NOS Mission

Nevada Outdoor School inspires exploration of the natural world, responsible stewardship of our habitat and dedication to community.
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Sunday, January 11, 2026

Nevada Outdoor School Receives $5,000 Grant to Support “Wild About Water” Youth Camps



Winnemucca & Elko, NV — Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) is excited to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from Trout Unlimited to support its 2026 Nature Explorers: Wild About Water summer camps, a hands-on outdoor education program designed to connect rural Nevada youth with their local watersheds and coldwater fish habitats.

The Wild About Water theme will immerse campers in activities such as water quality testing, studying aquatic macroinvertebrates, learning about native fish species, and participating in stewardship projects along local waterways. Campers will also explore key concepts like the water cycle, the importance of riparian areas, and the role conservation organizations play in protecting Nevada’s natural resources.

“This funding allows us to give rural kids real, hands-on experiences in their own watersheds,” said Melanie Erquiaga, Executive Director at Nevada Outdoor School. “When young people test water quality, observe aquatic life, and explore trout habitat, they begin to understand how their actions impact the places they love, and that connection leads to lifelong stewardship.”

In partnership with organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, the Desert Research Institute, and Trout Unlimited volunteers, campers will interact with scientists, conservationists, and land managers who help protect Nevada’s waterways. Some participants may also have the opportunity to tour the Ruby Marshes Fishery and learn about native fish populations firsthand.

Nevada Outdoor School’s summer camps are led by trained AmeriCorps Outdoor Educators and supported by a network of community partners. By the end of the program, campers will be able to explain how water moves through their local ecosystem, measure the health of a stream, and describe why clean, cold water is essential for trout and other wildlife. Most importantly, they will leave with a sense of responsibility and pride in caring for Nevada’s rivers and riparian areas.

Through programs like Wild About Water, Nevada Outdoor School continues its mission of inspiring exploration, responsible stewardship, and community connection, ensuring that the next generation of Nevadans grows up understanding and protecting the natural resources that make northern Nevada unique.


About Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation, protection, and restoration of North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. With volunteers and staff across the country, Trout Unlimited works to ensure healthy trout and salmon populations while fostering resilient communities and engaging future generations in conservation.

About Nevada Outdoor School

Nevada Outdoor School inspires exploration of the natural world, responsible stewardship of our habitat, and dedication to community. Since 2003, NOS has provided hands-on outdoor education programs for rural Nevada youth and families, including school-based experiences, summer camps, and community events. Programs focus on building outdoor skills, environmental awareness, and a lifelong connection to nature.


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