Fiscal Year 2026 | Quarter 3

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On April 18th, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) supported a group of Boy Scouts in earning their Champion of Nature Merit Badge through an engaging, hands-on learning experience. With 11 youth participants and 8 adults in attendance, the session focused on teaching Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics principles through interactive activities. Participants played games such as Artifact Thief and Trash Timeline, sparking discussions about human impact and decomposition rates—often surprising both youth and adults. The session concluded with a reflective drawing activity, where participants illustrated their favorite outdoor places and then reimagined them impacted by litter, reinforcing the importance of stewardship and caring for natural spaces. 

On April 10, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) led a Nature Investigators session in Battle Mountain centered around the theme “I Wonder,” encouraging curiosity and exploration in the outdoors. Participants used Creature Cards to share ideas and observations, sparking creative thinking about the natural world around them. The group also incorporated “Go Find It” cards, adding an interactive element as students searched for specific items in their surroundings. Although attendance was small with three participants, the setting allowed for more individualized engagement and a relaxed learning environment. Despite slightly chilly weather, conditions remained comfortable, and the session provided a calm, engaging experience that fostered curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection with nature. 

On April 10th, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) hosted an Adventure Buddies session at Peace Park, where AmeriCorps members led a small group of seven youth through a hands-on exploration of the natural world. The program focused on insects, with participants learning about ants and their complex colonies. As the group walked through the park, they stopped to observe ant hills up close and discuss ant behavior, teamwork, and habitat. The adventure also included searching for ant predators, with participants keeping an eye out for species like the Common Sagebrush Lizard. This interactive experience encouraged curiosity, observation, and a deeper understanding of local ecosystems. 

On April 4, the Elko Sunshine Stroll brought together two families for a relaxed and engaging walk around the marina. Before setting out, participants were introduced to Leave No Trace principles and had the opportunity to put them into practice by picking up small amounts of trash along the way. The beautiful weather made for an especially enjoyable outing, while ducks, geese, and swans added to the experience as they accompanied the group throughout the walk. The event clearly made an impact, as the families chose to continue walking the loop even after the program had concluded, extending their time outdoors together. 

On March 31, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) partnered with French Ford Middle School, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to host a Trout Release field trip for 5th and 6th grade students at Water Canyon. During the trip, students released trout they had been raising into the creek, creating a meaningful, hands-on connection to their learning. Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, the experience provided a valuable opportunity to observe real-life erosion, which tied directly into one of the two educational stations offered during the day. Students explored trout habitats and the surrounding natural environment, engaging their curiosity through interactive, science-based lessons. Overall, the field trip combined outdoor exploration with education, making it both impactful and memorable while also strengthening partnerships between NOS and collaborating organizations. 

On March 27, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) hosted the Nature Investigators program in Battle Mountain, encouraging youth to spend time outdoors while exploring the natural world. Participants learned about animal adaptations with a focus on sea creatures and how they survive in different environments. Children also practiced an observation technique called “zoom in and zoom out,” helping them recognize both fine details and broader patterns in nature. With six children in attendance, the small group setting allowed for hands-on learning and meaningful interaction with staff. Each participant created a habitat for their favorite sea creature, adding a creative and imaginative component to the experience. With beautiful weather and engaged participants, the program provided a fun and enriching outdoor learning opportunity while also strengthening connections between the families involved. 

On March 25, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Leaf & Let Grow plant exchange at the Elko office, welcoming 33 participants for a hands-on, family-friendly event.

The event featured four interactive stations, including a plant exchange, seed bomb making, children’s games, and a plant potting station. Youth participants especially enjoyed creating seed bombs, often making them as gifts for their parents, while several adults joined in the activity as well.

The event also included a thoughtful contribution from a community member who brought bouquets to share with staff and volunteers, adding a special touch to the day.

 On March 24, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) hosted Northside Day at Northside Elementary in Elko, reaching 13 classrooms and a total of 309 students.

During the program, students were introduced to Leave No Trace (LNT) principles through engaging, hands-on activities. Each class participated in the popular “Artifact Thief” game, which encouraged teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

A highlight of the day was watching students collaborate and rely on one another during activities. By the end of each session, students demonstrated strong retention of Leave No Trace principles, reinforced through repeated review and interactive learning.

On March 13, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) hosted another successful Adventure Buddies program, welcoming 17 children for a fun-filled, seasonal experience. The session featured Easter and St. Patrick’s Day-themed stories and activities designed to spark creativity and engagement. Participants explored sensory play through bins filled with dyed rice and pasta, paper materials, gold coins, and small tools, allowing them to interact with a variety of textures. Outdoor play included a lively parachute activity, where children used their imaginations to pretend they were leprechauns planning silly pranks. A highlight of the day was the handprint art station, where children created rainbow handprints alongside a pot of gold using paint and glitter glue, providing families with a special keepsake to take home. With beautiful weather and high energy throughout, the program offered a joyful and memorable experience for all involved.