Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn traditional rifle marksmanship skills in a safe, family-friendly environment at the Project Appleseed clinic April 15 at Platte River State Park’s Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex. Project Appleseed events teach traditional rifle marksmanship skills while reconnecting Americans of all ages and backgrounds to the people and events of our nation’s founding. Only .22 rimfire rifles will be allowed at this daylong event (Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 rifles not allowed). Participants will learn the six …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Operators of recreational unmanned aircraft (UAVs), commonly known as drones, should be aware of the following wildlife laws and rules governing their use at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s properties: State Parks, State Historical Parks and State Recreation Areas: To ensure public safety and privacy, UAV use is not permitted in state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas. A special permit may be issued to operate a UAV in unique occasions. State Wildlife Management Areas …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Improvements are scheduled to begin at the Johnson Lake State Recreation Area inlet during March 2018. The project will improve angler access to the existing breakwater by connecting it to the Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking pad with a paved sidewalk. Additional lighting and benches will be installed, as well as a fishing pad at the breakwater’s elbow. This work will honor the memory of Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioner Lynn Berggren, who grew up fishing with …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Temperatures are warming and it is time to get out for some spring fishing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is stocking catchable-size rainbow trout in city ponds, park lakes, and other waters across the state. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The trout lake at Two Rivers State Recreation Area (SRA) will open for family fishing March 10. The trout lake will be stocked with 9,000 11- to 12-inch rainbow trout. In addition, there will be 500 11-inch tiger trout and 250 rainbow trout up to 15 inches present. All trout caught in the lake must be harvested and not released. Anglers must first purchase from the park office a daily trout tag for $6. Each tag is …

CRAWFORD, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is moving forward with a comprehensive plan to improve the fishing at most of the 11 ponds in Fort Robinson State Park. Joe Rydell of Alliance, Commission fisheries biologist, said the ponds provide angling opportunities to countless park visitors each year but are in need of an upgrade and have untapped potential. Fed by coldwater streams and springs, many of the ponds in the 22,000-acre park served the Crawford National Fish …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A new dining experience is coming to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Caddy’s Parkside Grill, located within Peter Kiewit Lodge, will open March 1. Owners Brian and Jayme Cadwallader also own and operate the Salty Dog Bar and Grill in Council Bluffs and are preparing to build a second restaurant in downtown Council Bluffs. The Salty Dog is well-known for its wings and burgers, homemade fries and other home-cooked fare. The Caddy’s Parkside Grill menu will provide …

GERING, Neb. — Participants of a program at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center will express their appreciation for wildlife through the art of watercolor painting. “Wildlife and Watercolors,” the next installment of the center’s Wildcat Weekend series of events, will be Saturday, March 10, 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. – Catchable-size rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds, park lakes, and other waters across the state by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These stockings will enhance fishing opportunities this early spring. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple of feet …

“…camps help young people discover and explore their talents, interests, and values. Most schools don’t satisfy all these needs. Kids who have had these kinds of (camp) experiences end up being healthier and have less problems which concern us all.” – Peter Scales, Ph.D., noted author/educator, and Senior Fellow, The Search Institute. Like most kids, my parents enrolled me in local club sports while growing up.  Often I found myself  frustrated with these because I wasn’t very interested or skilled …