4 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2016
Above: Brian Foster runs 108 biuebird boxes and fledges over 200 birds annually southeast of Bartley. "As of April 23, I had 28
active nests with 115 eggs and 16 babies," Foster said.
Below: Beth Merkle photographed lilac in bloom at Arbor Lodge. "One of the things I enjoy about Nebraska is how Nebraskans
embrace the outdoors and all it has to offer," said Merkle. "I lived in Minnesota for 25 years and can count the number of times I
visited a state park on one hand. Relocating here just three years ago I've already visited seven state parks and several historical
and wildlife management areas."
