August-September 2024 • Nebraskaland 31
What To Do in August and September
Try the Go Ape ropes course
Dates vary; generally Fridays to Mondays in August
and September | Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Whether you're looking for a fun afternoon with family or
friends, a team-building activity or a rush of adrenaline, you
can fi nd it with this treetop experience — the only one like it in
Nebraska. This high-ropes adventure course features suspended
obstacles, breathtaking zip lines and incredible views. A less-
intense course, Treetop Journey, is available for kids, while
Treetop Adventure is designed for adults. Make a reservation
or learn more at GoApe.com/location/Nebraska-Ashland or by
calling 1-800-971-8271.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
Fish for channel catfi sh
at Merritt
A peak time is August and September
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
It's late summer, and fi shing can be tough.
However, catfi sh can still be caught; they're a
warm-water species, have fi nished spawning
and are feeding now to get ready for winter.
While you might catch more catfi sh in other
places, you've got the best chance at big catfi sh
at Merritt Reservoir, up to 20 pounds and maybe
more. You can fi sh from either a boat or the
bank, and blood baits are a favorite this time of
year.
DARYL BAUER, NGPC FISHERIES
Look for cicada killer wasps
In Nebraska, time frame to see them is
July and August | Statewide
While these insects have an intimidating name — and
even an intimidating appearance, thanks to their large
bodies and the stingers that females have — they are
not aggressive toward humans, and usually only sting
people if directly handled or threatened. Spot them
around lawns, sidewalks, driveways, golf course sand
traps and garden beds. Females are busy hunting and
capturing cicadas for their nests, which serve as food
for the larvae. Cicada killer wasps help control insect
populations and assist in pollination, so rather than
fear them, be thankful for them!
JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND
