January was filled with meaningful moments of learning, connection, and outdoor adventure for Nevada Outdoor School (NOS). From peaceful moonlit hikes and imaginative youth programs to hands-on safety trainings and community outreach events, NOS brought people of all ages together to explore the outdoors in fun, safe, and engaging ways. Across northern Nevada, participants built skills, deepened their understanding of the natural world, and formed lasting connections with both nature and their community. Here’s a look back at a month of discovery, stewardship, and shared experiences outside.
On January 6, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Full Moon Hike in Elko, bringing together two participants for a cold but memorable evening outdoors. The group enjoyed a short hike to the park kiosk, covering a manageable yet satisfying distance while taking in the quiet of the winter landscape. Along the way, they had a meaningful conversation with a park ranger, adding depth and connection to the experience. Although the moon remained hidden, the night sky was exceptionally clear, offering stunning views of the stars. Despite the chilly temperatures, the hike ended on a warm note with hot chocolate, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for all involved.
January 6 | Winnemucca Full Moon Hike
On January 6, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Full Moon Hike in Winnemucca, welcoming approximately 14 community members for a guided nighttime outdoor experience. While clouds kept the moon out of sight, participants embraced the darkness, slowing down to engage their senses and experience the trail from a new perspective. The chilly evening added to the sense of adventure, making the hike feel both grounding and memorable. The night concluded with participants gathering for warm hot cocoa, a cozy moment that fostered connection and reflection. Through this hike, Nevada Outdoor School provided a meaningful opportunity to explore, connect, and appreciate the outdoors after dark.
January 9 | Adventure Buddies
On January 9, Nevada Outdoor School’s Adventure Buddies program welcomed two young participants for a fun-filled, dinosaur-themed session. Participants learned about dinosaurs while taking part in a hands-on excavation activity, digging mini dinosaurs out of special eggs. The group also enjoyed plenty of outdoor play, blowing bubbles and using their imaginations to stomp, jump, and run like dinosaurs. Through movement, exploration, and creative play, NOS created a joyful outdoor learning experience that encouraged curiosity, physical activity, and a love of nature.
January 9 | Nature Investigators
On January 9, Nevada Outdoor School’s Nature Investigators program welcomed its largest group yet of 3rd to 5th graders, marking an exciting milestone in the program’s continued growth. During this session, youth kicked off their fall and winter habitat lessons by exploring deserts and discovering that not all deserts are hot; some can be cold, too. They learned about the four different types of deserts and took part in a hands-on sensory activity where they played in sand with toy animals, sparking thoughtful conversations about how different animals might survive in desert environments. Through guided discussion and exploration, students also learned about the special adaptations plants and animals have developed to thrive in places where rain is scarce, building both curiosity and understanding of the natural world.
January 10 | Museum Career Day
January 13 | Tread Lightly! Training
On January 13, Nevada Outdoor School participated in a Tread Lightly! training focused on enjoying the outdoors while minimizing impacts on natural spaces. The training emphasized the importance of respecting trails, wildlife, and other recreationists, and highlighted how small actions, like staying on designated trails, can make a big difference in protecting the places we love.
Sophia and Isabel, NOS AmeriCorps Outdoor Educators from Winnemucca, joined the training alongside the NOS team, adding to the collaborative and engaging learning experience. Through discussion and hands-on learning, participants explored how everyday choices can help keep outdoor spaces clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.
This training reinforced NOS’s commitment to responsible recreation and stewardship, encouraging participants to think more intentionally about how to have fun outdoors while caring for the land.
January 9 | Adventure Buddies
January 9 | Nature Investigators
January 10 | Museum Career Day
On January 10, Nevada Outdoor School participated in Northeastern Nevada Museum Career Day, connecting with approximately 30 community members at an engaging, family-friendly event. NOS staff shared photos from past camps and programs, giving families a glimpse into the outdoor learning experiences offered throughout rural Nevada. Visitors to the table received AmeriCorps items such as frisbees, pens, and stickers, while staff spent time talking with kids about their favorite outdoor activities and explaining NOS’s mission and programs. Alongside community partners including the fire station, library, hospital, and veterinary clinic, NOS enjoyed the opportunity to build relationships, inspire curiosity, and share how outdoor education supports both youth and the broader community.
January 13 | Tread Lightly! Training
On January 13, Nevada Outdoor School participated in a Tread Lightly! training focused on enjoying the outdoors while minimizing impacts on natural spaces. The training emphasized the importance of respecting trails, wildlife, and other recreationists, and highlighted how small actions, like staying on designated trails, can make a big difference in protecting the places we love.
Sophia and Isabel, NOS AmeriCorps Outdoor Educators from Winnemucca, joined the training alongside the NOS team, adding to the collaborative and engaging learning experience. Through discussion and hands-on learning, participants explored how everyday choices can help keep outdoor spaces clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.
This training reinforced NOS’s commitment to responsible recreation and stewardship, encouraging participants to think more intentionally about how to have fun outdoors while caring for the land.
January 14 | Stop the Bleed Training
On January 14, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Stop the Bleed training in Elko, led by NOS Director of Training and Program Reporting, Meghan Sturgell, providing AmeriCorps members from both the Elko and Winnemucca offices with critical lifesaving skills and certification. During the training, participants learned how to control severe bleeding through techniques such as applying pressure, packing wounds, and using a tourniquet, as well as how to recognize and respond to emergency scenarios where these skills are needed. Beyond building emergency preparedness, the shared experience strengthened teamwork, boosted confidence, and reinforced NOS’s commitment to safety and readiness across its programs.
January 24 | Sheep Show
On January 24, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) hosted a Ride Safe Ride Smart booth at the 2026 Sheep Show, connecting with families and youth from across the region. Throughout the event, NOS staff and AmeriCorps members distributed approximately 30 helmets to youth who needed them, helping promote safe and responsible outdoor recreation.
The booth was filled with energy as AmeriCorps members engaged kids in interactive educational games focused on outdoor safety. Participants who joined in received NOS merchandise, making learning both fun and memorable. Over the course of the event, the NOS team interacted with an estimated 250 community members, sharing resources and building awareness around helmet use and safe riding practices.
In addition to outreach with families, the event provided valuable opportunities for partnership and connection. AmeriCorps members met with a representative from the Lahontan Audubon Society and had meaningful conversations with both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), strengthening relationships with fellow organizations dedicated to outdoor education and stewardship.
On January 14, Nevada Outdoor School hosted a Stop the Bleed training in Elko, led by NOS Director of Training and Program Reporting, Meghan Sturgell, providing AmeriCorps members from both the Elko and Winnemucca offices with critical lifesaving skills and certification. During the training, participants learned how to control severe bleeding through techniques such as applying pressure, packing wounds, and using a tourniquet, as well as how to recognize and respond to emergency scenarios where these skills are needed. Beyond building emergency preparedness, the shared experience strengthened teamwork, boosted confidence, and reinforced NOS’s commitment to safety and readiness across its programs.
January 24 | Sheep Show
On January 24, Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) hosted a Ride Safe Ride Smart booth at the 2026 Sheep Show, connecting with families and youth from across the region. Throughout the event, NOS staff and AmeriCorps members distributed approximately 30 helmets to youth who needed them, helping promote safe and responsible outdoor recreation.
The booth was filled with energy as AmeriCorps members engaged kids in interactive educational games focused on outdoor safety. Participants who joined in received NOS merchandise, making learning both fun and memorable. Over the course of the event, the NOS team interacted with an estimated 250 community members, sharing resources and building awareness around helmet use and safe riding practices.
In addition to outreach with families, the event provided valuable opportunities for partnership and connection. AmeriCorps members met with a representative from the Lahontan Audubon Society and had meaningful conversations with both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), strengthening relationships with fellow organizations dedicated to outdoor education and stewardship.
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