INSIDER
Looking through the wildlife viewing blind into the marsh
Wachiska Audubon Backyard Wildlife Habitat – Tour Draws 200 Visitors to Game and Parks BackYard
Submitted by Mike Groenewold - Photo Gallery
Game and Parks’ Headquarters Campus hosted the annual Wachiska Audubon Backyard Wildlife Habitat Tour on Sunday, June 17.
Jon and Carol Morgenson worked hard all spring to get the grounds around the buildings in shape and served as hosts for the tour event.
” We really wanted to get people out here to experience the resources and well maintained, shaded trail we have for families to learn about wildlife viewing and the beauty of nature,” Carol said. ” I don’t think many people know what we have here for them,” she added.
The Morgenson’s reported that approximately 200 people visited and enjoyed our campus during the tour; many indicated they would return another time with friends and family to enjoy our facility. If you haven’t strolled the pine needle paths and footbridges around the perimiter of the Game and Parks Headquarters, why not take some time to relax on a wood log bench and enjoy watching wildlife from our log structure viewing blind. Plan a picnic, there are grills provided.
It’s convenient for family and the youngsters will enjoy the educational stations provided as well. Easy access parking is available. Everyone is welcome and best of all it is FREE – See You Out There!
Lake Ogallala – Go Fish Kids Fishing Clinic and Water Expo
Scott Eveland – On June 2nd the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission teamed up with the Nebraska Walleye Assocation (NWA) to present the Go Fish Kids Fishing Clinic and Water Expo at Lake Ogallala SRA, just below Lake McConaughy. This was the 5th year the event was held at this location. The popular local clinic was held statewide by NWA and was eventually expanded to include additional activities presented by many local volunteers and NGPC staff.
Eighty kids and their parents advanced through seven stations learning about fishing, water safety, enviromental issues and paddlesports. Volunteers from the Big Mac Sports Club and area Youth Fishing Instructors helped with the fishing stations and mentoring kids fishing in the afternoon. The Lake McConaughy Water Education Committee instructed students on sharing the shoreline. US Coast Guard Auxiliary members and the Ogallala Youth Committee instructed on water safety and handed out brand new life jackets purchased by Safe Kids Sandhills.
The Ogallala Optimist Club provided lunch, then the kids were off to fish and kayak. NGPC Boating Safety staff and volunteers gave the kids on-the-water kayaking time and kids fished with mentors and parents.
The event was organized by Boating Safety Officer Scott Eveland of Ogallala, along with NWA member Jerry Steinke of Ogallala. NGPC’s Parks, Fisheries and Law Enforcement Divisions all pitched in to help out with activities and facilities. The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District also provide facilities and staff.
The event requires pre-registration and the 80 spots were filled within 12 hours of the event being posted online!
