Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group releases recommendations on bringing the outdoors to Nevada schools

CARSON CITY – The Nevada Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group (AWG), a coalition of diverse stakeholders committed to integrating outdoor learning into PreK-12 education, has released its report to the Nevada Legislature. The report includes actionable recommendations to expand outdoor education opportunities throughout Nevada and marks a significant step towards improving systems of support for outdoor education and recreation.  

Comprised of representatives from state agencies, urban and rural educators, school administrators, nonprofit organizations, bipartisan and bicameral legislators, students, and other key partners, the AWG has spent the past year studying strategies to weave outdoor education into the fabric of Nevada’s schools. The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR) coordinated this effort to bring together voices from across the state. 

The AWG’s work has been elevated by its selection for Nature Everywhere, an initiative by the Children & Nature Network, the National League of Cities, and KABOOM!. Through this partnership, the AWG received technical assistance, peer learning opportunities with communities across the country, and seed funding to further its work. 

Thanks to support from Nature Everywhere, the AWG conducted bilingual public surveys and stakeholder focus groups to gather feedback on outdoor education strategies. The public’s input directly informed the AWG’s recommendations, which are detailed in the report now available online at Outdoor Education Advisory Working Group Report. 

Key Recommendations: 

The report outlines strategic priorities to foster outdoor learning in Nevada schools, including: 

• Capacity Building: Strengthening staff support systems to empower educators and schools in implementing outdoor education. 
• Content Integration: Embedding outdoor learning across diverse subjects and grade levels. 
• Outdoor Learning Infrastructure: Expanding access to outdoor classrooms, nature play spaces, and school gardens through living schoolyards. 
• Policy: Establishing frameworks to sustain and grow outdoor education efforts statewide. 

A critical milestone in this initiative is the AWG’s submission of a bill draft request to establish an Outdoor Education Network.  

This proposed program would: 

1. Create an Outdoor School Designation program to recognize schools excelling in outdoor education. 
2. Provide technical assistance to schools developing outdoor learning opportunities. 
3. Pursue resources, including federal funding, to enhance outdoor education efforts. 

The AWG’s report signals Nevada’s growing commitment to connecting students with nature and equipping educators with the tools and resources needed to make outdoor learning a central component of education. 

Next Steps: 

The AWG will continue to work with stakeholders and legislators to advocate for the implementation of its recommendations, including the creation of the Outdoor Education Network. Interested parties can learn more about the AWG’s efforts and access the full report at https://dcnr.nv.gov/divisions-boards/ndor/outdoor-education-advisory-working-group.