Fiscal Year 2026 | Quarter 2

March 31 | Trout Release with NDOW

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.

March 28 | Humboldt Hospital Health Fair

On March 28, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) participated in the Humboldt Hospital Health Fair, hosting an engaging booth that connected with approximately 103 community members throughout the event. AmeriCorps members shared information about upcoming programs, summer camps, and the Trailblazers in Camp program, helping to raise awareness of NOS’s outdoor education opportunities. Through these interactions, staff strengthened relationships within the community while highlighting the impact and reach of NOS programming. Overall, the event was a success and provided a valuable opportunity to deepen community connections and share insight into the organization’s work.

March 27 | Battle Mountain Nature Investigators

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.

March 26-28 | Logandale

From March 26–28, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) traveled to Logandale in Southern Nevada to deliver Leave No Trace (LNT) education to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) employees. During the training, staff introduced core LNT principles, discussed how they can be applied in daily life, and explored ways to effectively share these practices with local communities through engaging games and activities. On Saturday, NOS partnered with the Southern Nevada BLM office and other organizations to host a Ride Safe Ride Smart (RSRS) booth at the Logandale Trails, where staff connected with community members, shared information about the youth helmet program, and distributed 13 helmets. The event provided valuable opportunities to build new relationships and reconnect with partners from previous visits. While in the area, staff also visited Valley of Fire State Park, taking in its striking red landscapes and unique rock formations. Experiences like this not only offer meaningful professional growth but also help expand NOS’s presence in Southern Nevada, creating new opportunities for future programming and partnerships.

March 25 | Leaf & Let Grow

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.

March 25 | Battle Mountain Blooms that Matter

On March 25, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) hosted a Blooms That Matter Outdoor Skills Workshop in Battle Mountain, providing a hands-on, family-friendly experience centered on planting and connecting with nature. Participants were encouraged to get their hands in the soil while learning simple skills for growing and caring for plants at home. Six children took part in potting their own plants, engaging in a creative and educational activity that fostered responsibility and an appreciation for living things. The small group setting allowed for meaningful interaction and personalized guidance from staff, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Overall, the workshop offered a fun and memorable opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors while gaining skills that will continue to grow beyond the event.

March 24 | Northside Elementary 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.

March 16| Flagview Ride Safe Ride Smart

On March 16, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) participated in Flag View Day, engaging more than 200 students in a fun and active outdoor experience. NOS staff facilitated three different game stations, which helped keep the day well-organized while ensuring each group had an exciting activity to enjoy. The energy and enthusiasm from each class were evident as students eagerly participated in the games, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. It was a full day of movement and outdoor fun, and overall, the event ran smoothly with seamless class rotations, making it a successful and memorable experience for all involved.

March 13 | Adventure Buddies

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.

February | Nature in My World

In February, Nevada Outdoor School taught Zoom In, Zoom Out, a nature journaling lesson designed to help students observe the world around them both up close and from a distance. The program highlighted how scientists use this skill to study everything from animal behavior and rock formation to human skin cells. Between Elko and Winnemucca, NOS educators visited nearly 50 classrooms, engaging with close to 1,000 students and inspiring them to see the natural world in new and detailed ways

February 27-28 | Elko Sportsmens Expo

Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Sportsman’s Expo, sharing our Ride Safe, Ride Smart program and engaging with youth about making positive choices while riding. The booth was especially popular with younger participants, providing an opportunity to discuss the importance of always wearing a helmet, choosing appropriate protective clothing, and practicing safe riding habits. Over the course of the event, Nevada Outdoor School connected with 699 people, spreading safety education and promoting responsible outdoor recreation.

February 20 | Elko Bookworm Hike

Nevada Outdoor School’s February Bookworm Hike was a creative and engaging success, bringing families together around the beloved book The Lorax. With a total of 16 participants, the program blended storytelling, crafts, and interactive exploration for a memorable experience.

With winter weather still cold and snowy, the event was thoughtfully held indoors, where activity stations were set up throughout the space leading to the reading area. Participants began by coloring bookmarks, then created their own Lorax characters using paper, glue, and googly eyes, and even took part in a book exchange to share their love of reading. Truffula trees were hidden throughout the building, adding a scavenger hunt element that encouraged families to explore each station.

To bring the story to life, Bayley dressed as the Once-ler and read his portions of the book, while Ayla dressed as the Lorax and read the Lorax’s lines, creating an immersive and playful storytelling experience. The event beautifully combined literacy, environmental themes, and hands-on fun—hallmarks of Nevada Outdoor School programming.

February 17 | Lanterns & Luck

Nevada Outdoor School’s Lanterns & Luck program was a wonderful celebration of culture and community, even with cold, snowy weather. Despite winter conditions, 17 participants joined the festivities, bringing warm energy and excitement to the day.

Participants discovered their Chinese zodiac sign and learned about the traditions and meaning behind Lunar New Year before taking a walk around the park loop to find their prediction for the year ahead. The event also featured hands-on crafts, including paper lanterns, dragons, and red envelopes that participants could create and share with friends and loved ones. Through learning, creativity, and a bit of winter adventure, Lanterns & Luck offered a meaningful and memorable experience for all who attended.

February 13 | Adventure Buddies

On February 13, Nevada Outdoor School hosted Adventure Buddies with 12 enthusiastic participants for an afternoon of learning and fun. The group shared a pizza-themed story together, sparking imagination and conversation, before diving into a hands-on pizza craft that encouraged creativity and fine motor skills. The program wrapped up with an interactive group game that had everyone engaged and laughing. Adventure Buddies continues to provide meaningful opportunities for youth to learn, create, and connect through positive outdoor-inspired experiences.

February 10 | Northside Stem Fair

Nevada Outdoor School had a fantastic time at the Northside STEM Fair, bringing hands-on creativity and problem-solving to the event. Using a variety of everyday materials, Legos, cups, playdough, popsicle sticks, and straws, students were challenged to build the tallest tower capable of supporting the weight of a small cardboard box. The activity encouraged participants to stretch their imagination and think critically about balance, structure, and design.

Throughout the challenge, students collaborated, brainstormed ideas, and combined their knowledge to improve both height and stability. One student worked alongside an educator for nearly 45 minutes, refining designs and testing new approaches while inviting others to join and share feedback. His enthusiasm and teamwork perfectly captured the spirit of the activity, proudly declaring, “We make an awesome team!”

February 6 | Nature Investigators Wrap

During this season’s Nature Investigators program, Nevada Outdoor School participants explored habitats from around the world, including the Arctic, oceans, jungles, deserts, and forests. Youth ages 5–12 increased their time spent outdoors by more than 60 hours while learning how animals and plants survive in different environments.

Participants brought their learning to life by designing their own habitats, creating Pokémon-style animal cards, and “battling” species based on habitat traits and adaptations. They also tested their knowledge through a fun, interactive game of habitat-themed Jeopardy.

The CTIC has been a wonderful partner location, giving Nevada Outdoor School the flexibility to move lessons indoors when winter weather made outdoor learning challenging, while still keeping hands-on education at the heart of the experience.

February 5 | Sage Elementary Stem Fair

On February 5, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Sage Elementary STEM Fair, engaging nearly 198 participants at its activity booth. Educators brought straws, cups, playdough, and LEGO® bricks and challenged students to build the tallest tower possible. The creativity and problem-solving on display were impressive, with the tallest structure reaching an incredible 52 inches. NOS staff enjoyed watching students experiment, collaborate, and approach the challenge with different strategies and competitive spirit, making it a fun and inspiring evening of hands-on STEM learning.

January 24 | Sheep Show

On January 24, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) hosted a Ride Safe Ride Smart booth at the 2026 Sheep Show, connecting with families and youth from across the region. Throughout the event, NOS staff and AmeriCorps members distributed approximately 30 helmets to youth who needed them, helping promote safe and responsible outdoor recreation.

The booth was filled with energy as AmeriCorps members engaged kids in interactive educational games focused on outdoor safety. Participants who joined in received NOS merchandise, making learning both fun and memorable. Over the course of the event, the NOS team interacted with an estimated 250 community members, sharing resources and building awareness around helmet use and safe riding practices.

In addition to outreach with families, the event provided valuable opportunities for partnership and connection. AmeriCorps members met with a representative from the Lahontan Audubon Society and had meaningful conversations with both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), strengthening relationships with fellow organizations dedicated to outdoor education and stewardship.