Shawna Richter-Ryerson, Author at Nebraskaland Magazine

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Author: Shawna Richter-Ryerson

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Nebraskaland Magazine

Published 10 times per year, Nebraskaland Magazine highlights the wildlife, wild places, outdoor recreation opportunities, history and culture of Nebraska.

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"There is nothing better than a long run through beautiful country.

As communications director for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, I get to travel to some of the state’s best destinations for meetings.

Quite often, before those meetings start, I hit the trail. Donning my Nathan hydration belt and a headlamp, I head out before sunrise, take in the first light of day and return in time to make roll call."

Read "My Favorite Running Trails in Nebraska" at the link in our bio.

📷: Jeff Kurrus (@jeffkurrus)
📝: Christy Firestone (@christylfirestone)

#Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #OutdoorNebraska #Running

nebraskaland

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"There is nothing better than a long run through beautiful country. As communications director for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, I get to travel to some of the state’s best destinations for meetings. Quite often, before those meetings start, I hit the trail. Donning my Nathan hydration belt and a headlamp, I head out before sunrise, take in the first light of day and return in time to make roll call." Read "My Favorite Running Trails in Nebraska" at the link in our bio. 📷: Jeff Kurrus (@jeffkurrus) 📝: Christy Firestone (@christylfirestone) #Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #OutdoorNebraska #Running

15 hours ago

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1/12

“Hey, buddy, you gonna eat all that?” Yeah, probably. Each squirrel can consume about two pounds of food per week, roughly equivalent to its body weight. Compare that to the average deer at about half of its weight over seven days.

Small mammals have a high metabolism and burn much energy. While squirrels are most known for eating nuts, and storing them for winter, they’re opportunistic and consume a wide variety of food. Seeds, fruits, flower buds. Even eggs and insects are occasionally on the menu. I’ve seen Chadron’s park squirrels go crazy for Potato Oles.

Even though squirrels can pack away the grub, they’re far from being the animal with the largest appetite. The tiny American pygmy shrew eats three times its body weight each day. Seems the hefty squirrels that occasionally gorge themselves at my bird feeders try their best to rival that percentage, though." - 📸: @ridgerunner308

📍 Chadron State Park

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifePhotography #WildNebraska

nebraskaland

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“Hey, buddy, you gonna eat all that?” Yeah, probably. Each squirrel can consume about two pounds of food per week, roughly equivalent to its body weight. Compare that to the average deer at about half of its weight over seven days. Small mammals have a high metabolism and burn much energy. While squirrels are most known for eating nuts, and storing them for winter, they’re opportunistic and consume a wide variety of food. Seeds, fruits, flower buds. Even eggs and insects are occasionally on the menu. I’ve seen Chadron’s park squirrels go crazy for Potato Oles. Even though squirrels can pack away the grub, they’re far from being the animal with the largest appetite. The tiny American pygmy shrew eats three times its body weight each day. Seems the hefty squirrels that occasionally gorge themselves at my bird feeders try their best to rival that percentage, though." - 📸: @ridgerunner308 📍 Chadron State Park #Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifePhotography #WildNebraska

2 days ago

View on Instagram |

2/12

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

nebraskaland

•

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram. #Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

3 days ago

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3/12

When fall rolls into Nebraska, it’s not just people grabbing cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes—our native prairie plants are busy getting ready for winter, too! These tough plants have a toolkit of tricks to handle the changing seasons, ensuring they survive the chilly months and come back strong in the spring.

Read "Nebraska Prairie Plants Prepare for Winter" in the link in our bio.

📷: Bob Grier
📝: Monica Macoubrie (@mmacoubrie), Wildlife Education Specialist

#Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #OutdoorNebraska #FallLeaves #NativePlants

nebraskaland

•

When fall rolls into Nebraska, it’s not just people grabbing cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes—our native prairie plants are busy getting ready for winter, too! These tough plants have a toolkit of tricks to handle the changing seasons, ensuring they survive the chilly months and come back strong in the spring. Read "Nebraska Prairie Plants Prepare for Winter" in the link in our bio. 📷: Bob Grier 📝: Monica Macoubrie (@mmacoubrie), Wildlife Education Specialist #Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #OutdoorNebraska #FallLeaves #NativePlants

4 days ago

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4/12

Where will you let the road take you?

📷: Justin Haag (@ridgerunner308) | Fort Robinson State Park

#Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #OutdoorNebraska #Scenic

nebraskaland

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Where will you let the road take you? 📷: Justin Haag (@ridgerunner308) | Fort Robinson State Park #Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #OutdoorNebraska #Scenic

5 days ago

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5/12

Tonight, the fourth and final supermoon of 2024 will be visible. Called the beaver moon, its name derives from the fact that this time of year is when beavers are most active in preparing for winter by building dams and sheltering in their lodges.

📷: Steve O'Hare | November 1992

#Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #FlashbackFriday #OutdoorNebraska #FullMoon

nebraskaland

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Tonight, the fourth and final supermoon of 2024 will be visible. Called the beaver moon, its name derives from the fact that this time of year is when beavers are most active in preparing for winter by building dams and sheltering in their lodges. 📷: Steve O'Hare | November 1992 #Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #FlashbackFriday #OutdoorNebraska #FullMoon

1 week ago

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6/12

When people hear the word 'badger,' they often think of the notorious honey badger, famous for its fearless behavior and viral videos from Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

However, it’s important to distinguish between them and American badgers (Taxidea taxus). Unlike their more adventurous counterparts, American badgers lead a more relaxed existence, spending their time digging and foraging in the grasslands of Nebraska.

Read "Digging Deep on the American Badger" at the link in our bio.

📷: Julie Geiser (@juliegeiser)
📝: Monica Macoubrie (@mmacoubrie), Wildlife Education Specialist

#Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #OutdoorNebraska #AmericanBadger #WildlifeEducation #WildNebraska

nebraskaland

•

When people hear the word 'badger,' they often think of the notorious honey badger, famous for its fearless behavior and viral videos from Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. However, it’s important to distinguish between them and American badgers (Taxidea taxus). Unlike their more adventurous counterparts, American badgers lead a more relaxed existence, spending their time digging and foraging in the grasslands of Nebraska. Read "Digging Deep on the American Badger" at the link in our bio. 📷: Julie Geiser (@juliegeiser) 📝: Monica Macoubrie (@mmacoubrie), Wildlife Education Specialist #Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #OutdoorNebraska #AmericanBadger #WildlifeEducation #WildNebraska

1 week ago

View on Instagram |

7/12

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

nebraskaland

•

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram. #Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

1 week ago

View on Instagram |

8/12

"Leaf jams in streams are always photo-worthy this time of year. They are not only fun to photograph, but sources say they play an important role in the stream’s food chain. Macroinvertebrates use them for cover and food. And, a healthy population of macroinvertebrates means more food for little fish. More little fish mean more food for bigger fish, and more bigger fish might mean more food for me … if I can catch them, that is." - 📷: @ridgerunner308

📍 Chadron State Park

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #NaturePhotography

nebraskaland

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"Leaf jams in streams are always photo-worthy this time of year. They are not only fun to photograph, but sources say they play an important role in the stream’s food chain. Macroinvertebrates use them for cover and food. And, a healthy population of macroinvertebrates means more food for little fish. More little fish mean more food for bigger fish, and more bigger fish might mean more food for me … if I can catch them, that is." - 📷: @ridgerunner308 📍 Chadron State Park #Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #NaturePhotography

2 weeks ago

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9/12

When it comes to survival strategies, lizards have mastered the art of self-preservation with their incredible ability to shed and regenerate their tails—a phenomenon known as tail autotomy. This remarkable adaptation not only allows lizards to escape predators but also serves as a example of nature’s ingenuity.

Read "Lizards – The Tail End of Survival" at the link in our bio.

📷: Jon Farrar
📝: Monica Macoubrie (@mmacoubrie), Wildlife Education Specialist

#Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #Lizards #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifeEducation #WildNebraska

nebraskaland

•

When it comes to survival strategies, lizards have mastered the art of self-preservation with their incredible ability to shed and regenerate their tails—a phenomenon known as tail autotomy. This remarkable adaptation not only allows lizards to escape predators but also serves as a example of nature’s ingenuity. Read "Lizards – The Tail End of Survival" at the link in our bio. 📷: Jon Farrar 📝: Monica Macoubrie (@mmacoubrie), Wildlife Education Specialist #Nebraskaland #NEgameandparks #Lizards #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifeEducation #WildNebraska

2 weeks ago

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10/12

"While running the trails near Chadron State College’s Briggs Pond this month, my neighbor Loni Watson encountered a turtle in her path that didn’t look like all of the painted turtles she was so used to seeing there.

Turns out it was a darling species of our state’s conservationists — a Blanding’s turtle. The species, which seems to be thriving in the Sandhills but hardly any other place in the world, is listed on “tier one” among conservation needs in Nebraska’s wildlife action plan, the Natural Legacy Project, and is rarely seen this far west.

After being told of the discovery, I remembered that coworker Matt Steffl, Game and Parks Commission wildlife manager, had found a Blanding’s turtle in Chadron years earlier and released it at the pond. 'Ah, it’s been rediscovered,' I thought.

By examining photos of that turtle, found in 2015, we realized the patterns of two shells’ scutes didn’t match, however. Different turtle!

Renowned Nebraska herpetologist Dan Fogell said it’s the fourth Blanding’s turtle to be confirmed in Dawes County in recent years, so he suspects the species is moving into the region — not just being captured elsewhere and dropped off. Besides the two in Chadron, one was found a few miles southwest of the city and another at Fort Robinson State Park.

After the turtle had become well acquainted with kids in the neighborhood, I was given the honor of releasing it back to the pond. True to the species’ reputation, it was shy. My daughter and I waited an hour and a half on the pond’s bank before it stuck out its head for a photo. Such a fine-looking turtle, it was well worth the wait, though." - 📷: @ridgerunner308

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifePhotography #BlandingsTurtle

"While running the trails near Chadron State College’s Briggs Pond this month, my neighbor Loni Watson encountered a turtle in her path that didn’t look like all of the painted turtles she was so used to seeing there.

Turns out it was a darling species of our state’s conservationists — a Blanding’s turtle. The species, which seems to be thriving in the Sandhills but hardly any other place in the world, is listed on “tier one” among conservation needs in Nebraska’s wildlife action plan, the Natural Legacy Project, and is rarely seen this far west.

After being told of the discovery, I remembered that coworker Matt Steffl, Game and Parks Commission wildlife manager, had found a Blanding’s turtle in Chadron years earlier and released it at the pond. 'Ah, it’s been rediscovered,' I thought.

By examining photos of that turtle, found in 2015, we realized the patterns of two shells’ scutes didn’t match, however. Different turtle!

Renowned Nebraska herpetologist Dan Fogell said it’s the fourth Blanding’s turtle to be confirmed in Dawes County in recent years, so he suspects the species is moving into the region — not just being captured elsewhere and dropped off. Besides the two in Chadron, one was found a few miles southwest of the city and another at Fort Robinson State Park.

After the turtle had become well acquainted with kids in the neighborhood, I was given the honor of releasing it back to the pond. True to the species’ reputation, it was shy. My daughter and I waited an hour and a half on the pond’s bank before it stuck out its head for a photo. Such a fine-looking turtle, it was well worth the wait, though." - 📷: @ridgerunner308

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifePhotography #BlandingsTurtle

"While running the trails near Chadron State College’s Briggs Pond this month, my neighbor Loni Watson encountered a turtle in her path that didn’t look like all of the painted turtles she was so used to seeing there.

Turns out it was a darling species of our state’s conservationists — a Blanding’s turtle. The species, which seems to be thriving in the Sandhills but hardly any other place in the world, is listed on “tier one” among conservation needs in Nebraska’s wildlife action plan, the Natural Legacy Project, and is rarely seen this far west.

After being told of the discovery, I remembered that coworker Matt Steffl, Game and Parks Commission wildlife manager, had found a Blanding’s turtle in Chadron years earlier and released it at the pond. 'Ah, it’s been rediscovered,' I thought.

By examining photos of that turtle, found in 2015, we realized the patterns of two shells’ scutes didn’t match, however. Different turtle!

Renowned Nebraska herpetologist Dan Fogell said it’s the fourth Blanding’s turtle to be confirmed in Dawes County in recent years, so he suspects the species is moving into the region — not just being captured elsewhere and dropped off. Besides the two in Chadron, one was found a few miles southwest of the city and another at Fort Robinson State Park.

After the turtle had become well acquainted with kids in the neighborhood, I was given the honor of releasing it back to the pond. True to the species’ reputation, it was shy. My daughter and I waited an hour and a half on the pond’s bank before it stuck out its head for a photo. Such a fine-looking turtle, it was well worth the wait, though." - 📷: @ridgerunner308

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifePhotography #BlandingsTurtle

"While running the trails near Chadron State College’s Briggs Pond this month, my neighbor Loni Watson encountered a turtle in her path that didn’t look like all of the painted turtles she was so used to seeing there.

Turns out it was a darling species of our state’s conservationists — a Blanding’s turtle. The species, which seems to be thriving in the Sandhills but hardly any other place in the world, is listed on “tier one” among conservation needs in Nebraska’s wildlife action plan, the Natural Legacy Project, and is rarely seen this far west.

After being told of the discovery, I remembered that coworker Matt Steffl, Game and Parks Commission wildlife manager, had found a Blanding’s turtle in Chadron years earlier and released it at the pond. 'Ah, it’s been rediscovered,' I thought.

By examining photos of that turtle, found in 2015, we realized the patterns of two shells’ scutes didn’t match, however. Different turtle!

Renowned Nebraska herpetologist Dan Fogell said it’s the fourth Blanding’s turtle to be confirmed in Dawes County in recent years, so he suspects the species is moving into the region — not just being captured elsewhere and dropped off. Besides the two in Chadron, one was found a few miles southwest of the city and another at Fort Robinson State Park.

After the turtle had become well acquainted with kids in the neighborhood, I was given the honor of releasing it back to the pond. True to the species’ reputation, it was shy. My daughter and I waited an hour and a half on the pond’s bank before it stuck out its head for a photo. Such a fine-looking turtle, it was well worth the wait, though." - 📷: @ridgerunner308

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifePhotography #BlandingsTurtle

"While running the trails near Chadron State College’s Briggs Pond this month, my neighbor Loni Watson encountered a turtle in her path that didn’t look like all of the painted turtles she was so used to seeing there.

Turns out it was a darling species of our state’s conservationists — a Blanding’s turtle. The species, which seems to be thriving in the Sandhills but hardly any other place in the world, is listed on “tier one” among conservation needs in Nebraska’s wildlife action plan, the Natural Legacy Project, and is rarely seen this far west.

After being told of the discovery, I remembered that coworker Matt Steffl, Game and Parks Commission wildlife manager, had found a Blanding’s turtle in Chadron years earlier and released it at the pond. 'Ah, it’s been rediscovered,' I thought.

By examining photos of that turtle, found in 2015, we realized the patterns of two shells’ scutes didn’t match, however. Different turtle!

Renowned Nebraska herpetologist Dan Fogell said it’s the fourth Blanding’s turtle to be confirmed in Dawes County in recent years, so he suspects the species is moving into the region — not just being captured elsewhere and dropped off. Besides the two in Chadron, one was found a few miles southwest of the city and another at Fort Robinson State Park.

After the turtle had become well acquainted with kids in the neighborhood, I was given the honor of releasing it back to the pond. True to the species’ reputation, it was shy. My daughter and I waited an hour and a half on the pond’s bank before it stuck out its head for a photo. Such a fine-looking turtle, it was well worth the wait, though." - 📷: @ridgerunner308

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifePhotography #BlandingsTurtle

nebraskaland

•

"While running the trails near Chadron State College’s Briggs Pond this month, my neighbor Loni Watson encountered a turtle in her path that didn’t look like all of the painted turtles she was so used to seeing there. Turns out it was a darling species of our state’s conservationists — a Blanding’s turtle. The species, which seems to be thriving in the Sandhills but hardly any other place in the world, is listed on “tier one” among conservation needs in Nebraska’s wildlife action plan, the Natural Legacy Project, and is rarely seen this far west. After being told of the discovery, I remembered that coworker Matt Steffl, Game and Parks Commission wildlife manager, had found a Blanding’s turtle in Chadron years earlier and released it at the pond. 'Ah, it’s been rediscovered,' I thought. By examining photos of that turtle, found in 2015, we realized the patterns of two shells’ scutes didn’t match, however. Different turtle! Renowned Nebraska herpetologist Dan Fogell said it’s the fourth Blanding’s turtle to be confirmed in Dawes County in recent years, so he suspects the species is moving into the region — not just being captured elsewhere and dropped off. Besides the two in Chadron, one was found a few miles southwest of the city and another at Fort Robinson State Park. After the turtle had become well acquainted with kids in the neighborhood, I was given the honor of releasing it back to the pond. True to the species’ reputation, it was shy. My daughter and I waited an hour and a half on the pond’s bank before it stuck out its head for a photo. Such a fine-looking turtle, it was well worth the wait, though." - 📷: @ridgerunner308 #Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska #WildlifePhotography #BlandingsTurtle

2 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

11/12

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty

Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram.

#Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

nebraskaland

•

📍 Discover Nebraska Beauty Tag @nebraskaland and use the hashtag #discoverNEbeauty to be featured in our weekly Discover Nebraska Beauty posts on Instagram. #Nebraskaland #OutdoorNebraska

2 weeks ago

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12/12

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