The Nature Conservancy in Nevada

08/20/2026

There are still spots available in this Saturday's watercolor painting class at River Fork Ranch Preserve!

The workshop, led by Constance Peters, is for people ages 11+ with zero to intermediate experience. Participants will work on two paintings — a 4 x 6" rabbit and an 8 x 10" dog or cat. Students are asked to bring a fine-tipped black ink pen if possible, a pencil and a snack. All other art materials will be provided. A $20 donation for the instructor is recommended.

Sign up now: nature.ly/4qB8puQ

08/19/2026

We're pleased to announce that Kevin Badik has been named Director of Science for The Nature Conservancy's Nevada and Utah business units. After nearly 12 years with TNC, Kevin brings deep scientific expertise, a collaborative leadership style and a passion for conservation to this expanded role.

Throughout his career, Kevin has helped advance conservation efforts across the Intermountain West, from landscape-scale planning to native seed restoration initiatives. As Director of Science, he will help strengthen scientific collaboration, support conservation decision-making and advance solutions to some of the region's most pressing environmental challenges.

As Kevin puts it:"One of the things that I really find fascinating about nature is that we're never out of questions. We're never out of new things to explore."

Please join us in congratulating Kevin on his new role and wishing him success as he helps guide the future of conservation science in Nevada and Utah.

📸: © Kevin Badik

08/03/2026

Usually, we talk about the beauty and wonder of nature. Today, we wanted to write a note of appreciation for all the ways nature saves us money in this very expensive world.

Thank you, nature, for cleaning our air, filtering our water, nourishing our food, giving us jobs, keeping us healthy and protecting us from severe storms.

Here are 6 reasons protecting nature is the smartest investment we can make: nature.ly/4fEZWlf

🎨: © Mikhaila Markham/TNC

07/31/2026

Last week, TNC Nevada’s State Director Mauricia Baca was featured on a panel at the Business & Networking Luncheon hosted by the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce Nevada (LCC). Alongside leaders from The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, Get Outdoors Nevada, the Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition and others, they discussed the growing impact of outdoor recreation across Nevada and how it can help create a stronger future for the state. Thank you to LCC for this timely conversation and wonderful event!

📸: © Latin Chamber of Commerce Nevada

07/29/2026

A new poll shows that 80% of Nevada voters oppose the sale of federal public lands to private interests. "Public lands support recreation, they support wildlife, they help clean our air and clean our water, they provide wide open spaces for us to appreciate," said Jaina Moan, TNC Nevada's External Affairs Director.

Listen to the story on Public News Service: nature.ly/4gZLypZ?

📸: Gold Butte National Monument © Tom Samuelson/TNC Photo Contest 2021

07/25/2026

The Colorado River is essential to the millions of people, plants, and animals that depend on it, but drought and climate change are straining this vital waterway.

Watch this two-minute video to learn more about our efforts to make a difference for this western lifeline. Visit nature.org/coriver to learn more 🔗

07/23/2026

On July 10, 2026, the Trump administration announced a final rule that will rescind the longstanding definition of what it means to “harm” a plant or animal under the Endangered Species Act. The final rule, which will take effect in 60 days, says that habitat destruction is no longer a prohibited form of harm to an endangered species. One week later, the administration announced two additional rules that will weaken protections for endangered species. The first rescinds blanket protections for species listed as “threatened” under the ESA. The second revises the process for excluding otherwise suitable areas from designation as “critical habitat.”

Read our statement in response to these decisions: nature.ly/4pzCRF8

A final rule from the Administration will rescind the longstanding definition of what it means to “harm” a plant or animal under the Endangered Species Act.

07/22/2026

To have strong local economies, we must invest in nature. 🌳 💸

For example, the Truckee River watershed supports a $20 billion regional economy, sustaining our communities and businesses. 🚣 By working with partners to restore forests and revitalize river habitats, we’re protecting drinking water and creating local jobs.

Discover 5 ways investing in nature pays off across the West: nature.ly/3T2v4U0

📸: © Tim Torell

07/17/2026

Western governors gathered at the 2026 Western Governors’ Association Annual Meeting to advance bipartisan priorities for the region, including energy, wildfire resilience, permitting, agriculture and rural development. Learn more at: https://nevadacurrent.com/2026/07/01/nevada-joins-multi-state-task-force-to-update-the-regions-transmission-lines/

Among the announcements was continued momentum for the Western Transmission Expansion Coalition (WestTEC), a collaborative effort led by western states to expand and modernize electric transmission infrastructure across the region.

Throughout this past year, TNC staff provided comments and recommendations to the WGA, participated in four energy initiative workshops throughout the West, and attended the WGA’s winter and annual meetings. We are pleased to see many of our recommendations included in the final report.

As communities, businesses and industries face growing energy demands, regional cooperation through initiatives like WestTEC can help strengthen grid reliability, improve energy delivery, and support the West’s economic future. The challenges facing the West don’t stop at state lines — and neither do the solutions. TNC is committed to accelerating renewable energy solutions while protecting nature and people.

05/04/2026

The Nature Conservancy is a Director of Science for the Nevada and Utah chapters!

The Director of Science will provide critical leadership for the Nevada and Utah Chapters, developing and deploying an evidence-based, scientific approach to inspire, inform and shape their conservation and policy strategies. 🔎 This job will require up to 30% travel between Salt Lake City and Reno and the surrounding areas.

Learn more about this role and apply at careers.nature.org with Job ID JR102756 📝