May 2024 • Nebraskaland 29
What to Do in May
Look for cecropia moths
May to early July | In hardwood forests statewide
The stunning cecropia moth is the largest native moth in North America,
with a wingspan of around 5 to 7 inches. This is the time of year when
these impressive specimens emerge from their protective cocoon. Cecropia
moths live only about two weeks, focused only on fi nding a mate, breeding
and laying eggs. To view them, visit a hardwood forest at night. Take a
white sheet, drape it over a clothesline, and shine a light onto the sheet.
Bring a moth identifi cation book and see what you discover!
GETTY IMAGES
Youth shotgun
turkey season
April 6 – May 31 | Statewide
Spring turkey hunts are a great way to
connect with your kids, spark their interest
in hunting and pass along your passion for
the outdoors. To have a positive experience,
play on the weather and the interest of the
young hunter. Let him or her help make
some of the decisions, like when and where
to hunt, and how to set up and call. Bring
snacks and take lots of pictures. A ground
blind can add an extra bit of comfort needed
to stay a little longer.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
Visit Long Pine SRA
All year | Long Pine State
Recreation Area
May is a particularly good month to visit
this small jewel of a park; it's an ideal
birding spot during songbird migration
in May. Long Pine is also a popular tubing
destination and boasts some of Nebraska's
best trout fi shing. Other attractions
include an archery range, a 1-mile scenic
hiking trail and plentiful picnicking spots.
Basic campsites are available, so break
out the s'mores, bring your camera and
enjoy a peaceful vacation here.
ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
