River Wranglers

River Wranglers teaches Nevada children and teenagers to care for their local environment, firmly rooting their enthusiasm and passion for learning along the banks of the Carson River.

Since 1996, we’ve worked on various public lands; federal, state, county and city as hosts for Conserve Carson River Workdays.  In 2013-4 we had 10 work days involving 6 high schools and 12 elementary schools. Using interactive learning we apply science through conservation projects and activities. More than 1100 students did bioengineering projects, tree-wrapping, and built nest boxes. They explored NPS pollution, the water cycle and our watershed.

 

River Wranglers created a mentoring program, pairing high-school students in botany/zoology/chemistry classes with elementary students.  Each year, teenagers teach groups of younger children how to test water quality, and combat bank erosion.

 

"I was very surprised when we got all of those macro invertebrates (bugs)," said one middle school student. "When we learned this in class, it was cool. But you showed us and that was awesome."

 

Originally, part of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Service, River Wranglers became an independent organization in 2000. Guided by a board of four directors who represent education and conservation, River Wranglers inspires youth, through hands-on learning, to explore, conserve and understand the importance of local rivers. “We envision a community, aware and committed to healthy watersheds and rivers." says Linda Conlin, director.

River Wranglers partner with Nevada Department of Wildlife and work with students raising trout eggs in their classrooms to release in local waters. The trout release field trips become festivals where students release the trout fry, learn about invasive plants, discover where nonpoint source pollution originates and journey through the water cycle.

 

In springtime, River Wranglers hosts the Carson River Festival with the Oodles of Noodles Cook-off in Old Towne Dayton. Families are invited to learn more about the watershed through hands-on activities presented by local teens that provide opportunities for children and their parents to explore the exciting world of nature.  Look for us in Dayton on Saturday, June 13. 

River Wranglers encourages individuals and families that want to be more involved with the Carson River to contact us by email, nevadariverwranglers@yahoo.com, or phone (775)230-0633.  LIKE us on Facebook and check out the website www.riverwranglers.org