Protect the splendor of public lands

Nevada Public Lands Day, observed Sept. 28, celebrates some of the country’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, which are found in our backyards — natural wonders every child should see.

I am proud of my work to expand access to the outdoors. In 2017, I sponsored the “Kids in Parks” bill, giving all fifth-graders free state park passes so they could learn about the ancient petroglyphs carved into the Valley of Fire’s red sandstone rock formations, how Cave Rock was once part of a volcanic vent 5 million years ago, or about the eccentric former owners of Spring Mountain Ranch.

In 2019, I sponsored the bill that created the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program (NOER), which provides outdoor experiences for students across the state. In 2024, NOER allocated more than $250,000 to 23 unique programs in nearly every county so that all Nevadan kids can experience the beauty and benefits of our outdoor spaces. The programs have provided equine therapy to children in foster care and kids with disabilities, supported Urban Nature Explorer programs for underserved students, arranged cultural events for Indigenous youths, and many more outdoor experiences.

I am passionate about getting outdoors throughout Nevada. I know the importance of spending time outside — it improves social-emotional learning and mental and physical health.

This is just the start of creating a more equitable outdoors. We must continue to support programs like NOER so every child — today, tomorrow, and decades from now — can stand in awe of the great Nevada outdoors.

The writer represents the 9th District in the Nevada Assembly.