Young Students Aim to Make Blue Elderberry Nevada’s State Fruit
The enthusiasm of schoolchildren can sometimes spark legislative change. In Northern Nevada, students from Sage Elementary School have embarked on a mission to designate the blue elderberry as the official state fruit. This initiative echoes a similar effort from two decades ago when New Hampshire’s young students successfully named the pumpkin their state fruit.
Levi Tatum, one of the students, shared that their inspiration came after reading “See How They Run,” a book detailing how children can influence laws. “It was talking about how kids pass laws in their states, and we kind of wanted to do something like that,” Tatum explained. Their research revealed that Nevada lacked a state fruit, leading them to discover the native blue elderberry.
The blue elderberry, a plant flourishing on Nevada’s mountain slopes and near streams, caught the students’ interest. Macy Matson noted its historical significance, explaining, “It has a very good history. A lot of Native Americans from Nevada did use it for their own health. They used it like, for medicines.”
Beyond its medicinal uses, indigenous communities have crafted musical instruments, such as clappers and flutes, from the plant. Stella Holferty highlighted its taste and health benefits, describing it as a blend of grape and apple juice with a “bitterish sweetness.” She added, “It’s very good for your immune system, and heart health, and your digestive system.”
To advance their cause, the students penned a letter to their elected officials, with each contributing a paragraph. Rita Garcia read a section aloud, emphasizing the fruit’s local abundance and its deep blue hue, akin to one of Nevada’s state colors.
Republican Assemblymember Burt Gurr was moved by the students’ passion and plans to propose a bill in the upcoming legislative session to honor the blue elderberry. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “I was a little skeptical about it until I read the letter they sent, and I was able to meet with them and their enthusiasm, and it’s just inspired me to go forward.” He added that the students would gain valuable insights into civics and governmental procedures.
Reflecting on their journey so far, the students humorously remarked, “Politics takes a long time.” Gurr has extended an invitation for the students to witness the legislative process in Carson City, though the next session won’t commence until February 2027.
Should their proposal succeed, the blue elderberry will join other state emblems like the mountain bluebird, bighorn sheep, and sagebrush in representing Nevada.
