Getting Outdoors Sustainably: How to Explore Nature with Care

As more people embrace the benefits of spending time in nature, it’s essential to ensure our outdoor adventures don’t harm the very environments we love. Sustainable outdoor practices allow us to enjoy the beauty of the natural world while preserving it for future generations. Here are some tips to help you get outdoors sustainably and responsibly:

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

Sustainable outdoor exploration starts with good planning. Research your destination to learn about rules, guidelines, and potential environmental sensitivities. Pack appropriately, bringing reusable items, weather-appropriate gear, and enough food and water to avoid emergencies that could strain local resources.

Leave No Trace

The Leave No Trace (LNT) principles are the gold standard for sustainable outdoor ethics. These seven principles encourage practices like minimizing campfire impact, traveling on durable surfaces, and disposing of waste properly. By following these guidelines, you can reduce your impact on the environment and help maintain the integrity of natural spaces.

Choose Eco-Friendly Gear

When selecting outdoor equipment, prioritize sustainability. Look for gear made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. Durable, high-quality items last longer and reduce waste over time. Many brands now offer options certified for sustainability and ethical production.

Travel Sustainably

Getting to your outdoor destination can significantly impact the environment. Reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling, taking public transportation, or choosing closer-to-home adventures. Consider biking or hiking to your destination when possible.

Stick to Designated Trails

Wandering off established trails can damage fragile ecosystems, contribute to soil erosion, and disturb wildlife habitats. Stay on marked paths to protect native plants and animals and prevent unnecessary damage to the environment.

Respect Wildlife

Admire wildlife from a distance and never feed animals. Human food can harm their health and disrupt natural behaviors. Respect their habitats by keeping noise levels low and avoiding areas marked as sensitive or off-limits.

Use Reusables and Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Pack your adventure supplies in reusable containers. Bring a refillable water bottle, metal utensils, and reusable food storage options to minimize waste. Avoid single-use plastics like disposable water bottles, utensils, or snack bags.

Minimize Campfire Impact

While campfires are an enjoyable part of outdoor adventures, they can be harmful if not handled responsibly. Use portable stoves for cooking, and if fires are permitted, keep them small and within designated fire rings. Always ensure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.

Support Local Conservation Efforts

Contribute to organizations that protect and maintain outdoor spaces. Many parks and trails rely on volunteers and donations to preserve their beauty. Participating in clean-up events or trail maintenance days is a great way to give back.

Educate Yourself and Others

Understanding the environment, you’re exploring is key to sustainable adventures. Learn about local plants, animals, and ecosystems to appreciate their value and fragility. Share your knowledge with friends and family to encourage a broader culture of environmental stewardship.

Leave It Better Than You Found It

Make it a habit to pick up any litter you come across, even if it’s not yours. Bringing a small trash bag or container can help you leave the area cleaner and healthier than when you arrived.

By taking these steps, you can enjoy the wonders of the outdoors while protecting and preserving them for future generations. Sustainable exploration not only benefits the planet but also deepens your connection to nature, creating a more meaningful and fulfilling outdoor experience. Let’s all do our part to ensure the natural world remains vibrant and thriving for years to come.

What's New at NOS! January 2025

January was a month full of exciting outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and community engagement for Nevada Outdoor School! From snowy hikes and fire-building workshops to nature journaling and citizen science, we embraced the winter season with enthusiasm. Our events brought people together to explore, learn, and connect with nature, whether through hiking icy trails, learning about weather patterns, or fostering a love for plants. With growing participation in programs like the Young Naturalist Club and successful outreach at the Sheep Show, we’re starting 2025 on a strong note—building skills, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring outdoor stewardship across Northern Nevada!

January 7 | New Years Resolution Hike

On January 7th, Nevada Outdoor School kicked off the New Year with a refreshing Resolution Hike in Water Canyon, just outside of Winnemucca, Nevada. The snow-covered landscape offered stunning views and a crisp, invigorating atmosphere as our small group of two participants hiked up to the community yurt. The snow added an extra touch of magic to the journey, making it the perfect way to embrace the beauty of nature and start 2025 on an active and inspiring note.

Nevada Outdoor School's Elko Young Naturalist Club: A Wildlife Adventure

Nevada Outdoor School’s Young Naturalist Club is back and better than ever! This exciting program, designed for students in grades K-2 and 3-5, offers five interactive sessions centered around the theme Wildlife Detectives. The sessions take place at the beautiful Elko Peace Park, providing the perfect outdoor setting for young learners to explore and connect with nature.

Program Details:

Grades K-2: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Grades 3-5: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Each lesson in the Wildlife Detectives series is a unique opportunity for children to delve into the natural world, build their outdoor skills, and learn more about the incredible wildlife found in Nevada. 

Here’s a glimpse into the lessons:

Migration
In this engaging lesson, students discovered the incredible journeys animals take during migration and the obstacles they face, including power lines, pollution, predators, and traffic. Through a hands-on migration obstacle course, they experienced these challenges firsthand and explored how human actions like littering impact migration success. By emphasizing Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, the session inspired students to reduce waste and pick up trash in their communities, fostering stewardship for wildlife and their habitats.

Hibernation
This interactive lesson took students into the fascinating world of hibernation. They learned about Nevada’s native hibernating animals and their winter survival strategies, from stockpiling food to finding shelter. Discussions highlighted differences between hibernation, torpor, and brumation, while a fun relay race simulated the preparations animals make for winter. Students also explored how human activities can affect wildlife survival, reinforcing the importance of LNT principles to support healthy ecosystems.

Adaptations
In this dynamic session, students explored animal adaptations—the physical and behavioral traits that help animals thrive in their environments. Activities included matching animals to their adaptations, identifying suitable habitats, and playing movement-based games to reinforce the concepts. To conclude, students designed their own unique animals with randomly selected adaptations, creatively applying their newfound knowledge. By the end, participants could identify adaptations in various species and understand how these traits contribute to survival.

Tracks
Students became wildlife detectives in this lesson focused on animal tracks. They learned how to identify tracks, understand their significance, and discover the stories tracks tell about animal behavior and interactions. Hands-on activities included storytelling, plaster track observation, a matching game, and a choice between a "Prey and Hunter" game or a nature walk. By the end, students developed keen observation skills and a deeper appreciation for Nevada’s wildlife.

Skins & Skulls
In the final lesson, students explored the relationship between skull anatomy and diet by examining the characteristics of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. Hands-on activities included examining their own teeth, studying animal skulls, matching animals to their diets, and crafting teeth from modeling clay to replicate dental structures. These activities highlighted how anatomy is adapted to dietary needs, leaving students with a solid understanding of the connections between skull features and eating habits.

Making an Impact

Throughout the five sessions, a total of 35 young naturalists participated in the program, increasing their time spent outdoors while gaining valuable knowledge about Nevada’s wildlife. Thanks to the generous support of the NV Energy Foundation, Nevada Outdoor School was able to provide these engaging and educational experiences to the Elko community.

The Young Naturalist Club is more than just a program—it’s an opportunity for children to build a lasting connection with the natural world, learn how to protect it, and develop a sense of environmental stewardship. Stay tuned for future themes and sessions as Nevada Outdoor School continues to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts!