Wildlife sanctuaries are an important component of ecological preservation. First officially developed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 with the designation of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, today there are more than 562 wildlife refuges and sanctuaries in the U.S. managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), covering more than 150 million acres. Nevada has several of these wildlife refuges, many of which most people are unaware. In addition to Reno's Animal Ark, which was previously covered earlier this month, here are ten more wildlife sanctuaries for the ecologically minded nature lover to visit.
SafeHaven is a non-profit, solar-powered "green" wildlife rehabilitative center that provides permanent placement for animals in need such as abandoned exotic pets and animals that, for some reason, cannot be placed back in the wild. SafeHaven also rescues and rehabilitates those animals that are eligible for re-release. SafeHaven also provides education and outreach services to adults and youths. (Pictured: Christopher the white Bengal Tiger.)
Opened in 2012, Lion Habitat Ranch is a nonprofit that strives to protect wild lions and donate to wild lion habitats. Lion Habitat Ranch also supports Conservation International in Kenya by working to seek bans on the captive breeding of lions for canned hunting. The ranch is always open by appointment only.
Established in 1931 by President Herbert Hoover, this 573,000-acre wildlife refuge was originally established to provide sanctuary for the American Pronghorn antelope. Native secondary species include mule deer, sage-grouse, fish, and various song birds, as well as various plants and other flora. The refuge extends into Oregon as well.
Established in 1913 by President Woodrow Wilson as a breeding ground for birds, Anaho Island is now home to one of the largest nesting colonies (over 10,000 birds) of American white pelicans in the continental U.S.
Pahrangat NWR was developed in 1963 and has since been expanded to its current 5,382 acres. The reserve is located along the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migratory route in the western U.S. Over 264 bird species (half of all known species in Nevada) have been recorded here. making this refuge a popular place for bird watchers and photographers. Additional wildlife include rabbits, tortoises, and a large number of insects.
The Desert NWR is the largest in the continental U.S. wildlife refuge, measuring over 1.5 million acres. It is among the largest intact blocks of desert bighorn sheep habitat left in the southwest U.S. In addition to bighorn sheep, Desert NWR is home to nearly 320 bird species, 53 mammal species, 35 reptile species, and four amphibian species, as well as over 500 different plant species.
Ruby Lake attracts diverse wildlife species, particularly birds, due to its location along migration corridors. The refuge has been identified as one of 500 Globally Important Bird Areas by the American Bird Conservancy. The refuge is also known for its expansive marsh, lush meadow, shrub-steppe uplands, and riparian habitats with cool, spring-fed waters which attract and support a diversity of wildlife rarely found in the high desert.
8. Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Fallon
Fallon and Stillwater NWR are home to such resident wildlife like coyotes, white-tailed antelope, ground squirrels, rabbits, kangaroo rats, amphibians, snakes, insects, and hundreds of thousands of shore birds such as long-billed dowitchers, black-necked stilts, and American avocets. The Stillwater Complex has been designated a site of international importance by the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network as well as a globally important bird area.
Established in 1979, the Moapa Valley NWR seek to protect and repopulate the endangered Moapa dace (pictured). Currently, the upper reaches of the Muddy River is the only place on earth that dace are known to exist. Due to the fragility of the reserve and ongoing improvements, the wildlife reserve has limited guest hours.
Ash Meadows NWR contains numerous plant and animal species not found anywhere else in the world. The USFWS operates the
Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF), which supports the recovery of the endangered Devils Hole pupfish. The refuge also seeks to promote conservation management and awareness education, outreach programs, voluntarism, and visitor services programs.
These ten wildlife sanctuaries are guaranteed to provide visitors an increased appreciation for Nevada's animal and plant species. More information on any of these NWR can be found at the USFWS Nevada website. Have you visited any of these gorgeous areas? Please share your comments and experiences below.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
One of my favorite things about fall in Nevada is going out to local farms to celebrate the harvest and to pick out a pumpkin or two to carve or decorate my home. There are dozens of amazing pumpkin patches in Nevada and each one is unique and special and each one is a bit different from all the others. If you’re looking for a list of the best pumpkin patches in Nevada, then you’re in luck. This post will give you a bunch of options so you can pick out the perfect pumpkin for you, too. Of course, you’ll want to make some fall memories that you and your family or friends will never forget. So, grab your entire family and come with us to enjoy all that this fall season has to offer.
Cosmic Pumpkin Patch happens to be one of the best pumpkin patches near Las Vegas and a great place to start if you're looking for pumpkins and fall fun! This spot has pumpkins, carnival rides, games, a petting zoo, face painting, a 2000-square-foot haunted house, and more!
Looking for a "pumpkin patch near me?" Andelin Family Farm has wonderful events all year, but one of the farm's very best events is its Harvest Festival. You can enjoy u-pick pumpkin patches, hayrides, a barrel train, a slide, a sand pit, a hay bale maze, farm animals, and dozens of other activities that are fun for the whole family. You'll love it!
Ferrari Farms is one of the most charming pumpkin patches near Reno and has been operating since 1912 and has been holding its fall festival for nearly 30 years! Enjoy a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a paintball zombie hunt, a bounce house, BBQ food, and a mechanical bull! You'll also love the corn maze. This farm is fantastic.
Lattin Farms in Fallon, east of Reno, throws a fun Fall Festival every year! Enjoy hayrides, the corn maze, a scarecrow factory, and of course, a wonderful pumpkin patch.
5. Gilcrease Orchard - Las Vegas - Late Sept. through Oct. 31
Gilcrease Orchard in Las Vegas is mostly known for being a u-pick fruit orchard and farm stand, but it also holds a super fun Fall Festival event every year. It's so popular that you'll need to buy tickets in advance - it sells out every year!
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6. Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch - Las Vegas - Oct. 6-31
Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch in Las Vegas is a pumpkin patch and so much more. There are rides, games, pumpkins, food, and attractions for visitors of all ages, and wearing your Halloween costume is encouraged. There are actually three locations around town - one in Boca Park (which is geared toward kids ages 2 to 10), one at Silverado Ranch, and one in Las Vegas Southwest. You'll love them all!
7. Moapa Valley Corn Maze - Moapa - Sept. 27 through Oct. 27
The Moapa Valley Corn Maze is fantastic! This place includes a bounce pillow, a playground, pedal carts, a corn pit, a cow train, zombie paintball, a haunted corn maze, a day maze, sweet treats, and, of course, a pumpkin patch!
These are the best pumpkin patches in Nevada! You are going to love all of them - so why not try to visit them all? That may involve some intense travel, as these pumpkin patches stretch from the Las Vegas metropolitan area to Reno, but you should give it a try, and buy a new pumpkin friend at every single one. Happy Fall!
