Research

When it comes to giving a tour of the Bighorn Wildlife Management Area south of Whitney, I doubt many people are as suited for the job as Greg Schenbeck. Schenbeck, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologist with headquarters at the Ponderosa WMA field office near Crawford, has a leading role in managing the northwest district’s WMAs. Not only that, he was raised in northwest Nebraska and began hunting the area that is now the Bighorn WMA as a child. …

I know. You’re probably tired of reading posts about the cranes. But I saw them for the first time Sunday morning, so one more post won’t kill you… Prior to the experience, my knowledge of the sandhill cranes was limited to Michael Forsberg photos and people telling me that I simply had to see them. I had never even heard of them until I came to Nebraska, where these birds are considered magical and special– an annual marvel that arrive …

I added yet another case of “should’ve been here yesterday” to my bourgeoning portfolio last week. Mary Harner from the Crane Trust called to let me know that a whooping crane had been spending the night in front of one of their viewing blinds on the Platte River south of Alda. I’m hoping to get lucky and have a chance to photograph one of those rare birds that has been fitted with a GPS transmitter for a story I’m following …

I’d usually rather be outside than inside, but occasionally I’ve found redeeming qualities in spending time under a roof. It helps improve the chances if the time indoors is spent discussing the outdoors. Last week, for example, I attended the Nebraska chapter of the Wildlife Society’s conference in Chadron. Next week, I’ll be in Fort Collins, Colo., with two of my partners in public information for a week-long wildlife short course. Those of us in attendance at the Wildlife Society …

Thanks to Aric Riggins, Superintendent at Buffalo Bill’s Ranch and State Recreation Area in North Platte and some local North Platte businesses, anyone can view the migrating sandhill cranes from their computer, smart phone or other devices. With advances in video cameras and wireless internet that can stream live footage anyone can enjoy the beauty of the sandhill cranes and learn more about the behavior of this intriguing, long-legged bird. Buffalo Bill’s Ranch in North Platte now has a sandhill …

I love pike. I have since the first time I hooked one and it tried to rip my rod and reel from my grasp. Therefore, it was a no-brainer for me to tag along with Jordan Katt and his surveying crew yesterday morning at Lake Wanahoo in Wahoo. What I found was tremendous. Not only did we trap net a high number of northern pike, the fish looked extremely healthy with many in the 30-inch range. And the best part? …

What do pheasants and bees have in common?  More than you might think.  Click below to learn how and why Pheasants Forever is focusing on prairie conservation, including the promotion of pollinator habitat. http://prairieecologist.com/2013/03/19/prairies-forever-collaborative-conservation-for-pheasants-pollinators-and-people/

As a Public Information Officer and NEBRASKAland Regional Editor, I spend the majority of my time out in the field. Being new to the region, I’ve been on a whirlwind mission to hit as many locations as I can. I’m usually out taking photographs by myself, meeting with local park superintendents and biologists, coordinating with local media, or spending unending amounts of time in front of a computer culling through photos. Through all the hustle and bustle of trying to …

Drought years bring difficult decisions for land managers.  Whether or not (or how) to use prescribed fire is one of them.  Read more here: http://prairieecologist.com/2013/03/12/should-we-be-conducting-prescribed-fires-during-drought/

As one who loves the outdoors and also embraces technology, I may be a bit of an anomaly. I certainly do love to get “off the grid” to places the phone doesn’t ring, but, generally speaking, I enjoy the ways technology can enhance outdoor experiences. Whether it’s the digital camera that allows me to share the neat things I see, the GPS unit that usually keeps me from getting lost or the smartphone fishing app that allows me to record …