July 2024 • Nebraskaland 27
What To Do in July
Visit the aquatic center at Ponca
State Park
Pool hours begin Memorial Day weekend through Labor
Day weekend | Ponca State Park
Ponca State Park's aquatic center is the perfect opportunity to
cool down with family and friends. The facility features a heated
zero-depth entry pool, 172-foot-long water slide, climbing wall,
diving board, spray features, pool games such as basketball and
volleyball, and a concession area. The pool is open 1-6 p.m. Monday
to Thursday and 12-6 p.m. Friday to Sunday. Stop by to relax after
hiking the park's 22 miles of trails or enjoying educational activities
led by naturalists.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
Photograph deer with fawns
June and July | White-tailed deer found
statewide; mule deer in western half of the state
Fawns are typically born in June, giving photographers a
unique chance to get a family portrait in July. Look in any
expanse that you frequently see does; once the fawns
are up and moving around with mom at a couple weeks
of age, they'll use those spaces, too — typically feeding
areas next to thick security cover. Be patient and don't
pressure the deer by trying to get close. Position yourself
in places they might travel past, rather than trying to
sneak toward them. And remember that if you fi nd a
fawn alone, don't move it. Mom is often not far away,
even if she is gone for hours at a time.
BOB GRIER, NEBRASKALAND
Participate in a bioblitz
Evening of July 19 and morning of
July 20 | Wildcat Hills State Recreation
Area
Discover the amazing diversity of animals
and plants that call the Wildcat Hills home.
People of all ages are invited to join natural
resource professionals as they search the park
for creatures, including birds, insects, small
mammals and reptiles. This data will help
researchers learn about the area — while you
get to have fun interacting with experts and
discovering wildlife. Bring sunscreen, bug
spray and hiking boots. For more information,
call the Wildcat Hills Nature Center
at 308-436-3777.
JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
