Grant program fueled outdoor learning

CARSON CITY – The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR) announced the release of the 2024 Nevada Outdoor Education & Recreation (NOER) Grant Program Impact Report, showcasing the program’s effect on outdoor education statewide.

In its inaugural year, the NOER grant program saw overwhelming demand, with 64 project proposals submitted and $1.4 million in funding requested, aiming to expand outdoor learning experiences in all 17 Nevada counties.

With ~$250,000 in funding, NOER supported 23 unique projects, including nine Tier II projects (up to $30,000) and 14 microgrant projects (up to $5,000).

These projects made a significant impact in 2024, collectively engaging 10,944 participants in outdoor education and recreation, providing youth with 25,855 hours spent outdoors to foster hands-on learning and environmental stewardship, supporting 57 jobs, contributing to the growth of Nevada’s outdoor economy and generating $329,406 in additional matching contributions through cash, volunteer hours and in-kind donations.

Key projects include:

• Environmental education programs across rural Nevada (Walker Basin Conservancy, River Wranglers, Great Basin Foundation and Nevada Outdoor School).
• Equine therapy for youth with disabilities and children in foster care (Center for Adaptive Riding).
• Backpacking camps (Tahoe Rim Trail Association).
• Urban nature exploration for minorities in Las Vegas (Together We Can).

Additionally, smaller-scale microgrant projects were funded across Nevada, including birdwatching trips at Washoe Lake (Lahontan Audubon Society), Red Rock Canyon field trips for Title I schools (Friends of Red Rock Canyon) and STEM camp experiences for Title I students (Sierra Nevada Journeys).

“The NOER grant program is a game changer for outdoor education in Nevada,” said Denise Beronio, administrator of NDOR. “By funding innovative projects, we’re ensuring that youth from all backgrounds have opportunities to connect with nature, gain hands-on learning experiences and build a lifelong appreciation for the environment.”

To view the full 2024 NOER Impact Report and learn more about future funding opportunities, visit https://ndor.nv.gov/noer-grants.For more information about the Nevada Outdoor Education & Recreation grant program, contact Kendal Scott, outdoor education lead, at k.scott@ndor.nv.gov.