More than 10,000 children in Nevada have gained outdoor learning experiences through the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation (NOER) grant program, according to a recent report. Administered by the Nevada Department of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR), the program has significantly expanded youth access to nature and environmental conservation.
The 2024 NOER Grant Program Impact Report released by NDOR highlights the program’s success in its first year. A total of 64 project applications were submitted, requesting $1.4 million in funding. This overwhelming response highlights the growing need for outdoor education programs in all 17 counties in Nevada.
In its first year, the NOER grant program awarded approximately $250,000 in grants to 23 projects. This included nine secondary projects, each receiving up to $30,000, and 14 micro-grant programs, each receiving up to $5,000.
These grant programs have had significant impacts, including:
- 10,944 people engaged in outdoor recreation and education.
- 25,855 hours of outdoor experiential learning for youth.
- 57 jobs supported, boosting Nevada’s outdoor industry.
- An additional $329,406 in matching contributions were raised through in-kind donations, cash and volunteer activities.
The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources emphasizes that the NOER grant program aligns with its mission to empower communities through diverse outdoor learning experiences. Grantees in the program reflect this goal, with key initiatives including:
Environmental Education Programs: Organizations such as Nevada Outdoor School, River Wranglers, Walker Basin Conservancy and Great Basin Foundation are leading efforts to educate rural communities about the environment.
Equine Therapy: The Center for Adaptive Horseback Riding provides therapeutic horseback riding programs for foster children and youth with disabilities.
Outdoor Adventures: The Lake Tahoe Trail Association organizes backpacking camps, while Pulling Together provides urban nature experiences for minority groups in Las Vegas.
Smaller micro-grant programs also play an important role. For example, the Lahontan Audubon Society hosts birding tours at Washoe Lake, Friends of Red Rock Canyon organizes field trips for Title I schools, and Sierra Nevada Journeys provides STEM camp experiences for Title I students.
The success of the NOER grant program highlights the importance of outdoor education in promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement. As demand continues to grow, the program aims to expand its reach to ensure that more Nevada children have access to transformative outdoor experiences.
