ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

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Building a Love for the Outdoors and Conservation

We share our deep appreciation for the outdoors and conservation within the communities in the Walker Basin. Providing comprehensive environmental education and overcoming barriers to outdoor recreation, we actively collaborate with teachers, community groups, agencies, and other partners. Together, we ensure the development of a robust curriculum that incorporates environmental education both during outings and within school events.

Developing a STEM Foundation for Success

The natural surroundings in our area serve as both a playground and a classroom. Using these outdoor spaces, our STEM curriculum focuses on local habitat while offering knowledge and skills that have global applications. We believe in empowering young individuals with a solid foundation in STEM education, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to environmental conservation locally, and on a broader scale.

Empowering Future Natural Resource Managers

Through our AmeriCorps program, we have provided employment opportunities to hundreds of young people, equipping them with valuable skills for their future careers in sustainable jobs. We work to instill a love for the outdoors, nurture a passion for conservation, and ensure a pathway to gainful employment for the youth of the Walker Basin.

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During the summer of 2023, The Walker Basin Conservancy collaborated with the Boys & Girls Club of Mason Valley and the Walker River State Recreation Area for an exciting initiative. Together, we launched the inaugural "Explore the Walker Basin" Outdoor Education Series, serving over 100 youth between the ages of six and 18 in environmetnal education and outdoor recreation.

This educational series involved four engaging sessions led by the team at the Walker Basin Conservancy. Each session featured hands-on learning rooted in STEM principles while fostering a sense of bioregionalism among the children. This approach seamlessly connected globally applicable concepts to the participants own backyard and local environment.

Throughout the series, participants had the opportunity to explore and learn about the unique natural features of the Walker Basin. They actively engaged in interactive activities promoting environmental awareness and understanding. Through this program, we made the learning experience both enjoyable and educational.

This program is a collaborative effort between the Walker Basin Conservancy, the Boys & Girls Club of Mason Valley,and the Walker River State Recreation Area. Together, we are committed to providing a unique and enriching educational experience for the youth of our community.

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We take great pride in our growing connections with local schools, as we actively collaborate with them to provide valuable opportunities for students. In Hawthorne, for example, we work to offer summer AmeriCorps positions for high school students. This provides them with hands-on experience in environmental conservation while providing income and funding for continuing education.

We are also proud of our environmental education program with Schurz Elementary on the Walker River Paiute Tribe reservation. Together, we have organized an environmental education fair for students, focusing on the local habitat encompassing wildlife, native plants, and water.

Looking ahead, we have already begun planning classes at Yerington High School to provide in-class presentations that incorporate STEM-based learning, while also organizing associated field trips to outdoor recreation areas. By combining classroom education with hands-on experiences in these prized outdoor hubs, we offer a comprehensive learning approach that promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.

Through these collaborative efforts with local schools, we provide in-class STEM-based presentations and opportunities for area youth to explore and engage with the outdoors. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders and fostering a lifelong passion for environmental conservation.

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The AmeriCorps program at the Walker Basin Conservancy is a significant part of our organization, employing approximately sixty members annually. These members come from various parts of the country, bringing diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives that have helped inspire our DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) program. Their life experiences contribute to the richness of our rural Nevada location.

Many local youth also become AmeriCorps members. This ensures that our program remains rooted in the local community, and that young individuals from the area have the opportunity to contribute to the conservation efforts in their own backyard.

In addition to their service, AmeriCorps members receive valuable technical training, allowing them to acquire essential skills and expertise in their respective fields. The program also provides opportunities for professional development, nurturing their growth as leaders in the environmental sector. Furthermore, members are eligible for an education scholarship, supporting their continued education and career advancement.

Through the AmeriCorps program, we empower individuals to build successful careers while making a positive difference in the Walker Basin and beyond. It is a platform that offers practical experience, training, and support for AmeriCorps members.

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Our Environmental Education program is rooted in the Walker Basin, reflecting our commitment to working hand-in-hand with and supporting our community. Our team actively engages with various organizations and initiatives, demonstrating our dedication to the region and the partnerships we have cultivated.

We actively participate in the Yerington Chamber of Commerce, collaborating with community leaders to foster a growing business environment. Our involvement with the Walker River State Recreation Area and Mason Valley Wildlife Area showcases our dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural resources within the region.

In addition, we have extended our support to community events such as the Smith Valley Friends of the Library annual fundraiser and contribute during times of need, like assisting with sandbag filling during the 2023 flooding. These actions reflect our genuine love for the community and our desire to make a positive impact.

Through these partnerships, we have gained valuable insights and creative ideas to better serve the youth in our area. By collaborating with community leaders, we continuously strive to identify and overcome barriers to outdoor recreation and encourage active involvement within the local community. Our collective efforts support a region that provides abundant opportunities for area youth to explore the outdoors, broaden their horizons, and access a wider range of career opportunities.