April 2024 • Nebraskaland 29
What To Do in April
Celebrate National Frog Month by
listening for frogs calling
As weather allows; peak time is typically mid-March to early
June | The eastern half to eastern third of Nebraska
Just before dusk or in the early evening, head to wetlands, ponds and
marshy areas where you can hear the mating calls of diff erent frog
species. Woodhouse's toads make a nasally "waaahhh" sound like a calf
or sheep's bleat, while cricket frogs make a "rik, rik, rik" sound like two
marbles hitting together. Boreal chorus frogs sound like a fi nger running
over a comb. Plains leopard frogs make a "chuck-chuck-chu-u-u-ck"
noise, and bullfrogs make the distinctive baritone "jug-o-rum" sound.
What can you hear? Frogs are sensitive to disturbances, so limit noise,
be patient and use a red fi lter on your fl ashlight to navigate to your spot.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
Hunt for morels at
Indian Cave
As weather allows; typically mid-April
through May | Indian Cave State Park
Indian Cave is a popular morel hunting
destination, with plenty of space to
accommodate foragers. Mushroom enthusiast
Chance Brueggemann recommends getting
creative and searching areas most people
won't go — away from main roads or into
brushy areas. He fi nds most morels by elm
trees, ash trees or cottonwoods. Look for trees
that are dying or recently dead, and head
out after a good rain followed by some nice,
sunny days.
ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
Visit Merritt Reservoir
for International Dark
Sky Week
Throughout the month | Merritt Reservoir
State Recreation Area
This year, International Dark Sky Week is April
2-8, and what better way to celebrate than by
experiencing Nebraska's fi rst International Dark
Sky Park? Merritt off ers some of the darkest skies
in the world, making for spectacular stargazing.
During your stay, you can also enjoy boating,
picnicking, camping and some of Nebraska's best
fi shing. Learn more or book your campsite at
OutdoorNebraska.gov.
ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
