January was a month full of exciting outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and community engagement for Nevada Outdoor School! From snowy hikes and fire-building workshops to nature journaling and citizen science, we embraced the winter season with enthusiasm. Our events brought people together to explore, learn, and connect with nature, whether through hiking icy trails, learning about weather patterns, or fostering a love for plants. With growing participation in programs like the Young Naturalist Club and successful outreach at the Sheep Show, we’re starting 2025 on a strong note—building skills, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring outdoor stewardship across Northern Nevada!
January 7 | New Years Resolution Hike
On January 7th, Nevada Outdoor School kicked off the New Year with a refreshing Resolution Hike in Water Canyon, just outside of Winnemucca, Nevada. The snow-covered landscape offered stunning views and a crisp, invigorating atmosphere as our small group of two participants hiked up to the community yurt. The snow added an extra touch of magic to the journey, making it the perfect way to embrace the beauty of nature and start 2025 on an active and inspiring note.
January 8 | Leaf and Let Grow
On January 8th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted Leaf and Let Grow at our office, aiming to bring people together to connect over a shared love of plants. The event encouraged participants to step out of their homes and dive into engaging conversations about indoor plant care. We explored topics such as plant propagation, repotting, and nurturing newly potted plants, sparking valuable discussions and sharing tips. We were thrilled to welcome representatives from UCP, as building relationships with their organization has been truly rewarding. Every attendee left with at least one new plant, and our own office is now adorned with some beautiful greenery. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for helping to make Leaf and Let Grow a vibrant and enriching event!
January 11 | Ice Trails Excursion
On January 11th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted an Ice Trail Excursion at Talbott Trails in Lamoille, welcoming eight participants, including three children, for a day of winter exploration. The weather cooperated for most of the hike, though it turned chilly and overcast near the end. Thankfully, Sam from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) greeted us with a warm fire, hot chocolate, and s’mores, making it all worthwhile. This adventure marked our longest hike on Talbott Trails to date and rewarded us with the discovery of some fascinating tracks in the snow—a perfect blend of winter fun and outdoor learning!
Kim and Ash represented Nevada Outdoor School at the Sheep Show in Reno, engaging with nearly 1,500 attendees from January 16-18. Their booth was positioned next to the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, allowing for meaningful relationship-building with the division's team. They were also invited to collaborate with other organizations for future road shows in Carson City.
Conversations with the public focused on the importance of Leave No Trace principles, leading to insightful discussions about taking responsibility for the natural world. The Trash Timeline activity proved to be eye-opening, surprising not only students but also parents and adults. Many discussions centered on "trashing your trash," avoiding littering, reusing containers, and maintaining safe distances from wildlife.
January 20 | Weather Watcher Workshop
On January 20th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Weather Watcher Workshop in collaboration with Meghan Collins from the Desert Research Institute. The workshop welcomed 11 participants, including members from UCP. It was an engaging and interactive session where participants used magnifying lenses attached to their phones to closely examine salt crystals.
The group then explored Peace Park, capturing photos with their lenses and sharing their discoveries with one another. Participants also had the opportunity to become citizen scientists, learning how to track and input weather data through their phones to assist scientists in studying weather patterns and behaviors.
On January 20th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Weather Watcher Workshop in collaboration with Meghan Collins from the Desert Research Institute. The workshop welcomed 11 participants, including members from UCP. It was an engaging and interactive session where participants used magnifying lenses attached to their phones to closely examine salt crystals.
The group then explored Peace Park, capturing photos with their lenses and sharing their discoveries with one another. Participants also had the opportunity to become citizen scientists, learning how to track and input weather data through their phones to assist scientists in studying weather patterns and behaviors.
January 25 | Fire Building Workshop
On January 25, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a highly successful Fire Building Workshop with approximately 20 enthusiastic participants. The event featured engaging educational games, complete with outdoor gear prizes, which added a fun and interactive element to the learning experience. Attendees were introduced to new fire-building techniques and methods, which they practiced hands-on to build their confidence and skill. In addition, the workshop provided valuable information about local resources and wilderness education, deepening participants' understanding of Nevada's unique landscapes and how to navigate and utilize them responsibly. By the end of the class, everyone had the opportunity to apply their new and existing fire-building skills to successfully start a fire, which led to a s'mores gathering, to round out the day.
January 31 | Snowman Showdown & Bingo Bash
On January 31st, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Snowman Showdown, which went well despite low attendance. Two participants joined in the fun, playing Bingo and cornhole. Although only a few people attended, the event was still enjoyable, providing an opportunity to play games, increase their time spent outdoors, and beat the winter blues. It was great to see participants embrace the season and show up despite the chilly weather.
January | Young Naturalist Club
In January, the Elko Young Naturalist Club experienced both attendance growth and consistency among regular attendees. Students demonstrated impressive retention of past lessons, successfully recalling information during reviews. Both students and parents enjoyed the crafts and take-home items, adding to the program's appeal. Engagement levels increased as students became more familiar with the structured flow of each class, eagerly anticipating each new activity. Additionally, parents of K-3 students showed greater involvement, with more of them attending classes alongside their children, fostering a supportive learning environment.
January | Nature Journaling
In January, Nevada Outdoor School facilitated a nature journaling session in Winnemucca, focusing on the importance of snow in Nevada's ecosystem. The program engaged 182 students across Humboldt and Pershing Counties, providing hands-on learning experiences about snow’s role in the environment. Students practiced observational skills through the "zoom in and zoom out" technique, allowing them to examine details and broader perspectives in nature. Additionally, they had the opportunity to draw snowflakes, reinforcing their understanding of snow’s unique structures. The session also included a collaboration with 13 teachers, enhancing the educational impact of the lesson.
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