LINCOLN – A tree stand is a basic tool of many archery deer hunters. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges hunters to use the equipment safely in order to have a memorable and successful hunt. Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Wendy Horine suggests hunters follow these tips to hunt safely using a tree stand: — Always use a fall arrest system rated for your personal weight. “Ropes or other homemade devices should never be used as a substitute for a …

LINCOLN – Volunteers in towns along the Cowboy Trail are invited to support monarch butterfly conservation by helping the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission plant milkweed seedlings on the trail right-of-way. Monarch butterflies have seen significant population declines in the past several years. One of the primary reasons for their decline is lack of milkweed plants, which are critical in the life cycle of the monarch. Eggs are laid only on milkweed plants, and caterpillars eat milkweed leaves exclusively. Game …

LINCOLN – Squirrel hunting is fun, challenging and a great introductory hunt for youth or novices. Taking a new hunter on a squirrel hunt in the woods can serve as a prelude to the pursuit of other game, as the skills and strategies learned can be used on other types of hunts. It also may develop a novice’s sense of stewardship of natural resources and appreciation for conservation. “Another reason squirrel hunting is a great activity for kids is the …

LINCOLN – Step back in time to see historic trades, talents and other demonstrations come alive during living history weekends this fall at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Each themed weekend will offer visitors a unique glimpse of history and an opportunity to enjoy fall days on the Nebraska City park’s grounds and in the mansion. The schedule and themes are: Sept. 24-25: Wheels of Transportation; Oct. 1-2: Ethnic Festival; Oct. 8-9: Mountain Man Rendezvous; Oct. 15-16: Great American Pastimes; …

LINCOLN – The indoor firearm and archery ranges at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln will open at 2 p.m. instead of noon on Sept. 24. The closure is due to a private event. The outdoor archery range will be open from sunrise to sunset, as usual. The education center is located at 4703 N. 44th St. Aside from special closures, the indoor ranges are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m. …

LINCOLN – The Spring Park primitive campground at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is temporarily closed after sustaining storm damage Labor Day weekend. The National Weather Service estimated winds in the area of more than 65 mph, which caused significant tree and road damage. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission employees will begin cleanup of the area next week. Game and Parks staff estimate cleanup will take until the end of September. The campground will reopen after cleanup efforts are complete. …

LINCOLN – Learn about the aquatic habitat project occurring at Conestoga Reservoir during an open house Sept. 13. The public is invited to attend the 6:30 p.m. event at the boat ramp parking lot on the north side. View the work that has been completed and hear updates by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on additional construction activities scheduled through 2017. Approximately 10 percent of the nearly half-million cubic yards of accumulated sediment have been removed, and the bases …

LINCOLN – Enjoy a community-wide celebration of Nebraska history, agriculture, music and more during Heritage Days Oct. 1-2 at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP) and Fort Calhoun. History buffs can get their fill with hands-on learning demonstrations, programs on Native American culture and reenactments of 19th century Nebraska life. Visitors can also ride a tethered hot air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the park. Neighboring Fort Calhoun will offer many activities that a county fair might: a parade, …

LINCOLN – The boat launch facility construction project scheduled to start this fall at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area has been postponed because of higher than expected reservoir water levels. Water levels at Merritt this summer did not drop low enough to reach the level needed for construction. Construction will be attempted again in the late summer or early fall of 2017. A new concrete boat ramp will be constructed at the main landing area. The facility will provide improved …

LINCOLN – Producers in south central and southeastern Nebraska have until Oct. 21 to apply for funding to help improve grasslands for grazing and wildlife. Cost share of up to 75 percent is available to install management practices. Management practices eligible for financial assistance include: payment for grazing management, resting rangeland, prescribed fire, fencing materials and watering facilities for livestock, brush management, converting cropland to grassland bird habitat and more. Through the Grassland Bird Initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture …