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.

What's New at NOS! December 2025

December was a busy and meaningful month for Nevada Outdoor School, filled with opportunities to connect with learners of all ages, support community partners, and celebrate the season through outdoor education and service. From classrooms and college campuses to community events and winter hikes, NOS staff and AmeriCorps members brought hands-on learning, Leave No Trace principles, and a spirit of togetherness to communities across Northern Nevada. The following highlights reflect a month of growth, collaboration, and shared experiences that closed out the year on a strong and joyful note.

December 4 | GBC ESL Class

On December 4, Nevada Outdoor School’s AmeriCorps members spent two hours at Great Basin College with a group of 10 English language learners, introducing them to NOS and the organization’s mission. The session began with an overview of AmeriCorps service and an introduction to Leave No Trace principles, followed by an interactive Plan Ahead and Prepare activity in which participants worked through outdoor scenarios, selected appropriate clothing, and chose essential items to bring on their trip. The group also enjoyed making s’mores, an especially memorable experience, as several participants were trying one for the first time. The visit concluded with relaxed conversation, connection-building, and a few fun magic tricks, creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment for everyone involved.

December 5 | S’more with Santa

On December 5, Nevada Outdoor School supported the S’more with Santa event, welcoming more than 100 community members for an evening of holiday fun and outdoor connection. Children participated in a festive scavenger hunt, searching for 12 Christmas-themed items to earn the chance to make their own s’mores. Families also had the opportunity to go indoors to take photos with Santa. NOS staff and AmeriCorps members worked together to keep the event running smoothly, managing check-in, s’more ingredients, and the campfire. The evening wrapped up with kids learning how to safely make s’mores over a campfire at CTIC, creating a warm, memorable experience for the community.

December 8 | Project Santa

On December 8, Nevada Outdoor School proudly supported Project Santa, a meaningful community initiative hosted by the Frontier Community Coalition in Winnemucca from December 8 through December 12. AmeriCorps members assisted FCC staff by wrapping and organizing donated gifts for families in need, contributing five hours of volunteer service to support the effort. During that time, each AmeriCorps member helped prepare gifts for at least four different families, ensuring holiday cheer reached as many households as possible. Project Santa is an annual program that plays an important role in supporting local families during the holiday season, and Nevada Outdoor School was grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Frontier Community Coalition and be part of an initiative that brings joy and relief to the community.

December 9 | NOS Christmas Party

On December 9, Nevada Outdoor School celebrated the end of the year with a Christmas party at the Martin in Winnemucca, bringing together nearly the entire NOS team and AmeriCorps members. The evening was filled with holiday cheer as staff enjoyed a white elephant gift exchange, festive games, and time to connect and reflect as a team. As part of the annual celebration, the Nevada Outdoor School Board of Directors presented end-of-year awards to recognize outstanding contributions. This year, Kim Pay was honored for creating excellent programming, and Toril Tapia was recognized for marketing and sharing that programming with the community. The celebration marked the close of a strong year for Nevada Outdoor School, highlighted by growth in both programming and participant numbers.

December 10 | Winter Wanderwood Hike

On December 10, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Winter Wanderwood Hike, bringing community members together for an afternoon walk through the canyon. The weather was chilly with a light wind, creating a true winter atmosphere and a great opportunity to slow down and observe seasonal changes in the landscape. We shared insights about winter ecology in the canyon, pointing out how plants and animals adapt to colder temperatures and limited resources. After the hike, the group gathered to enjoy warm beverages, giving everyone a chance to connect. The event offered a calm and welcoming space to experience the outdoors in winter and build community through shared curiosity and conversation.

December 11 | Flagview Day

On December 11, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Flagview Day, reaching 308 fifth- and sixth-grade students through engaging, hands-on lessons. NOS led a Five Senses activity that encouraged students to explore how sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste help them understand the world around them, while also challenging them to rely more heavily on one sense when another was limited. Interactive tools such as smell jars and sensory balloons helped bring the lesson to life and kept students actively involved. Nevada Outdoor School partnered with Flagview CIS, with Mrs. O playing a key role in ensuring the day ran smoothly. Teachers were highly engaged and supportive throughout the program, contributing to a positive learning environment. With favorable weather, NOS was also able to take portions of the lesson outdoors, enhancing the experience and allowing students to connect their learning directly to the natural environment.

December 14 | Pioneer Christmas

On December 14, Nevada Outdoor School proudly participated in Pioneer Christmas, an event that proved to be a tremendous success for the entire community. NOS staff embraced the pioneer spirit by dressing in period attire and welcoming the many families who attended throughout the day. NOS hosted a s’mores station that quickly became a favorite, with both kids and parents enjoying the warm, hands-on experience. Midway through the event, NOS staff also stepped in to support the treadle machine station, ensuring it continued to run smoothly despite staffing shortages. This station saw strong engagement, with many families stopping by and several children having the opportunity to safely try the treadle machines under supervision. Overall, Pioneer Christmas was a highly successful event, and families left feeling happy, engaged, and satisfied with their experience.

December 17 | Sunsets & S’mores

Nevada Outdoor School hosted a lively Sunsets & S’mores event at Highland Park, on December 17th, welcoming families for an evening of community, connection, and outdoor fun. The park was decorated with string lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere as the sun set over the park. Families enjoyed gathering around the fire, roasting s’mores and seeing just how many they could make before the night ended. A photo booth was set up and well-used throughout the evening, giving families a chance to capture memories together. Despite the chilly weather, the combination of the campfire, glowing lights, and colorful sunset made the evening feel cozy and worth staying out for. Sofia led Leave No Trace games, helping families learn how to enjoy outdoor spaces responsibly while having fun around the fire. The event created a welcoming space for families to relax, play, and experience the outdoors together, ending the evening with full stomachs, warm hands, and lasting memories.

December 22 | Frosty Yurt Hike

On December 22, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Frosty Yurt Hike in Water Canyon, welcoming families for a winter adventure focused on outdoor exploration and stewardship. Participants hiked up to the yurt while NOS staff shared facts and discussed the Leave No Trace principles along the way, helping families learn how to recreate responsibly in winter conditions. Three families joined the hike and braved the cold, windy weather, enjoying the experience together despite the elements. Nevada Outdoor School partnered with the Humboldt County Library for this event, allowing the program to reach more community members and encourage greater participation in outdoor activities. The hike concluded with warm, delicious s’mores, creating a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere that brought everyone together. Overall, the Frosty Yurt Hike was a successful event that inspired participants to spend time outdoors while gaining valuable knowledge about Leave No Trace principles.

Outside Guide: How to Set Realistic Outdoor Goals for the Year

A new year often brings big plans and fresh motivation to spend more time outside. While it’s easy to set ambitious outdoor goals, the key to long-term success is making them realistic, flexible, and meaningful. At Nevada Outdoor School, we believe outdoor goals should inspire curiosity and confidence, not pressure. Whether you’re new to outdoor activities or looking to build on existing skills, here’s how to set outdoor goals you can actually achieve this year.

Start Where You Are

Before setting goals, take an honest look at your current routine, experience level, and available time. How often do you realistically get outside during the week? What activities do you already enjoy? Starting from where you are helps prevent burnout and builds confidence as you progress.

Instead of aiming for daily adventures, consider goals like a weekly walk on a local trail or a monthly family outing. Small, consistent steps add up.

Focus on Experiences, Not Just Outcomes

Outdoor goals don’t have to be about distance, speed, or difficulty. Some of the most meaningful goals focus on experiences; trying a new trail, learning a new skill, or spending intentional time outside with family or friends.

Examples include:

• Exploring one new local outdoor space each month

• Learning basic navigation or outdoor cooking skills

• Spending uninterrupted outdoor time with your family once a week

Experience-based goals leave room for flexibility and enjoyment.

Make Goals Seasonal and Flexible

Outdoor opportunities change with the seasons, especially in Northern Nevada. Weather, daylight, and schedules all affect what’s possible. Break your goals into seasonal chunks rather than year-long expectations. Winter might focus on short hikes and observation, while summer allows for longer adventures.

Flexibility keeps outdoor time enjoyable and helps you adapt when plans change.

Build Goals Around Community

Outdoor goals are easier, and more fun, when shared. Look for ways to involve others, whether that’s attending a community hike, signing up for a class, or exploring with a friend. Community accountability and shared experiences can help you stay motivated throughout the year.

Participating in local programs, like those offered by Nevada Outdoor School, can also provide structure, learning opportunities, and encouragement as you work toward your goals.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Every step outside counts. Celebrate small wins, like showing up on a cold day, learning something new, or simply slowing down long enough to notice your surroundings. Progress isn’t always measurable, and that’s okay.

Outdoor goals should support your well-being, curiosity, and connection to the natural world, not add stress.

Make the Outdoors a Habit

The most successful outdoor goals are the ones that become part of everyday life. Keep gear accessible, plan simple outings, and choose activities that fit naturally into your routine. When outdoor time feels manageable, it becomes something you look forward to rather than something you have to schedule.

This year, set outdoor goals that meet you where you are and grow with you. With realistic expectations and a sense of curiosity, every season offers opportunities to learn, explore, and connect outside.

Discover Something New: Winter Desert Exploration

When most people think of exploring the desert, summer heat and wide-open landscapes often come to mind. But winter offers a quieter, cooler, and often overlooked opportunity to experience Nevada’s desert in an entirely new way. At Nevada Outdoor School, we believe every season holds the potential for discovery, and winter desert exploration is full of unexpected lessons and moments of wonder.

A Different Kind of Desert Beauty

Winter transforms the desert. Snow dusts sagebrush and mountain ridges, frost clings to grasses, and the air carries a stillness that’s hard to find during busier seasons. With fewer visitors on the trails, winter is a perfect time to slow down, observe closely, and notice details that are easy to miss; animal tracks in the snow, subtle plant adaptations, and the way light moves across the landscape.

Wildlife Clues in the Cold

While some animals migrate or hibernate, many desert species remain active throughout the winter. Cooler temperatures make it easier to spot tracks, scat, and other signs of wildlife activity. Coyotes, rabbits, deer, and birds leave behind stories written in snow and mud, offering a hands-on way to learn about animal behavior, movement, and survival strategies. Winter is an ideal season for practicing observation skills and asking curious questions about how wildlife adapts to harsh conditions.

Learning How the Desert Adapts

The desert may look quiet in winter, but it is anything but dormant. Plants conserve energy, seeds lie in wait for spring moisture, and ecosystems adjust to freezing nights and short days. Winter exploration helps us understand resilience, how living things endure cold, wind, and limited resources. These lessons connect naturally to Leave No Trace principles and foster a deeper respect for fragile desert environments.

A Comfortable Season to Explore

One of the best parts of winter desert exploration is the comfort. Cooler temperatures make hiking more enjoyable, especially for families and young explorers. Layering up, sipping something warm, and moving at a slower pace create opportunities for meaningful conversations, curiosity-driven learning, and shared experiences outdoors.

Discover Something New Close to Home

You don’t have to travel far to find adventure. Winter invites us to rediscover familiar places with fresh eyes. A local trail, canyon, or open space can become a classroom filled with seasonal changes and new perspectives. By exploring during the winter months, we learn that nature doesn’t shut down, it simply shifts.

At Nevada Outdoor School, we encourage our community to step outside year-round, embrace curiosity, and discover something new in every season. This winter, bundle up, head into the desert, and see what stories the landscape has waiting for you.

Outside Guide: How to Build a Safe and Fun Backyard Snow Shelter

 

When winter blankets Northern Nevada in crisp, powdery snow, it creates the perfect opportunity for outdoor adventure right at home. Building a backyard snow shelter is a fun way for kids and families to explore winter creativity, practice basic outdoor skills, and enjoy time outside together. Whether you're looking to spark curiosity about winter survival, encourage imaginative play, or simply make the most of a snowy day, a well-built snow shelter offers both excitement and learning. Here’s your guide to building a safe, simple, and enjoyable snow shelter that brings the magic of winter to your own backyard.

---

Pick the Perfect Spot

Choose a flat, open area away from roofs, trees, or anything that could shed snow or ice. Make sure the ground is even and free of hidden obstacles like hoses, toys, or garden tools. Safety first!

---

Choose Your Shelter Style

Northern Nevada's snow varies from powdery to packable, so pick a shelter type that works with the conditions:

❄️ Snow Mound (Quinzhee-Style):
Great for deep, packable snow. Pile snow into a dome, let it settle, then hollow out the inside.

❄️ Snow Wall Fort:
Best when snow is powdery. Use bins or buckets to pack blocks tightly, then stack them into a wind-blocking wall or partial shelter.

❄️ Lean-To with Snow Support:
Perfect for when snow is less abundant. Use a sturdy branch or tarp as a roof and build snow piles along the sides for insulation.

---

Start with a Strong Foundation

For a quinzhee-style shelter, pile snow into a rounded mound about 4–6 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide. Use large shovels or even sleds to move snow. Once the mound is built, let it settle for at least 30–60 minutes so it compacts naturally and becomes more structurally stable.

---

Carve Carefully

When hollowing out a snow mound, work slowly from the entrance inward. Scoop out snow evenly and avoid creating thin walls—at least 12 inches of thickness is ideal for safety. You can test thickness by gently pushing long sticks through the outside before carving and stopping when you feel them inside.

---

Keep It Safe

Snow shelters are fun, but safety is essential:

• Always supervise children during building and play.

• Never allow kids to play inside a shelter without an adult nearby.

• Create a wide, sturdy entrance to prevent collapse.

• Avoid using roofs made of heavy blocks on forts used by young children.

• Check the shelter daily, sun or melting can weaken it quickly.

---

Add Fun Finishing Touches

Once safely built, personalize the shelter!

• Create snowy benches or shelves.

• Add small windows by carving tiny holes for light.

• Decorate with pinecones, sticks, or winter-safe LED lights.

• Turn it into a cozy reading nook or imaginative “winter base camp.”

---

Teach Outdoor Skills Along the Way

A backyard snow shelter offers a natural opportunity to practice outdoor know-how:

• Packing snow for stability

• Basic temperature awareness

• Understanding winter safety

• Practicing Leave No Trace by dispersing snow after play

These small lessons prepare kids for bigger adventures later.

---

End with a Warm-Up

After building and playing, warm up with hot cocoa, tea, or a cozy indoor activity. Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what everyone wants to try next time.

---

Building a backyard snow shelter is more than a winter project, it's a chance for families to bond, explore, and learn in the fresh Northern Nevada air. So when the next snowfall arrives, bundle up, grab your shovels, and step outside to create your very own snowy sanctuary!

AmeriCorps Member Spotlight: Sofia Mayorga, Outdoor Educator at Nevada Outdoor School

Nevada Outdoor School is proud to highlight the incredible work and dedication of our AmeriCorps members who bring outdoor education, stewardship, and community engagement to rural Nevada. This month, we’re excited to introduce Sofia Mayorga, an Outdoor Educator serving with NOS and making a meaningful impact across multiple counties in Northern Nevada.

---

Meet Sofia

Sofia Mayorga was born and raised in Winnemucca, Nevada. With deep roots in the community and a lifelong interest in service, Sofia has brought her passion for learning, teaching, and the outdoors to her role at Nevada Outdoor School.

---

Discovering AmeriCorps

Sofia’s interest in community service began at a young age. While researching the Peace Corps, she discovered AmeriCorps and immediately felt drawn to its mission. The opportunity to gain hands-on experience, serve local communities, and engage in topics she cares about, especially nature, ultimately inspired her to apply for the Outdoor Educator position with NOS.

“I love talking about many subjects and I enjoy nature,” Sofia shared. “That’s what made me interested in becoming an Outdoor Educator.”

Sofia began her AmeriCorps term in September, and with just over two months of service completed, she is already making a lasting impact.

---

What AmeriCorps Means to Sofia

In Sofia’s words, AmeriCorps is “an amazing agency that provides service programs that revolve around the community's needs.” She believes the program is important not only because it helps communities address pressing challenges, but also because it creates opportunities for individuals to grow, learn, and serve.

“AmeriCorps helps improve those communities by challenging the nation’s most pressing issues,” she says.

---

Personal and Community Impact

Serving as an AmeriCorps member has given Sofia the chance to build new skills, especially teaching, and discover more about her own strengths.

“Being an AmeriCorps member has allowed me to try new skills,” she explains. “These skills, like teaching, have helped me learn more about myself and improve on the skills I have now.”

Her service has extended across four counties, Lander, Humboldt, Pershing, and Elko, where she has delivered outdoor education to youth and community members. Through teaching Leave No Trace principles, Ride Safe Ride Smart, and nature journaling, Sofia has fostered connection, stewardship, and mindfulness among the students she works with.

---

Favorite Experience So Far

Of all her experiences, Sofia’s favorite has been teaching lessons in schools across Northern Nevada. Reaching youth in different communities has been both fulfilling and energizing.

“Teaching youth has been a great experience for me,” she says. “It’s very enjoyable and fulfilling.”

---

Looking Ahead

Sofia plans to continue her educational journey after her AmeriCorps service. She will graduate with her Associate of Arts in May 2026 and intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The Segal Education Award earned through her AmeriCorps term will help her reach that goal.

---

Final Thoughts

Sofia encourages others to consider AmeriCorps, not only for the opportunity to serve, but for the personal growth it brings.

“AmeriCorps is an amazing program that provides services to communities,” she reflects, “but it is also an amazing program that provides growth opportunities for members as well. I have learned so much from my term so far, and I am extremely excited for all the opportunities the rest of my term will give me.”

---

Nevada Outdoor School is grateful for Sofia’s commitment, enthusiasm, and passion for outdoor education. Her service strengthens communities across Northern Nevada and inspires the next generation of stewards, adventurers, and lifelong learners.