Where to See Baby Animals & Bird Nesting Areas in Nevada — Safely

Spring and early summer in Nevada bring a special kind of magic: baby animals and birds in the wild! From tiny chicks peeping in nests to fawns cautiously exploring the world, this season offers unforgettable wildlife viewing. But it’s important to enjoy these moments responsibly, so both you and the animals stay safe.

Here’s your guide to great spots around Nevada, and how to observe wildlife respectfully.

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Top Places in Nevada to Spot Wildlife & Nesting Areas

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (Southern Nevada)

This lush oasis in the desert is a stopover on the Pacific Flyway, attracting hundreds of bird species, especially in spring and early summer. Migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and nesting birds can often be seen throughout the wetlands and meadows.

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (Las Vegas area)

A premier birding spot in southern Nevada, this preserve features multiple ponds and trails where waterfowl and other birds gather. It’s especially popular during migratory and breeding seasons.

Swan Lake Nature Study Area (Washoe County)

Near Reno, this important bird area is home to over 150 bird species. The wetlands and marsh habitats make it ideal for spotting nesting waterbirds and songbirds.

Rye Patch State Recreation Area (Western Nevada)

Along the reservoir shoreline you can often see waterfowl families in spring and summer. Its accessible trails and shoreline make for good birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

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Wildlife Viewing Tips & Safety

Keep Your Distance

Wild animals, especially nests with eggs or chicks, are delicate. Staying well back helps ensure parents don’t abandon their young and avoids stressing the animals. Spotting scopes or binoculars are your friends!

Don’t Touch Wildlife

Even if it looks like a baby needs help, most of the time the parents are nearby caring for them. Handling or relocating young animals can do more harm than good — and it may be illegal under state and federal wildlife laws.

Keep Pets Controlled

Dogs and cats can stress wildlife or chase young animals. Always keep pets on a leash or at home near sensitive habitats.

Use Telephoto Lenses for Photos

If you want close photos, a zoom lens lets you capture stunning shots without getting too close. Never approach a nest just to get a photo.

Time Your Visit Right

Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, and birds are often busy feeding chicks early in the morning, ideal times for quiet observation.

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What to Do If You Find a Baby Animal

If you find a young animal that appears alone:

• Don’t automatically assume it needs help. Many fledgling birds leave the nest before they can fly — and the parents are often close by.

• Don’t pick it up unless it’s clearly injured or in danger. If it is injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator recommended by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

• Never put a healthy animal in your care or move it far from where you found it. This can disrupt its connection to parents and habitat.

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Nevada is full of opportunities to witness nature’s cycle of life, from waterfowl raising their first broods to bunnies darting through wildflower meadows. By choosing the right locations and following wildlife ethics and safety practices, you can create lifelong memories while honoring the wild spaces and creatures that make Nevada special.

Ready to explore? Grab your binoculars, tread softly, and enjoy the wildflower season with respect and wonder. 

Outside Guide: How to Volunteer Outdoors as a Family

At Nevada Outdoor School (NOS), we know that some of the most meaningful outdoor experiences happen when families learn and give back together. Volunteering outdoors as a family is a powerful way to connect with nature, strengthen relationships, and model stewardship values for children of all ages. Whether you have toddlers or teens, there are many ways to get involved and make a positive impact on the places you love.

Why Volunteer Outdoors as a Family?
Outdoor volunteer opportunities help families slow down, work as a team, and build a shared sense of purpose. For kids, these experiences foster responsibility, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how their actions affect the environment. For adults, it’s a chance to give back while creating meaningful memories outside of screens and busy schedules.

Start Small and Keep It Fun
Family volunteering doesn’t have to be a full-day commitment. Short, age-appropriate activities are often the most successful. Trail cleanups, litter pick-ups at local parks, or helping maintain community green spaces are great ways to introduce younger children to service. Turning tasks into games, like a scavenger hunt for trash, can keep everyone engaged and motivated.

Choose the Right Opportunity
Look for volunteer projects that match your family’s interests and abilities. Wildlife habitat restoration, tree planting, invasive species removal, and trail maintenance are all excellent options. Many organizations offer family-friendly events with guidance, tools, and safety instructions provided. NOS often partners with local agencies and community groups to host opportunities that welcome families and first-time volunteers.

Teach Stewardship Through Action
Volunteering outdoors naturally reinforces important stewardship principles. Families can practice Leave No Trace by learning how to minimize impacts, respect wildlife, and care for shared spaces. These hands-on lessons help children understand that protecting the outdoors isn’t just a concept, it’s something they can actively do.

Make It a Habit
Consistency helps volunteering become part of a family’s routine rather than a one-time event. Choosing a seasonal project or returning to the same location throughout the year allows families to see the direct results of their efforts and feel a stronger connection to that place.

At Nevada Outdoor School, we believe that when families volunteer together, they help build stronger communities and healthier landscapes. By giving your time and energy outdoors, you’re not only caring for the land, you’re raising the next generation of outdoor stewards.

Program Spotlight: Ride Safe Ride Smart

Program Spotlight: Ride Safe Ride Smart

OHV Trail Safety and Advocacy

At Nevada Outdoor School (NOS), we believe that outdoor recreation and land stewardship go hand in hand. One of the ways we bring this belief to life is through our Ride Safe Ride Smart, which focuses on promoting safe, responsible, and respectful off-highway vehicle (OHV) use across Northern Nevada.

OHV recreation plays an important role in many of the rural communities we serve. For families, youth, and adults alike, riding is often a gateway to spending time outdoors and connecting with public lands. Our program is designed to ensure that these experiences are not only fun, but also safe and sustainable for future generations.

Through trainings like Tread Lightly!, NOS works directly with youth, AmeriCorps members, and community partners to teach essential safety practices, including helmet use, protective gear, understanding trail signage, and basic trail etiquette. Participants learn how to ride within their skill level, prepare for changing conditions, and recognize how their actions impact both the land and other trail users.

Advocacy is a key component of this program. NOS emphasizes respect for shared-use trails, wildlife habitats, and surrounding communities. We incorporate principles from Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! to help participants understand how staying on designated routes, avoiding sensitive areas, and yielding appropriately can protect trails and reduce conflicts between recreationists.

By combining hands-on safety education with land ethics, our Ride Safe Ride Smart program empowers participants to become ambassadors for responsible recreation. Whether someone is new to riding or has grown up on OHVs, the goal is the same: to foster a culture of safety, stewardship, and pride in caring for Nevada’s outdoor spaces.

Through this work, Nevada Outdoor School continues to support healthy outdoor recreation while protecting the landscapes that make Northern Nevada such a special place to explore. 

What's New at NOS! January 2026

January was filled with meaningful moments of learning, connection, and outdoor adventure for Nevada Outdoor School (NOS). From peaceful moonlit hikes and imaginative youth programs to hands-on safety trainings and community outreach events, NOS brought people of all ages together to explore the outdoors in fun, safe, and engaging ways. Across northern Nevada, participants built skills, deepened their understanding of the natural world, and formed lasting connections with both nature and their community. Here’s a look back at a month of discovery, stewardship, and shared experiences outside.

January 6 | Elko Full Moon Hike

On January 6, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Full Moon Hike in Elko, bringing together two participants for a cold but memorable evening outdoors. The group enjoyed a short hike to the park kiosk, covering a manageable yet satisfying distance while taking in the quiet of the winter landscape. Along the way, they had a meaningful conversation with a park ranger, adding depth and connection to the experience. Although the moon remained hidden, the night sky was exceptionally clear, offering stunning views of the stars. Despite the chilly temperatures, the hike ended on a warm note with hot chocolate, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for all involved.

January 6 | Winnemucca Full Moon Hike

On January 6, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Full Moon Hike in Winnemucca, welcoming approximately 14 community members for a guided nighttime outdoor experience. While clouds kept the moon out of sight, participants embraced the darkness, slowing down to engage their senses and experience the trail from a new perspective. The chilly evening added to the sense of adventure, making the hike feel both grounding and memorable. The night concluded with participants gathering for warm hot cocoa, a cozy moment that fostered connection and reflection. Through this hike, Nevada Outdoor School provided a meaningful opportunity to explore, connect, and appreciate the outdoors after dark.

January 9 | Adventure Buddies

On January 9, Nevada Outdoor School’s Adventure Buddies program welcomed two young participants for a fun-filled, dinosaur-themed session. Participants learned about dinosaurs while taking part in a hands-on excavation activity, digging mini dinosaurs out of special eggs. The group also enjoyed plenty of outdoor play, blowing bubbles and using their imaginations to stomp, jump, and run like dinosaurs. Through movement, exploration, and creative play, NOS created a joyful outdoor learning experience that encouraged curiosity, physical activity, and a love of nature.

January 9 | Nature Investigators

On January 9, Nevada Outdoor School’s Nature Investigators program welcomed its largest group yet of 3rd to 5th graders, marking an exciting milestone in the program’s continued growth. During this session, youth kicked off their fall and winter habitat lessons by exploring deserts and discovering that not all deserts are hot; some can be cold, too. They learned about the four different types of deserts and took part in a hands-on sensory activity where they played in sand with toy animals, sparking thoughtful conversations about how different animals might survive in desert environments. Through guided discussion and exploration, students also learned about the special adaptations plants and animals have developed to thrive in places where rain is scarce, building both curiosity and understanding of the natural world.

January 10 | Museum Career Day

On January 10, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Northeastern Nevada Museum Career Day, connecting with approximately 30 community members at an engaging, family-friendly event. NOS staff shared photos from past camps and programs, giving families a glimpse into the outdoor learning experiences offered throughout rural Nevada. Visitors to the table received AmeriCorps items such as frisbees, pens, and stickers, while staff spent time talking with kids about their favorite outdoor activities and explaining NOS’s mission and programs. Alongside community partners including the fire station, library, hospital, and veterinary clinic, NOS enjoyed the opportunity to build relationships, inspire curiosity, and share how outdoor education supports both youth and the broader community.

January 13 | Tread Lightly! Training

On January 13, Nevada Outdoor School participated in a Tread Lightly! training focused on enjoying the outdoors while minimizing impacts on natural spaces. The training emphasized the importance of respecting trails, wildlife, and other recreationists, and highlighted how small actions, like staying on designated trails, can make a big difference in protecting the places we love.

Sophia and Isabel, NOS AmeriCorps Outdoor Educators from Winnemucca, joined the training alongside the NOS team, adding to the collaborative and engaging learning experience. Through discussion and hands-on learning, participants explored how everyday choices can help keep outdoor spaces clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.

This training reinforced NOS’s commitment to responsible recreation and stewardship, encouraging participants to think more intentionally about how to have fun outdoors while caring for the land.

January 14 | Stop the Bleed Training

On January 14, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Stop the Bleed training in Elko, led by NOS Director of Training and Program Reporting, Meghan Sturgell, providing AmeriCorps members from both the Elko and Winnemucca offices with critical lifesaving skills and certification. During the training, participants learned how to control severe bleeding through techniques such as applying pressure, packing wounds, and using a tourniquet, as well as how to recognize and respond to emergency scenarios where these skills are needed. Beyond building emergency preparedness, the shared experience strengthened teamwork, boosted confidence, and reinforced NOS’s commitment to safety and readiness across its programs.

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.

Love Where You Hike: Destination Recreation with a Leave No Trace Lens

Northern Nevada is a winter wonderland like no other. From the snowy peaks of the Ruby Mountains to the quiet trails near Elko and Winnemucca, our backcountry offers endless opportunities for snowshoeing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and simple exploration. But winter adventures in Northern Nevada come with a responsibility: protecting the delicate landscapes and wildlife that make this region so special.

Practicing Leave No Trace while enjoying destination recreation ensures that the natural beauty we love remains intact for generations to come. Here’s how we can enjoy Northern Nevada responsibly this winter.

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Plan Ahead: Know Before You Go

Northern Nevada winters can be unpredictable. Snowstorms, icy trails, and limited daylight can quickly turn a simple outing into a risky adventure. Planning ahead protects both you and the land:

• Check local trail conditions and avalanche risks, especially in mountain regions like the Ruby Mountains or Santa Rosa Range.

• Dress in layers, pack extra food, and bring navigation tools—even if you’re sticking to familiar trails.

• Understand regulations for camping, fires, and wildlife areas in your destination.

Being prepared reduces the temptation to take shortcuts or create informal campsites that can damage sensitive ecosystems.

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Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Even in snowy Northern Nevada, fragile alpine plants and shrubs lie beneath the snow, waiting for spring to grow again. Stick to:

• Established trails or deep snow when traveling cross-country.

• Designated winter campsites or hard-packed snow for overnight stays.

Avoid compressing vegetation under thin snow—every footprint can leave a mark that lingers well into the next season.

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Pack It In, Pack It Out

Snow and ice don’t make trash disappear. Litter—even biodegradable items like food scraps—can harm local wildlife, including mule deer, rabbits, and birds, whose winter resources are already scarce.

• Bring a small pack to carry out all trash, wrappers, and food scraps.

• Human waste should be packed out or disposed of according to backcountry regulations.

Leaving nothing behind helps preserve the remote beauty that draws us to Northern Nevada’s winter trails.

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Respect Wildlife During Winter

Animals in Northern Nevada’s high desert and mountain regions are conserving energy to survive the cold months. Disturbing them—even unintentionally—can have serious consequences.

• Observe wildlife from a distance.

• Keep dogs under control, and avoid feeding animals.

• Admire tracks in the snow, but don’t follow them.

Our winter presence should be gentle and non-disruptive, leaving wildlife to thrive in their natural environment.

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Fire Safety in Winter

A warm fire can be tempting after a day in the snow, but Northern Nevada’s backcountry can be surprisingly vulnerable.

• Use camp stoves whenever possible, as they have minimal impact.

• If fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and keep fires small.

• Fully extinguish fires, and never rely on snow to hide hot embers.

Protecting the land from fire scars preserves the wilderness experience for future adventurers.

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Leave What You Find

Northern Nevada is full of unique natural treasures, icy rock formations, frost patterns in the desert, and tracks from elusive wildlife.

• Capture memories with photos, not by removing rocks, plants, or other natural items.

• Preserve the environment so that others can experience the same sense of wonder.

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Love Where You Hike

Northern Nevada’s winter landscapes are fragile, beautiful, and uniquely rewarding. Practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures that our favorite trails, mountains, and hidden valleys remain vibrant and healthy.

Every snowshoe track, every ski glide, and every hike is an opportunity to show care for the land. By planning ahead, traveling responsibly, respecting wildlife, and leaving no trace, we can all love where we hike—and protect it for those who come after us.

Leave No Trace in Winter: Caring for the Outdoors When It Matters Most

 

Winter landscapes invite us into a quieter, more delicate version of the outdoors. Snow-covered trails, frozen rivers, and crisp mountain air create opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, winter hiking, and peaceful exploration. But while winter may feel rugged and resilient, it is actually one of the most vulnerable times for natural spaces. Practicing Leave No Trace in winter is not only important, it’s essential.

Why Leave No Trace Matters More in Winter

Cold temperatures and snow slow down natural processes. Footprints, campfire scars, and compacted snow can linger far longer than they would in summer. Plants and soil beneath the snow are often dormant but alive, and winter wildlife is expending precious energy just to survive. Our actions during this season can have lasting impacts.

By following Leave No Trace principles, we protect wildlife, preserve fragile ecosystems, and ensure that the next group of explorers experiences the same quiet beauty we did.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Winter conditions can change quickly, so preparation is the first step in responsible recreation. Check the weather, daylight hours, and trail conditions before heading out. Dress in layers, bring extra food and water, and pack the right gear so you won’t need to create shortcuts, emergency shelters, or fires that can damage the environment.

Staying prepared also helps prevent rescues that put both people and wild places at risk.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Snow can hide fragile vegetation and uneven terrain. When hiking or snowshoeing, stick to established trails or travel on deep, packed snow when possible. Avoid walking on thin snow where plants and soil may be exposed.

If you’re camping, choose established winter campsites or camp on snow rather than on bare ground. This protects vegetation that would otherwise be crushed and slow to recover.

Pack It In, Pack It Out, Even in the Snow

Trash doesn’t disappear just because it’s cold. In fact, it’s often harder to spot once snow melts. Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps, tissues, and wrappers. Even biodegradable items like orange peels or nut shells can harm wildlife and take a long time to break down in winter conditions.

Human waste should be disposed of properly using restrooms or following backcountry guidelines, even when the ground is frozen.

Respect Wildlife During Their Hardest Season

Winter is survival mode for animals. Food is scarce, and every bit of energy counts. Getting too close, making loud noises, or forcing animals to move wastes energy they need to stay warm and alive.

Observe wildlife from a distance, never feed animals, and keep dogs under control. If you see tracks in the snow, admire them, but don’t follow them.

Be Careful with Fire

Fires may feel extra appealing in cold weather, but they can leave lasting scars on snowy landscapes. If fires are allowed, use established fire rings and keep them small. Make sure all embers are fully out before leaving, snow can hide hot coals that later cause damage or even wildfires.

Whenever possible, use a camp stove instead of building a fire.

Leave What You Find

Winter reveals beautiful patterns in ice, snow, and wildlife tracks. Enjoy them, photograph them, and leave them where they are. Removing natural objects or disturbing snowy landscapes takes away from the experience of those who come after you.

Protecting the Places We Love

At Nevada Outdoor School, we believe the outdoors is for everyone, and that means caring for it in every season. When we practice Leave No Trace in winter, we’re protecting the landscapes that support wildlife, provide recreation, and inspire curiosity year-round.

Whether you’re going for a short walk in the snow or heading out on a winter camping trip, your choices matter. Small actions add up to a big difference. By traveling thoughtfully, respecting wildlife, and leaving places better than we found them, we help ensure that winter remains a season of wonder for generations to come.

AmeriCorps Highlight: Isabel Tolotti

Nevada Outdoor School is proud to highlight Isabel Tolotti, an AmeriCorps Outdoor Educator serving with our team in Winnemucca, Nevada. Isabel has been a dedicated AmeriCorps member for nearly two terms, bringing enthusiasm, care, and a strong sense of community to every program she supports.

Originally from Kentucky, Isabel comes from a small, close-knit family and was drawn to AmeriCorps in search of hands-on, active work that would allow her to challenge herself while making a meaningful difference. After learning about the AmeriCorps program, she saw it as an opportunity to grow personally while giving back, an opportunity she didn’t hesitate to pursue.

To Isabel, AmeriCorps is a national service that helps communities thrive. She believes the program is important because it brings people together to create positive change, both locally and beyond. Through her service with Nevada Outdoor School, Isabel has seen firsthand how outdoor education can strengthen communities and help people understand why caring for the earth matters.

On a personal level, Isabel shares that her time as an AmeriCorps member has helped her gain confidence, an impact that continues to shape her growth as an educator and leader. Within the Winnemucca community, her work has contributed to building stronger connections and fostering environmental stewardship among youth and families.

When asked about her favorite AmeriCorps experience so far, Isabel doesn’t hesitate: summer camps stand out as a highlight. From spending extended time outdoors to connecting with students through hands-on learning, these moments have been some of the most meaningful parts of her service.

For anyone considering AmeriCorps, Isabel has simple advice: “Try it! You might just fall in love.” While she’s still exploring what comes next after her AmeriCorps service, she’s confident that the experience is equipping her with lifelong skills that will carry forward into whatever path she chooses.

We are grateful to have Isabel as part of the Nevada Outdoor School AmeriCorps team and thankful for the passion, energy, and heart she brings to our programs and the Winnemucca community.