LINCOLN – Lake McConaughy is expected to reach 100 percent capacity by late June, and the high water levels will affect some lake activities. Great boating, fishing and camping will still be available at the lake, but visitors to Lake McConaughy should take high water levels into account and plan accordingly to get the most out of their trip. Among activities that will be affected: Boating: High water levels enhance boating opportunities, as there is more surface area available for …

LINCOLN – As part of a national effort to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to boating under the influence (BUI), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will participate in Operation Dry Water June 26-28. While Operation Dry Water is a year-round BUI awareness and enforcement campaign, that effort will be heightened by Game and Parks’ Law Enforcement Division officers during the final weekend of June. Alcohol use while boating is the leading factor in boater deaths. In …

LINCOLN – The public will have the opportunity to volunteer at two state recreation areas during Take Pride in America Day on May 2. Volunteers are invited to Verdon Lake State Recreation Area near Verdon and Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area near Raymond beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. Volunteers will assist park staff with light labor including painting tables and signs, picking up litter and trimming trees. Work begins at 9 a.m. For more information or …

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission plans to begin collecting adult, spawning walleyes in late March. The Commission plans to collect approximately 76 million eggs to meet the 2015 stocking requests. Anglers should be aware that Game and Parks staff will begin collecting walleyes the night of March 30 at Sherman Reservoir, and they will need to avoid Commission boats and nets. Starting on April 1, a designated area along the dam will be closed to both bank …

LINCOLN — The second annual Toast Nebraska Wine Festival, highlighting wines from 19 Nebraska wineries from around the state, will once again be held at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. This year’s event is scheduled for May 1 and 2. Guests are invited to sample wines while also enjoying music, food and conversation against the beautiful backdrop of Mahoney State Park. The weekend will also include a live entertainment line-up, amateur wine-making competition, cigar lounge, unique food pairings, art and …

LINCOLN — The public is invited to view and purchase the work of reputable and nationally-known artists from four Midwest states during the annual Platte River Art Show at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Saturday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, April 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held in the , the show will feature many styles of painting, including works depicting wildlife, landscape, cityscape, portrait, still life, Native American, Southwest, Americana and impressionistic …

LINCOLN – Indian Cave State Park near Schubert will host the 4th Annual Outdoor Adventure and Mushroom Run/Morel Mile on April 18. The annual Outdoor Adventure event showcases unique and fun outdoor opportunities available at Indian Cave State Park throughout the spring. Runners can take in the spring sights and sounds of Indian Cave State Park during the scenic 5K Mushroom Run or the 1-mile Morel Mile. Registration for each race is $20 before April 11 and $25 after. A …

LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in April: April 1-6 – Fort Kearny State Historical Park (SHP) visitor center open for crane viewing and history, Kearney, 308-865-5305 April 1-14 – Archery paddlefish permit application period April 2 – Just the Basics fishing workshop, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6:30 p.m., 402-471-6141 April 4 – Spring Eggstravaganza, Ponca State Park (SP), Ponca, 402-755-2284 April 4 – Bird …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved grant awards for the 2015 Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program (LWCF) at a meeting Jan. 15 in Lincoln. The LWCF is a program administered by the National Park Service for outdoor recreation projects. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, baseball fields, soccer fields, swimming pools, picnicking facilities, playgrounds, park acquisition and development, shelter houses and related support facilities. All projects must encourage outdoor recreation. Project sponsors …

LINCOLN – Explore a snake pit, watch a live animal show, hold giant insects, learn how to make fishing lures and more during NaturePalooza, a free annual event designed to teach kids and families about nature through a variety of hands-on activities. This year’s NaturePalooza will take place at Hardin Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus on Sept. 30 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other activities slated for the event include demonstrations on bats, bicycle repair, composting, …