LINCOLN, Neb. – Kick off the summer enjoying the outdoors with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at a Becoming an Outdoors-Family Camp. The camp will be held June 21-23 at Bridgeport State Recreation Area and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. This program is provided to families who are new to camping and the outdoors. With the expert guidance of instructors, families will learn how to fish, camp, kayak, and cook outdoors in a relaxed and safe environment All food …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Join the Nebraska Project WILD and Nebraska Natural Legacy Project for a free educator workshop June 24-25 at High Plains Homestead, near Crawford. Explore the rolling hills and plains of northwestern Nebraska, home of the Oglala Grasslands Biologically Unique Landscape. This is where rocky outcrops and badlands are dispersed among the prairie to provide a unique and intricate landscape for many significant Nebraska species. This Legacy in Environmental Education Discovery workshop is designed for formal and informal …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a day on the water at one of Nebraska’s best boating destinations, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, for a celebration of National Marina Day on June 15. Activities include yoga by the lake, boat tours, kayaking, fishing, archery, hayrack rides, touch tanks and educational sessions. New this year is a lighted boat parade starting at 9:30 p.m. To register your boat, contact the park office at 402-388-4169. Visitors can also attend, for a small fee, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting grant applications for parks and other outdoor recreation facilities and amenities promoting outdoor recreation. The grants are funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a program administered by the National Park Service for outdoor recreation projects. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, ballfields, soccer fields, swimming pools, picnicking facilities, playgrounds, pool renovations, splash pads, park acquisitions and development, and park related support facilities. All projects …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Most of the state’s 76 state park areas are open and full of opportunity for outdoor recreation. The most recent period of extended heavy rains has brought water levels back up in Nebraska, affecting some state parklands and trails. At Ponca State Park, Riverfront Campground is closed until further notice because of high Missouri River levels. The docks at the boat ramp have been removed until further notice, but the main boat ramp and the one at …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans looking for outdoor summer fun have numerous options right in their backyard: the state boasts 76 state park areas filled with amazing wildlife and diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nebraska’s state park system has long been a go-to for outdoor recreation. Park areas are carefully managed to support a variety of activities, such as camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing and more. Excellent equestrian trails at Fort Robinson State Park and Jeep rides at Chadron State …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Watch the Pony Express ride again June 11-12 at two Nebraska state historical parks. Each year, members of the National Pony Express Association recreate the Pony Express in a commemorative re-ride over a 10-day period. Riders carry letters in a mochila over the original trail. The 1,966-mile, eight-state event is conducted 24 hours a day until the mail is delivered to its destination. Riders will hand off the letters to a fresh team at Rock Creek Station …

LINCOLN, Neb. – It is natural for some people who see a young wild animal apparently abandoned by its mother to want to rescue it. The correct course of action is to leave it alone. Here are some rules of thumb from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regarding wildlife babies: — A lone fawn, or other young bird or mammal, may appear to be abandoned or injured, but the mother frequently is off feeding or drinking. Do not move …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The access roads to the boat ramp and the historic cave at Indian Cave State Park are closed temporarily due to impacts from rising Missouri River water flows and heavy rainfall in the area. The cave access road is closed due to recent heavy rainfall that caused a portion of the bluff to slide onto the road. Also, portions of hiking trails 10 and 11 adjacent to the landslide area will be closed until they can be …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County currently is only accessible via Nebraska Highway 97 from Valentine. The highway north from Mullen to Merritt is closed temporarily because of water on the road following recent heavy rains.