The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation

08/07/2026

The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation is excited to announce $250,000 in new grant funding through the Youth Outdoor Growth and Innovation (YOGI) Grant Program!
This second round of statewide youth outdoor grants will help expand outdoor learning and recreation opportunities for Nevada kids, from classroom field trips to camp experiences to hands‑on outdoor skill building.

Since launching in 2024, YOGI funding has supported 64 projects, helping nearly 28,000 youth spend more than 290,000 hours outdoors across Nevada!

Schools, nonprofits, tribal governments, local agencies, and community groups are encouraged to apply. Applications are due October 5, 2026, with a voluntary applicant feedback period available in August.

Learn more and apply at:
https://ndor.nv.gov/yogi-grants

Photos in order courtesy of: Robert E. Lake Elementary School 2026, SOS Outreach 2026, Black Girls Hike 2025, Urban Roots 2025


ExploreNevada NevadaYouth GetOutsideNV

08/07/2026

07/23/2026

07/17/2026

The America 250 Relay has made its way to Nevada! The American Discovery Trail Society is still looking for participants to carry the baton across the state of Nevada by running, horseback or biking!

Interested in learning more? Head over to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/americandiscoverytrail/event/250relay/ to learn more!

Interested in learning about the route? Head over to Nevada Trail Finder for more information! https://www.nvtrailfinder.com/trails/trail/american-discovery-trail

The American Discovery Trail is a 6,800 mile ride from coast to coast route, offering spectacular views of America’s rugged backcountry and communities!

Come be a part of history and celebrate America’s 250 birthday!

04/27/2026

Join experts and enthusiasts from across eight western states for two days of:
- Insightful keynotes and breakout sessions
- Hands-on learning and field tours
- Meaningful networking with industry leaders
- Real conversations around trail development, stewardship, and access

Whether you’re a planner, builder, advocate, or just passionate about the outdoors, this is your place to connect, learn, and get inspired.

Registration is open now! Don’t wait, rates increase soon!
https://mountainwesttrailsconference.squarespace.com/

04/26/2026

Nevada Outdoor Teacher of the Year Nominations are open!

The Nevada Outdoor Education Council proudly recognize outstanding educators across Nevada.

The 2026 Outdoor Teacher of the Year will receive a scholarship, thanks to the Nature Everywhere initiative, to attend and promote their work in outdoor education and the work of the Outdoor Education Council at a relevant conference.
This award honors teachers who demonstrate instructional excellence, innovation, student impact, and commitment to strengthening Outdoor Education in Nevada’s communities.

Nominations may be submitted by colleagues, administrators, parents, students, community members, or through self-nomination.

Nominees must meet the following Criteria:

o Formal Teachers with active Teaching Certificates
o Demonstrated achievements in delivering Nevada-focused outdoor education within a K–12 classroom setting.
o Promotion in conservation, stewardship, or outdoor ethics
o Demonstrated leadership qualities in outdoor education

Nominations will be accepted starting April 20, 2026 through July 1, 2026.

To nominate someone, use the link provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2IKc3b-X5y9mIT8iD_NWmGnnUUgFvECabYhhm1gBQH0N5Nw/viewform or click on the link in our bio!

04/16/2026

Looking for a simple way to celebrate International Dark Skies week? The community of Genoa, NV is encouraging everyone to join in and turn off your outside lights and enjoy the beauty of the night sky! Talk to your neighbors and encourage them to join in!

04/15/2026

Do you know what this device is? A Sky Quality Meter! Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) are handheld devices that measure how bright or dark the night sky is. They help communities, scientists, and land managers track light pollution and protect natural dark skies, an important part of Nevada’s outdoor heritage.

We have exciting news!

Friends of Nevada Wilderness has generously donated 10 Sky Quality Meters to the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, using the Save Starry Skies license plate funds! These devices will be part of a new Dark Skies Lending Library, allowing communities, educators, volunteers, and organizations across the state to borrow equipment and measure night sky quality in their communities.

This donation is helping NDOR and other dark skies advocates better understand the quality of night sky!

A huge thank‑you to Friends of Nevada Wilderness! Check out Friends of Nevada Wilderness 'Save Starry Skies' license plate, available at the local DMV. Want to learn more about the license plate funds? Check out Friends of Nevada Wilderness license plate website: https://www.nevadadarksky.org/ for more information.

04/13/2026

🌌 Celebrate Nevada’s Dark Skies! ✨
International Dark Skies Week is coming up: April 13–20, 2026!

NDOR and our partners have been working with communities across Nevada to support Dark Sky Week proclamations and we’re excited to share that several communities have already stepped up.

👏 Congratulations to Ely, Lincoln County, and Genoa, NV for officially passing their proclamations!

📅 Upcoming Proclamations
Washoe County
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

Agenda Item 5.A.4 | Meeting starts at 10 am
📍 1001 E. 9th Street, Reno, NV 89512,

Carson City, NV
Thursday, April 16th, 2026

Meetings commence at 8:30 am
📍 Bob Crowell Room, Carson City Community Center ,851 E. Williams St., Carson City, NV

If you’re able, join us in person to celebrate and support Nevada’s commitment to protecting our beautiful dark skies!

Why Proclamations? They are a great way to bring together community support with leaders and raise awareness about light pollution, shows support for a disappearing resource and encourages the community to implement better lighting practices to reduce energy costs, among other benefits.

04/11/2026

Congrats to Ely!