River Wranglers began in 1994 through a grant written by Mary Reid, Water Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension. The objectives were:
To supplement water quality data collected by professional staff in water quality agencies and scientific institutions;
To educate the public about water quality issues;
To incorporate water quality river monitoring into an ongoing school program; and
To provide field experience for science students in rural communities.
The grant was secured and $15,500 was allocated to determine youth interest in water quality monitoring in central Nevada. When the grant funds were exhausted, Linda Conlin, project coordinator, continued to volunteer and kept the organization intact.
River Wranglers’ initial goals included incorporating water quality monitoring of the Carson River into high school science programs and providing field experience for students in rural communities along the river. Since that time, Conlin expanded environmental education by working with local, state and federal agencies as well as local schools and citizen groups to help implement Conserve the Carson River Days, Celebrate the Carson River, Trout in the Classroom, Carson River Festival, Make a Splash with Project WET, and other events.
On October 20, 2000, River Wranglers incorporated and formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. River Wranglers’ vision is to empower youth through outdoor watershed education. Our mission is to promote stewardship of the Carson River watershed through youth mentorship and experiential education.
