June Conservancy Newsletter

Lombardo signs Water Rights Retirement Bill

In a major step forward for Nevada water policy, Governor Lombardo signed into law the Nevada Voluntary Water Rights Retirement program. This program authorizes future purchases of groundwater from willing sellers to protect our state's natural resources and future water supplies.

This program builds on the pilot groundwater retirement program piloted in the Walker, Diamond Valley, Humboldt and Central Nevada regions in 2024.  The Conservancy worked with farmers and ranchers to retire 1,700 acre-feet of groundwater through the pilot program. Local farmers expressed interest in selling over ten times that volume of water. That interest, far in excess of available funding in the pilot program, demonstrates the long-term interest in protecting groundwater in the Walker. The Conservancy is excited to build on this pilot program and secure additional funding for water conservation in our region.

Showcase Your Business at Under a Nevada Sky!

Save the date—Under a Nevada Sky is back! Our annual dinner and fundraiser at Mormon Station in Genoa is set, and invites are on their way. We're now seeking corporate sponsors and auction contributors to showcase their business to 250+ proud Nevadans in attendance plus online promotion. Want to be featured at this unforgettable evening? Contact Aaron Robinson, Development and Events Coordinator for details.

A Summer of Learning for Local Students

Students from Bridgeport Elementary’s 4th through 8th grades wrapped up their school year visiting our nursery in Smith Valley. Students explored the seed storage, greenhouses, pollinator garden, and even got an up-close look with some of our farm equipment.

Kicking off summer, the Walker River Paiute Tribe’s Summer Program made the drive out to our Nursery as well. Students learned about our pollinator garden using guides featuring Paiute translations of local plants, animals, and natural features.

This past week, we launched our 3rd annual Explore the Walker Basin series in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley. Local students explored the watershed through hands-on lessons, played a fish-themed relay game (in which the Silver Springs Club dominated), and used binoculars to help to bring wildlife into focus during a nature scavenger hunt. We even had a crawdad encounter down by the river!

We’re proud to continue building curiosity and connection to the Walker Basin through hands-on, place-based environmental education. For more information or to schedule a session, contact our Education and Outreach Coordinator, Tailar Purciel.