Flora & Fauna

LINCOLN, Neb. – Educators of younger students are invited to participate in a citizen science workshop Nov. 19 in Hastings. The workshop will be held at the Hastings Museum, 1330 N. Burlington Ave. Citizen science in the classroom provides opportunities for students to participate in real scientific investigations. Citizen science can inspire students to create meaningful connections to the natural world and help scientists gather data and monitor or interpret results to produce relevant research. Participants will receive an introduction …

The first step in any journey can sometimes be the toughest one to take.  Hunting is no different. If you weren’t born into it or simply just taken along by family or a friend- Where do you begin? There is a growing trend nowadays in adults wanting to try hunting, too.  Some of us are interested in spending more time outdoors, others are drawn by the ability to secure local foods for our needs, and still others are simply getting …

A Facebook post leads to a mystery being solved. by Cara Pesek City Foxes Whether or not they’re distracted by a freshly killed chicken, foxes are more common in Lincoln and other cities than one might think, said Sam Wilson, the furbearer and carnivore program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.  Foxes compete with larger canids, such as coyotes, for habitat and prey. Coyotes kill foxes when they have the chance, Wilson said. But coyotes are less likely …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Owners of small pets are reminded to be vigilant to protect them from possible coyote encounters. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission suggests people should haze coyotes away whenever possible to keep them wild and afraid of humans. The following steps will help keep pets safe: — Do not approach or feed a coyote or other wildlife. — Do not leave pet food outside. — Keep pets on a leash, and do not let them roam at …

I know, I know. There is nothing like spring wild turkey hunting in Nebraska, and the fall hunting season for wild turkeys, well, it just doesn’t rise to that level. Or, does it? Hmm. I don’t think you can call yourself a true turkey hunter until you have willingly and eagerly accepted the fun challenge and vivid excitement of hunting North America’s largest upland game bird during the fall season in Nebraska. Hunters who have never experienced fall hunting are …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting grant proposals that will enhance watchable wildlife opportunities and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. Watchable Wildlife Grants, funded through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, help to develop wildlife-viewing and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. The intent of these grants is to help people build appreciation and stewardship for natural resources through practical experience. Individuals, nonprofit, governmental, and for-profit entities are encouraged and eligible to apply. Potential projects include, but are not limited …

To be a dove hunter you need to be creative.  Most of us have two or three good excuses at the ready for when we miss a relatively easy shot.  Dove hunters on the other hand, should have at least a solid half-dozen new ones anytime they head to the field.  “I’m still seeing dark spots since forgetting my glasses during the eclipse.” For example. However, if you are looking to add some local, wild-protein to your diet while spending …

The morning air is crisp and cold. Hardwood trees stand motionless and silent — faint brush strokes against the slowly lightening predawn sky. As light emerges, wild plants still green are bejeweled with dew. Small sounds begin to carve the creek bottom. A raucous calamity of crows can be heard in the distance. An assertive, vociferous blue jay appears on a limb. Two fox squirrels squabble amid the leaves on the woodland floor. The insistent nasal yammering of a white-breasted …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Ornithologists Union (NOU), a statewide group of birders and bird-watchers, will hold its annual fall meeting Sept. 15-17 in Ogallala. This event is open to members and nonmembers. The event will include field trips in which birders will try to record as many bird species as possible and presentations about Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area and bird research. Register at noubirds.org/Meetings/Next.aspx and learn more information on the meeting. The deadline is Sept. 1. To discover …

Are you gearing up and getting excited for the historic spectacle on Monday, Aug. 21st, when a total solar eclipse will race over Nebraska from the northwest to the southeast? Good! Thought so. Me, too! Here are some last-minute notes to assist you in safely and enjoyably experiencing The Great American Eclipse in The Cornhusker State. Plan ahead. Buy your state park permit ahead of time. Take additional supplies (water, food, insect repellent, sunblock, etc.). Carry park brochures and a road map. Fill your vehicle …