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shawna richter-ryerson

Register for Memorial Run to help boost mental health awareness, support state park trails

Registration is open for the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health that also acts as a fundraiser for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails. The run is May 20, 2023, at Cody Park, 1899 US-83, North Platte. Participants may choose between a 2-mile or 5-mile distance and run in-person or virtually. Register at PlatteRiverFitness.com/PublicHealth or donate to the fundraiser at TylerVanderheidenMemorial.com. This year, funds raised will help support the construction and upgrade …

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Reserve Game and Parks viewing blind for sharp-tailed grouse mating season

Two sharp-tailed grouse spread their wings and but their heads down to display against each other on a lek.

Come experience the natural wonder of the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a new viewing blind at Niobrara State Park near Niobrara. Reserve the viewing blind between March 15 and April 15 for the best opportunity to see this sunrise ritual, an ancient and glorious display from one of Nebraska’s most famous grassland birds. The blind holds up to 12 guests. Reserve a spot by calling the park office at 402-857-3373. Improve your chances of early arrival by staying at …

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Tax season provides opportunity to support Nebraska wildlife conservation

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Nebraskans receiving an income tax refund this year have an opportunity to support wildlife and habitat conservation. On Line 46 of the Nebraska state income tax form, 1040N, individuals may donate $1 or more of their tax refund to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund, which is used to help several hundred species in Nebraska that are rare, endangered or threatened. Tax refund donations have benefited native wildlife, fish, and plants over the years, including the Blanding’s turtle, swift fox, peregrine …

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Celebrate World Wetlands Day with new Nebraska wetland resources

Nebraska Game and Parks, in collaboration with the Platte Basin Timelapse project, released expanded wetlands educational content on World Wetlands Day, Feb. 2. These new resources offer the opportunity to learn about Nebraska’s five diverse wetland types, as well as grow one’s understanding of their importance to the state, its people and its wildlife. Expanded content includes: Five documentary films about Nebraska’s wetlands and the wildlife and people who depend on them. These films, created by Platte Basin Timelapse at …

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Landowners should visit NGPC site to provide parcel ID

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Improvements to the Nebraska Game and Parks online permitting system require landowners to submit their parcel identification number as part of their user account profile. Landowners are encouraged to visit the site at GoOutdoorsNE.com, look up their accounts and update their profile with current information, including their parcel ID. Parcel IDs can be found on the landowner’s real estate tax statement or via the county assessor. In the new, user-friendly permitting system, customers can purchase a permit, apply for a …

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Help stop wildlife crime with new reporting tool

Helping law enforcement eliminate poaching in Nebraska just got a little easier, thanks to a new program by Nebraska Game and Parks. The new online reporting tool allows people to anonymously report suspected wildlife violations through a form at OutdoorNebraska.gov/WildlifeCrimestoppers. People can submit photos and even indicate if they are interested in a reward if charges are filed because of their tip. Once submitted, the report goes directly to the conservation officer in the county where the incident is suspected. “With …

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Nebraska Game and Parks career fair set for Feb. 4

A collage of people working a variety of outdoors jobs.

Learn how you can join the Nebraska Game and Parks team during a career fair Feb. 4 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., agency representatives will be at the Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge to talk about full- and part-time job openings at locations across the state. Positions range from hospitality to maintenance, conservation to business, and more at park and office locations and in our law enforcement, fish, parks and wildlife divisions. …

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Use caution near sick, dead birds

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People are encouraged to use caution until further notice as avian influenza continues to affect waterfowl and other bird species statewide. Affected birds have been reported across the state in recent weeks. Nebraska Game and Parks staff have collected waterfowl, including geese and swans, which have been tested for cause of death. Avian influenza was confirmed in several cases. Though the risk of infection to people is low, the public should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report …

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Catch these Game and Parks education events in January

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Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in January. Here are some opportunities: Nature Inquiry Workshop Series set for early childhood educators The Nature Inquiry Workshop Series is a weekly virtual event for early childhood educators starting Jan. 3. The workshops — at 6 p.m. — are free. Each workshop explores inquiry-based learning using an element of nature, such as birds or insects. Educators will learn how to facilitate inquiry-based learning, which …

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