Parks

The quiet boating times of the early 1900s are almost impossible to imagine today, their last vestige being yellowed and dog-eared photo postcards from a time when men wore straw boater hats and women wore long white dresses, when boating was nearly as silent as the photographs of it. In those days there were two means of propelling most boats in Nebraska – an oar on the starboard side, an oar on the port side. The only sound was a …

While visiting Schram Park State Recreation Area, I was excited to see that mulberry season has returned. These tiny purplish-black berries have been a favorite summer treat of mine ever since I was a kid. I loved picking them while I went on walks around my neighborhood and I remember being shocked that I could eat something from the wild. Mulberries don’t just taste good, they’re good for you. They are packed full of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin …

The public will have an opportunity to view the animals known to be the best rock climbers in western Nebraska’s butte country during morning hikes at two state parks in July. Group hikes to view the region’s wild bighorn sheep are scheduled for two consecutive Saturdays – July 12 at the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area south of Gering and Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford on July 19. Hikers will meet at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center for the …

Chadron State Park is introducing a new event to Chadron’s Fur Trade Days line-up. The Crooked Arrow Obstacle Course will challenge participants on a fun-filled route. The event will be Sunday, July 13, at 1 p.m. at the baseball field west of the park’s headquarters. It is open to participants of all ages, who can choose to race individually or in teams of two to four contestants. Gregg Galbraith, park superintendent, said each entry will be timed while dodging a …

Beautiful scenes of the West will be on display at the 41st annual Western & Wildlife Art Show at Fort Robinson State Park. The show, a traditional part of Crawford’s annual Fourth of July celebration, will be Tuesday through Friday, July 1-4, at the park’s historic Veterinary Building. The work of 26 select artists from at least five states — featuring subjects such as landscapes, animals, ranchers, cowboys and Native Americans — will be available for viewing and purchase. The …

Birds and tomahawks are the topics of a pair of nature programs at Chadron State Park this weekend. Amanda Filipi, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor education specialist, will lead a birding program at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 28. Following at 10:30 a.m., she will teach participants to throw a tomahawk “like a regular Daniel Boone.” Those participating in the birding program will learn about species’ adaptations, extensive migrations and unique field marks. They will also enjoy a short hike …

Nebraska’s massive, scenic outdoor playground, the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala complex in Keith County, will be highlighted on my Saturday morning Great Outdoor Radio Show. My special guest will be Scott Eveland who is a boating safety officer for us at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He works the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala area along with the western portion of the state. Scott thoroughly knows the waters and landscape of Keith County. Scott will also talk about the impressive trout fishery at Lake Ogallala. Don’t miss an opportunity to chat …

Nebraska’s first state park will celebrate its 93rd anniversary Saturday with a wide variety of activities for all ages. Activities are planned at Chadron State Park from early morning to late at night. “We have a lot of great activities planned for people young to old and expect to have big turnout for our celebration,” said Gregg Galbraith, park superintendent. “If you’re looking for a great way to have a lot of fun for not a lot of money, this …

A one-day workshop at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering this month will explore the importance of pollinating insects to the world’s food supply and ecosystems. The Panhandle Pollinators Workshop will be Thursday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free to the first 25 registrants. A lunch will be provided. The deadline to register is Friday, June 13. While many know of bees as obvious pollinators, the workshop will discuss a variety of other …

Those looking to ride horses in a scenic area with wide open spaces will be hard-pressed to find better territory than the Panhandle of western Nebraska. Two state parks in Nebraska’s scenic Pine Ridge offer trail rides and riding is allowed on an abundance of other public land in this region of rugged buttes, sweeping grasslands and ponderosa pine forests. Visitors to Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford soon realize they’re in horse country. A sign at the entrance of …