Nebraska’s diverse landscapes provide habitat for a wide array of moth species, each uniquely adapted to its environment By Brianna Nugent As the sun sets over Nebraska’s expansive plains and rolling hills, a hidden world comes to life — the realm of moths, creatures of the night whose diversity and adaptations often go unnoticed. National Moth Week, celebrated globally each year, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of these often-overlooked insects and appreciate their importance in …

The hunt test world can give you a deeper understanding of your dog By Todd Mills The first real gun dog I’d ever owned cost me $50. A buddy of mine knew I’d been looking and knew of a litter with just one pup left. His recommendation and the owner telling me the puppies were born in a barn in the middle of January was all it took to get me to pull the trigger. Although I had no clue …

Beavers exemplify the intricate relationship between wildlife and human communities By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Dwelling in the waterways and wetlands of Nebraska, beavers (Castor canadensis) are the architects of the Plains, shaping landscapes with their industrious dams and lodges. These remarkable rodents play a crucial role in the state’s ecosystem dynamics. From their adaptations in aquatic habitats to their significant influence on local biodiversity and water management, the presence of beavers tells the story of a species’ resilience …

Take the time to appreciate wetlands even when they aren’t wet Story and photos by Ethan Freese If you’ve visited one of Nebraska’s many wetlands in the past year, there’s a good chance that you may have come across a landscape that was anything but wet. A dry wetland might be a discouraging sight if you’re a waterfowl hunter or birder, but wet and dry cycles are a natural process for many wetlands in the Great Plains, a region known …

When it comes to beating the heat, animals have their own quirky playbook. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Imagine being a furry creature in Nebraska during the peak of summer — it’s like wearing a winter coat in a sauna! While we humans crank up the AC, sip iced tea and lounge in front of fans, wildlife must get creative to beat the heat. Picture a prairie dog retreating to its underground burrow or a jackrabbit flashing its oversized …

Diversity is key to our understanding and conservation of wildlife By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist My parents owned a greenhouse business outside of Sedalia, Missouri, on the second half of a parking lot for a Pepto-pink antique mall. We had woodlands to the east and a stream about a quarter of a mile to the south. Months of my childhood were spent running free with my older sister and brother. We loved searching out the snakes, lizards, toads, turtles …

Nebraska’s diverse milkweed species are keystones to the health of ecosystems and the animals that rely on them. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Milkweed plants are indispensable keystones in ecosystems across Nebraska. These resilient and diverse species not only grace the prairies with their striking blooms, but they also serve as vital habitats and food sources for a variety of pollinators and other wildlife. From monarch butterflies that rely on milkweed as their sole host plant to bees and …

Photographer John Vachon visits Nebraska during the Great Depression. By David L. Bristow, History Nebraska John Vachon (1914-1975) was not yet a famous photographer when he arrived in Omaha in October 1938. It was his first extensive solo trip shooting photos for the U.S. government’s Farm Security Administration. Partly as a way to build support for the New Deal, the agency was creating a nationwide pictorial record of the Great Depression. Vachon’s supervisor gave the 24-year-old a great deal of …

Snakes include remarkably fast species that can outpace many predators and prey. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist When we think of fast animals, cheetahs sprinting across the African Savannah or peregrine falcons diving through the sky might come to mind. However, some of the speediest creatures can be found much closer to the ground, slithering through grasslands, forests and deserts. Snakes, often perceived as slow movers, include some remarkably fast species that can outpace many predators and prey. Strike …

Creating relationships with landowners can help you gain hunting permission By Ryan Sparks Growing up on a Nebraska farm, I was blessed with an abundance of land to hunt, but when I moved out of state, I learned the importance of creating relationships with landowners. Having been on both sides of the door — being the one knocking and also seeing what influenced my family to give permission — has provided me with a unique perspective. Here are my top …