Parks

GERING, Neb. – The public is invited to express appreciation for wildlife by watercolor painting during an upcoming program at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. “Wildlife and Watercolors,” the next installment of the center’s Wildcat Weekend series of events, will be Saturday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. Amanda Filipi, outdoor education specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said the event is designed for all ages and is especially ideal for anyone looking to start a new hobby. She …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has canceled the Family Ice-Fishing Clinic scheduled for Jan. 20 at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area Lake No. 6 near Kearney because of a lack of safe ice. It will not be rescheduled. On Jan. 19, however, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host a classroom clinic at Yanney Heritage Park’s Environmental Resource Center in Kearney from 1- 5 p.m. This clinic will feature presentations by some of Nebraska’s top …

CRAWFORD, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has begun draining Grabel Ponds and Cherry Creek Pond at Fort Robinson State Park. The draining is making way for the first phase of an Aquatic Habitat Program project to improve conditions for fish and anglers at the two ponds, along with the Cherry Creek diversion pond and the lower Ice House Pond. Some areas will be closed to the public as construction begins later this spring. The project will deepen …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider proposed user fees for the new Schramm Education Center when it meets Jan. 18 in Lincoln. Schramm Education Center, built on the site of the former Aksarben Aquarium within Schramm Park State Recreation Area in Sarpy County, will be an interactive, state-of-the-art nature center featuring the state’s river, pond and lake systems. It will open in the spring of 2019. The education center is part of the Venture Parks …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Each with a unique experience to offer, more than 15 Nebraska state park areas will offer guided hikes to visitors on New Year’s Day. Part of a larger effort of the America’s State Parks alliance, First Day Hikes are a great way to get outside, enjoy nature, exercise and enjoy time with friends and family. The hikes are 1-3 miles with varying degrees of difficulty. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring drinking …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Some services will be restricted as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission transitions from the Aksarben Aquarium’s temporary office to the new aquarium building from Dec. 17 through Dec. 22. During the transition period at the aquarium south of Gretna, there will be periods in which credit and debit card payments cannot be accepted. Cash and check payments will not be affected. Contact the aquarium office at 402-332-3901 before visiting to verify payment methods that can be …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Bird-watchers of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count at Ponca State Park on Dec. 14. Members of the Loess Hills Audubon Society will assist guests and birders in reporting sightings and comparing notes. The National Audubon Society compiles the results from Christmas Bird Counts across the nation into a long-term database used by conservationists and researchers. Ponca’s bird count starts at 8 a.m. Birders can enjoy chicken noodle …

Correction: This corrects the times of the shows in the last sentence of the fourth paragraph. LINCOLN, Neb. – A new kind of entertainment is coming to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park this winter – magic shows. Starting Dec. 8, the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theatre will host two magic shows running through February 2019, “Winter Wonderland” and “Midwinter’s Night Dream.” Both shows are interactive and run approximately 45-50 minutes in length. The shows were produced by Popcorn …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – The annual Christmas at the Cody’s will take place in Dec. at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte. Every year many area organizations and volunteers decorate every nook and cranny of the Cody mansion turning the home into a seasonal wonderland. This festive event includes lights on the outbuildings, grounds and Scout’s Rest Ranch Barn to bring visitors holiday cheer from the Cody era. Buffalo Bill will welcome you to his home where …

MINATARE, Neb. — The public is invited to attend a special birdwatching event at Scout’s Rest Campground of Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are conducting the Family Christmas Bird Count at the lake on Dec. 15 from 9-11 a.m. The lake is closed from Oct. 15-Jan. 15 each year as part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, but is opening for this exclusive event. The Bird …