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 …

If there’s any fish that has a special place in my heart, it would be trout. While backpacking in the Sierras during high school, my weary companions and I came to a small pool that peacefully shimmered in the sun. A creek– a tributary from the great Kern River– ran through it, gently rippling the cold, crystalline surface that held a handful of unknowing golden trout underneath. So we threw down our packs, and my friend handed me his fishing …

Last week, I experienced pheasant hunting for the first time. Well, it wasn’t really “hunting.” It was a training session for a couple dogs at Pheasants Bonanza. Jeff Kurrus thought it would be a great opportunity to get GoPro footage of dogs on the prowl. Even though it wasn’t a real hunt, it was a first for me. Prior to this experience, I have only seen a total of two pheasants in my entire life! And never have I witnessed …

The title was Jeff Kurrus’s idea. Lame, huh? Anyway, here’s what Jeff and I did this past Monday: NOT ruining a $400 GoPro camera. Although, I almost wished we had because it would’ve been so doggone funny. My only job was to push the button and to stand back. It wasn’t my idea. What do I care? I can see Jeff trying to explain that one. Fortunately for him, the camera survived. We did get this really cool photo below. It …

As much as I don’t like the cold, I must admit… I had a TON of fun this past weekend! Below is a photo taken from inside my apartment in Northeast Nebraska last Thursday. The snow did not fall until after 1:30 PM, and once it did, it kept falling and falling like nobody’s business. But nothing catastrophic happened. My windows did not shudder. It was hardly  the “blizzard,” “storm” or “snow-mageddon” as projected. To me, it was a nice …

If you’ve been paying attention to the forecast, you’ll know that we’re in for some real winter. I can’t say that I’m excited, but I am certainly curious. The guys at the Norfolk office have been telling me to stay put and to stock up on food and water, and to keep my phone charged in case if anything happens. I feel like I’m preparing for an earthquake, or something! Anyway, all this talk of winter reminds me of last …

This past week, I received a phone call from Dan Sutherland, Superintendent at Willow Creek State Recreational Area. He said that there were approximately twenty eagles flying around the lake! Excited, I ran back home to grab my camera gear and then headed out there to catch them before sundown. Because I’m not from around here, I was a little surprised at how close Willow Creek is from town. Only about half an hour away from Norfolk, Willow Creek SRA …

When Jeff Kurrus and I arrived in Genoa last Wednesday, we had no idea what the morning would have in store for us. A few weeks back, the magazine staff received an email from a Katie Bosock, who wrote that she had something neat to show us. Katie didn’t say exactly what it was. The only clues I received were flashes of descriptions like “museum,” “tools” and “farm.” Jeff’s guesses were about as good as mine. To my surprise, Katie …

Of all the interesting things I can possibly think to say, the weather comes to mind. I think since being here, Nebraska weather has surprised me most. Never mind moving from a big city to the little town of Norfolk. Never mind having to drive 2 hours to get to the nearest mall– or anywhere, really. Never mind being twenty-two and starting a career in a completely different world. The experiences that shocked me most these past four weeks were …

Jenny Nguyen has been selected for the position of regional public information officer. Nguyen started with the agency on Jan. 14. Stationed in Norfolk,  Nguyen will serve all of northeast Nebraska and surrounding areas. Her duties will include: community relations, media relations, public information, photography and writing for NEBRASKAland and all agency media. Nguyen will be providing information and reporting on activities from her assigned area to provide more comprehensive coverage of Game and Parks activities and events. Nguyen graduated …