Travel the more than 50 trails in this year’s Your Parks Adventure: Trail Trek for a chance to explore trails in your area or discover news ones at locations across Nebraska.

There’s a chance to win prizes, too.

Launching May 17 and running through Oct. 31, the challenge invites people to explore designated trails across Nebraska, snap a picture with the Trail Trek sign featuring Kit the Raccoon, and submit it online at YourParksAdventure.com.

Trails are located at Nebraska Game and Parks areas, as well as participating city, county, federal and Natural Resource District areas.

 “Walking, biking, or hiking trails is a great way to spend time with family or friends,” said Bob Hanover, of Game and Parks, “and a great way to boost your mental and physical health while surrounded by Nebraska’s natural beauty.”

Trail Trek signs typically are posted within a mile of trailheads, and nearly half of the trails are accessible for people with disabilities. Find the designated list of trails, a map and additional trail details at YourParksAdventure.com.

People can participate alone or with a team.

Each trail visit and entry qualifies participants for possible prizes. The more trails people visit, the more chances they have to win outdoor gear, a two-night cabin stay at a Nebraska State Park, an annual subscription to Nebraskaland Magazine, and more.

The challenge is supported by the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association and Papio Missouri River Natural Resources District.

Stay connected to the fun on social media at Facebook.com/YourParksAdventure.

 

Pack fun, not frustration with these camping season tips

Peak camping season is here, and with more than 76 state park locations across the state, Nebraska Game and Parks offers plenty of spots to park a recreational vehicle or pitch a tent.

With the following preparation and planning, campers are guaranteed to have fun and avoid frustration.

Get your park entry permit

Remember a vehicle park entry permit is required and gives you unlimited entrance for the calendar year to Nebraska’s state parks. Avoid the lines and buy one in advance at OutdoorNebraska.gov, at the park, or at statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors.

Secure a spot

Nebraska state parks offer both reservation-only spots and first-come, first-served ones. Find a park, plan a trip or make a reservation at OutdoorNebraska.gov. There you also can use the “Find a Park” tool to discover parks with amenities or activities that match your interests.

Where reservations are accepted, they can be made up to three days prior to a stay except for Fremont Lakes, Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala, Red Willow Reservoir and Swanson Reservoir state recreations areas. Those five parks will allow reservations to be made up until 2 p.m. the day prior as part of a test program in 2025. 

Those who prefer first-come, first-served sites should consider arriving early in the week on holiday weekends to secure a spot that meets their needs.

Be patient

Holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day weekend, are historically busy in state parks, but as camping interest has boomed, larger state park locations have become busy on most weekends. Practice patience and understanding with fellow campers and park staff.

Practice campfire safety

Nebraska is still in drought, so guests should call park areas before arrival to determine whether a burn ban is in effect. Where campfires are allowed, use designated fire rings, never leave a fire unattended, keep water nearby, and extinguish completely before leaving.

Guests also are encouraged to consider shifting to camp stoves that are liquid- or gas-fueled. These devices reduce wildfire potential as they do not produce blowing embers and can be turned off quickly in an emergency.

Do not bring firewood with you

Transporting firewood can spread diseases and harmful insects such as the emerald ash borer. Buy local firewood and leave any unused firewood at the campsite for others.

Check for amenities (and hours) online

Nebraska’s state parks offer a variety of fun activities — from archery ranges to museum tours. Check out what amenities are offered at parks near you, confirm operation hours and any potential costs on the park location pages at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Pack a fishing pole

Fishing is fun for all ages, and those under age 16 don’t need a permit to fish. Adults can buy a one-day or annual fishing permit online, then hit the hundreds of miles of shoreline at Nebraska state parks to cast for their favorite catch. 

Wear a life jacket

When boating, paddleboarding, kayaking or swimming, wear a personal floatation device. If swimming, only swim in designated beach areas. Find one at OutdoorNebraska.gov/parks/swim.

Be weather aware

Check the forecast and stay aware of changing conditions. Many parks have buildings that could be used as shelters, but don’t be afraid to pack up to avoid a storm.

Make the most of your camping season

With a little planning and the tips above, you’ll be set for a fun-filled outdoor experience. Whether you’re heading out for the first time or returning to a favorite spot, being prepared helps you — and everyone around you — enjoy Nebraska’s parks to the fullest.

Find additional tips, our camping policy, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding park visits at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

 

Learn about Nebraska’s invasive species during awareness days

Nebraskans are encouraged to learn about invasive species after Gov. Jim Pillen signed a proclamation May 13 designating awareness days for the state.

The days recognize the harm invasive species can play on the state’s economy and natural resources and Nebraskans’ role in preventing their spread.

“We’re grateful Gov. Pillen has shared how essential it is to prevent invasive species across our state,” said Jena Paugels, Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist for Nebraska Game and Parks. “Invasive species affect every Nebraskan, and it’s our duty together to prevent their spread to protect our wildlife and our state’s economy.”

The awareness days, starting May 26, will offer opportunities to learn about Nebraska’s invasive species and their impact on the state.

A series of webinars will be May 26 to 30, and an in-person event, “Know Your Nebraska Invasives Day,” will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 31 at Pawnee State Recreation Area in Lancaster County.

Activities and workshops are designed for all ages; learn more through the event listings at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Nebraska has designated 36 aquatic invasive and noxious species threats, and 89 land-based invasive and noxious species threats. Invasive species are plants or animals that are not native to the state and which pose a risk to people or native species once introduced. They are spread by humans.

Nebraska’s commonly known invasive species include zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, musk thistle and salt cedar.

Invasive species outcompete native ones for food and habitat, quickly destroying ecosystems, including agricultural land and Nebraska’s wild spaces. To eradicate invasive species or prevent their spread can cost Nebraska millions of dollars annually.

The proclamation was submitted by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in partnership with the Nebraska Invasive Species Council.

“Partnership among agencies and with the public is our greatest weapon against invasive species,” said Shannon Smith, Nebraska Invasive Species Council coordinator. “We want every Nebraskan to realize that they’re part of the solution when it comes to invasive species and to help protect the natural spaces we love.”

To learn more about the Nebraska Invasive Species Council, visit NEinvasives.com. To learn more about invasive species in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for “invasive species.”

 

Clean, Drain and Dry to help stop aquatic invasive species

As many Nebraskans return to the water to enjoy boating for the summer, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges them to be wary of pesky hitchhikers that invade the state’s waters.

Invasive species can hitchhike on boats and equipment, spreading to other lakes. To prevent their spread, Game and Parks watercraft inspectors will be checking boats before they launch at lakes across the state. If zebra mussels are found attached to a boat, it will not be allowed to launch.

A zebra mussel is a highly invasive aquatic species that looks like a D-shaped clam, with alternating light and dark bands. Most zebra mussels are less than an inch long. They form dense colonies and filter large quantities of plankton from water, decreasing the food supply for native species. In addition, these mussels pollute swimming areas with sharp shells and clog water intake pipes.

Zebra mussels can live up to two weeks out of water; young zebra mussels — or veligers — are invisible to the naked eye and can be spread through any water left undrained.

Game and Parks regulations require anglers, hunters and boaters conduct clean, drain and dry procedures before leaving a water body; they also are not allowed to arrive at a water body with any water from another.

After boating and before launching your boat in a different water body:

  • Clean your boat: Rinse your vessel and all equipment with hot tap water, ideally more than 140 degrees to kill zebra and quagga mussels. Spray the boat, live well, engine and trailer with a high-pressure sprayer.
  • Drain your boat: Pull plugs from the bilge, live wells and engine to drain upon leaving a water body. If washing the boat away from the water body you are leaving, do not allow runoff to enter a drainage.
  • Dry your boat: Let your boat and all equipment dry for at least five days. Use a towel to speed up the drying process.

Visit StopAquaticHitchhikers.org for more information on procedures and AIS on watercraft.

Report any suspected observation of zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 402-471-7602 or at [email protected].

 

CRP General Signup open through June 6

Agricultural producers and private landowners can sign up for the general Conservation Reserve Program through June 6.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced May 12 enrollment in the CRP program is now open.

This conservation opportunity gives producers tools to conserve wildlife habitat while achieving other conservation benefits, including sequestering carbon and improving water quality and soil health.

The competitive program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.

As one of the largest private lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP offers a range of conservation options to farmers, ranchers and landowners. It has been an especially strong opportunity for farmers with less productive or marginal cropland, helping them re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife habitat.

General CRP helps producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Additionally, General CRP includes a Climate-Smart Practice Incentive to help increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping producers and landowners establish trees and permanent grasses, enhance wildlife habitat and restore wetlands.  

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recognizes the importance of CRP for wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. When managed appropriately, CRP provides cover for pheasants, quail and other grassland species. Additional incentives through the Berggren Pheasant Plan or Open Fields and Waters Program may be available to CRP participants who are interested in going above and beyond minimum CRP requirements or providing public hunting access.

Read more about the Berggren Pheasant Plan or Open Fields and Waters Program at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

To learn more about CRP, interested landowners and producers should contact their local USDA Service Center, where they can apply for the program before applicable deadlines.

 

Landowner elk, antelope permit applications begin May 19

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will take 2025 landowner draw permit applications for elk and antelope May 19-30.

During this period, eligible resident and nonresident landowners may:

  • purchase a preference point or apply for one elk permit.
  • purchase a preference point or apply for one antelope permit in the following units: Banner North, Banner South, Box Butte East, Box Butte West, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dismal, Eastern Sandhills, Garden, North Sioux, Prairie Muzzleloader and North Sioux Muzzleloader.

Permits will be available through the close of the hunting season or until the quota sells out.

Applications begin at 10 a.m. Central time. Mailed applications must be received in Game and Parks' Lincoln office by 5 p.m. CT and online applications by 11:59 p.m. on the final day of the application period.

There are nonrefundable application fees of $6 for antelope permits and $10 for elk permits.

For more information, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Landowner permits.”

Read more about 2025 big game seasons in the 2025 Big Game Guide at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

 

Applications being taken for outdoor recreation grants

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting applications from municipalities and other organizations interested in applying for 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund or Recreational Trails Program grants through 11:59 p.m. Central time Aug. 22.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is for outdoor recreation acquisition and development. Projects such as swimming pools, picnicking facilities, sports fields, playgrounds, splash pads, wildlife viewing facilities, fishing access, pond renovations, adventure spots (such as ziplines and rock-climbing) and park-related support facilities are eligible.

The Recreational Trails Program is for motorized or non-motorized trails and covers acquisition; development; maintenance; equipment rental, leasing or purchasing; and trail-related support facilities.

The programs help communities reach their outdoor recreation goals by providing reimbursable grants with a 50-80% match component. Eligible applicants include villages, cities, public power districts, Natural Resource Districts, state agricultural societies, and Tribal entities.

Grants recommended for approval will be announced at the January 2026 Commission meeting.

For more information on the grant programs and to apply for the grants, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for RTP or LWCF.