A Year to Celebrate Youth | |
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Nevada County is a place where outdoor adventure, natural beauty and community spirit come together. From the breathtaking Yuba, Bear and Truckee Rivers to the
scenic trails and the snow-covered slopes of the Sierra, recreation is at the heart of our region. As we continue to explore and enjoy these lands, it is essential to recognize the role of our next generation in preserving them.
This year, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors has made a powerful statement in support of our youth. Chair Heidi Hall has proclaimed 2025 as the Year of the Youth highlighting the importance of engaging young people as the future stewards of our land and recreational spaces. This proclamation underscores the need to provide opportunities for youth to connect with nature, develop leadership skills and take an active role in conservation and outdoor recreation.
By fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the outdoors, we empower young leaders to carry forward a legacy of environmental stewardship. Whether exploring the forests and rivers, volunteering on trail restoration projects or skiing and snowboarding in the Sierra, our youth have endless opportunities to engage with the land and help protect it for future generations.
As we celebrate the Year of the Youth, let's work together to ensure that our parks, trails, rivers and mountain slopes remain vibrant and accessible for years to come. If you are a youth-focused group or looking to engage young explorers, please reach out to us at recreation@nevadacountyca.gov and allow us to showcase and connect you.
Get outside, get involved and help us shape the future of recreation in Nevada County!
Warmly,
Shavati Karki-Pearl
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🛶Save the Date! Recreation Fair is Saturday, May 3🚵 | |
Connecting People, Places and Possibilities
The Nevada County Recreation Coalition is a dynamic network of local parks, recreation providers, public land managers, community health and safety professionals, non-profits and agencies at the local, regional, state and federal levels. Together, we are advancing the vision set forth in the Nevada County Recreation and Resiliency Master Plan—a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance and expand recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
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WANTED: Exhibitors, Demos, Food Vendors & Sponsors
Do you offer a service, program or product related to recreation? Join us for the first Nevada County Recreation Fair May, 3!
The fair will feature a wide variety of interactive exhibits from top recreation providers, outdoor retailers, youth sports clubs, summer camp organizers and land stewardship programs.
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Photo of Rough & Ready Ditch Trail by Alan Haight | |
Adventure with Bear Yuba Land Trust
Winter showers surely bring May flowers, but one need not wait until spring to explore the bounties bestowed by the rains along our local trails.
A walk along Cascade Canal Trail or Rough & Ready reveals a splendor of fungi blossoming in our midst.
Head out Independence Trail East to delight in the sight and sound of waterfalls flowing downhill to join the rushing Yuba. Commune with others in the elements during the weekly “I’d Rather Be Walking” series with Wendy Van Wagner.
Or grab a warm beverage from your favorite Nevada City establishment before heading out to the newly built section of the Deer Creek Tribute Trail, stopping at the suspension bridge to watch the rain-swelled creek flow beneath.
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Birds of a feather...
Have you seen Truckee Donner Land Trust's fantastic guide to birds of Carpenter Valley?
From Northern flickers to Clark nutcrackers, this beautiful, trail-friendly guide by Katherine Roberts is a must-have for naturalists who want to explore bird populations on protected lands.
Get Inspired! Grab your binoculars and prepare to identify Nevada County birds with events led by the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society.
Warmer months are right around the corner...
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Museum-nificent!
In addition to our four state parks, Nevada County boasts a collection of unique museums.
Whether you’re taking a narrow-gauge railroad tour or learning about Nisenan or Chinese history, these museums tell stories of our region's people and past.
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Photo by Mike Oitzman Photography/ Submitted by Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC) | |
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By Jet Lowe
YBONC Founder
Founded in 2009, Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC) Foundation mission is to support youth cycling clubs that foster healthy lifestyles through programs focusing on nutrition, cycling, trail advocacy, sportsmanship, and reduces mental health issues. Western Nevada County has more than ten youth bike clubs of various middle and high school athletes benefiting from YBONC’s support. Annually, that’s over 300 youths cycling outdoors with volunteer mentors, or local professionals who love cycling.
We host fundraiser events that have a pathway for YBONC members to advance their cycling career and boost their race resume. The California Dirt Mountain Bike Series, California MTB Triple, and the Nevada County Women’s MTB Skills Clinic and Camp.
Organizing USA Cycling sanctioned races give young racers the ability to pursue their dreams to being a Pro or an Olympian. They earn points, monitor, progress and results against some of the best athletes in the country.
Young and driven athletes can work their way up to the highest level in cycling, achieving a healthy lifestyle. Local legend and current professional cyclist, Neilson Powless who races for the UCI team EF Education-EasyPost got his start in the Roseville California region of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) cycling league. Vida Lopez de San Roman of Sebastopol, finishing this race year on the Bear National Team, and an UCI Elite National Champion, started her cycling passion from mountain bike races in California such as the NICA NorCal MTB Cycling League and the CA MTB Dirt Series.
Past participants in the MTB team have found that the healthy lifestyle of riding bikes with friends in their youth has kept them active into their adult years. Many of todays’ coaches were high school rider’s years prior. The health benefits of exercising outside in nature is second to none. Therefore, getting kids on bikes is our passion. Help us achieve our goals by donating to YBONC, or sponsoring YBONC events.
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Photo: South Yuba River Citizens League |
SYRCL’s Annual Quiz Night is Back
WHEN: March 19th
WHERE: Wild Eye Pub, Grass Valley
Started in 2002, Quiz Night is the annual fundraiser for the South Yuba River Citizens League’s (SYRCL) Youth Environmentalist of the Year scholarship and its year-round River Education programs. Get your team together (no more than five people) and prepare to show up and show off!
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Photo: Nevada City Chamber of Commerce |
Earth Fest Street Fair 2025
Celebrate Earth Month with the 4th Annual Earth Fest Celebration in downtown Nevada City on Sunday, April 13 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
This fun event by Nevada City Chamber of Commerce includes live music, special performances, interactive booths and demos, family activities, earth-friendly vendors, organic food and more.
Remember to bring your zero waste reusables and walk, bike or carpool!
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The Story of Land, Water, People
Have you visited the art exhibit at 'Uba Seo: Nisenan Arts and Culture center in downtown Nevada City?
With support from the Upstate California Creative Corps Grant, The Story of Land, Water, and People exhibit expands on California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project (CHIRP)’s Visibility Through Art initiative.
This project ending March 2025, is a collaboration among local artists and Tribal Culture to increase public awareness about environment-related issues.
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Photo: Gold Country Trails Council |
Horseshoes & Handlebars
WHO: Bicyclists of Nevada County & Gold Country Trails Council present
WHAT: FREE! multi-use trail Safety Clinic
WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 9 am - 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Nevada County Horsemen, 10600 Bubbling Wells Road in Grass Valley
Bring your bike or horse for this safety talk and clinic where trail users will have the chance to practice various bike and horse encounters in the parking lot, arena and a mock trail.
Cyclists will have the opportunity to ride horses. Lunch provided.
REGISTER HERE
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By Donna MacMillen
The Gold Country Trails Council was formed in 1981 by a group of Nevada County residents to fill the need for non-motorized trails in Nevada County and the surrounding foothills.
The main purpose of this all-volunteer organization is to provide horse-friendly campsites, trailheads and trails for public use. The Council also produces maps and trail educational materials for multi-use trails. We have many types of fun events which enable folks to enjoy quality time and exercise with friends and family, including our equine buddies. We also welcome hikers, trail runners and bicyclists.
Gold Country Trails Council constructed over 30 miles of public trails within the Tahoe National Forest. Most of the trails are located in the Highway 20 scenic corridor east of Nevada City. The first one built was named the Pioneer Trail because it follows the route early pioneers took when traveling over the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Nevada City. The Pioneer is designated an official National Recreation Trail.
Two campgrounds with ideal facilities for horse camping were built and are maintained by the Council. Little Lasier Meadow Horse Camp near Truckee, and Skillman Horse Camp, which is located on Highway 20 above Nevada City. Both campgrounds provide individual truck and trailer parking spaces, hitching posts, corrals, fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms, and water for stock. Come join us!
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SNO-Park permits for checkout!
Nevada County Library is excited to partner with Tahoe Backcountry Alliance to offer California SNO-Parks permits!
California's 18 SNO-Parks, cleared parking areas for vehicles, provide opportunities for non-motorized winter activities, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snow play. A handful of SNO-Parks offer access to both motorized and non-motorized activities.
Visit a local Nevada County Library branch to check one out with your library card. Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis for 7 days and cannot be renewed.
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Gold Country YMCA Expands Fitness and Lifeguard Training
The Gold Country YMCA is launching new group fitness classes and lifeguard certification programs in 2025!
Beginning in February, enjoy Yoga (Mondays & Fridays, 10 a.m.) and Zumba (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 a.m.) at The Love Building in Condon Park. Drop-in rates start at $12 ($10 for seniors), with punch passes available.
Lifeguard Certification runs April 14-16 at Memorial Park Pool, with a recertification course on April 17. Open to participants 15 and up.
LEARN MORE OR call 530.274.4739.
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Eat Pizza, Support GV Skate Park
Nevada County Skate is hosting a spaghetti feed fundraiser on Saturday, April 5. All proceeds benefit the Grass Valley Skate Park. The event will feature music, games, raffle and slideshow. Every $$ raised will go toward the new skate park and needs such as: lighting, seating, shade structure, memorial and maintenance.
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Grants for Trail Projects!
The Truckee Town Council approved the 2025 Truckee Dirt Trail Grant Program on Jan. 28, allocating $750,000 in funding to support the planning, development, construction and maintenance of dirt trails within Truckee.
This grant is funded through Measure U, a dedicated sales tax supporting trails, multi-use paths and bike lanes to enhance connectivity in Truckee.
Nonprofit organizations, homeowners' associations and government entities are invited to submit proposals.
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Calling All Lifeguards!
The YMCA and Nevada City Parks and Recreation will be partnering this year to offer a class to our
community. The class is part online and part in-person. In-person portions of the class take place April 14-16.
The lifeguard certification course includes water rescues, first aid, CPR and AED training. The class
includes training on various water environments and all aspects of safety for aquatic environments.
To register, call 530-274-4739
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Visit GoNevadaCounty.com | |
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