Trail

LINCOLN, Neb. – Show an appreciation for trails and help restore them at Indian Cave State Park on June 2 in celebration of National Trails Day. Volunteers are needed for trail restoration projects that may include wood chipping trails, pruning encroaching vegetation, defining corridors, erosion maintenance and general cleanup. Work will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., or at the volunteer’s discretion. Bring work gloves and appropriate clothing. Pre-registration is required by May 29 by calling the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant applications for fiscal year 2018 funding. The RTP is a grant program through the Federal Highway Administration that reimburses political subdivisions, such as communities, counties and natural resources districts, up to 80 percent of project costs for trail acquisition, development, renovation and support facilities. Applicants must have the financial means to undertake and maintain the project and all funding should be on hand. The …

As the trees bud, the lawns green and the flowers bloom, did you know that may have food growing in your yard, lot, garden or field? I bet you do! Now that spring has finally sprung, some of the more prolific, more accessible wild edible foods make their initial appearances. It’s when edible wild plants are at their most tender, tastiest stage. And your own backyard, garden, vacant lot, alleyway or patch of woods or prairie, could very well be the closest and most productive place you’ll find to forage this time of …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraskans are invited to participate in the third Cowboy Ultra, a two-day race that will guide runners (solo and relay teams) along sections of the Cowboy Trail. The Cowboy Ultra will take place on May 12-13. There will be two races from Valentine: 54 miles to Long Pine and 105 miles to O’Neill. Registration is $65 and $80, respectively. The event, organized by Angry Cow Adventures, is limited to 50 people. For more information on the Cowboy …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Improvements recently completed at Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area enhance access to the Platte River’s north channel for canoeists and kayakers. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission enlarged, reshaped and surfaced with river rock an existing primitive boat landing to facilitate easier and safer river access. In addition, a parking area was expanded and resurfaced with gravel. The improved launch site also provides emergency responders quicker access to the river. The canoe and kayak landing is located …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has published a guide designed to assist communities in creating, upgrading, promoting, funding, permitting and maintaining successful water trails. This guide, Floating the Good Life, a Guide to Developing Water Trails in Nebraska, provides information about the types of streams in Nebraska and how they behave differently, creating unique challenges for water trail operation. The guide details the launch site design process, and it discusses universal access and how a launch …

Is it too early to go out and try to find shed deer antlers on my hunting lands? After all, there is snow cover and snow drifts in places. On the other hand, I am hearing rumors of bucks dropping their antlers earlier than normal on the Great Plains. So, when should someone venture to their deer woods and fields in search of those prized shed antlers? Beginning in late December and continuing through April, white-tailed and mule deer shed their antlers for regrowth purposes …

Dearest Jackson Edward, Today is your birthday, your second birthday. My grandson, this is the day we celebrate you. I’ve been thinking back about the interesting directions on how my love for you has continued to expand this past year. Yes, you’re two, and it’s occurred to me that my love for you actually goes far beyond your connection to me. I see it when you continually say: “Ouuutsiiiiide!” There’s no place you’d rather be in any season than outside, on our porch, on your deck at home, at …

It’s very unfair. Spring and its morel mushrooms get all the limelight, but hard-core nature enthusiasts in Nebraska know that autumn rains deliver a mushroom bounty in the woods that’s far more diverse, robust and rewarding. Fall mushroom hunting offers a bunch of benefits, and not just for fairy tale goblins and witches! It offers a refreshing, cool walk in the woods amid fall foliage colors, a chance to better understand forest ecology, and an opportunity to see a variety of woodland wildlife, as …