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Washoe County
ANIMAL ARK, INC.
P.O. Box 60057
Reno, NV 89506
Phone: 969-3111
Animal Ark provides an on-site educational program for kids of all ages. The program focuses on predators, animals unique and important to our environment. Learning stations along the Nature Trail consist of lectures with question/answer involvement. A variety of nature’s wonders are experienced through sight, sound, and touch. The live animals are the highlight of every visit. Please call for hours.
AUDUBON SOCIETY
Lahontan Audubon Society
P.O. Box 2304
Reno, NV 89505
Phone: 747-4878
or
7900 North Virginia, Suite 193
Reno, NV 89506
Phone: 972-7848
The Audubon Society helps with field trips, programs, and displays for environmental education. A program called Audubon Adventures is offered for grades 3-6. The chapter sponsors about 20 classrooms each year.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES RESEARCH CENTER
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
Phone: 784-4565
FAX: 784-1369
The BRRC is dedicated to the understanding of the Great Basin and pursuing the best avenues for managing this ecoregion in a sustainable manner. The BRRC provides opportunities for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and professional scientists to pursue their research pertaining to conservation within the Great Basin and similar ecosystems, as well as contributing to the study of ecosystem management and its application with the Great Basin. Classroom presentations can be arranged.
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (USDI)
State Office, External Affairs
850 Harvard Way P.O. Box 12000
Reno, NV 89520-0006
Phone: 785-6586
Slide shows and 16mm films on wildlife and the Pony Express route are available for loan. This office can refer you to districts and other resource areas for speakers throughout the State. Activity books and a teacher’s guide are offered for the wild horse and burro program. Educational materials on other subjects (range, wildlife, minerals) are in development.
National Wild Horse & Burro Center at Palomino Valley
P.O. Box 3270
Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: 475-2222
The Palomino Valley Center Office is open to the public from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Federal holidays. Arrangements for group tours and educational films may be made by calling the office. Wild horse and burro activity books and teacher’s guides are available on a limited basis for school groups (4th grade level).
CITIZEN ALERT
P.O. Box 5339
Reno, NV 89513
Phone: 827-4200
Citizen Alert provides a way for people to have full participation in issues that affect their lives, including nuclear waste, toxics, and ground water use. Speakers are available.
DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE
University and Community College System of Nevada
P.O. Box 60220
Reno, NV 89506-0220 (mail)
7010 Dandini Blvd.
Reno, NV 89512 (physical)
Phone: 673-7300
DRI offers information on atmospheric sciences, quaternary sciences, biological sciences, water resources, and energy. Field trips may be scheduled among the Institute’s many sections, such as the computer and research laboratories, mapping operations, remote sensing, and image processing equipment. Nearby are the Angela Dandini Gardens featuring native Nevada plant life. Classroom demonstrations and presentations can also be arranged.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
P.O. Box 10786
Reno, NV 89510
Phone: 323-2866
FAX: 323-3766
EL sponsors an annual Earth Day event in the Reno-Sparks area featuring informational booths, environmental education programs for children, and entertainment. EL also has substantial expertise and information regarding waste reduction and recycling. EL sponsors three to five events per year focusing on environmental networking, public information, and citizen participation in government.
FRIENDS OF PYRAMID LAKE
P.O. Box 8947
Reno, NV 89507
Phone: 747-6727
Friends of Pyramid Lake hold events and issue publications educating the public about Pyramid Lake and problems facing it. Activities include the triathalon, photography contest, forums, and field trips.
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NEVADA
Mackay School of Mines, MS 168
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
Phone: 323-3500
The GSN is a professional organization promoting the scientific exchange of information about geological sciences. The Education Committee of GSN coordinates an earth science speakers bureau for presentations to schools and other youth groups. Subjects include all facets of the earth sciences including volcanos, earthquakes, rocks and minerals, resource exploration, mining, and career information in the fields of study. The GSN also provides grants to Nevada schools to help defray the costs of transportation for earth science field trips.
GREAT BASIN GREEN ALLIANCE
UNR Mail Stop 058
Reno, NV 89557
Phone: 784-4238
The Great Basin Green Alliance strives to maintain and develop support and network for promotion of peace, social justice, and ecological ideas. They work with politicians, organize events that connect common interest groups, and provide other educational services.
GREAT BASIN NATURE INTERPRETERS
P.O. Box 9272
Reno, NV 89507
Phone: 785-4153
Great Basin Nature Interpreters strives to educate the public about its surroundings to enhance understanding and prudent stewardship for future generations. They provide walks at the Oxbow Nature Study Area and May Arboretum, publish “Wetlands of the Great Basin,” and conduct school tours at the May Arboretum.
MAY ARBORETUM
1502 Washington Street
Reno, NV 89503
Phone: 785-4153
Speakers and tours at the Arboretum are available throughout the year.
A self-guided tour and specific garden areas show
the balance of the Great Basin ecosystem and conservation.
NATIONAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY
Reno Field Station & Fisheries Research
4600 Kietzke Lane, C-120
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 784-5451
FAX: 784-5453
The Reno Field Station works with the ecology of desert fishes. Speakers are available. Visits to field projects are seasonal.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
2350 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512
Phone: 673-8100
The NWS provides station tours for grades 5-12. Awareness materials on selected severe weather hazards, including floods, lightning, tornados, and winter storms, are provided. Speakers are available to speak to grades 3-12. Information on career opportunities is also available. Please allow two weeks advance notice for both tours and speakers.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (USDA)
Reno Field Office
Washoe-Storey Conservation District
1201 Terminal Way, Suite 222
Reno, NV 89502-3252
Phone: 322-9934
Phone: 784-5408
The NRCS helps landowners and communities conserve and manage natural resources. Slide shows, videos, publications, posters, and other educational materials are available on natural resource conservation, including soils, wind and water erosion, and snow surveys.
NEVADA BUREAU OF MINES AND GEOLOGY
University of Nevada, Reno
Mail Stop 178
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557-0088
Phone: 784-6691
FAX: 784-1709
NBMG is a research and public service unit of the University of Nevada and is the state geological survey. Scientists conduct research and publish reports on mineral resources, engineering, geology, environmental geology, hydrogeology, and geologic mapping. Earth science education projects include writing guidebooks for laymen, teachers, and students; presenting lectures, short courses, and workshops; and assisting with science fairs, curriculum development, and conferences. The Information and Publications Sales Offices are open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. but telephone requests and orders may be made from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A publication list is available upon request.
NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Nevada Division of State Parks
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
P.O. Box 8867
Incline Village, NV 89452-8867
Phone: 831-0494
Programs on a variety of topics are conducted at Spooner Lake Nature Study area and at Sand Harbor to groups upon request. Reservations are required. Pre-visit packets are sent to groups after reservations are made.
Nevada Division of Wildlife
Conservation Education
1100 Valley Road Reno, NV 89512
Phone: 688-1555
NDOW uses Project WILD and the Aquatic Supplement to promote learning about the environment, emphasizing wildlife. A free copy of the Project WILD or Aquatic Supplement Guide can be obtained by attending a workshop in your county. A variety of additional teaching materials are also provided at these workshops, including coloring books, a handout notebook, posters, wildlife picture sets, etc. Some videos and materials are available for loan. NDOW is also conducting free fishing clinics for children and adults throughout the state. To find out about a Project WILD or Aquatic WILD workshop in Region I, call Dave Sanger, Environmental Education Coordinator, 688-1555, Reno. For fishing clinic information, call Kim Toulouse, Aquatic Education Coordinator, 688-1893, Reno.
NEVADA ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & REGULATION FORUM
403 Flint Street
Reno, NV 89501
Phone: 323-6193
The Forum conducts monthly informal brown bag lunches for professional exchange. Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at TMCC at Old Town Mall. Speakers include lawyers, biologists, engineers, consultants, and government officials.
NEVADA FARM BUREAU
1300 Marietta Way
Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: 358-3276
The Nevada Farm Bureau represents the interests of farmers and ranchers in Nevada, providing legislative and regulatory activities. The Farm Bureau provides a 16 hour/one credit workshop for elementary school teachers on agriculture, environment, and sources of food and fiber called Agriculture in the Classroom. The program is accepted by the State Department of Education for teacher recertification. The class is designed around local agriculture and local natural resources.
NEVADA LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 7431
Reno, NV 89510
Phone: 828-5100
The Association strives to educate and advocate for members of Green Industry and the public. Their activities include Christmas tree recycling, trade shows, and other public service projects.
NEVADA MINING ASSOCIATION
Corporate Pointe
5250 S. Virginia Street, Suite 220
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 829-2121
The NMA is the trade association representing Nevada’s mining industry. Various mineral-education activity guides and curriculum supplements are available for use in grades K-12. Videos are available for loan to classroom teachers. Classroom speakers can be arranged. The NMA and State Division of Minerals cosponsor an Annual Northern and Southern Nevada Minerals Education Workshop for classroom teachers (K-12). Member company representatives serve on various association committees, including education and environment.
NEVADA RECYCLING COALITION
P.O. Box 70393
Reno, NV 89570-0393
Phone: 829-6872
The Coalition represents individuals and organizations committed to maximizing recycling as an integral part of waste and resource management by providing workshops, seminars, and educational forums. Their emphasis is on business.
NEVADA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 6240
Reno, NV 89513
Phone: 82W-ATER
The objective of the NWA is to preserve, protect, and restore Nevada’s wetlands and the waterfowl shorebirds that depend on them. They purchase water rights for wetlands, provide marsh enhancement, and conduct educational services.
NEVADA WILDLIFE FEDERATION
P.O. Box 71238
Reno, NV 89570
Phone: 885-0405
NvWF is dedicated to the conservation of Nevadaâs natural resources, particularly wildlife and wildlife habitat.
NvWF is a cosponsor of Youth Range/Wildlife Camp in Austin, Nevada, Outdoor Science Workshop for educators at Lake Tahoe, and sponsor of the statewide National Wildlife Week poster contest for schoolchildren (grades K-12). Displays and slide shows are available.
The NvWF also publishes a monthly newsletter, Nevada Wildlife, providing information on various Nevada environmental issues. Information on various topics can also be found on the NvWF home page (www.nvwf.org).
OXBOW NATURE STUDY AREA
Nevada Division of Wildlife
Oxbow Interpreter
P.O. Box 10678
Reno, NV 89520
Phone: 334-3808
Located on the north bank of the Truckee River (at the western end of Dickerson Road), the Oxbow is an educational center in a wetland habitat. It serves adults and children as a park designed to foster environmental awareness. This barrier-free facility gives citizens of all ages the chance to increase their understanding and appreciation of the natural world and a first hand look at what Truckee River habitat might have looked like 100 years ago. Other than some trail development, the site has been basically undisturbed. The Oxbow facilitates Nevada’s commitment to environmental education by providing a “living laboratory” to promote the care of important riparian and wetland habitats. To arrange for a classroom tour of the Oxbow or for more information, call Adrienne Forbes at 334-3808. Midwinter or if no contact with Adrienne, call Kim Toulouse at 688-1893.
P.A.C.T.
395 Booth Street
Reno, NV 89509
Phone: 323-3737
The objective of P.A.C.T. is to make others environmentally aware, especially with regards to recycling. They recycle aluminum and paper and present an environmental play to elementary schools.
RENO ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD
P.O. Box 1900
Reno, NV 89505
Phone: 334-2218
The purpose of the REB is to recommend and advise the city on environmental concerns and issues, including recycling and consumption issues.
RENO URBAN FORESTRY COMMISSION
P.O. Box 1900
Reno, NV 89505
Phone: 348-2622
The purpose of the UFC is to create, maintain, and promote a safe, healthy, and attractive urban forest which produces a favorable community environment. Activities include community tree planting, ordinance review, urban forestry education, funding sources, planning, and development in urban forestry.
SEE! SOUTHWEST EDUCATIONAL EXPEDITIONS
P.O. Box 13911
Reno, NV 89503
Phone: 747-0694
See! provides guided outdoor educational trips for people of all ages. Participants enjoy hiking, biking, and kayak touring while learning about natural science topics such as ecology, geology, plant and animal identification, local history, and astronomy. Outings incorporate hands-on learning, group cooperation, and encouragement to understand and more fully appreciate the natural environment.
SIERRA CLUB - TOIYABE CHAPTER
P.O. Box 8096
Reno, NV 89507
Phone: 358-0920
The objectives of the Sierra Club are to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the Earth and to practice and promote responsible use of the Earth’s ecosystems and resources. They provide meetings, hiking, backpacking, and cross country skiing.
SIERRA NEVADA COLLEGE
P.O. Box 4269
Incline Village, NV 89450
Phone: 831-1314
Sierra Nevada College specializes in lake ecology, geology, general ecology, and environmental sciences. For those interested in environmental education, they can provide microscopes, field, and limnology equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION CLUB
P.O. Box 4269
Incline Village, NV 89450
Phone: 831-1314
The Environmental Action Club provides education and environmental services on campus, the Tahoe Basin, Nevada, and the Earth.
SIERRA NEVADA GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL
605 Washington Street
Reno, NV 89503
Phone: 334-2230
Various staff, troop leaders, and resource consultants are available for demonstrations or talks on phases of environmental education for children. Available on a loan basis are packets, Project Learning Tree manuals, video tapes, and various other Girl Scout program materials.
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY
6100 Neil Road
P.O. Box 10100
Reno, NV 89520-0400
Phone: 689-4804
SILVER STATE HUNTING CLUB
P.O. Box 933
Sparks, NV 89431
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
443 Marsh Avenue
Reno, NV 89509
Phone: 322-4990
The Nature Conservancy helped develop the Numana Trail, a nature trail along the Truckee River on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. TNC is also working on developing a visitor center at the Stillwater Marsh.
TROUT UNLIMITED
Reno Chapter
P.O. Box 8244
Reno, NV 89507
Phone: 746-2233
TRUCKEE MEADOWS WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
P.O. Box 7703
Reno, NV 89510
Phone: 785-2230
Water conservation kits, slide shows, and a display unit are available. Speakers can be arranged. Leaders will conduct walks/tours in appropriate areas.
TRUCKEE RIVER FLY FISHERS
294 E. Moana, Suite 23
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 686-1206
TRUCKEE RIVER YACHT CLUB
P.O. Box 9062
Reno, NV 8950
Phone: 786-9955
The Yacht Club advocates water quality and proper land uses for the Truckee River and initiates or implements river restoration projects. Activities include cleanups, tree plantings, river restoration, lobbying on behalf of the river, and education on river resources.
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Washoe County Office
5305 Mill Street
Reno, NV 89502-2315 (physical)
P.O. Box 11130
Reno, NV 89520-2893 (mail)
Phone: 784-4848
FAX: 784-4881
Incline Village Office
865 Tahoe Blvd., Suite 311
P.O. Box 8208
Incline Village, NV 89452-8208
Phone: 832-4150
FAX: 832-4139
Cooperative Extension creates public education programs to meet the needs of communities throughout the state. Educational forums, publications, and volunteer activities address natural resource and water resource management for the general public and youth audiences. Partnerships with other agencies, government entities, and educational institutions are encouraged.
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USDI)
Nevada State Office
4600 Kietzke Lane, Bldg., C-125
Reno, NV 89502-5093
Phone: 784-5227
FAX: 784-5870
The Nevada State Office has educational materials for program areas such as recovery of threatened and endangered species, environmental contaminants that may affect wildlife, and protection and conservation of wetlands and other habitats for wildlife. Classroom and field demonstrations are available.
Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge
Room 301,
P.O. Box 111 U. S. Post Office Building
Lakeview, OR 97360
Phone: (503) 947-3315
The Sheldon NWR is open to the public seven days a week. Staff is available for tours, talks, and slide shows, both on and off site.
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (USDI)
Minerals Information Office
Mackay School of Mines, MS 176
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557-0047
Phone: 784-5552
Phone: 784-5590
FAX: 784-5079
WASHOE COUNTY DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT
401 Ryland, Suite 331
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 784-7200
The Health Dept. is given authority by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency to establish and carry out local regulations to keep pollution out of the air. It sponsors the Clean Air Fair every year, usually in October.
WASHOE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
2601 Plumas
Reno, NV 89509
Phone: 828-6642
Bowers Museum and Pool
Hwy. 395 South,
Washoe Valley, NV 89704
Phone: 849-0201
Davis Creek Park
Star Route 1, Box 736
Carson City, NV 89704
Phone: 849-0684
A wide range of environmental programs are offered to classes and groups.
Galena Creek Park
Phone: 849-2511
Park staff offers a variety of interpretive programs for school children and the general public free of charge. Programs include a basic introduction to nature and specialty topics. Advanced reservations are required.
Rancho San Rafael Park
Phone: 785-4319
Explore wetland and desert habitats along a one mile trail with interpretive signs describing the plants, animals, history, and geology of the area. To reach the trail, drive north on Virginia St., cross McCarran and turn left at the Reno Sports Complex sign. The trailhead is at the west end of the parking lot.
Wilbur D. May Museum
Rancho San Rafael Park
1502 Washington Street
Reno, NV 89503
Phone: 785-4319
WESTERN NEVADA CLEAN COMMUNITIES, INC.
P.O. Box 7412
Reno, NV 89510
Phone: 328-3698
As the regional affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., Western Nevada Clean Communities focuses on littering and illegal dumping abatement, recycling, and waste reduction through community projects and educational outreach efforts. Programs include Adopt-A-Spot, Adopt-A-Park, neighborhood cleanups, Phone Book Roundup, Christmas Tree Recycling, Clean Builder, and promotion of the “Nevada, Keep It Clean” campaign featuring the organization’s mascot, “Flash Can.” Speakers and tours of landfill and recycling centers are available through partnership with Disposal Services, Inc.
Volunteer Beth Isaeff, “The Trash Lady” is available to give classroom or assembly presentations on waste reduction, recycling, litter abatement, and other waste related issues. Clean Communities “Flash Can” will accompany the “Trash Lady” whenever possible in order to promote the “Keep Nevada Clean” message.
