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/668245
at state parks, the Rendezvous relies heavily on staff and volunteers, especially those in the northeastern district. It's an all-hands-on-deck kind of event, each year requiring about 120 bodies to run programs, set up, teardown, prepare lunches, provide security, other support, first aid, and more. Wildlife and fisheries biologists and law enforcement from all corners of the district, and some from other districts, come to offer their services, while employees from other parks leave their stations for a day to help out. Volunteers from nearby Niobrara are also crucial to the Rendezvous' success. All work tirelessly, though they do not go unrewarded. Dan Sutherland, park superintendent at Willow Creek State Recreation Area, has helped with the Rendezvous since day one. He sees it as an opportunity for staff to positively impact the next generation and to pass on a little bit of what they know and love. "I have never felt so rewarded for being so tired," Sutherland said. "Seeing the pure joy on a young face after they've caught a squirming trout or after having shot a bullseye with a bow and arrow or pellet gun for the first time is time very well spent." Offering over 40 master naturalist programs taught by local talent, Rettig is comfortable with the current size of the Rendezvous. However, parking is an issue on this busy day, and he and staff are working to improve parking so the event can expand. Averaging 700 kids now, Rettig hopes attendance will reach 1,000 in the near future. "It's all about getting kids back outdoors, getting unplugged from their computers, and taking advantage of that swing set in their backyards or state park or a wooded area or getting out fishing. The Niobrara Rendezvous is a great place to make family memories. It's something that they'll remember forever – the first time they went fishing with mom and dad, grandpa or grandma," Rettig said. The Rendezvous is a safe and encouraging environment for kids to pick up new outdoor hobbies, and with all the different programs offered – from fishing to outdoor photography to wetland and grassland programs – staff and volunteers ultimately hope to introduce these young students to different career paths in wildlife conservation for the future. ■ If your school would like to be included on the Outdoor Education Rendezvous invitation list, contact Niobrara State Park at 402-857-3373. A young girl winces at her first catch – a bluegill. Horseback riding is offered at Niobrara SP's Outdoor Education Rendezvous. Summer wranglers return to help at the May event to kick off the new park season. All 20 cabins at Niobrara State Park have undergone major renovations, including new carpet, doors, windows, siding, and roofs. New TVs have been put into every cabin. The lodge is available for rental, whether for weddings or family reunions. The Buffalo Cookout Pavilion may soon be open for rental as well. Lodging and Amenities MAY 2016 • NEBRASKAland 59 l. Niobrara State Park