LINCOLN, Neb. — In honor of 100 years of state parks, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is calling on birders to find and identify 100 bird species in its park areas by the end of 2021. Birders of all experience levels are invited to visit Game and Parks’ state parks, state recreation areas, state historical parks or wildlife management areas to spot birds and log them using eBird or iNaturalist. Both are available online or via mobile app. Once …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission parks system centennial is in full swing, and June still offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate at state parks across the state. So hop in the car and hit the road for one of the following opportunities for adventure. Rock Creek Station hosts Ranch Life Saturdays LINCOLN, Neb. — Travel back in time to the mid-1800s during living history Saturdays at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park in southeast Nebraska. From …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area will be hosting National Marina Day on June 19 at the park near Crofton. Event highlights include a campsite or cabin marina-themed decorating contest, sandcastle building competition, lure making, fishing, hayrack rides, outdoor games and a fish fry. The fish fry will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Dinner will cost $12 for ages 13 and up; $6 for ages 4 to 12; and free for those 3 and under. The …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Every Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer, as well as its parks facilities, is now equipped with the next generation of Automated External Defibrillators thanks to The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. In an ongoing effort to improve the cardiac system of care in the Upper Midwest, the Trust awarded a grant of $6.4 million to equip every law enforcement agency with the equipment; Game and Parks received 119 of the new AEDs. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A master plan is being developed for the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area and State Historical Park; and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking public input. The proposed plan strikes a balance between historic preservation and recreation opportunities for current and future visitors. The public is invited to an in-person open house from 5:30-7 p.m. June 22 in the Event Room at the Archway in Kearney. The open house will have several stations where the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Private landowners have until June 23 to enroll their land in Open Fields and Waters, a voluntary program in which they can earn additional income for allowing walk-in hunting, trapping and/or fishing access on their properties. Landowners earn annual, per-acre payments of up to $15, depending on habitat type and location. Additional financial incentives may be available for habitat improvements on enrolled acres. Game and Parks is seeking to add Conservation Reserve Program, or CRP, fields; Wetland …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has declared a fish salvage for Wagon Train Lake at Wagon Train State Recreation Area east of Hickman in advance of an Aquatic Habitat Project to be completed in the fall. Anglers will be allowed to salvage fish by hook and line and archery during standard seasons for human consumption until June 4, 2022. Minimum length limits on fish will be rescinded, but bag limits will be maintained. A 12-foot drawdown …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for a 2022 mountain lion hunting season, as well as a 2021 river otter harvest season, at its June 11 meeting in Chadron. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. Mountain time at Chadron State Park’s Central Building, 15951 U.S. Hwy. 385. Staff will recommend a mountain lion season in the Pine Ridge, identical to the 2021 season, that would have a maximum harvest of four mountain lions, with …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program has two shooting sports events in June: Trap Shooting Series at Platte River State Park and Steel Plate Challenge at the Weeping Water Gun Club. Learn the basics in the beginner-level Trap Shooting Series at the Outdoor Heritage Education Complex on June 16, 23 and 30. Equipment will be provided. Test your shooting skills at the Steel Plate Challenge on June 12. This is a two-gun match, requiring a .22 caliber rifle …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in celebrating the parks system centennial year with a two-day birthday bash June 11-12 at Chadron State Park. Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas, joined by Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, and Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation Chairman Jim Abel will welcome guests to the celebration during an 11 a.m. ceremony Saturday at the sports field. “State lawmakers in 1921 recognized the value of creating our …