How Outdoor Education Fosters a Spirit of Stewardship in Youth

In an increasingly digital world, connecting young people to nature is more important than ever. Outdoor education offers a powerful antidote to screen-heavy lifestyles, providing opportunities for hands-on learning, personal growth, and connection to the natural world. Outdoor programs play a vital role in fostering a spirit of stewardship in youth, inspiring them to care for the environment and take active roles in its preservation.

Why Outdoor Education Matters

Outdoor education goes beyond traditional classroom learning, bringing lessons to life in nature’s classroom. By engaging students in real-world experiences, it allows them to observe ecosystems firsthand, ask questions, and develop critical thinking skills. These experiences not only build knowledge but also nurture an emotional connection to the outdoors—a key ingredient for cultivating lifelong environmental stewardship.

Studies have shown that children who spend time in nature are more likely to value and protect it as adults. They’re also healthier, happier, and more resilient, thanks to the physical activity and mental health benefits that come with outdoor exploration.

Building Connections to Nature

Outdoor education programs help young people understand that they are part of something larger. Activities such as exploring local habitats, observing wildlife, and learning about ecological systems foster an appreciation for nature’s complexity and beauty.

For instance, a simple hike becomes an opportunity to discover the interdependence of plants, animals, and humans within Northern Nevada’s unique ecosystems. Students might learn about the vital role sagebrush plays in the Great Basin, or how pollinators like bees and butterflies sustain life. These lessons cultivate curiosity and respect for the environment, sparking a desire to protect it.

Hands-On Learning Inspires Stewardship

One of the most effective ways to inspire stewardship is through hands-on activities. Outdoor education programs often include projects like habitat restoration, tree planting, or water quality monitoring, allowing youth to make tangible contributions to their local environment. These activities empower students to see that their actions matter, instilling a sense of responsibility and pride in their ability to make a difference.

By practicing these skills, young participants not only learn how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly but also become ambassadors for sustainable recreation in their communities.

Leadership and Teamwork in the Outdoors

Outdoor education also develops essential life skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Activities like group camping trips or collaborative trail cleanups teach students how to work together, communicate effectively, and overcome challenges. These experiences build confidence and a sense of purpose, encouraging youth to take on leadership roles in environmental conservation.

Instilling a Lifelong Commitment

The impact of outdoor education often extends far beyond childhood. By nurturing an early love for the outdoors, these programs lay the foundation for lifelong environmental awareness and activism. Many young people who participate in outdoor education go on to pursue careers in conservation, environmental science, or outdoor leadership.

Even for those who choose different paths, the lessons learned—respect for nature, the importance of community, and the power of individual actions—remain ingrained. They’re more likely to vote for environmental policies, volunteer for conservation projects, and pass their values on to future generations.

Giving Back to Nature: Simple Ways to Make a Difference

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget our connection to nature. However, as we face environmental challenges, it becomes increasingly important to find ways to give back to the planet that sustains us. Whether through small personal actions or larger community efforts, everyone can contribute to a healthier environment. Here are some effective ways to make a positive impact.

Embrace Sustainable Practices
One of the most impactful ways to give back to nature is by adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives. This includes reducing waste, recycling, and using eco-friendly products. Simple actions like carrying reusable bags, opting for glass or stainless steel containers, and composting can significantly decrease our carbon footprint. Additionally, supporting local and sustainable businesses not only helps the environment but also strengthens local economies.

Participate in Community Clean-Up Events
Joining community clean-up initiatives is another excellent way to contribute to nature. Many local organizations organize events focused on cleaning parks, rivers, and beaches. Participating in these events not only helps beautify public spaces but also raises awareness about pollution and conservation. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals while making a tangible difference in your community.

Plant Trees and Create Green Spaces
Tree planting is a powerful way to combat climate change and enhance biodiversity. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and offer habitats for countless species. Consider organizing or joining a tree-planting event in your area, or simply planting a tree in your backyard. Additionally, creating green spaces like community gardens can promote biodiversity, provide fresh produce, and foster community spirit.

Educate and Advocate for Nature
Education plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. Sharing knowledge about local ecosystems, endangered species, and sustainable practices can inspire others to take action. Consider volunteering with environmental organizations or hosting workshops in your community. Advocacy is also essential—supporting policies that protect natural resources and participating in campaigns can help create systemic change for a healthier planet.

Practice Mindfulness in Nature
Finally, reconnecting with nature through mindfulness can deepen our appreciation for the environment. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, birdwatching, or simply sitting in a park. This practice not only benefits mental health but also cultivates a sense of responsibility towards nature. When we appreciate the beauty around us, we’re more likely to protect it.

Giving back to nature doesn’t have to be a monumental effort; small, consistent actions can collectively make a significant impact. By embracing sustainable practices, participating in clean-ups, planting trees, educating others, and practicing mindfulness, we can foster a healthier planet for future generations. Let’s commit to nurturing the Earth and ensuring that it thrives for years to come.

Thankful Thoughts with Nevada Outdoor School

As the holiday season draws near, gratitude feels even more present at Nevada Outdoor School. Each day, we’re privileged to see firsthand the positive impact of connecting people with the outdoors, and our team has been reflecting on how fortunate we are to play a role in this mission.

From sharing outdoor skills to inspiring responsible stewardship, we’re grateful for the opportunity to teach, learn, and grow alongside the community we serve. Our staff members have shared their personal reflections on what thankfulness means to them this year. These messages come from a deep appreciation for nature, education, and the amazing people who make this work possible.

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Meghan Sturgell, Director of Programs
“This holiday season, I’m reflecting on how grateful I am to work with Nevada Outdoor School, where I get to combine my passion for teaching and being outdoors every day. I feel lucky to do what I love for a job, sharing the wonders of nature with our community and inspiring others to connect with the outdoors. From leading educational programs to exploring beautiful trails with amazing people, I’m especially thankful to share my passions with NOS and with my supportive family and friends, who make the adventure even more meaningful.”

Kim Pay, Elko Programs Coordinator
“I am so thankful for everyone here at NOS. Coming back to work full-time was really scary for me but being able to work with NOS and having everyone be so kind and supportive has helped me realize that I made the right choice. I am thankful every day that I was able to find NOS and am now a part of such an incredible program.”

Jamie Horse, AmeriCorps Outdoor Educator
“As an AmeriCorps member, I am thankful for the opportunity to expand my experience with the outdoors and be able to teach what I learn to children. I’m also grateful for a job that allows me to develop personal and life skills that will be valuable in my everyday life.”

Christina Bradford, AmeriCorps Outdoor Educator
“I’m extremely grateful to have found a group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts who share the same love for learning, doing, and teaching!”

Paul Gregory, CTIC Marketing & Outreach Manager
“I am thankful for the opportunity to stay on at the California Trail Center with a great organization like NOS. I’ve put many years into the Center and want to continue to see it thrive.”

Nikkie Boivin, AmeriCorps Outdoor Educator
“I am so thankful to be an AmeriCorps member under NOS. The Nevada Outdoor School team has helped me grow as a person and understand more about ‘adulting.’ I am so grateful for them!”

Macy Rohr, CTIC Interpretive Program Coordinator
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to create programs that connect me with the community and enhance the visitor experience at the California Trail Center. Through my work with NOS, I’ve received invaluable mentorship and experienced growth that has strengthened my problem-solving abilities and resilience. Outside of work, I deeply appreciate the loved ones who stand by me and support me.”

Melanie Erquiaga, Executive Director
“I am grateful for the rock star NOS staff and AmeriCorps outdoor educators who work so hard to provide such stellar NOS programs and events! Outside of work, I’m thankful for my supportive and loving family, especially my smart and beautiful grandchildren!”

Jessica Snaman Myers, Outreach Director
“I am thankful for the opportunity to work in outdoor education. My job is to inspire people to get outdoors responsibly—I can’t think of anything better! I love that what I do for work matches perfectly with what I enjoy doing with my family and on my own. I am grateful for my experience with Nevada Outdoor School and all the amazing people I get to work with.”

Toril Tapia, Communication & Marketing Specialist
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to see a new side of our community. Before joining NOS, I had no idea just how many free programs are available to support and engage people here. Now, I’m thrilled to be part of sharing these valuable resources with others while also learning and growing personally through this work.”

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As we reflect on the gratitude within our team, we also extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone in our community who supports Nevada Outdoor School. Whether you’ve attended a program, volunteered, or simply shared our vision of connecting people with nature, you are an essential part of our journey. This season, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the incredible opportunities we have to connect with the outdoors, grow, and give back to the world around us. Happy holidays from Nevada Outdoor School!

What's New at NOS! October 2024

October was a month full of outdoor adventures, creativity, and community connection! From pumpkin painting in Elko and Winnemucca to exploring the ghost town of Metropolis on a scenic hike, we had a blast bringing people together and encouraging the next generation to get outside. We also had the privilege of distributing OHV helmets to kids at Sand Mountain, promoting safety and adventure. And with a strong start to our in-school programming, we’re excited to continue helping kids spend more time outdoors, making memories, and discovering the wonders of nature. Here’s a look back at the incredible experiences that made October so special!

October 1st | New NOS Office!

We’re excited to announce that Nevada Outdoor School is moving into a new office after eight incredible years in Elko! Our growth in outdoor education programming has outgrown our old space, and this new location will allow us to expand our operations and create an inspiring environment for the community. Thank you for your support as we embark on this new chapter, and we look forward to welcoming you to our new home and continuing to inspire a love for the outdoors in northern Nevada!

October 3rd | Field Trip to Lamoille with EIAA

Nevada Outdoor School had their first field trip of the season with the Elko Institute for Academic Achievement on October 3rd! Kim, Megan, Toril, and Americorps member Nikkie, partnered with EIAA to take the kindergarten and third graders on an informational hike with lessons at the Marina afterward. Nevada Outdoor School presented two lessons for the kids. One lesson was on elk and the different attributes to help identify them. The kids got to feel and elk hide, learned about their antlers, and so much more! The second lesson was on Leave No Trace. The students learned how long it takes different materials to break down and the importance of keeping our environment clean and well taken care of so we may enjoy it for years to come!

Elko Program Coordinator, Kim showing EIAA students the path through the Lamoille Canyon that a glacier made, created a "U" crevice in the mountains. 

October 9th | Spring Creek Elementary 4th Grade Classes

On October 9th, Nevada Outdoor School experienced a busy day filled with back-to-back 4th grade classes. The focus of the lesson was on artifacts, where students learned about their importance and significance in understanding the past. They engaged in activities that involved drawing, labeling, and detailing artifacts, emulating the work of real archaeologists. The students explored the distinctions between artifacts and common objects, gaining insight into what qualifies an item as an artifact. Additionally, they learned about the differences between archaeologists and paleontologists, enriching their understanding of these fascinating fields.

ECSD 4th grade students learning about artifacts. 

October 19th | Pumpkin Painting in Winnemucca

The Pumpkin Painting event on October 19th at Vesco Park in Winnemucca went really well, with only three pumpkins left over due to high participation. Zoey, along with Beau and Ash, hosted the event, engaging with both the children and adults who attended. In total, 29 people participated, evenly split between kids and grown-ups. They had two Jack Skellington pumpkin paints, but a crowd favorite was an elderly woman who created two portraits on her pumpkin—a jack-o'-lantern face and an adorable cat!

AmeriCorps members, Beau and Zoey showing their painted pumpkins. 

October 23rd | Pumpkin Painting in Elko

On October 23rd, the Elko NOS office put on an all-inclusive night of Halloween creative fun for all ages! With over 90 people in attendance, all ages participated in some pumpkin painting creativity. There were pumpkins decorated as candy corn, spooky eyeballs, creepy kitties, and even glow-in-the-dark neon bones! It was a beautiful sunset evening at the Elko Peace Park; painting pumpkins and sipping tasty hot chocolate!

Toril, Christina, Jamie, Kim, and Nikkie with Pumpkin Painting Participants.

October 25th | Metropolis Ghost Town Adventure Trek

On October 25th, our community embarked on an unforgettable trip to the ghost town of Metropolis to celebrate Nevada Day. With 23 guests, we explored the remnants of this one up and coming settlement, including the Lincoln School, the cemetery, still in use today, and the hotel, each telling stories of the past. Our enthusiastic team consisted of NOS staff Meghan, Nikkie, and Toril, along with AmeriCorps members Jamie, Nikkie, and Christina, who guided the group through this fascinating history. We were thrilled to partner with D'ette from the Northeastern Nevada Museum, who shared her insights and expertise, making our journey both educational and memorable.

Aerial view of the remnants of the Metropolis school. 

October 26th | Junior Ranger Day

On the 26th, AmeriCorps members Jamie, Nikkie, and Christine went to the California Trail Interpretive Center (CTIC) for Junior Ranger Day where we set up our Leave No Trace table with activities like Trash Timeline, and key chain making. The CTIC had many wonderful booths including Origami, Bat Masks, Coloring Table, Ghosts and a Firefighter stand. There were around 30 people who came to NOS’s table to learn about how long certain trash takes to completely decompose into the earth as well as ways that we can keep our earth clean for animals and ourselves.

October 26th | Sand Mountain

On October 26th, Nevada Outdoor School had an impactful two days at Sand Mountain, where we distributed helmets to over 100 kids and provided essential ATV safety training through our skills rider course. Families from near and far visited us to learn more about NOS's mission, and many parents expressed gratitude for our efforts to promote safe riding practices. By the end of the event, we were thrilled to see a noticeable increase in kids wearing helmets, making the weekend a rewarding success in raising awareness and fostering safety in the ATV community!

October 28th | Nature Journaling in Winnemucca

On October 28th Nevada Outdoor School started a Nature Journaling program with Winnemucca youth. The kids had the opportunity to creatively decorate their journal. The kids were also able to describe and draw the card prompts that we handed out to them, For example something spiky. Due to weather the kids had to look around the room and describe something spiky to draw in their journal. Overall the kids were great listeners and had fun drawing and creating their own journal.

October 29th | ECSD Career Fair

On October 29th, Elko NOS staff Kim and Meghan, along with AmeriCorps members Jamie, Christina, and Nikkie set up a booth at the ECSD career fair. They were able to reach over 300 students from seven different schools and participated in mock interviews for BBYA (Battle Born Youth Challenge Academy) for potential jobs through the AmeriCorps program. 

AmeriCorps members Christina and Jamie, along with Director of Programs, Meghan at NOS's booth at the ECSD Career Fair.

October 31st | Trailing Treat

On Halloween Day, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Trailing Treat event in Winnemucca at Water Canyon. There were 4 stations placed up the trail and were manned by myself, Nikkie, Beau, and Stephen. Families walked up the trail and got candy from each station. The weather was a little chilly but the hike kept everybody warm enough to enjoy candy.

Participants at Trailing Treat.

October 2024 | Elko Nature in My World Programming

The Nevada Outdoor School Elko office started our Nature in My World (NIMW) lessons on October 14th. We have loved being in the schools and teaching our NIMW lessons. So far, we have taught 22 lessons and have increased our TSO. One of our 4th-grade classes wrote stories about what they thought happened at the dig sites during our archeology lesson and sent them into our office to read. This was a huge highlight of our year so far! We are enjoying getting to know the students and teachers!

EIAA Students Learning about Elk.

October 2024 | Winnemucca Nature in My World Programming

This past month, our Winnemucca office engaged with 465 students across three counties, bringing lessons in outdoor education and environmental awareness to local schools. From kindergarten through 8th grade, students participated in hands-on activities like NIMW (Nature in My World) and nature journaling, sparking curiosity and excitement about the natural world. It was inspiring to see students so eager to learn, and we look forward to more educational visits in the future!

Orovada 3rd Grade Learning about Owl Pellets. 

Discovering Water Canyon

Nestled just a short drive from Winnemucca, Water Canyon offers a stunning escape into nature, with a wealth of recreational opportunities and breathtaking scenery. This picturesque area is renowned for its diverse plant life, including hardy sagebrush, vibrant wildflowers, and towering cottonwoods that line the canyon's edges. These plants not only enhance the beauty of the landscape but also provide essential habitats for local wildlife.

As you explore Water Canyon, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers may spot red-tailed hawks soaring above, while mule deer can often be seen grazing peacefully in the meadows. The area is also home to smaller mammals and an array of colorful reptiles, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Recreation in Water Canyon is abundant. Hiking trails wind through the canyon, offering opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the nearby streams, while picnic areas provide perfect spots to relax and take in the stunning views. In the winter, the area transforms into a playground for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, providing a serene backdrop for winter adventures. The varied terrain and snow-covered landscapes make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking to embrace the cold.

Historically, Water Canyon was once a vital resource for early settlers in the region. The lush vegetation and abundant water sources attracted not only homesteaders but also miners during Nevada’s gold rush era in the late 1800s. The remnants of old mining roads and structures can still be seen, reminding visitors of the area’s rich history. Today, Water Canyon stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the heritage of those who came before.

In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the treasures that lie just beyond our front doors. Being thankful for recreational areas like Water Canyon reminds us of the importance of accessible natural spaces. These local havens not only provide a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life but also foster a deep connection to our environment. They invite us to unwind, rejuvenate, and appreciate the beauty that nature offers. As we hike the trails, fish the streams, or simply enjoy a picnic with loved ones, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have such incredible landscapes within reach. So, whether it’s a spontaneous day trip or a planned outing, let’s take a moment to express gratitude for the recreational gems that enrich our lives and promote our well-being right in our own backyard.