Anglers can learn the basics of fly tying that will prepare them to catch trout and panfish this spring. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host fly-tying workshops March 5 and 9 at the Turpin Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln.

Members of the Cornhusker Fly Fishers Club will teach the two sessions, which are at 6 p.m. March 5 and 2 p.m. March 9.

The workshop, which is open to new and experienced fly tiers, will include all materials and tools needed. Reading glasses are recommended for up-close work. Participants will have the opportunity to tie four to six flies. They also will learn about community resources available to continue tying flies on their own.

The cost is $10 per class. Come to one or both sessions; each essentially will be the same. Different variations of flies will be introduced during each session.

Visit the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information or to access the link to join the program.

The education center is located at 4703 N. 44th St.

 

Catch these Game and Parks education events in March

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

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.

See Mahoney, Platte River nature centers in March

Curious weekend adventurers can visit nature centers at Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks in March.

Mahoney’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The Platte River State Park Nature Center will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 15 and March 29.

Mahoney naturalists will have nature-related activities and a few live animals to share. Platte River’s nature center has a classic, nature-nook feel with lots of things to learn about with one of our naturalists.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on March 4

Get ready to go birding by participating in the 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 different birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area, which may include a hike.

On March 4, the topic for this free program for all ages will be Beginner Birding. Learn about ways to connect with other birders and discover tools that will advance your birding skills.

Little Saplings presents Animal Detectives on March 5

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, continues March 5 with the theme Animal Detectives at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult.

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

Nebraska Big Butterfly Count subject of Nebraska Master Naturalist webinar

The Master Naturalist Mondays virtual webinar series continues at 12:30 p.m. Central on March 10 with Nebraska Big Butterfly Count.

Presenter Joanne Langabee, a Nebraska Master Naturalist, will discuss the training required for the Nebraska Big Butterfly Count, a community science project, and why it is important to survey the state’s butterflies.

Nebraska Master Naturalist is a statewide volunteer conservation program. The program recruits, trains, manages, and provides resources for volunteer naturalist members.

For more information, to register, or find previously recorded webinars in the series, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Schramm to host Poets & Pondering

All ages are invited to Poets & Pondering at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna.

Meet in front of the Historic Hatch House at 10 a.m. March 10 or 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. March 18 or March 21. The program lasts 1½ to 2 hours.

Wander about the Canyon Pond habitat as we use dip nets to see what creatures are coming to life and listen for frogs and birds. Participants also will be guided through writing different forms of nature poetry inspired by the park’s beauty.

Wise and Wild is March 11 at James Family Conservatory

Wise and Wild is a free program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 2:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On March 11, the topic will be Listening for Frogs. Learn common frog calls, then go on a hike to listen for them.

Wildcat Tales preschool program is March 11

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program March 11.

The program Interesting Insects 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.

Wildcat Hills to host Powerful Pollinators homeschool program

Come learn how tiny creatures can have big impacts during the homeschool program Powerful Pollinators on March 13 at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

The free homeschool program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain Time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Topics change each month.

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

Naturalist Know-How is March 14 at Mahoney

A naturalist shares his or her love of nature with others through educational programs and outdoor experiences at Naturalist Know-How from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 14 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Nature Center.

Learn what it is like to be a naturalist. This program is for all ages and is open-house style, so you can come and go throughout the morning or afternoon. 

Stations will include these: Conduct a health check on a turtle; make and record scientific observations; meet an animal ambassador and learn how we design a habitat and enrichment activities to care for them; and learn about birds and managing a birding area.

Homeschool Hikes set for March 19-20 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. March 19 and 1 p.m. March 20. This month's theme is Red-winged Blackbirds.

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.

‘Science of’ virtual webinar series returns in March

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns March 20 with the theme Kangaroo Rats.

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.

Webinar series focuses on naturalist opportunities at Homestead

Join Homestead National Historical Park and Nebraska Master Naturalist for a two-day virtual webinar series March 25 and 27.

Get an in-depth look at interpretation and education from the National Park Service. Grow interpretive skills and connect with volunteer opportunities.

The theme March 25 is Interpreting in National Parks – Past, Present and How to Get Involved as a Nebraska Master Naturalist. The theme March 27 is Interpretation Opportunities at Homestead National Historical Park for Nebraska Master Naturalists. Each session begins at 6 p.m. Central Time.

See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links or more information.

 

Enjoy fun state park events this March

Spend some time this spring in Nebraska’s state parks. During March, 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.

Ponca State Park to host Marsh Madness

Enjoy the annual spring migration with Marsh Madness at Ponca State Park. Guided sunrise and sunset waterfowl blind viewings will take place each Saturday, March 1-29.

Marsh Madness is an opportunity for individuals and families to witness a multitude of migratory waterfowl within the park during guided or unguided bird viewings.

Call the park at 402-755-2284 to register for guided blind viewings. Space is limited.

Ponca’s location adjacent to the Missouri River presents a significant flyway that serves as the feeding, breeding and staging ground for migratory birds. Common springtime sightings include pintails, teal, snow geese, white-fronted geese, wood ducks, mallards, bald eagles, and more.

Reserve sharp-tailed grouse viewing at Niobrara State Park

Experience the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a viewing blind at Niobrara State Park.

Reserve the free viewing blinds between March 7 and April 20. The large blind holds up to eight guests. A small, pop-up blind that can hold up to two people, also will be available for photographers with larger equipment. Both blinds are first-come, first-serve. Reserve a spot by calling the park office at 402-857-3373.

Discounted overnight stays at Niobrara SP also are available. Make an early arrival easy by staying at one of the park’s fully equipped cabins or electric campsites. Use promo code “SHARPTAIL25” on the reservation system for discounted weekend rates; weekdays during the offseason already include discounted rates.

Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to make a reservation.

Midwest Magic Showcase coming to Mahoney

Ryan Chandler, the Old Market Magician, is partnering with the Omaha Magical Society to bring the Midwest Magic Showcase to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

The 7 p.m. show March 8 and 2:30 p.m. show March 9 at Kountze Memorial Theatre will include top magicians from Des Moines, Kansas City and the Omaha area.

Tickets are $10 per adult and $8 for ages 12 and under. The magic shows are appropriate for all ages. Call 402-944-2957 for reservations.