BLM Learning Landscapes--Nevada

About 48 million acres of Nevada are public lands—more than 68 percent of the state. But while the state still has sparsely populated areas, Nevada is also one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. Near the growing metropolis of Las Vegas, public lands must handle growing crowds as well as provide environmental protection. In the northwestern part of the state, the flat dry lakebed called the Black Rock playa attracts land-speed fans, arts festivals, and historic trail enthusiasts. A key educational focus of the region is the proper use of "Leave No Trace" principles on the public lands.

BLM Coordinators for Nevada
Environmental Education: JoLynn Worley
Cultural Education: Tom Burke

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Link to BLM Nevada Environmental Education web page

NEVADA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

BLM Hosts 14th Annual Mill Creek Education Day
2004 Nevada Education Feature
Describes outdoor environmental education program for 6th grade students hosted by Battle Mountain, Nevada field office. For more information, contact BLM field office, Battle Mountain, NV.
http://www.nv.blm.gov/environmental/mill_creek04.htm

BLM-Winnemucca's "Project Fire"
1998 BLM Environmental Education feature
Describes field research, mapping and other activities of Nevada students learning about the nature of fire; older students teach younger ones.
http://www.blm.gov/education/feature/1998/nv/index.html

Earthshaking Events
Classroom Activity from Science & Children, Feb. 2001 p. 33
Students create their own version of a seismograph to understand how scientists use this tool to measure earthquake vibrations.
http://www.blm.gov/education/00_resources/articles/mojave/mojave02a.html

Hands on the Land - Nevada Outdoor School, Water Canyon Project
Interactive website
Profile of Nevada Outdoor School, Water Canyon Project, a BLM Hands on the Land site in Winnemucca, NV
http://www.handsontheland.org/profiles/profile_details.cfm?sitecode=waca

Hands on the Land - Red Rock Canyon
Interactive website
Profile of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a BLM Hands on the Land site near Las Vegas, Nevada.
http://www.handsontheland.org/profiles/profile_details.cfm?sitecode=rero

Keeping Cool
Classroom Activity from Science & Children, Feb 2001 poster back
In this activity, students test the effectiveness of various ways animals keep cool in desert environments.
http://www.blm.gov/education/00_resources/articles/mojave/mojaveposterback2.html - Anchor-3936

Mapping Deserts
Classroom Activity from Science & Children, Feb. 2001, p. 33
In this activity, students research, map and report on the world s deserts, including subtropical, coastal, interior, and rain shadow deserts. Correlated to National Geography Standard.
http://www.blm.gov/education/00_resources/articles/mystery_of_the_mesa/classroom.html

Mixing it Up
Classroom Activity from Science & Children, Feb 2001 poster back
In this activity students examine the composition of soil and make their own soil mixtures to understand the process of soil formation and how soils contribute to plant growth.
http://www.blm.gov/education/00_resources/articles/mojave/mojaveposterback2.htmlPrehistoric Central Nevada: Toquima Cave
2001 BLM Environmental Education feature
Describes field trips offered to this Nevada cave, offering lessons in prehistoric people, pictographs, prehistoric weapons, and geology. For more information, contact BLM field office, Battle Mountain, NV.
http://www.blm.gov/education/feature/2001/nv/index.html

Restoring the System
Science & Children, May 1995, poster back
Students study ecosystem concepts, apply problem solving skills by designing a restoration project on Marys River, Nevada.
http://www.blm.gov/education/00_resources/articles/the_big_empty/posterback.html-Restoring

The Big Empty: The Great Basin Ecosystem
Science & Children, May 1995, 25 - 32
Explores diverse ecology of Great Basin, and ecosystem management approach for desert environment. Includes activities and poster.
http://www.blm.gov/education/00_resources/articles/the_big_empty/index.html

The Mojave Desert: A Place in the Sun
Based on Science & Children article, February 2001
Examines the rich, complex and fragile ecosystem of the Mojave Desert. Focuses on the plants and animals and the diversity of life and habitats contained.
http://www.blm.gov/education/00_resources/articles/mojave/index.html

Using a Living-History Campsite to Teach "Leave No Trace" to Kids
1999 BLM Environmental Education feature
Describes presentation of Leave No Trace principles to children through living history demonstrations at annual Burning Man festival in Nevada.
http://www.blm.gov/education/feature/1999/nv/index.html

Wild About Wapiti in BLM's Ely District, Nevada
1997 BLM Environmental Education feature
Describes wapati (Native American for elk) training course for teachers; adapted from Project Wild & including field trips to see elk in Nevada.
http://www.blm.gov/education/feature/feature8.html