Parks

Overnight visitors to Fort Robinson State Park may notice a special touch to their rooms this summer. The park, with its historical lodging facilities that once housed Cavalry soldiers and officers, has begun a new project to feature the work of quilters from Nebraska and the surrounding region. The park is seeking at least 30 quilts to be placed on beds in two of its officers’ quarters — the big brick buildings at the west end of its horseshoe drive …

LINCOLN – The trout lake at Two Rivers State Recreation Area (SRA) will open for fishing on March 12. This year, anglers will be able to fish for larger trout, as well as an additional species of trout. A total of 7,500 rainbow trout have been stocked in time for opening day, of which 500 fish are 16 inches in length and the remainder are 11½ inches. In addition, 500 12- to 13-inch tiger trout were stocked March 10. Tiger …

LINCOLN – Gwen McGhee of Newcastle won Ponca State Park’s Hiking Marathon. She was one of 16 people from Nebraska and Iowa who competed in the event Jan. 1-March 5. Participants were given the opportunity to hike the park’s 22 miles of trails individually or with a naturalist. At the conclusion of the marathon, names of the hikers who had completed the challenge were put in a drawing. McGhee won a Missouri River Outdoor Expo sweatshirt, rechargeable hand and foot …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is now hiring temporary seasonal workers for state park areas across the state. Available positions are as diverse as the parks themselves. Most seasonal positions run through the parks season, but some parks require seasonal help in the offseason. Work schedules will be determined by park supervisors based on business functions. Work hours may vary from one part of the season to another. The parks are looking to fill positions that cover …

LINCOLN – The Fort Kearny Expo will celebrate its 10th anniversary May 7 at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. The event features various family-friendly outdoor activities for all ages. The Expo emphasizes hands-on activities, such as kayaking, archery, slingshots, fishing and shooting. Other attractions include a pancake breakfast and hot dog roast, historical re-enactments, and a giveaway of a fishing kayak and bow package sponsored by Cabela’s. New this year will be presentations on falconry and antler scoring. The event …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct prescribed burns at several state-owned areas to improve grassland and promote wildlife habitat. Prescribed burning stimulates the growth of desirable grasses and forbs and suppresses invasive tree and brush species. Removing residual grass and trees, especially cedars, also will reduce the fire hazard on these areas. Burns are scheduled, as weather conditions permit, for the following areas, listed by county. All areas are wildlife management areas, unless otherwise noted: Antelope …

LINCOLN — Teams of runners and avid individuals are invited to participate in the first ultramarathon to be held on Nebraska’s Cowboy Trail. The Cowboy Ultra will take place on Saturday, June 11. This race will guide runners across 187 miles of the Cowboy Trail from trail from Valentine to Norfolk. The event, organized by Angry Cow Adventures, is limited to 75 people. Registration is $65 per person and closes either May 25 or when the limit of 75 people …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will stock nearly 41,000 catchable-size rainbow trout in city ponds and lakes across the state this month to enhance spring fishing opportunities. Angling for stocked rainbow trout is an excellent way to introduce young and new anglers to fishing. The stocking schedule, subject to change depending on conditions, includes date, location and quantity (times are approximate): Week of March 7 – Gracie Creek Pond, 1,025 March 16 – Bridgeport State Recreation Area …

LINCOLN – Enjoy the wonders of the spring bird migration from scenic Ponca State Park (SP) during Marsh Madness. Marsh Madness is a migratory celebration held each weekend in March at Ponca. The park’s location adjacent to the Missouri River presents a significant flyway that serves as the feeding, breeding and staging ground for migratory birds. Ponca SP is listed as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society, with nearly 300 bird species sighted and more than 70 …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reviewed a draft of a comprehensive pheasant management plan at its meeting Feb. 25 at Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel north of Tekamah. The Commission approved the concept of the proposed plan and will refine it. The objective of the draft Nebraska Mega Plan is to produce the best pheasant hunting experiences for the most people over the next five years. The plan’s goals are to increase pheasant abundance, increase the …