GERING, Neb. — The Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering will be buzzing about pollinators this weekend. “Powerful Pollinators,” the latest event in the Wildcat Weekends series, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 14, and is open to the public free of charge. Amanda Filipi, Commission outdoor education specialist, said she will tell attendees about the importance of pollinators, which experts say are responsible in the creation of one-third of the food humans eat and provide many other …

LINCOLN – Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts signed two proclamations underscoring the importance of nature and the outdoors to Nebraskans during a morning ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol on June 1. Ricketts declared June Great Outdoors Month. Additionally, he declared June 20 through 26 Nebraska Pollinator Week. Outdoor recreation promotes good health and helps Nebraskans connect with nature on a personal level. Nebraska’s state park areas offer families and individuals opportunities, to hike, bike, camp, boat, swim, canoe, kayak and …

By Jon Morgenson As a kid I remember (like many of you) running around during the summer barefoot, which meant, you better keep an eye open, looking for patches of clover in lawns, identifiable by their white flowers amidst all the green. Because if you didn’t, you’d pay a price! Those same patches of clover were humming with bees at their business of gathering pollen, and it didn’t take too many ‘repeats’ of stepping on a bee barefoot, to learn …

By Olivia DaRugna, Watchable Wildlife Biologist While birds are celebrated during the month of May, it’s time to transition our focus to other incredible animals to watch in Nebraska. Let’s take a look at butterflies in June, and unlike birds, you don’t have to wake up early to enjoy these pretty insects. Brunch and then butterflies, anyone? You don’t have to go far or search very long to see butterflies. Just sit in your yard or local park, and you …

Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s state parks. During June, a variety of events are planned for those interested in history, conservation, nature and just having a good time. Here are several examples: Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area Bioblitz Enjoy two days of exploring the outdoors June 3-4 at the Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area Bioblitz in North Platte. The information participants collect during the Bioblitz is used by wildlife biologists to conserve Nebraska’s wildlife. Biologists from all over …

LINCOLN, Neb. — From fish to snakes to pollinators, those curious about nature will have plenty of opportunities to be engaged by Nebraska Game and parks Commission educators this June. Here are a few opportunities: Get trained to survey for rare butterflies LINCOLN, Neb. — Learn to survey for rare butterflies in Nebraska during a June 5 training session offered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Game and Parks and community scientists will conduct surveys for monarch butterflies and …

Seen many milkweeds lately? I didn’t think so. They continue to disappear at a disturbing rate. But, who cares? What’s the big deal? They’re just milkweeds anyway, right? Monarch butterflies, which migrate through Nebraska, cannot survive without the milkweed. Their larvae, caterpillars, will only feed on it. Female monarchs need it to lay their eggs. According to National Geographic, the trouble is not only in Mexico with deforestation, but fewer and fewer monarch butterflies are crossing North America to winter into Mexico, and the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska children can learn about the importance of monarch butterflies and milkweed in the Monarchs on a Mission project. Monarchs on a Mission aims to educate children by inviting them to color a monarch of their own. The colored monarchs will be collected and used in an exhibit at the Nebraska State Capitol this summer during Pollinator Week 2017. Monarchs across North America are disappearing. Pesticide and herbicide use, deforestation of their wintering grounds in Mexico and …

Meet a Nebraska woman working for more inclusive and accessible birding in the state. By Renae Blum In conversation, Cassandra Dean smiles easily and laughs often. But her eyes well up with tears remembering a birding event she led last fall at Indian Cave State Park. Hosted on a newly-built trail designed to be accessible, Dean’s outing was described as “birding for everybody and every body” – inclusive to people with disabilities and other health concerns. At the event, Dean …

The color yellow can be found throughout the year in outdoor Nebraska. By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist Ya’ll – I went outside the other day, and there was a bright yellow dandelion in my front yard! I think it is only after the harshest of winters that something so mundane can seem so special. Early season blooms are special. In addition to providing an exciting, visible sign that spring is on its way, early blooms provide valuable food resources …