What's New at NOS! September 2025

September was a month full of creativity, connection, and community for Nevada Outdoor School! As summer came to a close, our team celebrated the season’s end with local families, artists, and educators across Northern Nevada. From roasting s’mores under the stars in Lander County to painting the beauty of Lamoille Canyon, and preparing to bring our updated Nature in My World curriculum into classrooms, September was a wonderful reminder of how outdoor experiences can inspire learning and bring people together.

September 13 | End of Summer Bash

Nevada Outdoor School wrapped up the season with an End of Summer Bash on September 13 in partnership with Lander County. The celebration brought together 130 community members for an evening filled with s’mores, yard games, and plenty of laughter. Families especially enjoyed the bounce houses, which were a huge hit with the kids. Adding to the fun, the event coincided with a lemonade walk, making it a perfect way to close out summer with sweet treats, outdoor play, and community connection.

September 27 | Celebrate the Canyon through Art

On September 27, Nevada Outdoor School joined the community in celebrating the beauty of Lamoille Canyon through art. Twenty-one artists gathered to paint, draw, and photograph the stunning scenery, capturing the canyon’s natural wonder in their own unique styles. Kim and MaKayla hosted an engaging art station for families and children, offering hands-on creativity with watercolor painting and air-dry clay. While only four children participated, the event fostered meaningful connections with several artists—opening the door to potential future collaborations that celebrate both art and the outdoors.

September 27 | Wild Horse NPLD

September | Elko NIMW

In September, Nevada Outdoor School’s Elko team was busy connecting with teachers and scheduling lessons for the upcoming school year. With the newly revamped NIMW (Nature in My World) curriculum, NOS educators are now able to visit each classroom five times a year instead of two—providing more opportunities to engage students in meaningful, hands-on environmental learning. This expanded schedule will strengthen relationships with teachers and students while inspiring curiosity about the natural world and the ways our choices impact the environment around us. Throughout the year, NOS will visit more than 60 classrooms during October, November, February, March, and April.

Haunted History & Nevada Lore from the Outdoors

Nevada’s sweeping deserts, rugged mountain ranges, and quiet canyons hold more than just scenic beauty, they echo with the whispers of history, legend, and mystery. From long-abandoned mining towns to remote stagecoach stops, the Silver State’s landscapes are steeped in stories of the past. October, with its crisp air and lengthening shadows, is the perfect time to explore Nevada’s haunted history and local lore while enjoying the great outdoors responsibly.

Ghosts of the Mining Boom

In the late 1800s, Nevada’s mining boom drew thousands of hopeful prospectors searching for silver and gold. Many of the towns that sprang up during that era have long since been deserted, leaving behind weathered buildings, forgotten cemeteries, and lingering tales of those who came before.

Virginia City, one of the most famous mining towns in the West, is said to be home to a number of spirits from its heyday. Visitors to the Washoe Club, once a gathering spot for miners and millionaires, report mysterious footsteps and cold drafts that can’t be explained. Nearby, the historic Silver Terrace Cemetery offers a quiet yet powerful glimpse into the lives, and sometimes tragic ends, of those who built the city.

Further east, Goldfield and Tonopah continue to draw ghost hunters and history buffs alike. The Goldfield Hotel, with its grand architecture and dark legends, has earned a reputation as one of Nevada’s most haunted places. In Tonopah, the Mizpah Hotel stands as both a restored gem and a site of spectral stories, including the famous “Lady in Red.”

Desert Legends and Mysterious Landscapes

Beyond its ghost towns, Nevada’s wild spaces have long inspired folklore. Pyramid Lake, just north of Reno, is not only a place of breathtaking natural beauty but also home to one of Nevada’s oldest legends, the story of the Water Babies. According to Paiute oral tradition, the spirits of lost children are said to inhabit the lake, their cries carried across the water on quiet evenings.

In central Nevada, Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park combines prehistoric fossils with ghostly remnants of a mining town. Visitors can walk among the preserved bones of ancient marine reptiles and explore the weathered remains of Berlin’s 19th-century buildings, a unique blend of natural history and Nevada lore.

Outdoor Ethics: Respecting the Past and the Land

Exploring these historic and haunted places can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to do so with care. Nevada Outdoor School encourages everyone to follow Leave No Trace principles and to show respect for both the environment and the cultural heritage that defines these sites.

When visiting ghost towns or historic ruins:

• Stay on established paths and roads to protect fragile structures and ecosystems.

• Look, but don’t touch, historic artifacts, woodwork, and stones are easily damaged and should remain where they are for others to enjoy.

• Pack out all trash, even if it isn’t yours, to preserve the sense of timelessness that makes these places special.

• Be mindful of wildlife, as many ghost towns and historic sites have become habitats for bats, birds, and small mammals.

• Share respectfully, if you’re taking photos or sharing your adventure online, include context about the importance of preserving Nevada’s history and environment.

A Connection Between Past and Present

Nevada’s haunted sites remind us that history is alive in the landscape. Every crumbling building, dusty trail, and desert breeze carries a story, of resilience, discovery, and the human connection to the land. By visiting these places responsibly, we not only keep those stories alive but also ensure that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder and curiosity.

This October, whether you’re exploring a ghost town, camping under the stars, or tracing the footsteps of miners and pioneers, take a moment to reflect on the legacy of those who came before. Nevada’s haunted history is more than a collection of ghost stories, it’s a reminder that the outdoors holds both our past and our future, waiting to be explored with care and respect.

AmeriCorps Member Spotlight: Vivian Grange

Nevada Outdoor School is proud to spotlight AmeriCorps member Vivian Grange, who has been serving with our Elko office this summer.

Vivian grew up right here in Elko, Nevada, and returned home for the summer before her next adventure. While browsing a job site, she stumbled upon the AmeriCorps position with Nevada Outdoor School. She admits she was mindlessly applying for a variety of jobs, but the moment she read the description for this role, she knew it was the right fit. The opportunity to spend her summer outdoors, help with camps, and engage with the community sparked immediate excitement.

“Being outdoors and helping out with camps seemed so fun and able to get me out of the house as well as earn money while I’m having fun,” Vivian shared.

For Vivian, AmeriCorps has been more than just a summer job—it’s been an opportunity to serve her community, inspire youth, and connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways. She expressed gratitude for the experience, noting how much she’s enjoyed contributing to Nevada Outdoor School’s mission of inspiring exploration and stewardship of the natural world.

“I’m so grateful that I had this opportunity and I loved doing my service,” she said.

Vivian’s enthusiasm, energy, and love for the outdoors have made her a valued part of our AmeriCorps team. We’re excited to see where her journey takes her next and are thankful for the impact she’s made in our community during her service.

Chasing Ruins: Ghost Towns You Can Visit in Northern Nevada (and how to do it responsibly)

Nevada’s landscape is stitched with the bones of boomtowns; mining camps, railroad stops, and hopeful homesteads that sprang up overnight and faded just as fast. If you love wide skies, old brickwork, and the storytelling that happens when you stand where history happened, Northern Nevada has excellent, and surprisingly accessible, ghost towns to explore. Below are a few that are easy to reach in Northern Nevada, a short history for each, and practical ways to enjoy them using Leave No Trace ethics and the rules that protect our shared heritage.

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Tuscarora | A Stubborn Survivor

Tuscarora sits in Elko County and began after word of a gold strike in 1867. At one point during its 19th-century boom it supported thousands of miners, mills, and businesses; later cycles of activity and quiet left the town with the weathered wooden buildings and mill ruins you can still see today. Although it slowed from a true boomtown, Tuscarora never completely disappeared, there’s still a small living community nearby and lots of visible historic fabric to imagine life here in the 1800s. 

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Metropolis | The Agricultural Experiment that Failed

Metropolis (near Wells) is not a mining boomtown so much as a failed agricultural colony. Founded in 1910 by a reclamation company that hoped dry-land farming would succeed here, the town grew infrastructure (school, hotel, store) but the climate and economics didn’t cooperate. By the 1920s most settlers left; today you’ll find the ruins of the school, hotel foundations, and a small cemetery.

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Ruby Hill | The Mining Camp Near Eureka

Ruby Hill grew up in the 1870s around rich silver and lead strikes near Eureka. The boom peaked in the late 1870s; later revivals occurred but natural events (like a 1910 storm that washed out a railroad) and the usual market swings led to decline. Today Ruby Hill’s remains sit close to Eureka and give a vivid sense of the mining economy that powered much of Nevada’s early development. 

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Belmont — Classic 1860s Silver Era

Belmont (south of Tonopah regionally, often included in central/northern Nevada routes) was a silver boomtown whose discoveries helped shape Nevada’s reputation in the 1860s and 1870s. Brick archways, graveyards, and the old saloon ruins make it one of Nevada’s more photogenic ghost towns, and you can still feel the scale of that 19th-century boom walking the historic center. 

Appreciating Nevada Wildlife—Safely and Respectfully

From soaring golden eagles over the high desert to bighorn sheep navigating rocky cliffs, Nevada’s wildlife is as diverse as its landscapes. Observing animals in their natural habitats is a thrill, whether you’re hiking in the Ruby Mountains, exploring desert canyons, or paddling across a quiet reservoir. But with this privilege comes responsibility—both for your safety and for the well-being of the animals you encounter. By following a few simple guidelines, you can enjoy unforgettable wildlife experiences while ensuring that Nevada’s wild creatures continue to thrive.

Keep a Safe Distance
One of the most important rules of wildlife watching is to give animals plenty of space. A good guideline is to stay at least 25 yards (about the length of two school buses) away from most wildlife, and at least 100 yards from large predators such as mountain lions or bears. Using binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens allows you to get a closer look without disturbing the animal. Approaching too closely can stress wildlife, disrupt feeding or nesting, and in some cases, provoke dangerous defensive behavior.

Observe, Don’t Interact
It can be tempting to feed animals—especially when curious chipmunks or ducks seem to beg for a snack—but human food can make them sick and alter their natural behavior. Animals that become accustomed to being fed can lose their ability to forage on their own and may become aggressive toward people. Keeping interactions non-invasive ensures that animals continue to rely on their natural instincts and food sources.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Wildlife is unpredictable. While most animals want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them, startling a deer, snake, or predator can be dangerous for both parties. Pay attention to where you walk, especially in areas with tall grass, rocky outcrops, or dense brush. If you’re in snake country, watch the trail ahead and avoid stepping over rocks or logs without checking the other side.

Protect Habitats
The best way to respect wildlife is to protect the places they live. Staying on designated trails prevents erosion and damage to fragile plant communities. When camping, choose durable surfaces for your tent and pack out all trash. Follow Leave No Trace principles to keep habitats healthy for future generations of both humans and animals.

Time Your Visits for Success
Wildlife is most active during the early morning and late evening, when temperatures are cooler and human activity is lower. Visiting during these times not only improves your chances of spotting animals but also helps you avoid heat-related risks during Nevada’s hotter months.

Share the Experience Responsibly
Photography is a wonderful way to remember your wildlife encounters, but avoid posting exact locations of rare or sensitive species on social media. Publicizing these spots can lead to increased human traffic and stress for the animals. Instead, share your excitement while keeping their safety in mind.

A Mutual Respect
Wildlife viewing is one of Nevada’s greatest outdoor treasures. By approaching each encounter with patience, care, and respect, you help ensure that both you and the animals can coexist safely. Whether you’re watching a hawk circle overhead, catching sight of a pronghorn sprinting across a sagebrush flat, or simply listening to the calls of unseen birds, remember that these moments are a privilege. Treat Nevada’s wildlife like the neighbors they are—wild, wonderful, and worthy of our protection.

Wildlife Wonders of Rural Northern Nevada

Rural Northern Nevada is a land of wide-open skies, rugged mountain ranges, and sweeping sagebrush valleys, and it’s teeming with wildlife. From desert canyons to alpine lakes, the counties of Elko, Humboldt, Lander, Pershing, and Eureka offer some of the best opportunities in the state to observe animals in their natural habitats. Whether you’re an avid wildlife watcher or just love spotting animals while out on the trail, these species and viewing spots are sure to inspire your next outdoor adventure.

In Elko County, the Ruby Mountains and Jarbidge Wilderness offer a mix of high-elevation forests and rolling valleys where wildlife thrives. Rocky Mountain elk roam mountain meadows, mule deer graze in agricultural fields, and golden eagles soar above open country. In the high rocky slopes of the Rubies, mountain goats and the rare Himalayan snowcock can sometimes be spotted. Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is a must-visit, offering both roadside views and hiking opportunities for spotting wildlife.

Humboldt County’s landscape of sagebrush steppe and shimmering reservoirs is home to pronghorn antelope, iconic wild horse herds, and waterfowl that gather at Rye Patch Reservoir and nearby wetlands. In spring, sage-grouse perform their unique courtship dances on open leks. For more remote wildlife encounters, Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge offers expansive high desert habitat for pronghorn, raptors, and other species.

Lander County’s secluded mountain ranges and hidden springs provide a haven for wildlife that prefers solitude. Bighorn sheep scale rocky slopes, coyotes and foxes roam the open country, and raptors such as red-tailed hawks and kestrels patrol the skies. The Toiyabe Range offers breathtaking scenery along with excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

In Pershing County, the stark beauty of desert basins and reservoirs hides a surprising abundance of life. Great Basin rattlesnakes and lizards thrive in hot, dry conditions, while pelicans, herons, and other waterbirds gather at Rye Patch State Recreation Area. Pronghorn and mule deer are frequently spotted crossing the open valleys, especially in the early morning or late evening.

Eureka County’s wide-open spaces, a mix of high desert and mountain ranges, host jackrabbits, cottontails, and an array of raptors, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, and ferruginous hawks. Mule deer and elk are common along the edges of mountain ranges, particularly near water sources. The Diamond Mountains are a great location for big game and bird sightings.

No matter which county you explore, the key to successful wildlife viewing is patience and respect. Go early or late when animals are most active, use binoculars or spotting scopes to maintain a safe distance, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect habitats. From soaring eagles over vast valleys to bighorn sheep perched high on cliffs, rural Northern Nevada offers unforgettable encounters with the wild. Grab your binoculars, head out to these special places, and discover the incredible creatures that call our region home.

What's New at NOS - August 2025

August 1 | Lovelock Caves

On August 1st, Nevada Outdoor School visited the Lovelock Caves to explore the unique geological features of the area. Participants learned about the diverse rock formations, mineral deposits, and the natural processes that shaped the caves over thousands of years. The group hiked the scenic trail surrounding the caves, taking in the stunning landscape while examining local plant species that thrive in and around the cave environment. A guided tour of the Lovelock Caves highlighted the site’s historical and cultural importance, followed by an in-depth visit to the Lovelock Museum, where participants gained further insight into the region’s history and archaeological discoveries.

August 2 | Youth Trap Shoot Tournament

On August 2nd, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Youth Trap Shoot Tournament at the Orovada Trap Shoot. While attendance was smaller than last year, with nine youth signing up to compete, the event was still full of excitement and skill. Partnerships with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Department of Wildlife Game Wardens, and The Chukar Foundation helped make the day a success. Competitors showcased impressive marksmanship, including one memorable moment when the final age group had just a single participant, prompting their dad to join in. That young shooter went on to miss only one out of 25 shots, capping the day with an impressive display of accuracy.

August 4-7 | Elko Adventure Camp

From August 4–7, Nevada Outdoor School hosted its Elko Adventure Camp, where eight campers joined in for four days of fun, with seven staying overnight. The group hiked an hour up the Thomas Creek Trail in Lamoille, enjoying lunch along the way, followed by refreshing snow cones at City Park. Campers explored the excitement of geocaching around town, splashed at the Commercial water bounce houses, and practiced their aim during archery at CTIC. Creative fun included making paracord keychains, while the creek at the campground proved to be a favorite spot to play. When heavy winds required an unexpected change of plans, the group camped overnight at the office instead, spending the next day watching movies and enjoying a pizza party, an adventure the kids loved just as much as the original plan.

August 8 | CTIC Day Camp 2

On August 8th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the second CTIC Day Camp, led by Isabel. Campers enjoyed a full day of engaging activities, beginning with crafting their own paracord bracelets and participating in a lively relay race that brought plenty of energy and excitement. To build connections, the group played fun icebreaker games before tapping into their creativity to design homemade buttons. The day concluded with a visit to the museum, where campers took part in an interactive escape room experience that blended learning with mystery and adventure.

August 9 | S’more than a Meteor Shower

On August 9, Nevada Outdoor School hosted S’more than a Meteor Shower, welcoming 150 community members for an evening under the stars. More than 200 s’mores were enjoyed while guests took in the Perseid Meteor Shower, the light of a full moon, and the occasional shooting star. Kids had the chance to earn their Night Explorer Junior Ranger Badges, adding a hands-on learning experience to the night. It was a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.

August 11-14 | Great Basin National Park Pathfinders Camp

From August 11–14, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Pathfinders Camp at Great Basin National Park. Known as one of the least light-polluted places in the country, campers were treated to breathtaking night skies and even caught sight of meteor showers. The adventure included a guided tour of Lehman Caves and special keepsakes—a small Great Basin token for each camper to take home. Nestled in a campground beside a creek and surrounded by tall trees, the group enjoyed evenings around the campfire with s’mores, games, and time to relax beneath the stars, making for an unforgettable experience.

August 19 | Sheriff's Night Out in Storey, Nevada

On August 19th, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Sheriff’s Night Out in Storey County, connecting with around 40 community members. During the event, NOS distributed four helmets and engaged in meaningful conversations, including discussions about local hospitals in the Reno area. Many attendees were already familiar with NOS and were excited to see the organization present in their community. Families left with new knowledge and several expressed interest in enrolling in Ride Safe Ride Smart courses in the future.

August 23 | Twilight Glowball Golf Tournament

On August 23rd, Nevada Outdoor School hosted its very first Glowball Charity Golf Tournament, and it was a huge success! The tournament was full, with participants enjoying the unique experience of playing golf under the night sky. Despite challenges from the weather and even a power outage, players stuck with the event and made it a memorable evening outdoors. NOS extends a huge thank you to the generous sponsors - including the event sponsor, the Offenhauser Foundation, those who donated raffle items, and all who participated. Congratulations to the tournament winners, and thank you to everyone who supported outdoor education through this exciting new event!

August | Nature in the Park

In August, Nevada Outdoor School brought nature-based learning to communities along I-80 from Wells to Lovelock, reaching more than 100 children ages 1–10. Lessons centered on bees, worms, flowers, and ants, teaching the vital role pollinators play in supporting healthy ecosystems and how we can help the natural world thrive. Each one-hour storytime featured a hands-on craft and lively gross motor activities to keep participants engaged. A highlight of the month was singing “The Ants Go Marching On,” as children marched in a line like ants gathering food for the winter, a fun and memorable way to connect with nature.