NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Improvements to west-central Nebraska state recreation areas are giving park guests more areas to camp, enjoy and recreate. Last year, 64 basic campsites were designated and developed for improved user experience at the popular campground at Lake Maloney’s outlet, with picnic tables and grills installed at each site. A new fire pit area also was completed as an Eagle Scout project. Sutherland Reservoir received 23 new, modern camping pads with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp service and …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Lake Minatare State Recreation Area is closed to the public until further notice after a waterfowl die-off was reported to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on March 12. Staff immediately responded and are collecting the waterfowl, which will be tested for cause of death. A winter storm also is expected to affect the area over the weekend. Lake Minatare is the Panhandle’s largest body of water and serves as a stopover location for migratory fowl, including Canada …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Prescribed fires will be conducted at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Cass County from March 15 through the end of May, as conditions allow. These fires are part of an ongoing oak woodland restoration project and will help control the spread of invasive plants. Exact dates of the burns, to be conducted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will depend on the weather. Affected trails and roads in portions of the park will be marked …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Visitors to Victoria Springs, Nebraska’s first state recreation area, will enjoy upgrades at this oasis in the Sandhills just in time for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission parks system centennial celebration. Recent improvements mean campers will have 50-amp electrical service at 21 new camping sites. Additional basic camping sites are available on the south end of the campground. Later this spring, two new concrete latrines also will be installed to enhance the shower house and …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking input from underserved audiences on its educational programming. The survey, available online at OutdoorNebraska.org/communitysurvey, is targeted toward Nebraskans who do not regularly use Game and Parks educational opportunities. The survey is offered in four languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese, and is open through April 30, 2021. Game and Parks regularly offers educational programming on science, natural resources, historical and cultural resources, as well as outdoor recreation skills, for a …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Every person and every state park has a story to tell, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wants yours. With the parks system centennial year underway, we want to hear your best and unforgettable experiences. Your epic camping fails. Your firsts: time on a horse, ski attempt, wildlife encounter or living history adventure. We want to hear your sentimental memories and your “never again” moments experienced at one of Nebraska’s 78 state park areas or trails. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Winners of the 2020 Nebraskaland Magazine photo contest are featured in the March edition of the magazine now on newsstands. More than 2,500 entries were submitted, a record for the annual contest that began in 2015. This year’s Best of Show winner was “Young Buck” by Karen Kader of Omaha, a photograph captured at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. First-, second-, and third-place prizes also were awarded in four categories. First-place winners were: Wildlife: “Baby Opposum” by Eric …

LINCOLN, Neb. — A new set of lesson plans offers teachers of those in kindergarten through sixth grade opportunities to integrate the Nebraska State Parks Centennial into their classrooms. Ten plans and one interactive map explore different facets of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission park system, which dates to 1921 when Chadron State Park became the first of 76 park areas in the state. The lesson plans — adapted for classrooms, online learning or informal settings — are downloadable …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a webinar “Dude, Let’s Talk Animal Love” will explore the strange ways animals attract mates and how those animals may be celebrating the holiday this year. The free webinar, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 10. The virtual event is for adult audiences. Pre-registration is required through the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.org. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Guests can enjoy special lodging and gift packages this Valentine’s Day at four Nebraska state parks. Act fast as spots are limited. Ponca State Park will offer its Birds and Breakfast event Feb. 12-13, a weekend getaway package that includes a 30% discount on lodging, a complimentary bottle of wine or cider, a breakfast basket in your cabin, and an opportunity to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 13. For additional details, call the …