Education Programs & Resources

CONNECT TO NATURE

We provide opportunities to experience, learn about, and care for Nevada’s outdoors. Our Learning in Nature Program provides grants for youth to experience outdoor spaces through guided field trips as well as professional development opportunities for teachers. Our Next-Generation Science Standards Program provides schools with standards-supported classroom programs featuring hands-on learning and outdoor field trip experiences. We further empower schools and other partners through our Native Habitat Program to create gardens that support native wildlife and enhance understanding and appreciation for the Mojave Desert ecosystem. On top of this, we offer free online resources that can be used for extended learning in the classroom and at home.

Learning In Nature Program

In partnership with Southern Nevada’s federal public land agencies, this program connects students and teachers to local ecosystems and natural resources through outdoor field trips and classroom programs.

Guided Field Trips

Connect your students to Nevada’s public lands! Through our reimbursement grant and in partnership with the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership, we offer guided field trips to schools, community centers, and other youth-based organizations.

  • Get youth outside on a field trip with a naturalist to learn more about Southern Nevada Public Lands.
  • Outdoor classrooms are ideal settings to investigate patterns, explore questions, and improve learning.
  • Help youth strengthen science proficiency and their understanding of Mojave Desert natural resources!

Transportation Microgrants

Let us help cover the cost of transportation for field trips for youth to Public Lands. Schools, educators, and community organizations can apply for financial grants to help cover the cost of bus transportation for Public Lands Field Trips.

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Applications must be submitted a minimum of ONE MONTH before the scheduled trip.
  • Each reimbursable microgrant can be used to cover transportation costs for Public Lands Field Trips.

Educator Training

Our educator training sessions provide teachers with the knowledge, confidence, and certification to teach and guide your own field trip on public land!

  • Sessions are held throughout the year at the following public land sites: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, and Desert National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Training is open to all teachers, educators, youth group leaders, scout leaders, and more.
  • Clark County School District educators can receive professional development education (PDE) credits through the PDE office.

Native Habitat Program

Bee the change! Create a beautiful blooming garden and help native and migratory pollinators, birds, and reptiles. Our hands-on program aids schools and other qualifying locations to create beneficial ecological conditions for wildlife and includes lessons, field trip(s), plants, and gardening materials, as well as technical assistance and instruction from our education staff.

Interactive Classroom Programs

Tailored educational sessions that explore topics ranging from local biodiversity and pollinator conservation to career paths in environmental fields and basic horticulture concepts.

Professional Guidance & Support

Receive assistance in designing and implementing a vibrant wildlife habitat garden within your school grounds, fostering real-world environmental stewardship.

Inspirational Field Trips

Opportunities for students to engage with nature through field trips to nearby public lands, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

Provided Tools & Materials

The program supplies necessary plants and gardening tools, enabling the establishment and maintenance of a native habitat within the school premises, enhancing the learning environment.

NEXT-GEN SCIENCE MODULES

Southern Nevada’s only science content standards-supported classroom program with hands-on and outdoor field trip experience. This school-based program helps K-5 teachers and students increase their science proficiency through outdoor learning experiences. Our school-based program, taught by our education team, includes three (3) in-class lessons, a field trip, and materials.

The application process is now closed. Please check back at a later date for application information.

These hands-on, activity-based nature programs are perfect for after school and summer camp programs. So, if you’re a youth programs leader who loves inspiring the outdoor adventurers or nature enthusiasts in your after-school or summer camp programs, reach out to us so we can explore learning opportunities for your group.

Learners Will:

  • Dive into the wonderful world of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.
  • Discover the resilient desert plants and elusive animals that call it home.
  • Explore water conservation and ways to protect this important resource.
  • Learn about responsible recreation and stewardship of this unique landscape.

Mojave Max

In partnership with Clark County’s Desert Conservation Program, this program brings engaging learning opportunities to schools, introducing students to the Mojave Desert ecosystem, with a special emphasis on the iconic and threatened Desert Tortoise, and encouraging desert-friendly behaviors.

Water Resource Hub

Learn about southern Nevada’s watershed and how to keep it healthy.

Upping Your Knowledge

This page contains resources for enhancing your understanding of Nevada’s watersheds, what efforts are being made to conserve our most precious resource, and how you can help. Some major themes include:

  • Water quality and pollution management
  • Current drought and conservation measures
  • How the Colorado River Basin groundwater impacts the region
  • The importance groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) have in Nevada
  • How the Regional Water Quality Plan protects Nevada’s watershed resources

What You Can Do

See how you can help contribute to conservation efforts with these helpful tips from the Las Vegas Valley Water District

  • Change irrigation clocks each season to comply with mandatory watering schedules
  • Replace grass with desert-friendly landscaping (contact SNWA for possible rebates)
  • Purchase a smart water leak detector to ensure sprinklers and pipes are not leaking
  • Report water waste you come across