By Monica Macoubrie, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, we often pause to reflect on what we’re thankful for — family, friends and the comforts of home. This season, let’s also take a moment to give thanks to the wildlife that shares our world. From the tiniest insects to the largest mammals, these creatures play incredible roles in our environment and enrich our lives in countless ways.
The Gifts of Wildlife
Wildlife gives us more than just moments of awe — they also provide lessons and reminders we can carry into our daily lives. Watching a red-tailed hawk gracefully circling overhead or a group of deer quietly feeding in a field can teach us patience, focus and the value of being present. There’s something grounding about simply observing animals in their natural rhythms; it reminds us that life doesn’t always have to be rushed.
Even the smallest creatures carry big lessons. A turtle basking on a sun-warmed log teaches us the importance of taking time to rest and recharge. A bumble bee laboring through a late-season flower shows resilience, determination and the quiet power of persistence. Frogs calling on a summer night, squirrels gathering acorns or even the fleeting flash of a monarch butterfly — all of these encounters, no matter how brief, are gifts that invite us to slow down, pay attention and notice the small wonders in the world around us.
Beyond patience and resilience, wildlife teaches us adaptability. Birds migrating long distances, fish navigating shifting rivers and coyotes thriving on the edges of our towns all demonstrate that life finds a way, even in changing conditions. Observing these adaptations can inspire us to approach our own challenges with creativity and flexibility.
These moments of connection, though often fleeting, are reminders that there is more to life than schedules and deadlines. They encourage us to step outside, breathe deeply and appreciate the intricate, interconnected world that surrounds us.
A Shared Landscape
Nebraska’s wildlife is a constant reminder that we aren’t the only ones calling this land home. From the rolling prairies to winding rivers and quiet woodlands, we share these spaces with an incredible variety of creatures. Prairie dogs busily digging their tunnels, coyotes silently patrolling the edges of a field, songbirds flitting from branch to branch, and fish gliding beneath the surface of our streams — they all play important roles in keeping our ecosystems balanced and healthy.
Seeing wildlife thriving is more than just a beautiful moment. It’s a sign that our land, water, and natural habitats are in good shape. When prairies are full of wildflowers and sparrows, or when a wetland hums with frogs and ducks, it’s a visible reminder that healthy ecosystems benefit all of us, human and animal alike.
Our choices shape the landscapes that wildlife depends on, and in turn, the health of these landscapes shapes the world we live in. By being mindful stewards of our land, we ensure that Nebraska’s wildlife can continue to thrive — and that future generations can experience the same beauty and wonder that inspires us today. Sharing this landscape is not just a responsibility. It’s a privilege, and one that deserves our gratitude every day.
Stewardship as Thanks
True thanks for Nebraska’s wildlife go beyond admiration — it’s about taking meaningful action. It’s one thing to marvel at a hawk gliding across the sky or a family of deer moving through a field, but it’s another to actively support the habitats and ecosystems that allow these animals to thrive. Every choice we make, from how we manage our yards to the way we interact with public lands, can be a way of saying “thank you” to the creatures we share this state with.
Supporting conservation efforts is a tangible way to give back. Whether it’s volunteering for habitat restoration projects, participating in wildlife surveys or donating to local conservation organizations, these efforts make a real difference. Planting native flowers, grasses, and trees provides food and shelter for pollinators, birds and small mammals, and teaching children to respect and observe wildlife fosters a sense of wonder that can last a lifetime.
Stewardship is also about small, everyday deeds. Picking up trash along a trail, leaving natural areas undisturbed or even keeping your pets from chasing wildlife are several ways to honor the animals that share our world. These actions help ensure that others will have the same opportunities to experience the magic of nature — whether it’s spotting a rare bird in a marsh, following deer tracks in the snow or hearing the chorus of frogs on a warm summer evening.
Giving thanks through stewardship reminds us that our gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s something we show through care, respect and action. By protecting habitats, supporting conservation, and sharing our love of wildlife with others, we create a legacy where both people and animals can continue to thrive together in Nebraska.
A Thanksgiving for All Creatures
This year, as you gather around your table, take a moment to think about the wildlife that makes Nebraska home. They enrich our lives, inspire curiosity and remind us that we’re part of a bigger story — one that includes fur, feathers and fins. From the tiniest insect to the largest mammal, our state’s wildlife deserves our gratitude, respect and care. Their presence is a gift, one that deserves recognition every day and not just in November.