Try a new outdoor activity this spring. Herping is the practice of searching for reptiles and amphibians. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Looking for ways to get kids outside and away from their screens and tablets? Taking a nature walk or going on a scavenger hunt in the backyard are classic examples. Families with children also love the idea of “firsts”: The first time their children sleep under the stars, the first time they reel in a fish or …

Egg shape, color and size are remarkable adaptations for successful reproduction.  By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Eggs are fascinating biological structures that serve as the cornerstone of reproduction for numerous species across the animal kingdom. From the familiar chicken egg to the exotic eggs of reptiles and insects, the world of animal eggs is as diverse as the species that lay them. In this article, we explore the various types of eggs laid by different species and uncover the …

By Gerry Steinauer, Botanist Like other nature photographers, I often return to a prairie or woodland for another round of photographs. Sometimes it is because Mother Nature does not cooperate — the light is bad or it is too windy to take close-up photos. Other times, the subjects do not cooperate. They won’t sit still, or I’m unable to creep close enough. Lastly, I occasionally do something that is mechanically boneheaded with my camera that results in poor photos or …

Amy Buckendahl turned to falconry after loosing vision in one eye. Listen to her speak on how hunting with rescued falcons benefits both her and the bird. Amy’s conservation methods are also practiced on the family farm where she shares her successes each year with the public. She Goes Outdoors Podcast · Hunting with Falcons About She Goes Outdoors: Join a team of all-female hosts from Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa to learn a little, laugh a lot and get inspired …

The Cope’s gray treefrog plays a vital role in forest and wetland ecosystems of Nebraska. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Meet the Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis), a captivating amphibian found across eastern North America. Sporting subtle grays and greens adorned with intricate patterns on its skin, this arboreal frog is celebrated for its adaptability and enchanting calls. Despite its small size, this treefrog plays a vital role in the forest and wetland ecosystems where it lives. Appearance When …

The work of wooden lure carver Vince Gewinner Story and photos by Jeff Kurrus Wood-carved praying hands for his mother and obscene gesturing fingers for his father. This is the talent, and personality, of Weeping Water creator Vince Gewinner. Yet despite the multitude of carvings he’s made — from recurve bows and backwoods utensil sets to keychain ceramics and home décor — his current passion is homemade fishing lures. But they’re not fishing lures to set on the shelf. They …

Ways to celebrate new growth in spring. By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist This article is part of the Nebraska Nature in Color series. This limited series will run monthly from December 2023- June 2024. Spring has officially sprung! Well in truth, spring has been springing for a while now. The U.S.A. National Phenology Network has volunteers across the nation who help track spring’s progression. According to their Spring First Leaf Index, spring arrived in Nebraska 20 days early this …

A Trophy from the Year Nebraska Banned Girls’ Basketball Tournaments By David L. Bristow, History Nebraska Jim Brogden was browsing an estate sale in Acworth, Georgia, when he noticed this beautiful trophy. It tells a story not only of a basketball team, but also of a generation-long reaction against girls’ and womens’ sports. Brogden bought the trophy and took it home. He knew nothing about it except the inscription: O C H S Invitation Tournament GIRLS BASKET BALL 1922 Won …

When night falls, nocturnal creatures play essential roles in shaping Nebraska’s ecosystems. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist As the sun dips below the horizon, a hidden world awakens under the cloak of darkness. In the shadows of woodlands, across the sprawling plains and along the meandering waterways, nocturnal creatures emerge to navigate the night. From the silent wings of owls to the cryptic movements of mammals, Nebraska’s nocturnal creatures have evolved to thrive in the darkness. In this realm …

A championship duck caller shares his methods for success. By Todd Mills It’s one thing to call in ducks from a blind, but to compete and earn a championship title, competitive callers have to excel at a much higher level. After a few years of attending classes, exchanging audio files with other callers, obsessively watching videos and driving my wife crazy by blowing nonstop in our basement, I entered the world of competition calling. In 2011, I competed in the …