Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Hall County is undergoing a sewer improvement project that could affect ice-fishing. With the area’s typically high groundwater level, contractors must pump groundwater away from the construction site. So, water will be pumped into Lake No. 1 north of the accessible fishing pier and east along the north shoreline beginning this week. This will melt the ice on the surface of the lake where the water is displaced. Ice anglers should take extra caution …

Four volunteer Hunter Education instructors were recognized for their extraordinary service at the 2023 Hunter Education Conference on Jan. 28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Instructors were selected based on merits that significantly advance Hunter Education in Nebraska through instructing safe, ethical and responsible hunting practices. Instructors recognized were: John Wittwer, Lincoln, 2021 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year Heidi Hillhouse, Lincoln, 2022 Estella Wolfe Female Hunter Education Instructor of the Year John Ross, Bancroft, 2022 Master Hunter Education …

Efforts to control the light goose population continue with the Light Goose Conservation Order, which begins Feb. 10, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The dates for the conservation order are: East Zone, Feb. 10-April 15; Rainwater Basin Zone, Feb. 10-April 5 and West Zone, Feb. 10-April 5. White and blue-phase snow geese and Ross’ geese may be taken statewide during the conservation order, but different regulations apply in each zone. Read the 2022-2023 Nebraska Small Game and …

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Looking for your next date idea? Or maybe a fun afternoon you can enjoy with family, friends, or just yourself? Look no farther than a Nebraska state park. Whether you want to learn something new, stretch your legs or see something beautiful, here are some ideas for outdoor fun that can be completed in just a day. Visit a nature center Spend an afternoon indulging your curiosity and learning about nature. Schramm …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will burn tree and brush piles on the west side of Ash Hollow State Historical Park on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The burn will be conducted in conjunction with local fire departments.

In its meeting Jan. 20 in Lincoln, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved changes to boating regulations regarding waters with special restrictions. However, some of the changes were incorrectly stated in a news release. That Jan. 20 news release should have stated Chester Island Wildlife Management Area, Lincoln County; Midland Lake, Sarpy County; and Shadow Lake, Sarpy County were added to the list of no-motorized-vessel lakes and Archway Lakes, Buffalo County and Keller Park State Recreation Area, Brown County …

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Don’t let the cold stop you from getting outdoors and having fun this winter. Nebraska state parks offer plenty of space to enjoy a wide range of activities — from sledding and snowboarding to ice skating and wildlife watching. Here are a few ideas to keep you off the couch and having fun this winter. Sledding and snowboarding Racing down a hill on a sled or snowboard is an exciting way to …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will burn brush piles at Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Hall County over the next few days. The burn is designed to help reduce hazardous fuels and small predator habitat. It also should open areas up for park management for the coming season. A park entry permit is required for any vehicle entering Mormon Island SRA.

Updated Jan. 26, 2023 The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved grant awards for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and the Recreational Trails Program at its meeting Jan. 20 in Lincoln. Commissioners approved the following grant awards totaling nearly $1.2 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program: Wisner, $299,825 for the Central Park Splash Pad/Restroom Renovation Project; Lincoln, $399,725 for the Mahoney Park Outdoor Inclusive Playground; Minden, $64,313.25 for the Chautauqua Park …

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in February. Here are some opportunities: Nature Inquiry Workshop Series set for early childhood educators The Nature Inquiry Workshop Series, a weekly virtual event for early childhood educators, continues Feb. 7. The free, virtual workshop, which begins at 6 p.m., will explore wildlife sign and tracks. Educators will learn how to facilitate inquiry-based learning, which prioritizes a learner’s questions and ideas by engaging their sense …