Research

Of all the interesting things I can possibly think to say, the weather comes to mind. I think since being here, Nebraska weather has surprised me most. Never mind moving from a big city to the little town of Norfolk. Never mind having to drive 2 hours to get to the nearest mall– or anywhere, really. Never mind being twenty-two and starting a career in a completely different world. The experiences that shocked me most these past four weeks were …

I have a lot of ice fishing gear. I’ll admit it, I’m a junkie. Too many hours have been spent perusing catalogs and the Internet for the latest and greatest tools to get fish from one side of the ice to the other. Whether my purchases have resulted in more success can be debated. If I had to name the most valuable piece of equipment in my arsenal, it wouldn’t be the portable shanty, gas drill or electronic fishfinder that …

Getting my feet on the ground has always been important to me. Many of my most enjoyable experiences begin by stretching my legs over Nebraska’s magnificent landscape, whether I’m hiking the trails of Chadron State Park, launching my kayak for an afternoon of fishing at Carter P. Johnson Lake, flushing a rooster pheasant in Sheridan County, or wedging sand between my toes at Bridgeport State Recreation Area. Last week, however, I worked at getting my feet on the ground in …

Always take a camera with you. When you don’t, you may see six raccoons sitting on the same tree limb in perfect sunset light. If it happened to me, it will happen to you. But aside from twice-in-a-lifetime photos, take a camera so you can see what your camera can do. Last night, I was curious how my Canon 5d would adjust to the low-light scenario at the aquarium inside the Cabela’s in La Vista. I’ve shot there before with an …

A cluster of leaves fell off a tree and made a nice photo op. See more: http://prairieecologist.com/2013/01/31/photo-of-the-week-january-31-2013/

Can you identify this native legume?  Click here to find out what it is and why it might or might not be important to ensure that species like this are preserved. http://prairieecologist.com/2013/01/29/the-significance-of-obscure-species/

Learn about the challenges and threats to conservation photography in a world of ubiquitous cell phone cameras. http://prairieecologist.com/2013/01/22/conservation-photography-in-the-digital-age/

Hoar frost, snow, and milkweed seeds combine to make an irresistable photo opportunity.  See more photos at: http://prairieecologist.com/2013/01/17/photo-of-the-week-january-17-2013/

What’s the best way to increase plant diversity in a degraded prairie?  Some ideas here: http://prairieecologist.com/2013/01/15/lessons-from-a-project-to-improve-prairie-quality-part-2-overseeding-and-seedling-plugs/

This morning I was listening to the radio and a broadcaster mentioned their sports wishes for 2013. While a huge sports fan, my brain immediately went in a different direction: outdoor wishes. And here is my list: 1)      to find myself lost at the Valentine NWR this spring, wading through cattails in search of bass and pike for at least one day with a pile of friends within shouting distance. 2)      to squirrel hunt with my Ruger 10-22. Several years …