28 Nebraskaland • April 2026
Outdoor
By Jeff Kurrus
Green surrounds us. Take advantage of spring
with a variety of activities that include hiking,
hunting and counting butterflies. Then, when the
sun sets, cook up a mess of fish for dinner.
N
Big Butterfly Count
April and May | Statewide
Nebraska's Big Butterfly Count is a community science project designed to collect
population and habitat data to better understand butterf ly diversity across
Nebraska. Training is required to contribute to this project, and workshops and field
days will take place in April and May. During these workshops participants will
learn about community science, identifying eastern and central Nebraska butterfly
species, and how to conduct surveys for Nebraska's Big Butterfly Count. Volunteers
will conduct a survey at least once every other week, from May 1 through
Sept. 30. Learn more at OutdoorNebraska.gov by searching for "big butterfly count."
BRIANNA NUGENT
Frying
Largemouths
April | Select Fisheries
L a rge m o u t h b a s s a re g re a t i n t h e
frying pan, grill or oven, and there are
three lakes — Prairie View, Duck Creek
and Prairie Queen — where there is a
15- to 18-inch protected slot, allowing
anglers to legally keep largemouth
bass less than 15 inches and one fish
above 18 inches. At Frye Lake, there is
no minimum length limit and anglers
are allowed one bass over 18 inches.
Look for shallow water next to deeper
contours at these lakes and enjoy
having the water to yourself. Visit
OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides for the
complete regulations.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
Neb
