NGPC News

CRAWFORD, Neb. – In addition to a $1.27 million campground expansion, a long list of other improvements is in the works at Fort Robinson State Park. Many of the items are maintenance on the park’s buildings, most of which date back to the 1800s when the park was a base for the U.S. Cavalry and which now serve as lodging, but there is some new construction, too. “Providing the modern amenities that park goers want in a place that has …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Educators interested in incorporating monarch butterflies into their teaching are invited to a free virtual workshop March 16 and 23. During the Monarchs on a Mission workshop, participants will explore the life cycle, migration, habitat requirements and conservation concerns of the monarch butterfly. The workshop incorporates inquiry-based, hands-on activities covering subjects such as math, science, art and language arts. The workshop, which will be held from 6-8 p.m. Central time, is designed for after-school groups and formal …

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 …

CRAWFORD, Neb. – There will be more happy campers at Fort Robinson State Park. Or, at least there will be room for them. The park is adding 42 new pads to the Red Cloud Campground, which serves visitors seeking full hookups for their recreational vehicles and campers. Each pad will have connections for 50-amp electricity, water and sewage. The expansion will more than double the size of the campground, which has 32 pads. Mike Morava, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission …

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. – Learn about invasive species during a five-part virtual webinar series during National Invasive Species Awareness Week Feb. 22-26. The series, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Invasive Species Program through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will focus on a different topic each day. The webinar schedule is: Feb. 22 – Invasive Species 101, Feb. 23 – Invasive Plants, Feb. 24 – Invasive Wildlife, Feb. 25 – Invasive Aquatic Species, Feb. 26 – Invasive …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can start planning fishing vacations or researching their strategies for the year with the 2021 Fishing Forecast, a publication available from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The publication contains fish sampling data, along with a forecast of where anglers may find large quantities and large sizes of certain fish in various waters across the state. Game and Parks biologists annually sample fish populations. Some of the largest bodies of waters are sampled every year, while …

LINCOLN, Neb. – 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 helps thousands of species in Nebraska, particularly those that are rare, endangered or threatened. Tax refund donations have benefited many species over the years, including the river otter, swift fox, peregrine falcon, …

CHADRON, Neb. — A big year calls for big improvements for Nebraska’s first state park. Chadron State Park, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021, has been the subject of sizable upgrades and new construction at points throughout its 977 acres. “This is a special year for us, and I’m thankful for those who have worked to make sure the park is in tip-top shape come summer,” said Gregg Galbraith, park superintendent. Perhaps the most noticeable project is the …

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 …