Outdoor notes: Game and Parks will certify youth fishing instructors

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors at workshops across the state in the coming months.

Instructors are part of the Youth Fishing Program, a statewide team of volunteers and Game and Parks staff who host educational fishing events.

Workshops will take place:

• March 17 – North Platte, State Fish Hatchery, 2-5 p.m.
• March 24 – Gretna, Schramm Education Center, 2-5 p.m.
• April 28 – Ponca, Ponca State Park, 9 a.m.-noon
• May 8 – Kearney, Fort Kearny State Historical Park, 6-9 p.m.
• May 19 – Lincoln, Turpin Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44^th, 2-5 p.m.

Participants will receive training and tools to conduct youth fishing clinics. These volunteers will have access to Game and Parks’ loaner fishing equipment and educational materials for events. They also will receive program incentives. Instructors are encouraged to volunteer for such Game and Parks programs as Community Fishing Nights and the Outdoor Expos.

Registration is required through the calendar event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov. For questions, email [email protected].

Nebraska Fish Art Contest open for entries

Students in kindergarten through 12^th grade can discover the outdoors by participating in the Nebraska Fish Art Contest.

The 2024 contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Forever and Bass Pro Shops, is accepting entries through Feb. 28, 2024. Enter at statefishart.org.

This free international art and writing competition gives young people the opportunity to highlight their artistic talents while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. Participants can win prizes and recognition in Nebraska and internationally.

Young artists create an original illustration of any fish species and submit a one-page creative writing detailing their species habitat and efforts to conserve it.

Entries are categorized in four grade levels: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Educators nationwide use Fish On!, the State-Fish Art Lesson Plan, integrating the disciplines of science and art. Winners will be announced in May.

“The Nebraska Fish Art Contest was especially popular last year, with students creating very creative and beautiful pieces works of art,” said Larry Pape, Game and Parks aquatic education specialist.