Reducing Your Carbon Footprint While Getting Outdoors

At Nevada Outdoor School, we love seeing people get outside and connect with nature — it's at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re hiking a local trail, exploring state parks, or heading out for a weekend camping adventure, there are always opportunities to reduce your environmental impact. After all, one of the most important ways we can show respect for the natural world is by treading lightly.

Here are a few practical ways you can reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying the great outdoors:

 
Stay Local When You Can

Adventure doesn’t have to mean traveling far. Exploring local parks, trails, and recreation areas helps cut down on fuel use and vehicle emissions. You might be surprised at how much natural beauty exists right in your own backyard.

Carpool or Use Public Transportation
When heading out with friends or family, consider carpooling to your destination. Not only does this reduce emissions, but it also makes the trip more fun and communal. In some areas, public transportation can get you close to trailheads or parks — it’s worth checking out!

Choose Human-Powered Activities

Opt for activities like hiking, biking, paddling, or skiing instead of those that require fuel-powered vehicles. If you do enjoy OHV recreation (which we support when done responsibly!), make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and follow “Tread Lightly!” principles to minimize environmental impact.

Pack Light and Smart

The heavier your load, the more fuel your vehicle uses — especially on long trips or when backpacking with gear. Pack only what you need, invest in reusable items like water bottles and utensils, and avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.

Buy Local and Sustainable Gear

Support local outfitters and choose gear made from sustainable or recycled materials. Repair or repurpose old gear rather than replacing it, and consider shopping second-hand when possible. Not only does this save resources, it supports a circular economy.

Leave No Trace — And Go Beyond

Practicing Leave No Trace is essential to protecting wild spaces. Pack out your trash, stay on trails, and respect wildlife. But you can go even further: pick up litter left by others, volunteer for trail maintenance days, or share eco-friendly practices with your outdoor community.

Offset Where You Can

If you do need to travel longer distances, consider purchasing carbon offsets or donating to organizations that plant trees, protect habitat, or invest in renewable energy. It’s not a perfect solution, but every step helps.

Spending time outdoors can inspire deep care for the planet — and the more we care, the more we’re motivated to protect it. At Nevada Outdoor School, we’re committed to teaching outdoor ethics, stewardship, and responsible recreation. Together, we can make sure the spaces we love stay healthy and wild for generations to come.

Let’s all do our part to keep Nevada’s outdoors beautiful, accessible, and thriving.

AmeriCorps Member Spotlight: Roxy – Serving Her Hometown with Heart

Meet Roxy, an AmeriCorps member and outdoor educator with Nevada Outdoor School, serving in her hometown of Elko, Nevada. Born and raised in Elko, Roxy brings a deep-rooted passion for her community to everything she does. With a background in high school sports and a love for the outdoors, Roxy has found the perfect fit in her role connecting local youth with nature.

Roxy discovered the AmeriCorps opportunity while job searching on Indeed. The position stood out to her because it combined two of her favorite things: working with kids and spending time outside. Nearly six months into her term of service, Roxy has already made a big impact and gained valuable insight in return.

“In my own words, AmeriCorps is a great opportunity to serve your community,” she says. “It’s important because it provides so many different opportunities, not just for those serving, but for the community as a whole.”

Through her service, Roxy has developed a deeper understanding of what it means to give back. “It’s broadened my perspective,” she explains. “I’ve learned how important it is to help, and how much the community truly benefits from the work we do.”.

From teaching outdoor education programs to supporting events and activities, Roxy has been a key part of Nevada Outdoor School’s outreach. She notes that her favorite memories come from the gratitude she receives from the community: “Just seeing how thankful people are and how much they appreciate us, it’s incredibly meaningful.”

Roxy encourages anyone considering AmeriCorps to give it a shot. “It’s been a very eye-opening experience,” she reflects. “There were so many things I got to participate in. It’s a great opportunity to get involved and gain knowledge that will stick with you for life.”

As her AmeriCorps term winds down, Roxy is already looking ahead. She plans to attend Great Basin College to study radiology and earn her substitute teaching license so she can continue supporting local elementary schools.

Thank you, Roxy, for your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to making Elko a better place to live, learn, and explore!

What's New at NOS! July 2025

July was a month full of sunshine, discovery, and outdoor adventures at Nevada Outdoor School! From the shores of Spring Creek Marina to the scenic trails of Water Canyon, our team brought engaging, hands-on experiences to kids and families across northern Nevada. With everything from Hawaiian-themed water play and pioneer fire-starting to geocaching, community service projects, and silly campfire games, each event fostered curiosity, built skills, and strengthened connections to nature. With the help of dedicated educators and enthusiastic participants, we made the most of the summer season—one camp, craft, and compass at a time!

Spring Creek Day Camp | July 1

On July 1st, Nevada Outdoor School brought the fun to the Spring Creek Marina for a Hawaiian-themed day camp. Twelve energetic campers joined in for a day packed with water games, colorful crafts, and hands-on learning about Leave No Trace principles. The camp ran smoothly with few to no issues, and every participant shared that they had a great time. It was a fantastic day of outdoor fun, learning, and laughter by the water!

Elko Adventure Camp 1 | July 7-10

From July 7–10, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the first Elko Adventure Camp of the season, bringing together 12 adventurous campers, 10 of whom stayed overnight, for a week of exploration and fun. Despite some strong winds that challenged the group’s camping experience, the kids showed incredible bravery and resilience. True to the spirit of adventure, a few eager explorers even found themselves stuck in the mud, requiring a helping hand from Outdoor Educator Bayley. Campers had a blast creating paracord bracelets and keychains, with many crafting multiple keepsakes. Evenings around the campfire were filled with laughter, vegan marshmallows, and rounds of the classic game telephone. A highlight of the week was geocaching; so much so that the group chose to keep hunting for caches rather than make their own.

Winnemucca Adventure Camp | July 14-17 

Twelve kids participated in Winnemucca Adventure Camp from July 14–17, with 11 staying overnight for the full camp experience. Throughout the week, campers took part in a variety of activities including geocaching, creek play, splash pad fun, crafts, and a meaningful community service project. They practiced navigation skills, explored their creativity, and learned the importance of giving back. A highlight of the week was the geocaching adventure, which sparked excitement and teamwork, while time spent at the creek and splash pad provided a fun way to cool off. Campers also made a positive impact by contributing to a local beautification project, helping improve shared community spaces with their time and effort.

CTIC Camp 1 | July 18 

CTIC Camp 1 on July 18 was packed with hands-on frontier fun for 14 campers! Participants explored traditional fire-starting methods and learned how pioneers built fires without modern tools. Orienteering was a hit, with kids using compasses to navigate like true trailblazers. Campers also got up close with animal pelts, discovering how fur-bearing animals played a crucial role in pioneer survival. Archery gave everyone a taste of frontier hunting skills, and the Trail Chores Relay Race brought lots of laughs and teamwork as kids hauled water, washed laundry, and raced to pack up our wagon.

Battle Mountain Self Reliance Fair | July 19

Nevada Outdoor School participated in the Battle Mountain Self-Reliance Fair on July 19th, where staff engaged with around 60 community members. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about survival techniques, including how to make snares and traps using a variety of materials—not just wire—demonstrating creative options for self-reliance in the backcountry. NOS also shared important Leave No Trace principles, helping participants understand how to minimize their impact while exploring and surviving in the outdoors.

Ward Mountain Pathfinders Camp | July 21-24

Nevada Outdoor School’s Pathfinder Camp at Ward Mountain from July 21st through July 24th, welcomed nine enthusiastic campers this summer. Each morning, the group was up early, eager to dive into the day’s planned adventures. Several campers were from Ely, which made for fun conversations about local favorites and must-see spots. The unofficial soundtrack of the week quickly became “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC, with campers breaking into song every ten minutes. While the weather stayed cooperative, the heat made it especially important to keep everyone hydrated and protected with plenty of sunscreen throughout the week.

Early Bird Expedition | July 25

On July 25th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted an Early Bird Expedition in beautiful Water Canyon, just outside Winnemucca. Five participants joined us for a peaceful morning hike under lovely weather conditions. The group enjoyed a scenic trek to the yurt, where a surprise treat of doughnuts was a hit with everyone. It was a refreshing and enjoyable outing, filled with great company, good views, and a sweet reward at the top.

Elko Explorers Camp | July 28-31

From July 28th to 31st, Nevada Outdoor School hosted our Elko Explorers Day Camp at Mountain View Park, welcoming an average of 22 to 25 enthusiastic students each day. Campers enjoyed a new theme and storybook daily—Dino Day, Wacky Wednesday, Under the Sea, and Superhero Day—each filled with engaging, themed activities that sparked creativity and curiosity. Wacky Wednesday brought extra smiles as kids showed off their wild outfits and silly hairstyles! With perfect weather and a popsicle treat before pickup each afternoon, it was a memorable week of learning and laughter in the outdoors.

Winnemucca Explorers Camp | July 28-31

Nevada Outdoor School’s Winnemucca Explorers Day Camp, held July 28–31, brought together eight excited campers, each eager to jump into the fun. Every day featured a new theme—Monday was Superhero Day, with campers arriving dressed as their favorite heroes; Tuesday was Water Day, filled with splashing and laughter; Wednesday was Wacky Wednesday, where wild outfits ruled the day; and Thursday was Dinosaur Day, complete with adventurous explorer hats. Each day offered new games the kids loved and creative crafts they proudly made. Conversations with the campers revealed their unique personalities, making it a joy to watch them fully embrace each day’s adventures with NOS.

July | Nature in the Park

What better way to start the morning than with a fun and engaging lesson at the park? This month, our young learners explored topics like dinosaurs, ants, camouflage, and Nevada State Symbols. During our Nevada State Symbols lesson, students even created Christmas ornaments that will be proudly displayed on the Capitol Christmas Tree later this year! The Elko office had the pleasure of teaching nearly 130 students, ranging in age from 2 to 10, throughout the month of July. It’s been a joyful, nature-filled summer, and we’re so grateful for the families and kids who joined us!

Discovering and Protecting Northern Nevada’s Conservation Areas: How You Can Help

Northern Nevada is home to sweeping deserts, snow-capped mountains, rippling rivers, and quiet wetlands, each offering a haven for wildlife and an escape for people who love the outdoors. Many of these special places are protected as conservation areas, and it takes a collective effort to keep them healthy for future generations. Whether you’re a lifelong Nevadan or just discovering the state’s wild beauty, there are many ways you can get involved.

What Are Conservation Areas?

Conservation areas are designated public lands managed to protect natural, cultural, or historical resources. In Northern Nevada, these spaces include:

• Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Vital wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area – A BLM-managed area preserving pioneer trails, wide-open desert, and sensitive ecosystems.
• South Fork State Recreation Area – A favorite for anglers and campers, offering wildlife viewing and water access.
• East Humboldt and Ruby Mountain Wilderness Areas – Pristine alpine landscapes home to bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and vibrant wildflowers.

These areas provide more than beautiful backdrops; they support clean air and water, protect biodiversity, and offer opportunities for recreation, reflection, and education.

Conservation Organizations Making a Difference

Northern Nevada is lucky to have several passionate organizations working on the front lines of conservation. Here are just a few:

Friends of Nevada Wilderness

Dedicated to preserving Nevada’s wilderness and public lands, this group organizes stewardship projects like trail maintenance and trash cleanups while advocating for strong land protections.

The Nature Conservancy – Nevada Chapter

TNC works on large-scale conservation projects throughout the state, including wetland restoration in the Truckee and Carson River watersheds and habitat protection in the sagebrush steppe.

Nevada Land Trust

This nonprofit conserves open space and natural resources through land acquisitions, easements, and partnerships. They focus on protecting working ranches, river corridors, and public access areas.

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)

NDOW manages fish and wildlife resources and leads habitat restoration efforts. They also offer education programs and volunteer opportunities to support conservation statewide.

Nevada Outdoor School (that’s us!)

We support conservation through education, teaching Leave No Trace principles, responsible recreation, and environmental stewardship to youth and adults across rural Nevada. We also host volunteer days and AmeriCorps service opportunities focused on outdoor education and trail projects.

How You Can Help

Protecting Northern Nevada’s conservation areas doesn’t require big moves—just consistent, thoughtful actions. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Practice Leave No Trace

Leave nature better than you found it. Stay on trails, pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and avoid damaging plants or habitats.

2. Volunteer Your Time

Join a trail crew, help remove invasive species, or sign up for a habitat clean-up with local groups. Even one day can make a lasting impact.

3. Be a Responsible User

Respect land use rules and stay in designated areas, especially when camping or riding OHVs. Your actions matter.

4. Support Conservation Groups

Make a donation, become a member, or attend events hosted by local conservation organizations. They rely on community support to do their work.

5. Educate and Inspire Others

Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about the value of public lands. Share your love of the outdoors and encourage others to tread lightly.

Northern Nevada’s conservation areas are more than beautiful, they’re essential. With your help, we can ensure these lands remain wild, healthy, and accessible for generations to come.