As summer begins to heat up, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission would like to remind those enjoying water-based recreation to follow these safety reminders. Never swim alone — Always swim with a buddy. Pay attention — Avoid distractions and focus on those you are swimming with and the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children, according to the American Red Cross, and drownings can happen in seconds, as well as in shallow waters. Staying watchful — even of …

Trout in the Classroom, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educational opportunity for schools, is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year. The interdisciplinary, science-based program invites classrooms to explore aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and the scientific process through raising trout eggs in their classroom. Students learn about life science, watersheds, data collection and analysis over the course of the spring semester. Applications to participate in the program are due Aug. 31. Find the application at OutdoorNebraska.org/TroutInTheClassroom. For …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for 2023 wild turkey hunting seasons at its June 17 meeting in Lexington. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. Central time at the Holiday Inn Express, 2605 Plum Creek Parkway. Turkey populations in Nebraska have declined 45% since their peak between 2008 to 2010. Because of that, staff will recommend changes to regulations and orders that include reducing the spring season personal permit limit from three to two, lowering the fall …

Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for a Day at the Lake, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Aquatic Habitat Program at the recently renovated Conestoga State Recreation Area, just southwest of Lincoln. A Day at the Lake, set for 3 to 7 p.m. June 18, will offer opportunities to fish from the bank or by kayak, experience fly-fishing or bowfishing — as well as the chance to use a stand-up paddleboard with PaddleLyfe, go kayaking or …

The Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area two-day Bioblitz set for May 20-21 has been postponed due to inclement weather. The event has been rescheduled for Sept. 3-4 for people of all ages. Participants will help set reptile, amphibian and mammal traps,  as well as bat nets on day one. On day two, they’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the animals captured and released during the bioblitz. Professional biologists from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, …

Nebraskans will enjoy this summer boating on waters across the state. To mark National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging boaters to keep safety the top priority. Boaters and paddlers should not take safety for granted. Game and Parks suggests ways boaters may reduce the risk of incidents and help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. Before Launching – Ensure your boat is in good running condition. Get the boat …

Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas are entering their second peak season May 20 to Sept. 11 when reservations are required for all camping, including beach sites. Campers should book their reservation at the two state recreation areas before leaving home. Reservations can be made online at NebraskaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com, via the mobile app RA Camping, or by phone at 308-284-8800 during business hours. “Last year, guests reported being able to enjoy family-friendly camping experiences and days at the beach, while …

Help document rare butterflies across Nebraska by getting trained to monitor for regal fritillaries and monarchs at one of three upcoming events. Trainings for the community science effort are: May 21: 1-5 p.m. at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, 21502 W. Highway 31, Gretna May 26: 1-5 p.m. via Zoom June 4: 1-5 p.m. at Homestead National Historical Park, 8523 NE-4, Beatrice Register to attend one of the trainings through their event listings at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Only one training session is required …

By Olivia DaRugna/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Birding is becoming one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities. With opportunities to observe birds from our yards to state parks, birds can be enjoyed by anyone and anywhere. To help assist those new to birding, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has launched the revamped Nebraska Birding Guide website, formerly known as Nebraska Birding Trails. The site highlights the unique, wide-ranging birding opportunities across the state. Birding opportunities are endless in …

Goose Lake in Holt County is scheduled to be chemically renovated, weather depending, May 3 to remove the existing fish population. It will be closed to the public that day. The rotenone treatment is aimed to eliminate common carp, an undesirable species detrimental to aquatic habitat and water quality. Because rotenone is a restricted-use pesticide, the area will be closed during the chemical application May 3 and no fish may be picked up for human consumption. “Goose Lake is in …