The section of the Dismal River between the Seneca bridge and the Jameson bridge in Thomas County was reported to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as impassable due to log jams.

Downed trees have fallen into the river within steep canyons, creating large blockages and unsafe conditions for kayakers and canoers along this 12-river-mile stretch.

Game and Parks recommends those choosing to paddle the river enter at the put-in at Highway 97, south of Mullen, and exit the river at the Seneca bridge; this is about 15 river miles.

Game and Parks does not own or manage any segment of the river for recreational use and cannot guarantee conditions along the other segments of the Dismal River trail. Much of the land along the river is privately-owned.

Paddlers are reminded that riverbeds and all adjacent lands are the property of the landowner through which the water flows. They also should follow the following safety guidance, no matter which water trail they are paddling:

  • Wear a life jacket and sunscreen.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Pack a first aid kit and tether ropes.
  • If you capsize, avoid the downstream side of the canoe.
  • In an emergency, call 911. Know that many stretches of river trails are in remote locations without cell phone service. Be prepared and tell someone your travel plans before you hit the water.

 

Enjoy paddleboarding adventures with these 7 safety tips

As the popularity of stand-up paddleboarding continues to rise, Nebraska Game and Parks reminds paddlers to follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

Check your equipment

Before leaving home and again at the destination, make sure your paddleboard and other equipment are in good condition. If you are using an inflatable stand-up paddleboard, inflate it to the proper PSI before launching.

Wear a leash

Always wear the leash that connects you to your board. If you fall off, it will ensure your board doesn’t travel without you.

Ankle leashes are great for calm water, but quick-release waist-belt leashes are good for rivers or water bodies where waves, unpredictable wind or underwater hazards can be an issue.

Wear a PFD

In Nebraska, a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device is required on the paddleboard for each person on the vessel. Children aged 12 and under must always wear a properly sized PFD.

Nebraska Game and Parks recommends every paddler — no matter their age — wear a well-fitting life jacket designed for paddle sports.

Know the forecast

Check the weather — and wind conditions — in advance of your trip and again throughout the day. Sudden changes in weather can lead to rocky water and potential lightning strikes, which can put you at risk. Wind also can quickly make paddling difficult and increase your risk of capsizing and life-threatening situations. Always be prepared.

Gather local knowledge

Paddling someplace new? Ask a local for advice about where to paddle — including coves, what water features to be aware of and other local effects that may affect your adventure.

Tell someone you’re paddling

Whenever possible, paddle with a friend, but when you can’t, be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Consider check-in calls throughout the day.

Pay attention

Avoid distractions and focus on the water around you. On most water bodies, paddlers are sharing the space with boaters and personal watercraft users who are moving much faster. Paddlers should make themselves visible and expect interactions in congested spaces. Do your part to remain safe.

 

Catch these Game and Parks education events in August

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

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.

Here are some opportunities:

Two Rivers SRA’s Outdoor Learning program continues

A new education series, Outdoor Learning, continues at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. All events are from 8 a.m.-noon at the pavilion east of the Caboose Park, unless otherwise noted.

Aug. 2 – Owl Awareness Day: Celebrate this occasion as you learn about these nocturnal hunters, dissect owl pellets and more.

Aug. 9 – Aquatic Ecology: Collect, observe and learn about the fascinating creatures that call our lakes home and indicate the health of the environment. Meet at the Lake No. 4 parking lot.

Aug. 16 – Critter Clues: Be a wildlife detective and uncover clues left behind in the wild as you observe tracks, fur, scat and more.

Treehouse Classroom offers Nature Poetry Workshop 

The new Treehouse Classroom is open at Schramm Park State Recreation Area and a fun program for all ages is scheduled.

Nature Poetry Workshop, at 3 p.m. Aug. 4, is a free beginner poetry-writing program led by a naturalist who will guide writers through forms of nature poetry inspired by the park’s beauty.  

Flock to Birds of a Feather on Aug. 5

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 Aug. 5, the topic for the free, bird-related program for all ages will be woodpeckers. Discover which species stay in Nebraska all year and which are occasional visitors.

Schramm hosts Little Saplings on Aug. 6

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 the first Wednesday of the month, returns Aug. 6 with the theme bird beaks 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.

Mahoney SP to host Nature Journaling program

Get creative this summer at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park by starting a nature journal. At a 3 p.m. nature journaling program Aug. 7 and 14, learn how to observe nature and record what you notice.

Meet in the lobby of the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center. Supplies will be provided. The program will utilize both the indoors and outside.

All ages and abilities are welcome to this free activity.

Explore Nature at Nightfall at Platte River SP

Platte River State Park will host Nature at Nightfall from 6-10:30 p.m. Aug. 8.

This evening celebration of nature is a chance to meet live animals, view the night sky, go on a night hike, observe bat netting science, discover moths, find pond critters and more.

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

Snakes of Nebraska event returns to Schramm

The Schramm Education Center will host its annual Snakes of Nebraska event from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 9-10.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln herpetologist Dennis Ferraro and his lab will lead a live snake encounter, set up open-house style in the Schramm Education Center classroom, featuring most of Nebraska’s 29 snake species. Visitors may ask questions and see venomous snakes up close at this free event.

Schramm Education Center admission fees will apply for anyone visiting the Education Center in addition to the event. A state park vehicle permit is not required in the Education Center parking lot.

Email jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov with questions or call 402-332-5022.

Wise and Wild is Aug. 12 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 Aug. 12, the topic for this free event will be fly-tying for beginners. Join us to learn more about the art of fly-tying from members of the Cornhusker Fly Fishing group.

Discover ‘Science of’ water snakes

Explore the world of Nebraska’s water snakes, their adaptations for life in aquatic habitats, behaviors and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Learn how they thrive in the state’s waterways and debunk misconceptions about them Aug. 14 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.

Go bullfrogging with BOW program

The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is offering an opportunity to learn all about bullfrogs at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at Louisville State Recreation Area.

This hands-on program will include instruction on how to catch them safely and responsibly from a kayak or the bank. Participants will learn tips, techniques and regulations for experts. Later in the evening, caught frogs will be cleaned and cooked for those interested in staying.

A Nebraska fishing permit is required for ages 16 and older who participate in frogging.

Registration is required through the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Perception of coyotes subject of webinar

The Master Naturalist Mondays virtual webinar series continues at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 18 with Perceiving Coyote’s Many Angles.

Join presenter Rob Briwa, an education program specialist with Homestead National Historical Park, who will discuss how cultures over time have perceived the coyote. These perceptions entwine with human decision-making about wildlife management in unexpected ways. 

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 Aug. 20-21 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. Aug. 20 and 1 p.m. Aug. 21. This month's theme is bumblebee and monarch butterfly surveys.

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.

 

Gifford Point WMA access permit applications accepted Aug. 1-15

People interested in hunting deer at Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area in Sarpy County this fall may apply for access permits Aug. 1-15. Two hundred of these permits will be issued to allow hunters access to the area.

Applicants must purchase a valid deer permit and then provide their deer permit type and associated permit number on their application.

The use of rimfire and centerfire rifles or handguns is prohibited at Gifford. Muzzleloaders are not allowed during the November firearm deer season.

The Gifford permit allows access to take deer with archery equipment from Sept. 1, 2025, through Jan. 15, 2026, and with a muzzleloader from Dec. 1, 2025, through Jan. 15, 2026, as specified by the deer permit. Successful applicants will be issued a combination for the lock to access the gate to the WMA. Only persons with a valid access authorization will be allowed on the area.

Deer hunters may apply as "buddies," which ensures that both or neither will draw an access permit. Only two persons may apply as buddies and both must apply on the same application. A buddy permit does not allow party hunting. Individuals must harvest his or her own animal.

Vehicle access will be limited to the rock road directly adjacent to the 8-foot-high deer fence on Educational Service Unit property. Only foot access to the interior of the area will be allowed.

Applications will be accepted at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices in Lincoln, Omaha and the Schramm Education Center near Gretna. Application forms also are available online at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search “Big game permits and applications.” If applications exceed 200, a drawing will be held. If no drawing is needed, requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applicants will be notified of draw status via email, if provided, following the draw. Applicable permits are Muzzleloader, Statewide Archery, Statewide Youth, or Antlerless Only Season Choice Wahoo. Access permits for Gifford Point WMA are not transferable.

Gifford is closed to all other activities from Aug. 15 through Jan. 15, 2026, including fall turkey hunting and target shooting.

 

Learn about, provide feedback on updated wildlife action plan

Join a virtual meeting Aug. 6 to learn about Nebraska’s updated state wildlife action plan, which outlines conservation efforts and priorities for Nebraska’s most vulnerable plant and animal species.

The Zoom meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. Central time, will cover proposed updates to the plan, known as the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Register to attend the meeting through the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Proposed changes include:

  • Modified Biologically Unique Landscape boundaries;
  • The addition of a Biologically Unique Ecoregion that encompasses the Sandhills
  • The addition of priority watersheds;
  • An updated list of species covered in Tier I and Tier II designations; 44 species were added and 53 were removed;
  • The addition of a list of species that scientists and managers lack sufficient knowledge of to allow for a population assessment;
  • Expanded wildlife-based recreation and education sections.

The plan will be open for public comment Aug. 1 to Aug. 15 at OutdoorNebraska.gov, by searching for “natural legacy.” Those submitting feedback should review the threats and conservation strategies for the BUL nearest to their location.

The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project is part of a nationwide effort to address the needs of declining wildlife populations. More than 700 species have been identified as at-risk in Nebraska.

The plan initially was published in 2005 and updated in 2011. This newest edition will be submitted for approval to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in August and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in October.

The mission of the Natural Legacy Project is to refine and implement a blueprint for conserving Nebraska’s flora, fauna and natural habitats through the proactive, voluntary conservation actions of partners, communities and individuals.

Landowners, partner organizations, public land managers and many others use the plan to guide conservation work that benefits wildlife, habitat and the residents of Nebraska.