LINCOLN – Registration is open for runners to enter the Mushroom Run at Indian Cave State Park. The run will be held in conjunction with the park’s annual Outdoor Adventure on April 30. The run includes the Morel Mile and 5-kilometer races. Each begins at 8 a.m. The $20 entry fee includes a T-shirt and pancake breakfast. Register at http://shopoutdoornebraska.ne.gov/outdoorevts. Other family events for the Outdoor Adventure include mushroom hunts, fish fry, musical entertainment, hayrack rides, raptor exhibit, half-price youth …

LINCOLN – A nationwide panel of energy, business and conservation leaders on March 2 released its recommendations on how to avert the nation’s growing endangered species crisis, according to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA). The panel, co-chaired by former Wyoming Gov. David Freudenthal and Bass Pro Shops founder John Morris, determined that using a portion of revenues from energy and mineral development on federal lands and waters to fund state-based conservation could address conservation needs for thousands …

LINCOLN – Fall turkey hunters are being surveyed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to learn more about their hunting experiences. The information gathered during the survey will be used to estimate fall season harvest and determine hunter satisfaction and opinions on aspects of their hunting experience. Survey results are used to inform turkey harvest management. Individuals who bought a 2015 fall turkey permit and provided a valid email address, as well as those who participated in the fall …

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 – Persons interested in pond and lake management are invited to a series of free workshops this spring. The workshops are a joint effort of the Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The workshops are intended for landowners and others interested in learning about: — How lakes function in southeast Nebraska — Managing waters for fisheries — Lake management planning — Resolving common maintenance problems — Developing an individualized maintenance plan for …

LINCOLN – Spring turkey hunting season will be here soon, and Nebraskans have plenty of reasons to get out in the field to pursue a bird. Nebraska’s turkey hunting opportunities are among the best in the nation. Not only are turkeys abundant, with populations in every county, but the permits are affordable and unlimited in quantity. Some other benefits of turkey hunting in Nebraska: — Good hunting opportunities are available on more than 500,000 acres of public and public-access land. …