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/823575
24 NEBRASKAland • MAY 2017 150 Year Activities By Cara Pesek Nebraska turns 150 years old in 2017, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will celebrate this milestone all year long with special events, challenges and other activities showcasing the history and culture of our unique state. These include: • Convergence on Sacred Ground Ash Hollow State Historical Park on July 21-23. This gathering is an effort of the Friends of Ash Hollow, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Lakota Sioux. The history of Native Americans, settlers, cowboys, farmsteaders, fur traders, pioneers and military will be recognized during the event. • 150 Years of Storytelling Ponca State Park on Aug. 1, 7-8 This is a celebration of Nebraska's history and culture through literature and the art of storytelling. • Nebraska 150 Challenge The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has joined the Nebraska Sports Council in the Nebraska 150 challenge – an effort to encourage Nebraskans to run, walk, bike, hike, swim, paddle or otherwise complete 150 miles or more of physical activity throughout 2017. To assist this effort, staff at Nebraska's state parks and recreation areas will offer 150 miles of guided hikes throughout the year. A schedule of guided hikes is at OutdoorNebraska.org/ nebraska150/, with more to be added throughout the spring, summer and fall. • 150 Bird Challenge The challenge consists of listing all of the bird species that you see or hear in Nebraska in 2017, with a goal of reaching 150 species. • Fish 150 Challenge The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission challenges you to celebrate Nebraska's 150th year of statehood by catching 150 fish in Nebraska waters in 2017. ■ May 1 Family Fishing Event Terry's Pit, Terrytown May 6 Mom's Day Archery Fun Shoot Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 6 Take Pride in America Day Verdon Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), Verdon May 6-7 Living History Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP), Fort Calhoun May 13 Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo Fort Kearny State Recreation Area (SRA), Kearney May 14 Mother's Day Buffet Fort Robinson State Park (SP), Crawford May 14 Family Fishing Event, Riverside Discovery Center Zoo Pond, Scottsbluff May 15-June 2 Eligible landowners may apply for one elk permit May 17 Let's Talk Trees Lake Ogallala SRA, Ogallala May 19 National Endangered Species Day and Pizza Party Lake McConaughy SRA, Ogallala May 19-20 Spring Muster Fort Hartsuff SHP, Burwell May 20 Free Fishing and Park Entry Day No fishing or park entry permits required this day May 20 Republican Valley Archery 3-D Shoot Red Willow Reservoir SRA, McCook May 20 Barbecue and Kids' Fishing Derby Fort Robinson SP, Crawford May 20 Wildcat Hills Wildlands Wildcat Hills SRA, Gering May 23 Family Fishing Event Holmes Lake, Lincoln May 25 Family Fishing Event Halleck Lake, Papillion May 25 Evening Acrylics Lake McConaughy SRA, Ogallala May 26 Take Aim at Summer Platte River SP, Louisville May 26 I Spy Lake McConaughy SRA, Ogallala May 27 Migratory Bird Day Indian Cave SP, Shubert May 27 Birds and Bikes Ash Hollow SHP, Lewellen May 28 Fashion a Feeder Lake McConaughy SRA, Ogallala May 30 National Water a Flower Day Lake McConaughy SRA, Ogallala May 31 Spring turkey seasons close Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at 402-471-0641 or visit OutdoorNebraska.org for more information. Visit HuntSafeNebraska. org for a list of hunter education classes and BoatSafeNebraska.org for a list of boating safety classes. by Jerry Kane