Parks

LINCOLN – Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring May to be Nebraska Migratory Bird Month, underscoring the importance of birds in Nebraska. The governor signed the proclamation during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 4, at the Nebraska State Capitol. “Nebraska is home to four ecosystems – tallgrass prairie, mixedgrass prairie, shortgrass prairie and Sandhills – and birds are an integral part of each one,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Wildlife Education Specialist Lindsay Rogers. Nebraska Migratory Bird Month was …

LINCOLN – Enjoy an afternoon of fishing or exploring state parks, recreation areas and historical parks on May 21 – no permit purchase required. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day is held annually on the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend. “It’s kind of an open house in our great outdoors,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Public Information Officer Greg Wagner. “Special hands-on, family-friendly events will be held around the state.” Below are several events planned for May 21. A full list …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln and the Outdoor Heritage Education Complex at Platte River State Park invite you to Take Aim at Summer with free archery events for the whole family. Events will take place at the Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St., in Lincoln on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Outdoor Heritage Education Complex at Platte River State Park on Friday, May 27, from …

LINCOLN – Several Nebraska state park areas will receive picnic tables made of recycled tires, thanks in part to a grant. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has received a grant from the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Program administered by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality for the purchase of 155 picnic tables made from 25 percent recycled tire material. “The purpose of the grant is to provide park areas with picnic tables that use scrap tire product …

LINCOLN – The Fort Atkinson State Historical Park Tactical Plan will be the topic of a public informational meeting hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on May 11 in Fort Calhoun. The goal of the plan is to implement the vision statement outlined in the plan: “To be a viable tourist destination that offers quality historical interpretation of the westward expansion of the United States and Fort Atkinson’s role in this history, which increases visitation to the Fort …

LINCOLN – Life at an 1820s military post will be depicted at Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on April 30 and May 1. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors are encouraged to interact with volunteers demonstrating period trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, tinsmithing and coopering, as well as crafts such as quilting, spinning and weaving. Soap-making and military demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend. Living history demonstrations take place periodically throughout the summer and …

Have you made your spring park plans already?  Bob Hanover, from Nebraska’s State Parks will be in studio with Jeff and Hershy to get you the details on maximizing your outdoor adventures this spring.  Discover your new favorite camping place, nature activity or spot away from it all as they explore the treasures available to all park visitors. Nebraska Outdoors radio can be heard every Thursday evening starting at 6 p.m. (CDT) online at www.KFORnow.com or in eastern Nebraska on …

LINCOLN – Ordinary people become “citizen scientists” during a BioBlitz walk, four of which are being held for the first time in Nebraska this May. During a BioBlitz event, participants find and identify as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as possible in a specific area. The information collected is passed on to wildlife biologists and conservationists, who use it to track populations of different species. “Participating in these hands-on studies is a fun and exciting way …

LINCOLN – Learn more about the wildlife of Ponca State Park during Saturday Fun Day on April 23. The event, which is suited for all ages, focuses on education about the various animal and bird species that live in the park and along the Missouri River. “Ponca has a diverse range of wildlife,” says event coordinator Lynn Mellick. “We have an abundance of songbirds, as well as beavers, turkeys, and raccoons, to name a few. This event is an exciting …

LINCOLN – Guests to the third annual Toast Nebraska wine festival, set for May 6 and 7 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, can expect a variety of entertainment, along with unlimited wine and hard cider samplings. Local bands, including Ro Hemple, Belles and Whistles, and the Bottle Tops, will be performing at the festival. There will also be a variety of food, and artisan and craft vendors. Wine education topics will include Wine Pinterest, Cheese and Wine Pairing, and …