NGPC News

LINCOLN – It is natural for some people who see a young wild animal apparently abandoned by its mother to want to rescue it. The correct course of action is to leave it alone. Here are some rules of thumb from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regarding wildlife babies: — A lone fawn, or other young bird or mammal, may appear to be abandoned or injured, but the mother frequently is off feeding or drinking. Do not move it. …

LINCOLN – Visitors who use Interstate 80 to enjoy Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks (SP) will encounter road construction at exit 426 this summer. The project will include both directions of Nebraska Highway 66 between 274th St., west of Mahoney SP, and E. Rock Creek Road, west of South Bend. This will include a lane closure on the interstate overpass with an 11-foot width restriction. Drivers should consider alternate routes to Mahoney SP to avoid the restricted …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host seven free workshops about the power of pollinators and measures homeowners and others can take to protect them. Pollinators are insects and animals that transport pollen between plants, ensuring that those plants produce fruit or seeds. Common pollinators include bees and butterflies. Pollinators are critical to our environment, food supply and economy, but their numbers are in decline. By establishing backyard pollinator gardens as a source of food and shelter …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission joins other national and international conservation agencies in celebrating the centennial of the historic Migratory Bird Treaty. The United States and Canada signed the Migratory Bird Treaty in August of 1916, adopting a system of protection for nearly all migratory bird species that inhabit – and often migrate between – the United States and Canada. Mexico signed a similar treaty in 1936. National and international cooperation is essential for protecting and conserving …

LINCOLN – Reenactors will commemorate Memorial Day during Fort Atkinson State Historical Park’s Living History Weekend on June 4-5. Starting at 10 a.m. both days, reenactors will present military demonstrations and a funeral march for fallen troops in honor of Memorial Day. Throughout the weekend, reenactors also will demonstrate period trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, tinsmithing and coopering, as well as crafts such as spinning and weaving. Fort Atkinson, the first military post west of the Missouri River, is seven …

LINCOLN – Enjoy living history demonstrations at the annual Rock Creek Trail Days on June 4-5 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park. Starting at 9 a.m. both days, living history reenactors will demonstrate blacksmithing, basket weaving, flint knapping and horse shoeing. Black powder gun demonstrations, Pony Express runs and skirmish reenactments also will be held periodically. Participants are also invited to a buffalo stew cookout at 7 p.m. on June 4, with entertainment by Dave Marsh, presenting the “Music …

LINCOLN – Families who are new to camping are invited to participate in the Becoming an Outdoors-Family Campout on June 25-26 at Two Rivers State Recreation Area (SRA). Participants may take part in recreational activities such as lake fishing, kayaking, archery and shooting sports, guided by expert instructors. Other workshops will cover geocaching, aquatic ecology and outdoor cooking. “A goal of this program is to give families an opportunity to reconnect with each other and the outdoors in a comfortable, …

LINCOLN – Learn all about fire pump and engine design for prescribed fire at a workshop May 24 at Pressey Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This 11 a.m. workshop, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Pheasants Forever, will be held at the WMA’s shooting range. Topics also will include pump performance, hose selection and tank capacity, as well as accessories to carry with an engine. Participants may bring an engine they have built and share their experiences. The …

LINCOLN – Learn the first few steps to take in responding to a wildfire at a workshop May 25 in Chadron. This 5:30 p.m. workshop, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Pheasants Forever, will be held at the Country Kitchen restaurant, 1250 W. 10th St. Participants will learn the preventative measures to reduce the chance of an escaped fire, how to keep an escaped fire from becoming large, and when to call for assistance from local emergency …

LINCOLN – Nebraska Project WILD will offer Outdoor Classroom activities once a month this summer in Norfolk to engage families in the area in natural play. All activities will take place at the Outdoor Classroom, which is located at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s northeast district office, 2201 N. 13th St. Arrive at 6 p.m. for open play. Activities will last from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by open play until 8 p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. …