Latest Features

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 …

Lincoln hunter on a mission to reach underserved minorities in hunting and fishing Story and photos by Eric Fowler Some people live their entire lives searching for some place, any place, where they feel comfortable. It didn’t take Elijah Riley that long. Late in high school, when he picked up a bow and arrow and headed to the woods, is when he knew. “I felt like for a long time I didn’t know my place in the world,” said Riley, …

Marbleseed thrives in very dry, gravelly or rocky hilltop prairies where only the tough survive By Gerry Steinauer, Botanist When appearing as a guest on podcasts or radio shows, I am often asked, “What is your favorite plant?” I suppose the interviewer thinks this is a great icebreaker and that I will have a pat answer. I don’t, however, and there’s always an uncomfortable pause as I ponder. The problem is that I don’t have a favorite plant. Nebraska has …

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 …

Manufactured bump boards tend to be too short. Here’s how to make your own to measure fish. By Justin Haag Measuring fish is important. For one, a measurement is often needed to abide by regulations, especially for those who harvest fish. For another, it gives a boastful angler baseline information for bragging to friends who weren’t there. Many waters in Nebraska have special size regulations dependent on species and location. They can all be found in the Nebraska Fishing Guide, …

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 …