Flora & Fauna

As Nebraska celebrates its 157th year of statehood, an iconic, representative symbol of the state is the official tree — the native eastern cottonwood. The 1972 legislature named the eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) as the state tree, replacing the original selection made in 1937 — the American elm (Ulmus Americana L.). The eastern cottonwood was chosen because many elm trees had been killed by Dutch elm disease and it is rooted in Nebraska’s pioneer history. The cottonwoods are large deciduous …

The American mink is becoming increasingly prevalent in Nebraska’s aquatic ecosystems. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist In the quiet corners of the Midwest, among the rustling reeds and meandering streams, lurks a creature of remarkable stealth and cunning: the American mink (Neovison vison). With its sleek fur and sinuous movements, this mysterious carnivore prowls the water’s edge, weaving through the tangled undergrowth in search of its next meal. While they are rarely seen by humans, the American mink is …

Green grass shoots are sprouting in my Elkhorn, NE yard. The days are getting longer. Water temperatures are warming. The time is now to get ready for some early open-water fishing action! Emma Wagner-Nichols, your blogger’s daughter, caught this crappie in chilly, sunny early spring weather in a private sandpit lake in Dodge County, NE. Photo courtesy of Emma Wagner-Nichols of Elkhorn, NE Have you put new line on your reels? Have you gone through your tackle box yet? Sharpened …

By: Brian Peterson and Greg Wagner Brian Peterson is a wildlife biologist at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and coordinates the M.S Biology Online Program. His research focus is white-tailed deer antler metrics.  He is also an avid hunter and outdoor enthusiast. If you observed or harvested a deer, it is usually obvious that the buck’s antlers belong together based on their similar size, configuration and how they are situated upon the skull. Did you know? Deer antlers …

The color yellow can be found throughout the year in outdoor Nebraska. By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist Ya’ll – I went outside the other day, and there was a bright yellow dandelion in my front yard! I think it is only after the harshest of winters that something so mundane can seem so special. Early season blooms are special. In addition to providing an exciting, visible sign that spring is on its way, early blooms provide valuable food resources …

Don’t kid yourself, we are still in the chilly grips of winter. However, the length of daylight is increasing. Deer have begun shedding their antlers. Some sandhill cranes have arrived already along the Platte River in south-central Nebraska. It is calving season on ranches in the Nebraska Sandhills. These are all indicators that spring is just around the bend. For those of us who spring wild turkey hunt, our thoughts are drifting to the woods where we stake our blinds …

Animal group names provide clues to their social lives. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist From a “murder of crows” to a “rhumba of rattlesnakes,” the animal kingdom boasts a diversity of collective nouns to describe groups of animals. These imaginative descriptors not only enrich our understanding of Nebraska’s wildlife but also serve as linguistic snapshots that convey the essence of their social lives. Birds Names in the avian world reflect the unique social dynamics and behaviors of different bird …

This is the time of year when wild game meat has been accumulated in the freezers of hunters and the cook of the house is grabbing a bird or a meat cut destined for the kitchen. This is also the time of year when those new to cooking wild game are asking questions on how to prepare the game meat they have been given by a friend or relative. This is also the time of year when wild game feeds …

An Acreage Transformed Story and photos by Renae Blum When Sue Kirkpatrick bought her acreage in 2013, which is 3 miles east of Lincoln, she didn’t intend to become a native prairie hobbyist. After 30 years of living in neighborhoods with city ordinances, neighborhood covenants and manicured lawns, Kirkpatrick simply desired the freedom to do what she wanted in a more relaxed environment. But things changed after she signed up for the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program in 2014. The program …

While horns and antlers share some similarities, they are distinct forms of animal headgear. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist How many times have you heard someone say, “Wow, look at the horns on that deer”? Horns and antlers are not interchangeable. While they share some similarities, horns and antlers are distinct forms of animal headgear. Antlers Males in the Cervidae family, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose and elk, are the only class of mammals to grow antlers. Exceptions: …