Education

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can discover the outdoors by participating in the third annual Nebraska Fish Art Contest. This international art and writing competition gives young people the opportunity to highlight their artistic talents while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. Participants can win prizes and recognition in Nebraska and internationally. The free contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Forever and Bass Pro Shops, is accepting entries through March 31, 2022. Enter at …

By Jamie Bachmann, Wildlife Educator This is the third and final installment of why I get my kids outdoors in the winter. Read Part 1 here: https://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2022/02/why-i-take-my-kids-outside-in-winter-part-1/ Read Part 2 here: https://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2022/02/why-i-take-my-kids-outside-in-winter-part-2/ Reason #4 – Learning Preparedness When I was little, I lost so many gloves and mittens. My mom would get frustrated trying to find replacements on our way out the door. And there were multiple Halloweens when I whined about having to put my coat over my awesome …

By Jamie Bachmann, Wildlife Educator This post is a continuation of the list of reasons why I coax my children out of doors on cold winter days. Read Part 1 here: http://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2022/02/why-i-take-my-kids-outside-in-winter-part-1/ Reason #2- Accepting Change and Learning to Adapt What is your favorite season?  While I don’t think I have a favorite season, I have been able to recognize that what I enjoy most about the seasons are the moments of change between them. I love the relief that …

By Jamie Bachmann, Wildlife Educator Wow — the last couple days have been beautiful during this prairie winter, and warmer temperatures are forecasted to hold out through the weekend. I’m sure many of us are grateful for a reprieve from frozen nose hairs, children crying from painful, cold, red fingers, and the time it takes preparing kids to get out the door. I left the house this morning with no gloves at all. No gloves!  I don’t even know where …

By Amber Schiltz Woodpeckers are special birds known for exactly what their name describes — “pecking” at wood. Using their strong beaks to drill into living or dead trees helps them look for tasty bugs, build cozy nests for their young, and even allows them to talk to one another by the the sound of their drilling. Woodpeckers have incredible adaptations, or tricks, to help them drill. This includes a stiff tail that keeps them from falling as they drill …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in February. Here are several opportunities: Nature Tales story time for pre-K has two events in February LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host the free, virtual pre-K program, Nature Tales, at 10 a.m. Central time Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. Outdoor educators from across the state will read, via Zoom, a nature-themed children’s book, then lead an …

By autumn, the seeds of most prairie plants have fallen, and with luck, pounding rain, digging animals or winter frost heaving will work them into the soil to await germination. Some seeds, however, are stragglers — held in pods, shriveled fruits or tight bracts to face the elements of winter aboveground. Many of these will fall prey to hungry birds and mammals, and a lucky few will pass through the foragers’ gut unharmed and be dispersed about the land. Others …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in January. Here are several opportunities: Enjoy Winter Under the Water at Schramm Education Center LINCOLN, Neb. – Walk among a winter wonderland Jan. 1 and 8 at Schramm Education Center near Gretna, viewing aquariums aglow, lights and snow in Winter Under the Water, a holiday frost-filled fish encounter. Plan a day to see this special exhibit and enjoy the lights, naturalist …

Marking 100 Years When Nebraska became a state in 1867, parks — let alone state parks — weren’t needed. Nebraskans of the day, and for years to come, were building homes, farms, businesses and towns, and with all of that work to be done, there was little time for leisure. But the conservation movement had begun, heightening the nation’s awareness of its pristine natural resources and prompting the launch of efforts to preserve them for future generations. The movement led …

In the 1800’s, the scene in America was somewhat lawless once you traveled west of the Mississippi.  America was trying to save its natural resources, which were being over exploited at an alarming rate, but had little might in which to do so.  Wildlife were in peril and they didn’t have many friends watching out for them! The idea of a game warden is not new to America.   In midieval times, Kings would often employ wardens to protect the King’s …