22 Nebraskaland • June 2020
Close to
Home
Photos and story by Chris Masada
any of us are turning to nature and outdoor activities
to regain some sense of hope, reassurance and
perspective as we navigate these times of uncertainty.
With COVID-19 travel advisories in recent months,
we are rediscovering local opportunities to experience and
appreciate the rich biodiversity of woodlands, prairies and
wetlands in recreation areas, nature centers, city parks and
backyards across our state. In the heart of North America's
Central Flyway, Nebraska is situated for observing migrations
and seasonal variation while remaining close to home.
Nature's refuge can be found only minutes away, in both
remote and urban settings. Pursuing local options means
less time and expense in transit and more time outside doing
what we love. Nature and outdoor activities can have greater
presence and priority in our daily lives.
For my part, I enjoy nature and wildlife photography,
an often solitary activity that lends itself especially well
to following social distancing guidelines. Exploring with
a camera forces me to slow down and fully engage with
subjects I otherwise might overlook, and more often than
not, I'm delighted by what I fi nd. A growing list of online
resources and apps, many free of charge, makes species
identifi cation and retrieval of additional background
information readily accessible to all of us. Sharing images
and stories with family, friends and the broader online and
Nebraskaland communities helps us stay connected in this
time of increased social distancing.
The photos for this story were shot locally in Lancaster
County, many at Holmes Lake, a 112-acre reservoir on
Antelope Creek within the city limits of Lincoln.
N
Appreciate the many natural
wonders of Nebraska while
communing in place.
M
