With the annual dove season opener on Sept. 1, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has some reminders for hunters, as well as recommendations for areas to hunt.

Doves are abundant statewide and, with generous bag limits, provide excellent wing-shooting opportunities. Mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves and white-winged doves may be hunted statewide Sept. 1 – Oct. 30, 2025, with aggregate daily bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

Sunflowers, millet and wheat, which generally provide good food sources and dove hunting opportunities, were planted on numerous wildlife management areas earlier this year. For a listing of these “dove fields,” view the 2025 Dove Hunting Fact Sheet at OutdoorNebraska.gov on the “Other small game” webpage.

Preseason scouting is recommended due to changing habitat conditions. All publicly accessible sites throughout the state – including federal, state, conservation partner and private lands enrolled in Game and Parks’ Open Fields and Waters Program – are displayed in the 2025-2026 Public Access Atlas, which can be found at OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas. Private lands throughout the state, where permission is required, also provide excellent hunting opportunities for doves.

Nebraska residents 16 years and older and all nonresidents are required to have a valid Nebraska small game hunting permit, habitat stamp and Harvest Information Program number. Federal and state migratory bird hunting stamps, or duck stamps, are not required to hunt doves. Shotgun plugs restricting shell capacity to no more than three shells are also required.

Hunters who harvest a dove with a leg band should contact the U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory at reportband.gov. In addition, randomly selected hunters will be asked to save one wing from each dove during the first week of the season and mail them postage-free to the Service.

Eurasian collared-doves also may be harvested between Oct. 31, 2025, and Aug. 31, 2026, with bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively.

Find the Public Access Atlas and summaries of hunting regulations in the Small Game and Waterfowl Guide at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Purchase permits or register for your free HIP number at GoOutdoorsNE.com or at any Game and Parks office.

Commissioners approve 2026 mountain lion season

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved a 2026 mountain lion hunting season at its Aug. 22 meeting in McCook.

Commissioners approved a season in three hunting units, increasing the harvest limit in one unit while keeping them the same in the other two.

The harvest limit in the Niobrara Unit will be a maximum of six mountain lions, with a sublimit of three females, up from four lions and a sublimit of two females the previous season. The maximum harvest in the Wildcat Hills Unit will remain at three, with a sublimit of two females; and the harvest limit in the Pine Ridge Unit will remain at 12 with a sublimit of six females.

The increased harvest limit for the Niobrara population is based on information showing the population is likely expanding. The Wildcat Hills population is likely significantly reduced compared to the previous season due to a high number of documented mortalities from various causes in that unit, with the limit remaining unchanged due to input from local landowners received by the Commission at the June meeting.

The objective for the Pine Ridge and Niobrara units is to provide a harvest opportunity for mountain lions that allows the population to remain resilient and healthy, while reducing the population in the Pine Ridge and keeping the population stable or slowing growth in the Niobrara Valley. The objective for the Wildcat Hills is to provide a harvest opportunity for mountain lions that will reduce the population.

Season 1 in all three units would take place Jan. 2, 2026, through the end of February. The season would end immediately in a unit if the annual harvest limit or female sub-limit were reached.

Up to 960 permits could be issued by lottery in the Pine Ridge Unit, up to 480 permits in the Niobrara Unit, and up to 240 permits in the Wildcat Hills Unit. Permits are available to residents only.

An auxiliary season that allows the use of dogs would be March 14-31, 2026, if the annual harvest limit or female sub-limit were not reached during Season 1 in that unit, and would close immediately if either the limit or female sublimit for the unit is met. A number of permits equal to the number of lions remaining in the limit would be issued by lottery to unsuccessful permit holders from that unit who apply for the auxiliary season.

The commissioners also approved a 2026 bighorn sheep regular hunting season, authorizing one lottery and one auction permit for the Dec. 1-22, 2026, season.

Also, commissioners approved fee increases that include resident and nonresident hunt and fish permits, paddlefish, youth, multiyear, combination, big game, and lottery, application fees, and nonresident aquatic invasive species stamp.

In other business, commissioners:

approved hunting in some state parks and state historical parks for the 2025 seasons; a list may be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov by searching “state park hunting”;
renamed the 703-acre Twin Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Rock County the Nick Lyman Wildlife Management Area in honor of the former Game and Parks waterfowl biologist for his 40 years of service to waterfowl conservation and management;
approved the Bighorn Sheep Restoration Facility Plan, a plan to construct a series of pens to hold bighorn sheep to test and monitor for disease so that healthy sheep can eventually be moved back to the wild; and
approved the third edition of the Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan, the state’s wildlife action plan, to conserve species of greatest conservation need and keep common species common.

Staff also gave the following updates:

Fisheries Division staff gave an update on partnerships and collaborations for fisheries management of Nebraska’s public water bodies and on outreach in urban and rural communities;
introduced the southwest district south subdistrict law enforcement team, including Sgt. Kelsey Glodowski, Sophia Gobber, Tyler Adelman, and Bryce Streger, who were in attendance; and
an overview of events commemorating the 30^th anniversary of the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail.

Carol Schlegel, of McCook/Red Willow County Visitors Bureau, was presented with a Prominent Partner Award for her exceptional contributions to ecotourism, outdoor recreation and conservation.

Commissioners approve increase to hunt, fish permit fees

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved fee increases at its Aug. 22 meeting in McCook.

The fees, which include fishing, hunting, applications and nonresident aquatic invasive species stamp fees, will take effect with 2026 permit sales, pending approval by the state.

This increase in hunt and fish permit fees will be used for fish and wildlife management and conservation across the state.

The average fee increase is 14%, well below the maximum of 18% allowed by statute.

Resident fees were last increased in 2017, nonresident small game and fish in 2021, and to nonresident big game in 2024.

The amended fees are:

Hunt – Resident annual, $17; resident 3-year, $47.50; resident 5-year, $69; nonresident annual, $125; nonresident 3-year, $342; nonresident 5-year, $515; nonresident youth, $17; nonresident 2-day, $86.

Fish – Resident annual, *$23; nonresident annual, *$77.50; resident 1-day, $8; resident 3-year, $64; resident 5-year, $96; nonresident 1-day, $13.50; resident 3-day, *$15; nonresident 3-day, *$22; nonresident 3-year, $214; nonresident 5-year, $325.

Paddlefish – Resident, $25; nonresident, $50.

Hunt/fish combination – Resident annual, *$39; nonresident annual, *$187.50; resident 3-year, $109; resident 5-year, $166; nonresident 3-year, $514; nonresident 5-year, $774.

Deer – Resident, $39; resident youth, $5.50; resident statewide buck only (whitetail only), $97.50; resident statewide buck only (any deer), $195; resident restricted statewide buck only (any deer), $140; resident special antlerless only, $12.50; nonresident, $369; nonresident youth, $5.50; nonresident statewide buck only (whitetail only), $835; nonresident statewide buck only (any deer), $1,110; nonresident restricted statewide buck (any deer), $885; nonresident season choice antlerless only, $100; nonresident special antlerless only, $100; resident landowner, $19.50; nonresident landowner, $184.50.

Antelope – Resident, $39; resident youth, $5.50; resident landowner, $19.50; nonresident, $257; nonresident youth, $5.50; nonresident landowner, $128.50; nonrefundable application fee, $7.

Bighorn Sheep – Resident application fee, $34.

Mountain Lion – Application fee, $17.50.

Elk – Resident nonrefundable application fee, $11; nonresident nonrefundable application fee, $11; resident, $196; resident landowner, $41; nonresident landowner, $588.

Turkey – Resident, $31; resident youth, $5.50; nonresident, $155; nonresident youth, $5.50; resident landowner, $15.50; nonresident landowner, $77.50.

Lottery – Super Tag, resident single entry, $29; Super Tag, resident and nonresident multiple entry, $11.50; Combo, resident and nonresident multiple entry, $11.50.

Controlled Shoot – Controlled Shooting Area License, $198; nonresident Controlled Shooting Area License, $17.50.

Stamps – Nonresident aquatic invasive species stamp, $17.50.

Those with an asterisk have additional fees that apply.

Channel catfish stockings to boost angling opportunities

To meet management objectives, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will begin stocking more than 150,000 10-inch channel catfish into over 180 water bodies across the state.

These catfish stockings, beginning in late August and continuing into September, will take place in city ponds and rural reservoirs, giving anglers of all ages additional chances to reel in this popular sport fish.

Matthew Perrion, Game and Parks’ fish production supervisor, said this annual effort is designed to bolster fishing opportunities in numerous public waters where natural recruitment may be limited due to habitat constraints or predation.

“Nebraska’s fisheries management includes a large stocking program to maintain and enhance angling resources, particularly when natural reproduction falls short,” Perrion said. “Historically, Game and Parks’ Fisheries Division has stocked ‘advanced fingerling’ channel catfish – typically around 9 to 10 inches – as larger fish are better equipped to avoid predators and thrive in their new environments. By stocking the catfish across a wide array of waters, the division aims to bolster Nebraska’s fishing opportunities and offer family-friendly opportunities statewide.”

These catfish are well-prepared for stocking; they were raised from fry at the North Platte State Fish Hatchery beginning in June 2024, overwintered, and then split between the Calamus State Fish Hatchery and the North Platte State Fish Hatchery facility ponds for additional space and further growth.

Find more information about fishing in Nebraska at OutdoorNebraska.gov/fish. To view locations where channel catfish have been stocked, search “Fish Stocking Database” and fill in the form.

Send in grouse wings to help wildlife management

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct its annual grouse wing collection during the upcoming upland season starting Sept. 1.

Hunters in the zone east of U.S. Highway 81 already are required to send in wings, but hunters in the zone west of the highway also are encouraged to participate.

Hunters in the east zone are required to have a “special grouse permit” prior to hunting, in addition to a hunt permit and habitat stamp. This special grouse permit is free, but availability is limited to 400 overall and one per hunter. Requests for this permit are accepted in person at the Game and Parks headquarters in Lincoln, by phone at 402-471-5431, by mail or by email at ngpc.eastzonegrouse@nebraska.gov.

East zone hunters will be issued a hunt diary to record their hunting efforts, as well as wing envelopes to send in a wing from each harvested grouse.

Those hunting in the west zone who are interested in participating will be sent postage paid envelopes for wings to be submitted. Requests can be made to Bryan O’Connor, Game and Parks’ upland game program manager, at bryan.oconnor@nebraska.gov or 308-293-0102.

The annual wing collection allows Game and Parks to monitor harvest and hunter effort, while also identifying the age structure and assessing grouse population trends. A wildlife biologist will age each wing submitted to determine the ratio of juvenile to adult birds harvested; this information helps determine how successful grouse reproduction was for the current year.

“We encourage participation from hunters in the west zone so we can increase our sample size and get a better representation of harvest and age structure across the state,” O’Connor said.

Hunters can view a new Grouse Wing Collection Guide at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Find it on the Upland Game Research Program page.

All data collected will help wildlife biologists make management decisions in the future that benefit the grouse population.

Prairie grouse season begins Sept. 1 and ends Jan. 31, 2026. Learn more about upland hunting and Game and Parks wildlife management efforts at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search for “upland.”

2025-2026 Public Access Atlas now available

There are more than a million acres of publicly accessible lands throughout Nebraska. The recently published 2025-2026 Public Access Atlas identifies and consolidates these public access resources for the benefit of Nebraska’s hunters, trappers and anglers.

Printed copies of this year’s atlas are available at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission headquarters and soon will be available in its district offices and service centers, as well as wherever hunt and fish permits are sold.

The Public Access Atlas also is available online at OutdoorNebraska.gov in several formats: interactive atlas map, offline atlas (mobile-friendly), digital flipbook and Google Earth KMZ files.

The atlas is updated annually and displays all publicly accessible lands throughout the state, including state, federal and conservation partner lands.

Private lands enrolled in Game and Parks’ Open Fields and Waters Program also are included in the atlas. Open Fields and Waters is a voluntary program that provides financial incentives to private landowners allowing walk-in, public access for hunting, trapping and/or fishing. Finding places to hunt and fish can be a challenge for hunters and anglers but, thanks to Nebraska’s landowners, 435,000 acres of private lands are available through this voluntary program.

Catch these Game and Parks education events in September

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in September.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on Sept. 2

Get ready to go birding by participating in the new Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area.

On Sept. 2, the topic for the free, bird-related program for all ages will be raptors. Learn about the types of raptors in Nebraska and how to identify them.

Schramm hosts Little Saplings on Sept. 3

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2025 series, which occurs on the first Wednesday of the month, returns Sept. 3 with the theme monarch butterflies at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $5 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Discover ‘Science of’ freshwater predators

Explore the world of Nebraska’s freshwater predators and their role in maintaining balanced aquatic ecosystems. Learn about the adaptations that make species like northern pike, snapping turtles and river otters effective hunters in their habitats Sept. 4 as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.

In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.

Kayak Cleanup at Walnut Creek Lake

Wildlife and people need clean and healthy spaces to live and enjoy. Join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor educators Sept. 4 at Papillion’s Walnut Creek Lake for a night of service – removing trash from the lake while kayaking.

Trash bags and gloves will be provided as leaders and volunteers clean up trash from 6-8 p.m.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own kayaks, but a limited number of kayaks will be available on a first-come basis. Registration is required.

For more information, including where to meet, and to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Bluebirding workshop in Lincoln Sept. 6

Learn how to help increase the population of bluebirds in your area by attending a free workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 6 at Lincoln’s Turpin Outdoor Education Center.

Bluebirds Across Nebraska will host the workshop. Nest boxes and poles will be available for purchase for $15 per set. Buy two and receive a free Bluebirds Across Nebraska membership. Those who do not purchase nest boxes also will be able to sign up for memberships.

To register for the event, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Wildcat Tales preschool program is Sept. 9

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Sept. 9 with the theme birds of Nebraska.

The program will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wise and Wild is Sept. 9 at James Family Conservatory

Wise and Wild is a program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It is at 3 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On Sept. 9 the topic for this free event will be monarch butterfly tagging. September is a great month for observing butterflies. Learn the process of tagging monarchs around the pollinator garden.

Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night: Invasive Species

Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night: Invasive Species on Sept. 10 at Code Beer Company in Lincoln.

Get your teams of no more than five players and be ready to compete for prizes. Registration is not required. This event from 7-9 p.m. is for adults only and free to attend, but a purchase from the host site is encouraged.

For more information and or questions, email monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov.

Go on Spider Night Hike at Schramm

Schramm Park State Recreation Area will host a Spider Night Hike on Sept. 11.

Bring your flashlight or headlamp and gather at 7:30 p.m. at the park shelter next to Pond A. Participants will search for sparkling webs and reflective eyes as they hunt for amazing arachnids on the Hackberry Trail.

Pond A is the first pond as you enter the park. Contact jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov or 402-332-3901 with questions about this free program.

Seeds and mushrooms are topics of Two Rivers programs

Learn all about seeds and mushrooms in two programs hosted at Two Rivers State Recreation Area in September.

Pinecone Pals – Discover the different ways seeds are distributed and explore their unique characteristics during the Pinecone Pals program on Sept. 13. Check out some seed samples and be creative as you craft with pinecones. Join us at the pavilion east of the caboose park anytime between 1 and 4 p.m.

‘M’ is for Mycelium – There are many types of mushrooms in Nebraska, and they can grow in the most interesting places. Learn about the different types in our state and search for some in the park during the ‘M’ is for Mycelium program Sept. 27. Meet at the pavilion east of the caboose park anytime between 1 and 4 p.m.

Mussel monitoring subject of webinar

The Master Naturalist Mondays virtual webinar series continues at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 15 with Mussel Monitoring.

Join presenter Jesse Bolli, a resource management specialist with Homestead National Historical Park, as he answers questions while introducing participants to the park’s mussels, explaining why they are important.

Nebraska Master Naturalist is a statewide volunteer conservation program. The program recruits, trains, manages, and provides resources for our volunteer naturalist members. This free webinar series hosts a variety of presenters and subject matter. It allows Nebraska Master Naturalist to connect to its conservation motivations and inspirations and its naturalist community across the state.

For more information or to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Email any questions to jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov.

Homeschool Hikes set for Sept. 17-18 at Schramm

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Sept. 17 and 1 p.m. Sept. 18. This month's theme is raptors.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Wildcat Hills homeschool program to focus on birds

Learn about Nebraska’s amazing birds through stories and hands-on activities Sept. 18 during the Birds of Nebraska homeschool program at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

The free program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations and habitats found only in western Nebraska.

For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Explore Nature at Nightfall at Prairie Pines

Prairie Pines Nature Preserve will host Nature at Nightfall from 6-10:30 p.m. Sept. 27.

This evening celebration of nature is a chance to meet live reptiles and amphibians, view the night sky, go on a night hike, observe bat netting science, discover moths, enjoy owl presentations and more.

Parking is limited, so registrations are restricted to 230 guests.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register and get more information.

Mahoney SP to host Beginner Fishing Fair

Learn all about fish when you drop in at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sept. 30 for the Beginner Fishing Fair.

Stations will be set up for visitors to learn all about fishing and participate in fishing-related activities. All ages are welcome, and youth must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants will be able to get a youth fishing permit, learn about Nebraska fish species, make a fishing lure, practice casting with Backyard Bass, learn how to tie fishing knots, create fishy art, and much more.

Explore the parks with these Game and Parks events in September

Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. During September, a variety of events are planned for those for all ages and interests.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Arbor Lodge to host Mystery at the Mansion

Come to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park on Sept. 6 for Mystery at the Manson. This old-fashioned whodunit will take place at Arbor Lodge Mansion from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 6 features Murder Among Mateys.

Solve clues, look for evidence and break the case while mingling. Participants will receive a character to portray as they arrive at the mansion. Wear your own pirate attire or select from our props. This event is family friendly. Plan to arrive at the mansion by 6:15 p.m.

Space is limited. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to purchase tickets.

Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson SHP

Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park during Living History Weekend on Sept. 6-7.

Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park. Reenactors portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.

The park will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $5 per adult and $1 per child. For more information, email ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov, call 402-468-5611 or visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/location/fort-atkinson/.

Enjoy stargazing Sept. 12 at Mahoney SP

Come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland on Sept. 12 and enjoy some summer stargazing.

Telescopes will be provided so visitors may get a glimpse at the night sky beginning at dusk. Meet behind the park’s golf shack for this free event from 9-11:30 p.m. Remember to bring camp chairs or blankets.

The rain date is Sept. 13.

Discover biodiversity at Chadron State Park

Join natural resource experts and community volunteers as they explore the biodiversity of Chadron State Park at a bioblitz on Sept. 12-13.

This free, family-friendly event is part of Biodiversity in State Parks, a community science initiative led by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Dogs are not permitted, as they may disturb local wildlife.

Participants should come ready for hikes over uneven terrain. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and don’t forget to bring water and bug spray.

Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for a schedule.

Moonshell Storytelling Festival is Sept. 13

A daylong celebration of the art of storytelling is scheduled for Sept. 13 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. The Moonshell Storytelling Festival will take place at the outdoor pavilion.

This year's storytellers are Kim Weitkamp, Jeff Doyle, Carolina Quiroga and Darrin Crow. The event, free with a park permit, is presented by Nebraska StoryArts.

Workshops will be held at Peter Kiewit Lodge for $40 each or $70 for two. Register by emailing NEStoryArts@gmail.com or calling 402-312-4749.

American Military Timeline at Fort Hartsuff SHP

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park will host an American Military Timeline on Sept. 13.

Join the Fremont Pathfinders, Friends of Fort Hartsuff and others from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for demonstrations and displays on the history of the American military – from the Revolutionary War through the present.

The historical buildings and gift shop will be open.

In addition to park admission, there will be a charge of $5 for adults and $1 for children.

Collect acorns to grow oaks at Schramm Park SRA

Schramm Park State Recreation Area is holding a volunteer opportunity Sept. 16 to assist with oak woodland restoration efforts.

Join Nebraska Game and Parks staff in collecting acorns to grow into oak trees to be planted in the forest next year. We also will work on trail maintenance, brush piling, and forest floor cleanup along the Hackberry and Red Cedar trails.

Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and long pants, bring water, and outdoor work gloves. Long sleeves are also recommended. All ages are welcome, but anyone under the age of 18 must have an accompanying adult.

Meet at the park shelter next to Pond A at 9 a.m.

Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register. Email jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov with any questions.

Mahoney SP to host Platte River Art Show

The Platte River Art Show, hosted by Nye Street Studio, will be Sept. 26-28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Located in Peter Kiewit Lodge, the show will kick off with a wine and cheese reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26. The show continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the next two days, with artists on both levels of the lodge.

Guests can enjoy paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery and more at “The Most Prestigious Art Show on the River.”

Birds, Bagels and Birdability event at Wildcat Hills

Come to Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area on Sept. 27 for a welcoming and inclusive morning of birding, breakfast and fun.

This Birdability event is designed with accessibility in mind, offering two ways to participate:

Indoor Birding Experience – Enjoy accessible indoor bird viewing with comfortable seating and great views of feeder and habitat areas.

Guided Bird Hike – Explore a half-mile trail over hard-packed dirt with natural terrain that includes some uneven sections and gentle slopes.

Hosted by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Birdablity of Nebraska, and Nebraska Game and Parks, this 9 a.m. Mountain time event invites participants of all ages and abilities to witness bird science in action at the Wildcat Hills Bird Banding Station. Watch birds up close, learn about banding efforts that support conservation, and connect with fellow nature lovers.

For more information, call Amanda at 308-436-3777.

Vanderheiden Run donations hit $40,000

They stood on the Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail, presenting an oversized check for $13,000 to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission — the total raised during the annual Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run in 2025.

That check brings the total raised during the run — an event aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health — to more than $40,000 in the past five years.

Each dollar is donated to Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails. In 2025, funds were earmarked for the Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, a stretch of trail that is part of a 13.1-mile system connecting the recreation area to Cottonmill Park in Kearney.

“We’re honored to share the proceeds from the 2025 Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run to enhancing the Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail, a peaceful stretch near Kearney that invites people to breathe deeply, reflect quietly, and reconnect with themselves and the world around them,” said Shannon Vanderheiden, the event’s co-organizer.

“Tyler loved the outdoors,” she added. “He often said he felt closest to God beneath open skies, surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty. By supporting spaces like Fort Kearny, we celebrate that connection and extend it to others who seek peace, clarity or a moment of stillness.”

This year’s donation is being used as a match to access up to $52,000 in federal Recreation Trails Program funds after a successful Game and Parks grant application in January 2025. The dollars will be used to redeck the bridge along the Fort Kearny Hike-Bile Trail, a coveted spot for sandhill crane viewers.

Event co-organizers Shannon and Tim Vanderheiden, Tyler’s parents, and Trudy Merritt, Platte River Fitness Series director, presented a check to Game and Parks on Aug. 5. Sydney Keller, Tyler’s sister, who is instrumental to the race and its promotion, was unable to attend.

“We are incredibly thankful the Vanderheidens continue to turn a defining moment in their lives into support for mental health awareness,” said Jeff Fields, parks division administrator at Nebraska Game and Parks. “We know the outdoors can be a space for rejuvenation and healing, and because of their support, we are able to maintain or improve trails for everyone.”

Runners from every state in the nation and every county in Nebraska participated either virtually or in-person in the May 31 race in Cody Park in North Platte. United around raising mental health awareness, participants used the hashtags #PreventSuicide and #Run4TJV when they shared their race stories, memories of Tyler and their connection to the outdoors.

“Memorial races like this one resonate with runners in a special way. Attaching something bigger than ourselves to a hard effort creates space for meaning making, something necessary for human flourishing,” Merritt said. “Physical activity is essential to good mental health, and this race speaks to their interrelated nature.”

The annual run began in 2020 with the intent of being a space for healing and support for those who struggle with mental health or know someone who has. People across the state and nation have connected with its message, helping to spread the word and shine a light on mental health and available resources.

The 2026 race is set for May 30.

Proceeds will continue to be donated to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation for the creation, maintenance or upgrade of trails at state park areas across the state. To learn more, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for “Vanderheiden Run.”

Regional

State

Sports