NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1523285
14 Nebraskaland • July 2024 Fill a balloon with air. Then let out half of it. That's what many Nebraska lake shorelines look like this time of year. Either drawn down for irrigation or drought stricken, these shorelines aren't eye-appealing. At least not for adults. But for kids, a few extra feet of exposed shoreline is beautiful, especially considering that their eyes will be glued to the sand below. What They'll Find From frogs and fish to shells and rocks, there are endless possibilities for discovery in the sand. Old and new fishing lures, tadpoles and marble-sized toads, a walk through the sand will bring any number of surprises. Digging in the sand can also bring observations of invertebrates such as worms, beetles or snails. In certain areas, kids could stumble on historical artifacts such as arrowheads or pottery fragments. These discoveries can spark curiosity and wonder about the stories behind them. What They'll Need A net is a must. It is a teacher and classroom all by itself. Nothing is more fun than watching a kid try to catch significantly faster fish with a hand net. If the netting is smaller, then there is a better chance to catch minnows and even tadpoles. Also bring a small container of some sort. It's not worth catching something if you can't look at it for a little while before releasing it. This curiosity will encourage children to ask questions, leading them to discover so much more right at their feet. What They'll Learn The lessons are endless. Tadpoles will begin to grow legs, or morph, at different sizes; those fish fry are not all "minnows," some are small versions of the big fish you're catching; leopard frogs are wicked fast; there are crayfish in your lake; there are also fossils; and there are some beautiful rocks to be discovered as well. A kid's interest will vary considerably from your own. The great part about the low water is that both of you can pursue the passions of your choice — whether it's your late afternoon jaunt to catch dinner or your child's desire to catch just about anything. Exploring shorelines can teach children about the impacts of human activity in the environment as well, as they may encounter erosion or litter, which can lead to discussions about conservation and stewardship. By engaging with nature in this way, kids can foster a sense of wonder and respect for the world around them, setting the foundation for lifelong appreciation of the environment — whether the shorelines are eye-appealing or not. By Jeff Kurrus and Monica Macoubrie LET'S GET LOW IN THE FIELD During low water situations, looking for frogs near lake edges is an exciting activity for kids. With net in hand, places like Two Rivers State Recreation Area, seen here, are prime locations for discovery. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND