LINCOLN, Neb. – Novices can learn the basics of ice fishing at three free Family Ice Fishing clinics in January. On Jan. 6, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host a classroom clinic at Yanney Heritage Park’s Environmental Resource Center in Kearney from 5 – 9 p.m. This clinic will feature presentations by some of Nebraska’s top ice fishermen. An on-ice clinic will be held Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Early childhood educators and after-school providers are invited to learn how to engage children in nature through discoveries and science. They are encouraged to attend the Growing Up WILD workshop Feb. 12 in Norfolk. Participants will receive an activity guide with 21 lesson plans that build on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invite them to explore the world. This free event will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Elkhorn Valley Museum, 515 Queen …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Stay safe on the ice this winter while enjoying a day of ice fishing. Follow these tips from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for safety on the ice: — The minimum ice thickness for supporting one person is at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. — Drill holes or use an ice chisel or spud bar to check the ice conditions while working your way out to your fishing spot. — Wear a life jacket. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Make a tax-deductible donation to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund and help fund projects that benefit the state’s many species. Donations have a big impact, as they are matched with other grants so that $1 donated becomes $4 for aiding wildlife. Projects the fund makes possible include improving at-risk species’ habitat, keeping common species common through prairie restorations and invasive species removal, and preventing future endangered species listings by funding reintroduction projects such as the now-thriving peregrine …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Landowners are invited to a prescribed fire workshop, entitled “Timing Your Fire to Work for You,” on Jan. 17 in Hebron. The workshop, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Pheasants Forever, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stastny Community Center, 1350 Dove Road. The timing of a burn can greatly affect the outcome of a prescribed fire. Workshop participants will learn about burn timing and related benefits to achieve …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s big game public informational meeting scheduled for Dec. 21 in Bridgeport has been postponed because of inclement weather. The meeting is rescheduled for Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. at Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N. Main St. Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during this meeting, which is one of several held statewide. A Game and Parks biologist will explain issues and take questions …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in January. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. Jan. 1 – First Day Hike, Ponca State Park (SP), Ponca; Platte River SP, Louisville; Chadron SP, Chadron; Indian Cave SP, Shubert; Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland; Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area (SRA), Fremont; Wildcat Hills SRA, Gering; Ash Hollow State …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a full day of winter activities for all ages Dec. 30 at Ponca State Park’s Winterfest. The day’s activities include crafts, lunch, trick pony show, National Championship Fruitcake Fling, Yule Log Quest, and lighted hayrack rides. Visit Calendar.outdoornebraska.gov or call the park at 402-755-2284 for more information. In addition, guests can receive a 30 percent discount off lodging rates now through April. Some restrictions apply. Make reservations at OutdoorNebraska.org or by calling 402-471-1414. An entry permit …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Congress took a step to address the critical need for wildlife conservation on Dec. 14. U.S. House Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced a bill to fund state wildlife conservation using existing mineral and energy royalties from federal lands. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, if passed, would invest in proactive, voluntary, incentive-based habitat conservation projects with private landowners by implementing Nebraska’s State Wildlife Action Plan, called the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Habitat improvements would …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. Meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. Biologists will explain and take questions on several topics, including deer management, deer damage and depredation permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases. Antelope and elk issues may be discussed at meetings located in areas where these species occur. All meetings begin at …