What's New at NOS- September 2023

Now that Summer is over we are jumping back into road shows and in-class education. And not only that but we had our last golf tournament for the year in September! In this months What's New at NOS you can see that we are always in the outdoor community inspiring exploration of the natural world, responsible stewardship of our habitat and dedication to community!

Fire and Ice Golf Tournament (Winnemucca), September 9th

A great big THANK YOU! to all of the sponsors and participants in Nevada Outdoor School’s 1st Annual Winnemucca Fire and Ice Golf Scramble Fundraiser last Saturday, September 9th at the Winnemucca Golf Course. The day was full of beautiful weather, great golf shots, and lucky winners!

NDOW Kids Fishing Day (Winnemucca), September 16th 

On September 16th Nevada Outdoor School assisted NDOW (Nevada Department Of Wildlife) with their Kids Fishing Day. There was one NOS staff member and one AmeriCorps member running an outreach booth as well as assisting participants with any fishing related questions or problems. The turnout was amazing.

NVORA OHV Summit, September 20th- September 22nd 

The Nevada Off Road Association (NVORA) held its 2023 OHV Summit in Tonopah, NV September 20th through September 22nd. The 3-day OHV Summit is designed to bring all stakeholders in motorized outdoor recreation together to share the concerns of all offroaders.

Hunter Education (Winnemucca), September 30th

On the rainy morning of September 30th, our two hunter education instructors taught their first Winnemucca Hunter Ed course at the Humboldt County Shooting Range. There were 6 participants plus a few parents who spent the day learning all about hunter safety and ethics.

Conservation Film Festival, September 30th

The Wild and Scenic Conservation Film Festival was hosted by the California Trail Interpretive Center and the Southern Nevada Conservancy at the Northeastern Nevada Museum. This festival showcased films that inspire environmental activism and help festival attendees learn what they can do to help protect and save our planet.

The Outside Guide: “Embrace the Chill: Preparing for Fall and Winter Outdoor Adventures”

 As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape, and the whispers of winter's impending arrival dance in the chilly breeze, outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to embrace the changing seasons. Fall and winter bring a magical transformation to the great outdoors, offering fresh experiences and a chance to connect with nature in new ways. So, grab your warmest gear and a thermos of hot cocoa as we embark on a journey of preparing for fall and winter outdoor adventures.  Nevada Outdoor School includes Leave No Trace principles in its outdoor programs. One of the principles of Leave No Trace is “Plan Ahead and Prepare”. 

Ah, fall—the season of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and the earthy aroma of fallen leaves. It's also an excellent time to explore the outdoors before the winter chill sets in. Fall foliage is a sight to behold, with trees donning their vibrant red, orange, and yellow attire. Plan a hike or a scenic drive to witness this annual spectacle of nature. Don't forget your camera to capture the kaleidoscope of colors! Fall weather can be unpredictable, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and crisp evenings. Dressing in layers is the key to staying safe and comfortable. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer, and finish off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Nothing beats the chill quite like a warm drink. Pack a thermos filled with your favorite hot beverage—whether it's herbal tea, mulled cider, or that classic hot cocoa with marshmallows. Sipping a warm drink while gazing at the autumn scenery is pure bliss. If you're camping in the fall, a campfire is a must. Roast marshmallows for s'mores, share stories, and let the crackling flames warm your soul. Remember to check local fire regulations and always practice fire safety. Fall is a bountiful season for foraging. Hunt for wild mushrooms, nuts, and edible plants. Just make sure you're knowledgeable about what's safe to eat, or better yet, join a guided foraging tour led by experts.

When the world transforms into a winter wonderland, outdoor adventurers can't resist the allure of snow-covered landscapes. To enjoy winter to the fullest, invest in quality snow gear. Snowshoes, cross-country skis, and snowboards are your tickets to exploring snowy trails and slopes. Don't forget a warm, insulated jacket, waterproof pants, and insulated boots. If you plan to venture into avalanche-prone areas, equip yourself with the knowledge and gear for avalanche safety. Avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes are essential tools, but taking an avalanche safety course is equally important. Winter offers unique recreational opportunities, such as ice skating on frozen lakes and ice fishing in serene solitude. Bring your ice skates or rent them locally and try your hand at drilling a hole through the ice to catch fish. For a memorable winter experience, book a stay in a cozy cabin or try winter camping. Imagine waking up to the soft hush of falling snowflakes and sipping hot coffee while wrapped in a blanket of tranquility. Winter nights are perfect for stargazing and, if you're lucky, witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Bundle up, bring a telescope or binoculars, and head to a dark, remote location for a celestial spectacle.

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures continue to drop, transitioning from fall to winter adventures requires a few extra considerations. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts, as conditions can change rapidly during this transitional period. Knowing the expected temperatures and precipitation will help you plan appropriately. If you've been using your gear throughout the fall, make sure it's in good shape for winter. Check for wear and tear, replace worn-out items, and ensure everything is clean and well-maintained. With fewer daylight hours, plan your adventures accordingly. Start early in the day and carry reliable lighting sources, such as headlamps or flashlights, just in case you find yourself out after dark. In colder weather, it's easy to forget to stay hydrated. But staying well-hydrated is just as crucial in the winter as it is in the summer. Drink water regularly, even if you don't feel as thirsty. One of the joys of venturing outdoors in the fall and winter is the serenity and solitude. Embrace the peace and quiet and let the stillness of nature wash over you.  

Nevada Outdoor School is an Accredited Youth Program of Leave No Trace and can provide awareness workshops and training to groups, clubs, and organizations. 

As the seasons transition from fall to winter, outdoor adventurers have a world of beauty and excitement awaiting them. Whether you're hiking through colorful forests or skiing down snowy slopes, embracing the chill can lead to some of the most memorable and enchanting outdoor experiences. So, gear up, bundle up, and get ready to create your own stories amidst the changing seasons of the great outdoors, because “It’s Great For Everyone!” – Nevada Outdoor School   https://www.NevadaOutdoorSchool.org

Destination Recreation – Salmon River in Idaho

Idaho’s Salmon River originates from and flows through the mountains of central and eastern Idaho and cuts through the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest designated Wilderness area in the lower 48 states. 

The most massive river in Idaho and one of the largest in North America, the Salmon wends its way through the second deepest canyon on the continent, with its neighbor, Hells Canyon being the deepest. It passes through 85 miles of remote wilderness, and is a popular for river adventures, catering to all levels of river runners. This river is not dammed, like many others, so the water flow depends on the snowmelt and can be very high in early summer and very low in the fall. Whether rafting with a guide, or on your own, planning ahead and checking on water levels and accessibility to launch sites is very important. Sometimes high water can be treacherous on certain rapids and sometimes low water on other rapids can also pose dangers. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket whenever you are floating on the water in a boat. If you get tossed out of the boat in a wild rapid, the life jacket can save your life and help make your trip memorable for all the good reasons.   

There are three trips to choose from to float the Salmon River – the Main Salmon launching at Corn Creek Campground, the Middle Fork which launches from Boundary Creek or Indian Creek, and the Lower Salmon that launches at Vinegar Creek. To float the Main Salmon and Middle Fork, you must apply for a lottery permit at Recreation.gov between December 1st and January 31st and the lucky winners will find out around February 15th. Floating the Lower Salmon does not require a permit and you can launch a trip most any day during the summer, but be aware, it may get crowded, especially on the weekends. 

A trip on the Salmon can be exhilarating with giant rollercoaster rapids and wave trains and also relaxing with serene flatwater with deep green pools and rolling pillows to float over. For camping, there are beautiful and roomy white sand beaches with long, warm days perfect for swimming and playing in the water and cool nights to sleep peacefully under the night sky. The Salmon serves as the perfect opportunity to try rowing a raft, paddling an inflatable kayak, or stand-up paddle boarding for the first time. There are also plenty of opportunities to cast a rod to catch the next big fish or bring your binoculars and camera to spy on the variety of wildlife you come across. 

Why do they call it “The River of No Return”? It’s not as ominous as it sounds. For more than 105 years after the first European Americans came to the area, only one-way trips down the river were possible. The most commonly used boats were wooden scows, designed to carry heavy loads and withstand whitewater. They were then dismantled and used for lumber at the trip's conclusion. It was from these trips that the Salmon's nickname, "River of No Return," originated.

For anyone seeking to disconnect from the world for a few days and reconnect with nature and your closest friends and family, whitewater rafting on the Salmon River can be your next outdoor adventure.

For more information on rafting this river, as well as many others, visit:  https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234622 or https://www.blm.gov/visit/lower-salmon-river