Fiscal Year 2026 | Quarter 1
November 15 | Birdfeeder Workshop
On November 15, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Birdfeeder Workshop that welcomed families for a fun and educational hands-on experience. Participants learned how to create simple, kid-friendly birdfeeders while discovering more about local bird species and the kinds of foods that attract them. Children especially enjoyed decorating their feeders with natural materials, adding personal creativity while gaining a deeper appreciation for backyard wildlife. Families worked closely together throughout the workshop, making the activity both meaningful and enjoyable. Everyone left with a finished birdfeeder and helpful tips on how to hang, fill, and maintain it to encourage birds to visit their homes year-round.
November 14 | Elko Adventure Buddies
On November 14, Nevada Outdoor School hosted an Adventure Buddies session focused on learning about the sun, its benefits, its dangers, and how it impacts our daily lives. Thirteen new participants joined the program, making for an exciting and energetic group. The children especially enjoyed the hands-on sun-themed crafts, using sunlight to color UV-sensitive beads and create bright, sun-inspired artwork. They were also highly engaged during the reading of Sunshine, eagerly participating and asking questions. Parents were equally involved throughout the session, and several even attended the following event at the California Trail Interpretive Center after learning about it through Adventure Buddies.
November 8 | Junior Ranger Day
On November 8, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Junior Ranger Day at the California Trail Interpretive Center, an event that drew around 50 attendees. The event featured seven stations offering crafts and educational activities for all ages, with NOS hosting the sixth station. At their station, NOS provided activities including animal track and leaf rubbings, as well as informational quiz cards. Kids were excited to learn and explore, especially enjoying the surprise of discovering how rubbings worked, while parents actively engaged by quizzing their children with the cards. A few parents also signed up for NOS’s monthly newsletter, making the event a fun and successful opportunity to educate families about nature and NOS programming. Throughout October, Nevada Outdoor School celebrated Nevada Invasive Species and Wildlife Month (NIMW) in both Elko and Winnemucca. Across both offices, NOS educators visited more than 50 classrooms, reaching approximately 1,000 students. Lessons focused on Nature Journaling, encouraging students to step outside and experience the calming benefits of time spent in nature. Many classes enjoyed nature walks around their school campuses, discovering details from the natural world that often go unnoticed. Students also had the opportunity to explore fascinating natural items such as bull horns, acorns, hornet nests, and mule deer antlers, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Nevada’s diverse ecosystems.
November 4 | Elko Career Fair
On November 4, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Elko Career Fair, engaging with more than 500 students throughout the day. NOS staff spoke with attendees about the organization’s mission, programs, and the importance of outdoor education in the community. Sixth-grade students had the opportunity to practice interview skills, providing a valuable hands-on learning experience. NOS also shared information about its AmeriCorps program—highlighting the vital work AmeriCorps members do, their roles within the organization, and how they contribute to serving communities across Nevada. It was a full and rewarding day of inspiring youth and showcasing the many ways NOS and AmeriCorps make a positive impact.
November 3 | Nature in My World at NYTC
On November 3, Nevada Outdoor School spent four hours at the NYTC for Nature in My World, engaging with a group of eight high school students, marking the first time NOS has been able to bring programming into a high school setting. During one-hour sessions, students were introduced to the business side of NOS, including its mission and the wide range of programs offered. The group also explored nature journaling, a new experience for all participants, learning about its benefits and the value of spending time outdoors. NOS staff brought along a deer skull to teach about wildlife, and during the journaling activity on the football field, students discovered and learned about seed pods, an unexpected but exciting hands-on learning opportunity. The connection with the students was incredible, and NOS looks forward to collaborating with NYTC in the future on more engaging and educational outdoor experiences. On November 4, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Elko Career Fair, engaging with more than 500 students throughout the day. NOS staff spoke with attendees about the organization’s mission, programs, and the importance of outdoor education in the community. Sixth-grade students had the opportunity to practice interview skills, providing a valuable hands-on learning experience. NOS also shared information about its AmeriCorps program—highlighting the vital work AmeriCorps members do, their roles within the organization, and how they contribute to serving communities across Nevada. It was a full and rewarding day of inspiring youth and showcasing the many ways NOS and AmeriCorps make a positive impact.
November 2 | Capital Christmas Tree in Elko
On November 2, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Capital Christmas Tree Event, connecting with around 300 community members over the course of three hours. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to share who NOS is, what the organization does, and the many upcoming programs and events offered. Staff handed out glow stick bracelets to kids and parents, hosted a fun winter dice game for young participants, and gathered several new sign-ups for the monthly newsletter. It was a joyful evening filled with community engagement, as NOS team members spoke with families of children ranging from kindergarten through high school, highlighting that NOS programs are designed for all ages. Overall, the event was a great success in spreading awareness about NOS’s mission and encouraging families to get involved in outdoor education and community activities. On November 3, Nevada Outdoor School spent four hours at the NYTC for Nature in My World, engaging with a group of eight high school students, marking the first time NOS has been able to bring programming into a high school setting. During one-hour sessions, students were introduced to the business side of NOS, including its mission and the wide range of programs offered. The group also explored nature journaling, a new experience for all participants, learning about its benefits and the value of spending time outdoors. NOS staff brought along a deer skull to teach about wildlife, and during the journaling activity on the football field, students discovered and learned about seed pods, an unexpected but exciting hands-on learning opportunity. The connection with the students was incredible, and NOS looks forward to collaborating with NYTC in the future on more engaging and educational outdoor experiences. On November 4, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Elko Career Fair, engaging with more than 500 students throughout the day. NOS staff spoke with attendees about the organization’s mission, programs, and the importance of outdoor education in the community. Sixth-grade students had the opportunity to practice interview skills, providing a valuable hands-on learning experience. NOS also shared information about its AmeriCorps program—highlighting the vital work AmeriCorps members do, their roles within the organization, and how they contribute to serving communities across Nevada. It was a full and rewarding day of inspiring youth and showcasing the many ways NOS and AmeriCorps make a positive impact.
October | Nature in My World
Throughout October, Nevada Outdoor School celebrated Nevada Invasive Species and Wildlife Month (NIMW) in both Elko and Winnemucca. Across both offices, NOS educators visited more than 50 classrooms, reaching approximately 1,000 students. Lessons focused on Nature Journaling, encouraging students to step outside and experience the calming benefits of time spent in nature. Many classes enjoyed nature walks around their school campuses, discovering details from the natural world that often go unnoticed. Students also had the opportunity to explore fascinating natural items such as bull horns, acorns, hornet nests, and mule deer antlers, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Nevada’s diverse ecosystems.
October 30 | Trailing Treat
On October 30th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Trailing Treat event; a fun and festive outdoor gathering for all who attended! While only a few participants joined, everyone made the most of the time together, spending about an hour and a half enjoying the fall weather and community spirit. Candy bags were plentiful, ensuring everyone went home with a sweet treat. Both attendees and Nevada Outdoor School AmeriCorps members and staff embraced the Halloween spirit by dressing up in creative costumes. The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and strengthen community connections.
October 25 | Winnemucca Pumpkin Painting
On October 25th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a fun and festive Pumpkin Painting event in Winnemucca at Vesco Park. Although not all invited guests were able to attend, the smaller group created room for more community members to join in throughout the day. Participants enjoyed a relaxed, unscheduled atmosphere under beautiful fall weather. Kids especially loved decorating their pumpkins with paint and creative designs, showing off their artistic skills. The event brought families and neighbors together, fostering community connection and seasonal cheer.
October 25 | Winnemucca Pumpkin Painting
On October 25th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a fun and festive Pumpkin Painting event in Winnemucca at Vesco Park. Although not all invited guests were able to attend, the smaller group created room for more community members to join in throughout the day. Participants enjoyed a relaxed, unscheduled atmosphere under beautiful fall weather. Kids especially loved decorating their pumpkins with paint and creative designs, showing off their artistic skills. The event brought families and neighbors together, fostering community connection and seasonal cheer.
October 17 | Young Naturalist Club Session 2
On October 17th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the second session of the Young Naturalist Club, all about owls! Students learned about how owls eat, their unique adaptations, and the different sounds they make. Younger participants enjoyed a creative craft activity, making owls out of brown paper bags with coffee filter eyes and hand-traced wings. Older students took a more hands-on scientific approach by dissecting owl pellets, identifying bones, and determining what animals the owls might have eaten. Six younger and four older students participated in this engaging three-hour session filled with curiosity, discovery, and fun learning experiences.
October 17 | Trails & Tales
On October 17th, Nevada Outdoor School joined families for the Elko Trails & Tales event at the California Trail Interpretive Center. About 48 kids and adults participated in this hour-and-a-half adventure, which combined hiking, storytelling, and a bit of Halloween fun. Along the trail, children were given the choice between a “trick” or a “treat,” leading them down different paths filled with surprises. At the end of the hike, Bayley delighted everyone with a classic Dr. Seuss story, wrapping up the event with laughter and smiles. One of the highlights included a clever “trick” where a hole was poked through a note card without damaging a dollar bill; leaving both kids and parents amazed.
October 15 | Flagview Fieldtrip
On October 15th, Nevada Outdoor School joined Flagview students for a fun-filled field trip day. Over the course of the day, NOS educators met with 201 fifth and sixth graders in one-hour sessions, introducing them to the art of nature journaling. Students practiced observing the world around them and recording their findings through writing and drawing, fostering both creativity and curiosity. It was a joy to witness each student’s unique personality shine as they engaged with nature and discovered new ways to connect with the outdoors.
October 10 | Young Naturalist Club Session 1
On October 10th, Nevada Outdoor School kicked off the first session of the Young Naturalist Club. During this engaging lesson, students explored the fascinating world of animal adaptations, learning how creatures like eagles, rabbits, elk, and beavers have evolved to thrive in their environments. About ten young naturalists participated in the hour-long session, which included a fun, hands-on activity where one student was dressed as a beaver to help demonstrate the animal’s unique adaptations. Participants also took time to journal their observations, curiosities, and discoveries; encouraging creativity and a deeper connection to the natural world.
October 10 | Adventure Buddies
On October 10, Nevada Outdoor School hosted its first-ever Adventure Buddies program at Peace Park, and it was a fantastic success! Fourteen young adventurers joined in for a fun-filled morning celebrating the beauty of autumn. The group read a story about the fall season, created colorful baskets decorated with leaves labeled with their favorite autumn activities, and played an energetic dice game featuring fall animals and actions to act out. Nevada Outdoor School was thrilled with the great turnout for this first session and looks forward to seeing Adventure Buddies grow and evolve. This engaging program will continue to be held on the second Friday of each month.
October 9 | Education Adventure Fair
On October 9, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the second annual Education Adventure Fair, an event designed to connect educators with hands-on outdoor learning opportunities. This year, NOS was excited to welcome even more community partners to the fair. While attendance was smaller than hoped, the team had meaningful conversations with the teachers who joined and shared ideas on integrating nature into the classroom. For the 2024–2025 school year, Nevada Outdoor School is shifting focus from structured lessons to nature journaling, encouraging students and teachers alike to explore and reflect on the natural world around them. NOS believes that health and well-being are essential for academic success, and that connecting with nature supports physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and social development. The organization’s goal is not only to provide outdoor lessons, but also to empower students and educators with the tools and understanding to continue benefiting from time spent outdoors long after NOS has left the classroom.
October 9 | Business Before Hours
On October 9, Nevada Outdoor School had the pleasure of hosting Business Before Hours in partnership with the Elko Area Chamber. This event also marked the one-year anniversary of NOS’s new Elko office, and staff were excited to celebrate this milestone with the community. Around 40 individuals attended, enjoying the opportunity to connect, network, and learn more about Nevada Outdoor School’s programs, including summer camps and the Ride Safe Ride Smart initiative. It was a wonderful morning of conversation and community connection, and NOS is grateful for the continued support of the Elko area as it furthers its mission to inspire exploration of the natural world.
October 1-3 | NV Offroad Summit
OHV enthusiasts gathered from across the state of Nevada. Other non-profit who are passionate about keeping Nevada Wild and enjoying the public lands in a safe and responsible way were able to network and find ways to help support each other. Topics covered were anywhere from the benefits of being part of an actual club, to Stop the Bleed which was hosted by NOS and Renown, to railroad safety were covered. Many participants were also able to join a trail ride out to Hastings Cutoff to experience part of the history here in Elko.