lesperance – June 25, 1935 – July 8, 2026
It is with heartfelt sadness that I share the passing of Anthony (Tony) Lesperance, prior Board Member of Nevada Outdoor School (NOS). Tony was a good man, a dear friend to me and strong advocate for NOS and I am forever grateful for his support.
Tony was a fantastic mentor and had an instrumental influence on me when I was promoted to Executive Director back in 2015. He helped me gain the confidence needed to lead this organization into the future and expand our reach further into Elko County and beyond. He once told me he thought I could squeeze a dollar out of a turnip, which he said is a necessary skill in the nonprofit world to be successful. That was a high complement from him.
His stories were always entertaining and his life experiences fascinated me. Back in 2017, Tony published the book “It Was Nevada” which is still available on Amazon today. If you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to.
There are some very interesting facts about Nevada History, including some dark times and sinister activities going on in our state in regard to the Nevada Test Site and even some under cover work to figure out what was happening. After reading a particularly disturbing chapter in the book, I asked him how much of the book was true and based on his life and he winked at me and told me it was up to me to figure out what was true and what was fiction. I choose to believe most of it is true.
Tony was a passionate and outspoken man who was not afraid to stand up for his beliefs and for others who were experiencing agriculture, mining, water and other land and environmental issues in the West. I admired that about him.
He assisted NOS, my son Cole Erquiaga and the ATV Club, in completing the Buckskin and Table Mountain OHV Trails in the Santa Rosa Mountains, helping communicate with ranchers, installing several OHV cattle guards, signage, trail markers and a kiosk. He was so proud of the accomplishment and convinced the producers at the Reno PBS Wild Nevada Program to come and do an episode about the trail and the history of the Santa Rosas. They did, and it is one of the best memories and the most fun I had with Tony. Very entertaining! If you haven’t watched it yet, or want to see it again, you can check it out on their website here: https://www.pbsreno.org/watch/wildnevada/s4-episode12/
One other thing that I loved about Tony was his true and uninhibited love for his beautiful wife, Nancy. She was an amazing woman with a full list of her own accomplishments and history. Together, they were a kind, dynamic and influential couple.
I have the utmost respect for Tony and I’m going to really miss him, our conversations and the connection we had. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be forever missed by this Nevada farm girl.
In gratitude,
Melanie Erquiaga, Executive Director
Nevada Outdoor School Receives $25,000 Grant from Wavedance Fund to Support Youth Outdoor Education
June 2026, Winnemucca, Nevada — Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) is proud to announce the receipt of a $25,000 grant from the Wavedance Fund. The award will provide immediate support for Nevada Outdoor School's 2026 summer camp season, helping ensure rural youth across Nevada have access to meaningful outdoor learning experiences.
The grant exceeds Nevada Outdoor School's original request and reflects the Wavedance Fund's confidence in the organization's proven ability to create positive outcomes for rural youth while fostering environmental stewardship.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Wavedance Fund for their generous support and belief in our mission," said Melanie Erquiaga, Executive Director of Nevada Outdoor School. "This funding arrives at a critical time as we prepare to welcome campers this summer. It will help us continue providing transformative outdoor experiences that build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors."
In its award letter, the Wavedance Fund recognized Nevada Outdoor School's strong financial stewardship, noting that 87 percent of the organization's expenses were dedicated directly to programming during both the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. The fund also highlighted NOS's successful partnership with AmeriCorps and its ability to maintain high-quality, locally driven programming.
The Wavedance Fund supports programs that help rural children and youth develop life skills, confidence, and resilience, particularly those who have experienced adversity or are at risk of facing challenges. Nevada Outdoor School's programs align closely with this mission by creating safe, supportive environments where youth can explore, learn, grow, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Each year, Nevada Outdoor School serves thousands of rural youth and community members through outdoor education programs, summer camps, field trips, stewardship projects, and community events across Nevada. Through these experiences, participants gain practical outdoor skills, build self-confidence, strengthen teamwork and leadership abilities, and develop a lasting commitment to caring for public lands and natural resources.
About Wavedance Fund
Wavedance fund provides grants to 501(c)(3) public charities, primarily in Northern Nevada. The Fund supports organizations that improve outcomes for vulnerable and at-risk children, with a particular focus on youth who have experienced neglect, abuse, trauma, or adversity. Wavedance invests in programs that help prevent future trauma while building confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. Through partnerships with innovative organizations, the fund seeks to ensure every child has access to the support, guidance, and opportunities need to reach their full protentional.
About Nevada Outdoor School
Nevada Outdoor School is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing Time Spent Outdoors through outdoor education, community programs, stewardship projects, and youth development opportunities. Serving communities across Nevada, NOS empowers people of all ages to connect with the outdoors, develop life skills, and become responsible stewards of natural resources.