What's New at NOS! October 2025

October was a busy and exciting month for Nevada Outdoor School, filled with hands-on learning, community connection, and outdoor adventures across Northern Nevada. From educational programs for young naturalists and Adventure Buddies, to field trips, family hikes, and workshops for OHV enthusiasts, NOS brought people of all ages together to explore, discover, and engage with the natural world. Participants had opportunities to practice nature journaling, learn about animal adaptations, enjoy fall-themed crafts and activities, and even experience a bit of local history on the trails. Community events, such as Business Before Hours and the Education Adventure Fair, allowed NOS to connect with educators, families, and local partners, strengthening relationships and sharing resources to promote outdoor education and safe, responsible recreation throughout the region.

October 1-3 | Nevada Off Road Summit

OHV enthusiasts gathered from across the state of Nevada. Other non-profit who are passionate about keeping Nevada Wild and enjoying the public lands in a safe and responsible way were able to network and find ways to help support each other. Topics covered were anywhere from the benefits of being part of an actual club, to Stop the Bleed which was hosted by NOS and Renown, to railroad safety were covered. Many participants were also able to join a trail ride out to Hastings Cutoff to experience part of the history here in Elko.

October 9 | Business Before Hours

On October 9, Nevada Outdoor School had the pleasure of hosting Business Before Hours in partnership with the Elko Area Chamber. This event also marked the one-year anniversary of NOS’s new Elko office, and staff were excited to celebrate this milestone with the community. Around 40 individuals attended, enjoying the opportunity to connect, network, and learn more about Nevada Outdoor School’s programs, including summer camps and the Ride Safe Ride Smart initiative. It was a wonderful morning of conversation and community connection, and NOS is grateful for the continued support of the Elko area as it furthers its mission to inspire exploration of the natural world.

October 9 | Education Adventure Fair

On October 9, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the second annual Education Adventure Fair, an event designed to connect educators with hands-on outdoor learning opportunities. This year, NOS was excited to welcome even more community partners to the fair. While attendance was smaller than hoped, the team had meaningful conversations with the teachers who joined and shared ideas on integrating nature into the classroom. For the 2024–2025 school year, Nevada Outdoor School is shifting focus from structured lessons to nature journaling, encouraging students and teachers alike to explore and reflect on the natural world around them. NOS believes that health and well-being are essential for academic success, and that connecting with nature supports physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and social development. The organization’s goal is not only to provide outdoor lessons, but also to empower students and educators with the tools and understanding to continue benefiting from time spent outdoors long after NOS has left the classroom.

October 10 | Adventure Buddies

On October 10, Nevada Outdoor School hosted its first-ever Adventure Buddies program at Peace Park, and it was a fantastic success! Fourteen young adventurers joined in for a fun-filled morning celebrating the beauty of autumn. The group read a story about the fall season, created colorful baskets decorated with leaves labeled with their favorite autumn activities, and played an energetic dice game featuring fall animals and actions to act out. Nevada Outdoor School was thrilled with the great turnout for this first session and looks forward to seeing Adventure Buddies grow and evolve. This engaging program will continue to be held on the second Friday of each month.

October 10 | NOS Young Naturalist Club Session 1

On October 10th, Nevada Outdoor School kicked off the first session of the Young Naturalist Club. During this engaging lesson, students explored the fascinating world of animal adaptations, learning how creatures like eagles, rabbits, elk, and beavers have evolved to thrive in their environments. About ten young naturalists participated in the hour-long session, which included a fun, hands-on activity where one student was dressed as a beaver to help demonstrate the animal’s unique adaptations. Participants also took time to journal their observations, curiosities, and discoveries; encouraging creativity and a deeper connection to the natural world.

October 15 | Flagview Field Trip Day

On October 15th, Nevada Outdoor School joined Flagview students for a fun-filled field trip day. Over the course of the day, NOS educators met with 201 fifth and sixth graders in one-hour sessions, introducing them to the art of nature journaling. Students practiced observing the world around them and recording their findings through writing and drawing, fostering both creativity and curiosity. It was a joy to witness each student’s unique personality shine as they engaged with nature and discovered new ways to connect with the outdoors.

October 17 | Elko Trails & Tales

On October 17th, Nevada Outdoor School joined families for the Elko Trails & Tales event at the California Trail Interpretive Center. About 48 kids and adults participated in this hour-and-a-half adventure, which combined hiking, storytelling, and a bit of Halloween fun. Along the trail, children were given the choice between a “trick” or a “treat,” leading them down different paths filled with surprises. At the end of the hike, Bayley delighted everyone with a classic Dr. Seuss story, wrapping up the event with laughter and smiles. One of the highlights included a clever “trick” where a hole was poked through a note card without damaging a dollar bill; leaving both kids and parents amazed.

October 17 | Young Naturalist Club Session 2

On October 17th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the second session of the Young Naturalist Club, all about owls! Students learned about how owls eat, their unique adaptations, and the different sounds they make. Younger participants enjoyed a creative craft activity, making owls out of brown paper bags with coffee filter eyes and hand-traced wings. Older students took a more hands-on scientific approach by dissecting owl pellets, identifying bones, and determining what animals the owls might have eaten. Six younger and four older students participated in this engaging three-hour session filled with curiosity, discovery, and fun learning experiences.

October 25 | Winnemucca Pumpkin Painting

On October 25th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a fun and festive Pumpkin Painting event in Winnemucca at Vesco Park. Although not all invited guests were able to attend, the smaller group created room for more community members to join in throughout the day. Participants enjoyed a relaxed, unscheduled atmosphere under beautiful fall weather. Kids especially loved decorating their pumpkins with paint and creative designs, showing off their artistic skills. The event brought families and neighbors together, fostering community connection and seasonal cheer.

October 30 | Trailing Treat

On October 30th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Trailing Treat event; a fun and festive outdoor gathering for all who attended! While only a few participants joined, everyone made the most of the time together, spending about an hour and a half enjoying the fall weather and community spirit. Candy bags were plentiful, ensuring everyone went home with a sweet treat. Both attendees and Nevada Outdoor School AmeriCorps members and staff embraced the Halloween spirit by dressing up in creative costumes. The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and strengthen community connections.

October | NIMW in Elko & Winnemucca

Throughout October, Nevada Outdoor School celebrated Nevada Invasive Species and Wildlife Month (NIMW) in both Elko and Winnemucca. Across both offices, NOS educators visited more than 50 classrooms, reaching approximately 1,000 students. Lessons focused on Nature Journaling, encouraging students to step outside and experience the calming benefits of time spent in nature. Many classes enjoyed nature walks around their school campuses, discovering details from the natural world that often go unnoticed. Students also had the opportunity to explore fascinating natural items such as bull horns, acorns, hornet nests, and mule deer antlers, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Nevada’s diverse ecosystems.