Parks

Celebrate multiple bird events in one evening with a guided bird hike at Smith Falls State Park on May 14. The event coincides with International Migratory Bird Day, which recognizes of journey of migratory birds, as well as Global Big Day, a day that honors birds through people observing birds for conservation science. May is Nebraska Bird Month, an annual statewide celebration of birds that aims to educate, inspire and empower Nebraskans to conserve and protect bird populations. Hikers will meet …

Grab the popcorn and enjoy some light-hearted family fun at a Eugene T. Mahoney State Park melodrama this summer. The melodramas are designed to provide wholesome, family-orientated entertainment. This year’s schedule, which runs May 27-Aug. 21, features the premiere of three plays: “The Dragon Slayer,” written by Julie Eschliman, tells the tale of two damsels in distress – and their pet dragon. See if a wandering minstrel can save them from a bloodthirsty dragon slayer. “Something’s Rotten in Green Bend,” …

Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is May 21. Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to purchase a fishing or park entry permit for the day. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other …

Join in two opportunities to learn about and participate in the Norfolk-Madison County City Nature Challenge, an effort to document nature and wildlife in urban places. On Friday, April 29, Jamie Bachmann, wildlife educator with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will teach participants how to make wildlife observations in iNaturalist, a free app used for the global challenge. The session is 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the southwest side of Skyview Lake, Norfolk. On Saturday, April 30, join local naturalists …

Nebraska Game and Parks has selected Jeff Fields as the agency’s new Parks Division administrator. Fields, a native of Tilden, Nebraska, began his new duties April 11. Fields came to the agency in 1992, working as a seasonal employee for the Resource Services Division. After working in law enforcement and park management in Iowa for several years, he returned to Game and Parks in 1998 to serve as superintendent of Ponca State Park. In 2017, he became the regional park …

May is Bird Month in Nebraska. What better place is there to celebrate than in a state park area? The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several bird-related events in May for people to explore, as well as many other opportunities. Here are several: Platte River Art Show set for April 29-May 1 View paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery and more from reputable Midwestern artists at the Platte River Art Show on April 29-May 1 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. …

Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area invites boaters to sign up for its Fourth Annual Lighted Boat Parade, set for June 18. The parade, which has a tropical paradise theme, is held in conjunction with the SRA’s Fifth Annual National Marina Day. The top prize for this parade will be a two-night cabin stay at either Ponca State Park, Niobrara State Park or Lewis and Clark SRA, $200 in Nebraska Game and Parks Bucks, and a canvas print of their …

Horseback riding is a great way to get outdoors and see the diverse beauty of Nebraska — via miles of extensive equestrian trails in your state parks. With beautiful scenery, amenities for horse and rider, and considerable acres to roam, here are nine Nebraska Game and Parks locations every equestrian should put on their list for this year. Fort Robinson State Park: Located in Nebraska’s scenic Pine Ridge, Fort Robinson is truly a horse rider’s paradise. The park offers 20 …

The temporary ban on campfires remains in effect at central and western Nebraska state parks as drought conditions have triggered extreme fire danger. Additional parks may be added if drought conditions persist. Because of regularly changing conditions, guests should call park areas prior to arrival to determine whether a fire ban is in effect. Parks will make determinations by working with local emergency managers and fire departments. Those recreating in areas where campfires are allowed should use extreme caution and …

Conestoga Lake is a peaceful retreat. But it’s not as quiet as it used to be. That’s what happens whenever improvements are made to a fishery near Nebraska’s capital city. And the improvements made to Conestoga were many. Located south of Emerald, Conestoga State Recreation Area is one of 11 Salt Valley Lakes built around Lincoln in the 1960s and 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam on Holmes Creek that created the reservoir was completed in …