Nevada Outdoor School announced that it has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR) to support its Nevada Outdoor Education & Recreation (NOER) initiative. This initiative is dedicated to connecting rural youth with nature through high-quality outdoor education experiences. With this funding, NOS will expand its reach and impact across rural northern Nevada, providing thousands of underserved students with opportunities to explore, learn about, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
The NOER grant will directly support NOS’s youth programs, which serve students across six rural counties, including Humboldt and Elko. These programs help break down barriers to outdoor education and scientific engagement for rural youth, who are often underrepresented in environmental sciences. Through initiatives like school-based outdoor learning experiences, summer camps, and nature clubs, NOS fosters environmental literacy and encourages children to develop a lifelong connection to nature.
“Increasing time spent outdoors has been proven to boost academic success, physical health, and environmental stewardship,” said Melanie Erquiaga, Executive Director of Nevada Outdoor School. “This generous grant from NDOR will allow us to continue inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists by providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences in nature.”
With this funding, NOS plans to facilitate over 200 outdoor learning experiences, host 12 summer camps, and offer weekly Nature in the Park programs in nine rural communities.
Additionally, the grant will support the Elko Young Naturalist Club and the Nature Journaling Club, further enriching students’ educational and recreational experiences.
About the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation:
The Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation (NOER) grant program, led by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR), supports outdoor recreation and education opportunities across the state. NDOR prioritizes conservation, stewardship, and sustainable development, providing funding, resources, and strategic planning to communities. NDOR works to expand access, protect natural resources, and strengthen Nevada’s outdoor recreation economy for residents and visitors alike.
About Nevada Outdoor School:
Nevada Outdoor School is dedicated to fostering responsible outdoor ethics and community involvement. Through partnerships with local educators, public agencies, and conservationists, NOS ensures that students gain valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences that empower them to make informed choices about the environment. nevadaoutdoorschool.org/home.aspx