Discovering and Protecting Northern Nevada’s Conservation Areas: How You Can Help

Northern Nevada is home to sweeping deserts, snow-capped mountains, rippling rivers, and quiet wetlands, each offering a haven for wildlife and an escape for people who love the outdoors. Many of these special places are protected as conservation areas, and it takes a collective effort to keep them healthy for future generations. Whether you’re a lifelong Nevadan or just discovering the state’s wild beauty, there are many ways you can get involved.

What Are Conservation Areas?

Conservation areas are designated public lands managed to protect natural, cultural, or historical resources. In Northern Nevada, these spaces include:

• Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Vital wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area – A BLM-managed area preserving pioneer trails, wide-open desert, and sensitive ecosystems.
• South Fork State Recreation Area – A favorite for anglers and campers, offering wildlife viewing and water access.
• East Humboldt and Ruby Mountain Wilderness Areas – Pristine alpine landscapes home to bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and vibrant wildflowers.

These areas provide more than beautiful backdrops; they support clean air and water, protect biodiversity, and offer opportunities for recreation, reflection, and education.

Conservation Organizations Making a Difference

Northern Nevada is lucky to have several passionate organizations working on the front lines of conservation. Here are just a few:

Friends of Nevada Wilderness

Dedicated to preserving Nevada’s wilderness and public lands, this group organizes stewardship projects like trail maintenance and trash cleanups while advocating for strong land protections.

The Nature Conservancy – Nevada Chapter

TNC works on large-scale conservation projects throughout the state, including wetland restoration in the Truckee and Carson River watersheds and habitat protection in the sagebrush steppe.

Nevada Land Trust

This nonprofit conserves open space and natural resources through land acquisitions, easements, and partnerships. They focus on protecting working ranches, river corridors, and public access areas.

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)

NDOW manages fish and wildlife resources and leads habitat restoration efforts. They also offer education programs and volunteer opportunities to support conservation statewide.

Nevada Outdoor School (that’s us!)

We support conservation through education, teaching Leave No Trace principles, responsible recreation, and environmental stewardship to youth and adults across rural Nevada. We also host volunteer days and AmeriCorps service opportunities focused on outdoor education and trail projects.

How You Can Help

Protecting Northern Nevada’s conservation areas doesn’t require big moves—just consistent, thoughtful actions. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Practice Leave No Trace

Leave nature better than you found it. Stay on trails, pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and avoid damaging plants or habitats.

2. Volunteer Your Time

Join a trail crew, help remove invasive species, or sign up for a habitat clean-up with local groups. Even one day can make a lasting impact.

3. Be a Responsible User

Respect land use rules and stay in designated areas, especially when camping or riding OHVs. Your actions matter.

4. Support Conservation Groups

Make a donation, become a member, or attend events hosted by local conservation organizations. They rely on community support to do their work.

5. Educate and Inspire Others

Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about the value of public lands. Share your love of the outdoors and encourage others to tread lightly.

Northern Nevada’s conservation areas are more than beautiful, they’re essential. With your help, we can ensure these lands remain wild, healthy, and accessible for generations to come.