What's New at NOS! March 2025

March was a busy and exciting month for Nevada Outdoor School, filled with a variety of engaging and educational programs across Northern Nevada. From hands-on outdoor skills workshops to historical tours and conservation projects, our team connected with hundreds of participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for outdoor recreation, safety, and stewardship. Whether teaching archery basics, promoting responsible OHV use, or inspiring young naturalists in the classroom, we remained committed to providing meaningful learning experiences. We are grateful for the enthusiasm of our participants, the support of our community partners, and the opportunity to continue our mission of getting people outside to learn, explore, and grow. Read on to learn more about the exciting activities that made March a memorable month!

March 1st | Beginner Archery Workshop

On March 1st, Nevada Outdoor School hosted an archery event at the Humboldt County Shooting Park, where 21 participants had the opportunity to learn basic archery skills, safety, and etiquette. Participants demonstrated great respect and curiosity, asking thoughtful questions throughout the session. After covering fundamental skills and safety protocols, everyone had the chance to practice shooting, refine their stances, and improve their aim. This hands-on experience provided a fun and educational environment, reinforcing the importance of safe and responsible outdoor recreation. Nevada Outdoor School appreciates the enthusiasm of all participants and looks forward to future archery events that inspire confidence and skill development in the outdoors.

March 7th | Trails Through Time

On March 7th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a historical walking tour in downtown Elko, providing 13 participants with a unique and enriching experience in ideal weather conditions. The tour included exclusive access to both the interiors and exteriors of several historic venues, where knowledgeable representatives shared the historical significance of each building, including local family stories and Elko’s deep-rooted heritage. Many participants noted that while they had taken Elko tours before, they had never been able to explore the inside of these buildings or hear from multiple expert speakers, making this event particularly special. Highlights of the tour included a rare visit to the basement and vault of the historic Henderson Bank building and an insider’s look at the craftsmanship of JM Capriola’s renowned leatherwork. Special guest speaker D’ette from the Northeastern Nevada Museum provided historical insights along the route and shared early Elko photographs, offering a striking "before and after" perspective on the town’s development. Participants enjoyed food provided by McAdoo’s and snacks from Sugar y Spice, adding to the experience. Each venue partner expressed enthusiasm for the event and interest in future collaborations. Nevada Outdoor School extends its appreciation to everyone who contributed to making this historical exploration a success.

March 12th-13th | ECSD Stem Fair

On March 12th-13th, Nevada Outdoor School participated in the ECSD STEM Fair, engaging with 614 eager attendees. Children were especially excited to explore the elk hide, learning about how elk feel, see, and interact with their environment. As soon as students from various schools across northern Nevada entered the building, they flocked to our booth, fascinated by the knowledge we had to share. Along with the kids, many parents and adults showed interest in our programs, asking how they could get their children involved in our workshops and summer camps. Nevada Outdoor School provided both children and adults with engaging and memorable learning experiences, deepening their appreciation for the wildlife in our local area.

March 14th | Luck of the Toss

On March 14th, Nevada Outdoor School hosted the Luck of the Toss event, setting up two adult-sized cornhole sets and one child-sized set. Although only one community member attended, they brought an amazing attitude, playing cornhole in the snow for two hours. While we were prepared with leprechaun traps and treasure pots filled with candy for kids, none showed up. Despite the low turnout, we embraced the opportunity to spend time outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and friendly competition—especially as AmeriCorps Member, Beau was soundly defeated multiple times by our enthusiastic guest!

March 19th | Ride Safe, Ride Smart Class 1

On March 19th, Nevada Outdoor School held the first session of our Ride Safe, Ride Smart class, engaging students in active discussions about durable versus non-durable surfaces and the essentials of being prepared for outdoor excursions. Through an interactive game, participants navigated mock ATV and outdoor scenarios, reinforcing key safety principles. In partnership with Communities in Schools, we launched an after-school program dedicated to Ride Safe, Ride Smart education, working closely with four students. To encourage consistent participation, Communities in Schools is sponsoring a raffle—students who attend all sessions will be entered for a chance to win a free spot at summer camp!

March 21st | Cub Scout Conservation Project

On March 21st, 23 Cub Scouts and their parents joined Nevada Outdoor School for a hands-on conservation project. The Scouts learned about the importance of conservation and how they can take action to protect the environment. Through an engaging lesson, they explored ways to recycle and reduce waste before putting their knowledge into practice with a cleanup effort at Spring Creek’s Marina. Their enthusiasm for keeping our environment clean was inspiring, and we are proud to support the next generation of environmental stewards!

March 29th-30th | Logandale Junior Ranger Day

On March 29th-30th, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Logandale Junior Ranger Day by hosting a Youth Helmet OHV Safety Booth at Logandale Trails. Our goal was to educate families on the importance of Ride Safe Ride Smart, emphasizing the necessity of wearing a helmet when operating any type of ATV or OHV. During the event, we successfully distributed approximately 40 helmets to children and engaged with 80-85 attendees. We also built valuable connections with the Logandale team, the Bureau of Land Management, and other organizations present, strengthening our network of outdoor safety advocates.

March 30th | Wilderness Warrior

The Wilderness Warrior Skills Workshop was a great success, with 25 participants attending the event. Two families traveled from Elko to take part in the experience. AmeriCorps Member Beau led the workshop, teaching knife safety, and by the end of the event, there were no injuries. Participants had the opportunity to unleash their creativity as they crafted impressive spears and traps, making the workshop both educational and engaging.

March | Elko Nature in My World

In March, Nevada Outdoor School brought the Nature in My World program to Elko County, delivering 16 lessons across six different schools. The Owl Pellet activity has been a huge hit among third-grade teachers, with most students excited to uncover and identify bones, while a few found the experience a bit too gross. First-grade lessons have also been very popular—not just with students and teachers, but also with our AmeriCorps Members, who count them among their favorites. Though the weather kept us indoors more than we would have liked, we are grateful for the flexibility to adapt our lessons for indoor learning when needed.

March | Winnemucca Nature in My World

In March, Nevada Outdoor School brought the Nature In My World program to classrooms in Winnemucca, though we had fewer lessons than usual this month. We worked with kindergarten, third, and fourth-grade students, with third grade being the most popular. In these lessons, students explored the fascinating world of animal adaptations, discovering how different species survive and thrive in their environments. Teachers continued to express their enthusiasm for the program, appreciating the engaging and educational experiences it provides for their students.

March | Elko Young Naturalists Club

In March, Nevada Outdoor School wrapped up the final session of the Young Naturalists Club, exploring plant life cycles, worms, and the science behind rainbows. The kindergarten through second-grade sessions were well attended, with up to 16 children, while the third through fifth-grade sessions were smaller, averaging around six students. Each lesson combined a learning component with a hands-on play portion, allowing students to apply their new knowledge in an engaging and interactive way. Fortunately, Friday weather was mostly cooperative, allowing us to hold lessons outdoors at Peace Park in Elko. While a few sessions had to be shortened due to weather, we were still able to provide meaningful and fun learning experiences for our young naturalists.

March | Winnemucca Nature Journaling

In March, Nevada Outdoor School brought the Nature Journaling program to Winnemucca classrooms, featuring the engaging Sound Map lesson. Teachers shared that this was one of their favorite lessons, and students absolutely loved it, requesting that we continue offering it in the future. The activity sparked plenty of laughter and fun while also helping students recognize the importance of sound in the natural world. Through this experience, they discovered how tuning out other senses can heighten their awareness of sound, deepening their connection to their surroundings.

AmeriCorps Spotlight: Jamie Horse

At Nevada Outdoor School, our AmeriCorps members play a vital role in bringing outdoor education to our communities. This month, we're excited to spotlight Jamie, who has been serving with NOS for the past nine months. From hands-on lessons with students to engaging with the public at community events, Jamie has embraced every opportunity to inspire a love for the outdoors. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

"Hello! My name is Jamie, I’ve been an AmeriCorps member at NOS for about 9 months. I am originally from Arizona and have been living here in Elko for about 2 years. Something interesting about me is that I just got back from Japan a couple weeks ago. It was super awesome and had an amazing experience and can't wait to go back again. We have started doing NIMW classes, so I’ve just been working on familiarizing myself with all the lessons. We just had our first couple lessons about Owl Pellets this week and that went over very well with the students, they had a lot of fun with the pellets. Some other lessons we have are flower functions, watersheds, and a kindergarten lesson about worms, which I’m really looking forward to doing more kindergarten lessons, because we haven't had the opportunity to do a lot of them, so I'm really excited about that. Over the weekend we attended the Sportsman's Expo, we had a good amount of people come up to the booth and play our Trash Timeline game and we also did a raffle to give away some NOS swag and we made good connections that hopefully we can partner with sometime in the future. Tomorrow, we have the trout release in Winnemucca that I'm actually very excited for. This Friday we have our Trails Through Time Event learning about the heritage and cultural landmarks of Elko. This weekend we are setting up another booth at CTIC for Junior Ranger Day and next week we are attending the Stem Fair Expo. So, we are pretty busy with a lot of events and on top of that we have our Young Naturalist Signs of Spring Lessons every Friday. Glad to have our new members joining us who are just super helpful in every aspect of what we do here at NOS."

Jamie’s enthusiasm for outdoor education and community engagement shines through in everything she does. Whether she's teaching students about owl pellets, leading lessons on watersheds, or representing NOS at public events, her passion for inspiring the next generation is evident. We are grateful to have dedicated AmeriCorps members like Jamie who make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Keep up the great work, Jamie!

Thank you to the NV Energy Foundation for their continued support of Nevada Outdoor School, and the AmeriCorps programs. Service is at the heart of Nevada Outdoor School.

Exploring Nature Through Journaling with Nevada Outdoor School

In an effort to provide additional nature-based experiences for K-4th students in Winnemucca and K-8 students in rural Humboldt County, Nevada Outdoor School developed the Nature Journaling Club. This program offers teachers a monthly opportunity to engage students in outdoor learning, fostering a deeper connection to, understanding of, and respect for the natural world. By dedicating time to careful observation and thoughtful recording, students sharpen their scientific inquiry skills, embrace creativity, and develop an appreciation for the environment around them.

The Art of Nature Journaling

Nature journaling is more than just writing or drawing—it’s an immersive experience that encourages students to slow down and observe the world with fresh eyes. The process involves recording observations through sketches, notes, and reflections, allowing students to document their unique perspectives on nature. Rather than striving for artistic perfection, the goal is to capture details, ask questions, and express curiosity.

Throughout the program, students learn to focus on three essential elements: observation, recording, and reflection. By noticing intricate details such as the shape of a leaf, the movement of an insect, or the patterns of clouds, they strengthen their ability to observe the world critically. Journaling these discoveries through words and drawings enables them to process what they see, while reflecting on their observations deepens their connection to nature and encourages further inquiry.

Hands-On Learning Activities

Each month, students participate in guided activities designed to build their nature journaling skills. The first session introduces the concept of nature journaling, helping students understand that it is a tool for exploration rather than a test of artistic ability. They decorate their journals with personal touches, adding drawings of their favorite plants and animals, colors that remind them of nature, and symbols that represent their connection to the outdoors.

Outdoor activities play a crucial role in the program. One engaging exercise, called "Zoom In, Zoom Out," encourages students to look at nature from different perspectives. First, they find a small object, such as a leaf or a flower, and examine it closely, noting its texture, color, and unique features. After sketching and describing their observations, they step back to take in the bigger picture, observing how the object fits into its surrounding environment. This activity teaches them to appreciate both the fine details and the broader ecosystems at play.

Even when indoors, students continue developing their observation skills through activities like the nature-inspired scavenger hunt. Using descriptive prompts, they search for objects that match characteristics such as rough textures, natural colors, or specific shapes. By engaging their senses and making connections between nature and everyday objects, they strengthen their awareness of the natural world—even within a classroom setting.

Expanding Creativity and Scientific Inquiry

As students progress, they tackle more advanced journaling techniques. They practice drawing plants and flowers by studying their symmetry, experimenting with different petal shapes, and exploring concepts like foreshortening to capture realistic perspectives. They also dive into storytelling by imagining a plant’s life cycle, combining scientific observations with creative writing.

Another highlight of the program is bird sketching. Students learn to simplify complex shapes, focusing on posture, proportion, and feather patterns. By sketching birds in motion or from photographs, they improve their ability to capture details quickly, reinforcing the importance of patience and close observation.

Winter lessons bring the opportunity to study snow, where students explore the intricate beauty of snowflakes and changing landscapes. By applying the "Zoom In, Zoom Out" technique, they observe how snowflakes differ in structure up close and how snow blankets the environment as a whole. Through journaling, they document their findings and discuss the science behind snow formation and seasonal changes.

Encouraging Lifelong Curiosity

Through these experiences, students not only improve their ability to observe and document nature but also develop a lasting appreciation for the world around them. Nature journaling teaches patience, curiosity, and critical thinking—skills that extend beyond the classroom and into daily life. Whether drawing a flower, sketching a bird, or simply pausing to notice the details of a changing season, students gain tools to continue exploring and engaging with nature for years to come.

A Special Thank You to NV Energy

This program would not have been possible without the generous support of NV Energy. Their commitment to outdoor education and youth engagement has helped Nevada Outdoor School bring meaningful, hands-on learning experiences to students across Northern Nevada. Thanks to their support, young learners have had the opportunity to build connections with nature, develop scientific thinking, and embrace creativity through journaling. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to NV Energy for their investment in the next generation of environmental stewards!

Exploring South Fork State Recreation Area: A Hidden Gem in Northern Nevada

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Ruby Mountains near Elko, South Fork State Recreation Area is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Covering over 4,000 acres of land and water, this scenic park offers diverse recreational opportunities, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

A Brief History

South Fork Reservoir was created in the 1980s by damming the South Fork of the Humboldt River. The area officially became a state recreation site in 1995, offering both locals and visitors a place to enjoy outdoor activities while preserving Nevada’s natural beauty. Today, it serves as a popular spot for camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Activities at South Fork State Recreation Area

No matter the season, South Fork offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy:

• Fishing: The reservoir is well-stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, wiper, and catfish, making it a prime fishing destination year-round. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter months.

• Boating & Water Sports: With over 1,600 surface acres of water, the reservoir is perfect for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are boat ramps and docks available for easy access.

• Camping: South Fork features well-maintained campgrounds with RV hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. The peaceful lakeside setting provides an excellent backdrop for stargazing at night.

• Hiking & Wildlife Viewing: Several trails wind through the park, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife. The mix of wetlands, grasslands, and sagebrush creates an ideal habitat for many species.

• Hunting: Seasonal hunting is allowed in designated areas, with waterfowl, mule deer, and upland game birds being the most common targets.

Wildlife & Plant Life

South Fork State Recreation Area is home to an impressive array of wildlife and plant species. Visitors might spot:

• Mule deer grazing along the shoreline.

• Bald eagles and osprey soaring over the water.

• Great blue herons, ducks, and geese in the wetland areas.

• Coyotes, bobcats, and beavers roaming the park’s diverse habitats.

The landscape is characterized by a mix of sagebrush, willows, cottonwood trees, and native grasses, providing essential food and shelter for wildlife. Spring and summer bring bursts of wildflowers, including Indian paintbrush, lupine, and desert marigold, adding vibrant colors to the scenery.

Plan Your Visit

South Fork State Recreation Area is located about 15 miles south of Elko off State Route 228. The park is open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Entry fees are affordable, making it an excellent destination for a weekend getaway or a day trip.

Whether you’re looking to reel in a trophy fish, enjoy a peaceful hike, or simply soak in the stunning Nevada landscape, South Fork State Recreation Area has something for everyone. Pack your gear, head out, and explore this remarkable slice of Northern Nevada wilderness!