NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – The public is invited to comment on a draft conservation plan for monarchs and at-risk pollinators in Nebraska. The Nebraska Monarch and Pollinator Initiative has developed a Conservation Strategy for Monarchs and At-risk Pollinators in Nebraska. The purpose of this plan is to collaborate with stakeholders to support populations of monarchs and other at-risk pollinators, as well as their ecological services, in Nebraska. The nation’s eastern population of the monarch butterfly has declined as much as 90 …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn more about how to feed birds and view them with binoculars at the Birding at the Fort event at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park on May 6. Guest speaker Dave Titterington of Lincoln’s Wild Bird Habitat Store will share his knowledge of the different types of feed and feeders to attract a variety of birds. Amy Hughes of Loup Rivers Scenic Byways will present Binoculars 101. Door prizes and fun bird giveaways will be offered during …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Birders of all ages are invited to join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for Southeast District Birding Day on May 10 in the Rainwater Basin wetlands of Seward and York counties. Birders will meet at 7:30 a.m. in Utica at the city park before splitting into groups and hiking sites. Lunch and presentations by speakers will be at 11 a.m. Participants should bring lunch, binoculars, camera, field guide, insect repellant, chair, and appropriate clothing and footwear …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Join fellow bird lovers in celebrating Nebraska Bird Month in May at birding events across the state. Those living in western Nebraska can enjoy a birding hike at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area (SRA) on May 20, as well as an evening of painting birds at Lake McConaughy SRA on May 25. Eastern Nebraska events include a day of bird observation and identification at Indian Cave State Park on May 27, a Mothers’ Day breakfast and bird …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters who took part in Nebraska’s 2016 fall turkey season were overwhelmingly satisfied with the quality of their hunting experience, according to a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission survey. According to the survey, which was open only to 2016 fall turkey hunters, 63 percent were satisfied with their hunting experience. The results are based on 1,114 responses. In addition, most hunters (55 percent) were satisfied with the number of turkeys they saw during the season – particularly …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Get outdoors for a spring day of fun, educational activities for all ages April 22 at Ponca State Park. Take an introductory archery course from 9-11 a.m. using the park’s equipment. Participants must be at least 5 years of age. At 11:30 a.m., Critter Corner will introduce guests to wildlife found along the Missouri River. The beginning fishing clinic from 2-4 p.m. will feature demonstrations on casting and instruction on fish identification and tying knots. Fishing poles …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A firearm sight-in range is being built at Killdeer Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County. It is designed as a safe, user-friendly facility to allow hunters an opportunity to sight-in a rifle or handgun. The range will be 100 yards in length. It will include a single steel bench for both left- and right-hand shooters, earthen berms, target holder with additional steel target gongs and sliding steel panels to close the range for safe operation. The range …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for another spring and summer of fun with Family Fishing Events. Family Fishing Events provide opportunities for people of all ages who have never fished or have not fished in years to learn and enjoy the activity. Rods and reels, as well as bait and fishing instruction, will be available for free. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer at each site. Appropriate fishing and park permits are required. The following …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Guests at the 2017 Sip Nebraska wine festival at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park May 5-6 will be able to sample local craft beers, wines and hard ciders. Eight Nebraska breweries will attend the festival, including Empyrean Brewing of Lincoln, First Street Brewing of Hastings and Thunderhead Brewing of Kearney. The event will also feature nine wineries from across the state. Guests also will be able to enjoy educational wine and craft beer sessions, artisan and food …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Turkey hunting is challenging and fun, and a great way to spend a spring day with family or friends. Nebraska’s spring turkey season opens April 15 for shotgunners. Wendy Horine, hunter education coordinator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, has the following tips for making a turkey hunt safe and successful. — Know where the muzzle of your firearm is pointed and never aim at anything you do not intend to shoot. Treat every firearm as …