LINCOLN, Neb. – Bring the entire family to Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area for a free concert on Sept. 30. The Continental Drift Music Festival, to be held from 2-10 p.m., features artists such as Third Frate, Ten O’clock Scholars, Brother Tandem, Robo Dojo, Edge of Arbor and Kait Erreckman. The festival will be held at the group lodge parking lot at Lake 16. Guests are invited to bring a packed lunch and lawn chairs or blankets. For more information, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting grant proposals that will enhance watchable wildlife opportunities and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. Watchable Wildlife Grants, funded through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, help to develop wildlife-viewing and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. The intent of these grants is to help people build appreciation and stewardship for natural resources through practical experience. Individuals, nonprofit, governmental, and for-profit entities are encouraged and eligible to apply. Potential projects include, but are not limited …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Make your Halloween truly memorable this year and celebrate at a state park. Throughout October, Nebraska state parks and recreation areas will host more than a dozen family-friendly events filled with Halloween fun. Events include: – Howl in the Hills Night Hike, Oct. 14, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area: Experience the Wildcat Hills like never before, at night. Discover all the creatures that go “bump” in the night during a half-mile hike. – 22nd Annual Haunted Hollow …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert remains in effect for Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County. During water testing this week, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated toxin levels produced by blue-green algal blooms in Bluestem Lake. Visitors to Bluestem State Recreation Area should avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and camping are OK. Dog owners are urged to keep pets out of the water and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – With more than 90 hands-on activities that showcase outdoor education, sports and recreation, there is something for everyone at the Missouri River Outdoor Expo Sept. 16-17 at Ponca State Park. Those who attend the expo will be able to try a variety of outdoor activities, including archery, kayaking, fishing and more. The expo will also include live wildlife exhibits, exhibition shooting, a canine aquatics competition, a lumberjack show and much more. All activities are offered at no …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The conditions of wetlands across the state are varied, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. On Sept. 1, Game and Parks released a report on the status of Rainwater Basin wetlands, as well as pumping plans for the teal season. While conditions were good in some areas, they were dry in others. “Some areas have received a lot of rain, especially in the eastern Rainwater Basin north of Interstate 80 and the southwest part of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A recent incident at central Nebraska’s Calamus Reservoir is a reminder for all water users – especially boaters – to clean, drain and dry their equipment after every use, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. A catfish tournament at Calamus attracted anglers from several states. A Game and Parks aquatic invasive species technician inspected the boat of a nonresident participant and discovered zebra mussel shells in the boat live well. The boat previously had been …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Northern bobwhite abundance has increased statewide compared to 2016, while pheasant abundance appears similar to last year and prairie grouse numbers have declined, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Upland Game Hunting Outlook. The outlook is based on spring and summer upland game surveys, and conditions reported by biologists. Regional weather events that could impact populations are considered. Northern bobwhite abundance increased in most regions of the state compared to 2016. The Southeast, East Central, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Bring the entire family to Wagon Train State Recreation Area for a fun night of outdoor activities Sept. 12. Family Fun Night will include fishing, tomahawk throwing, astronomy, Project Wild nature activities, aerial archery and hiking. This free two-hour event begins at 6 p.m. Register at register-ed.com/events/view/108694. Wagon Train is located 2 miles east of Hickman in Lancaster County. A park entry permit is required, as well as a fishing license for anglers age 16 and older.

LINCOLN, Neb. – With several hunting seasons opening in September, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters to be safe in the field. Nebraska’s archery season for deer, and small game seasons for rabbits, doves, snipe, rail and grouse open Sept. 1. Teal season opens Sept. 2 and fall turkey season begins Sept. 15. Follows these suggestions to help make a hunting trip safer: — Always tell someone where you are going to hunt and when you expect to …