LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska state parks will be offering a variety of events throughout the month of December. Find an event near you to celebrate the festive season.

To stay informed about additional holiday events as they are scheduled, visit calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Lewis and Clark SRA Tree Decorating Contest

LINCOLN, Neb. — Put your tree decorating skills to the test for a chance to win a two-night cabin stay at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area near Crofton.

The contest is open Nov. 26 to Jan. 2 with judging to occur on Jan. 3, 2022; one winner will claim the prize two-night cabin stay.

Contestants, limited to household units, may decorate one tree along the park’s entrance driveway.

Contests are encouraged to use environmentally friendly decorations, such as popcorn garland, solar powered lights, bird seed pine cones and more. Then take a photo of the decorated tree and send it to [email protected] and tag @nebraskanortheastparks on Facebook.

All decorations must be removed by Jan. 15.

For more information, visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

See aquariums aglow during Winter Under the Water

LINCOLN, Neb. — Experience Winter Under the Water open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 11 to Jan. 9 at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

Walk among a winter wonderland as you view aquariums aglow, lights and snow in the center’s holiday frost-filled fish encounter. Naturalist programs also will be offered, and guest can enjoy time outdoors.

Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and those age 4-12, and free for those age 3 and under.

For more information, visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Join Classic Christmas event at Mahoney

LINCOLN, Neb. — Bring the family to enjoy the Classic Christmas event from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the new Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland.

Families can participate with their children in decorating a sugar cookie, making a holiday ornament, and creating a greeting card for a senior living facility.

Enjoy a free trolley ride for a memorable and unique tour of the park; rides will be operating, weather permitting.

Free portraits with Santa will be taken by a Nebraskaland Magazine photographer.

The View restaurant at the Peter Kiewit Lodge on the east side of the park will have a hot chocolate bar available for $2 per person.

A valid 2021 Nebraska park entry permit is required.

For more information, visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Cold Moon, Warm Fire at Johnson Lake

LINCOLN, Neb. — View some stars and roast marshmallows at Johnson Lake State Recreation Area as the Cold Moon reaches its peak illumination Dec. 18.

The free event is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the A1 group campsite. Two telescopes will be available for stargazing.

A valid park entry permit is required.

For more information, visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Christmas Bird Count for Kids set for Dec. 18 at Schramm

LINCOLN, Neb. – People of all ages are invited to contribute to science by participating in the Christmas Bird Count for Kids and Kids at Heart event at Schramm Education Center at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 18.

Learn more about birds and birding and help count and record the birds observed at Schramm. Participate in a guided bird walk or bird feeder watch. Learn how to participate in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count Project, the longest running community science project in the country.

This program is included with general admission to Schramm Education Center. Admission is $10 per adult, $7 ages 60 and over and ages 4-12, and ages 3 and under are free.

For more information, email Jen Ruyle at [email protected].

Game and Parks seeks comment on updated pheasant management plan

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking public input on its updated draft pheasant management plan. The 2021 Berggren Plan is named after the late Lynn Berggren, who served as a Commissioner from 2007-2016.

The plan seeks to improve the pheasant hunting experience in Nebraska over the next five years with a primary emphasis on improving habitat and increasing public access with several priority areas located throughout the state. The plan aims to build on past successes, expand partnerships statewide, and continue to direct effective pheasant management activities.

Game and Parks will host a virtual public informational meeting n at 7 p.m. Central time on Dec. 8, 2021. Attendees should register online in advance at outdoornebraska.gov/pheasantplan. The draft plan is available online for review.

People can provide feedback on the plan by commenting during the virtual meeting, using the comment submission form on the plan webpage (link above), or by emailing Upland Game Program Manager John Laux at [email protected].

The public is invited to provide comments on the draft plan through Dec. 15, 2021.

Nine holiday gifts perfect for outdoor enthusiasts

LINCOLN, Neb. – Shopping for an outdoor enthusiast on your holiday list? The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers these nine gift ideas sure to satisfy the outdoor enthusiast in your life:

  1. Annual state park permits: Nebraska offers more than 70 state park areas from one end of the state to the other, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, history or just enjoying the beautiful outdoors. A gift of a state park permit is a gift of experiences.
  2. Centennial Merchandise Boxes: Why get one gift, when you can get multiple in one package? These holiday special gift boxes include a bevy of items such as T-shirts, stickers, ornaments, waist packs, bottle openers and other goodies celebrating Nebraska’s state parks.
  3. Annual fishing or hunting permits: If you know someone who loves to fish or hunt, make your gift-giving easy and get them a permit allowing them to enjoy those activities. This also could be a good gift for someone who would appreciate the nudge to try a new hobby or get back into an old one.
  4. 2022 Nebraskaland Calendar: View breathtaking images of wild Nebraska all year in this 12-month calendar featuring the work of award-winning Nebraskaland Magazine photographers. Use it at home or in the office.
  5. Game and Parks “Bucks”: Sometimes, a gift card is just the thing. Game and Parks Bucks can be used for everything from permits and magazine subscriptions to camping, shooting range fees and more.
  6. Nebraskaland Special Holiday Bundle: Pick up a one-year subscription to Nebraskaland Magazine plus the 2022 Nebraskaland calendar at a reduced holiday price. Nebraskaland is a great fit for outdoor enthusiasts, filled with scenic images and engaging stories on outdoor recreation, wildlife, parks and people.
  7. Lifetime permits and stamps: Invest in someone you love with a lifetime hunting, fishing, or hunt/fish combo permit. This is a special opportunity to kick-start a lifelong love of the outdoors, and to make it easy for someone to hunt and fish every year.
  8. Nebraskaland Special Issue: This year, Nebraskaland released a triple-length collector's edition honoring the 100th anniversary of Nebraska’s state parks. It's available now for $7, while supplies last.
  9. She Goes Outdoors Subscription Boxes: Give someone a jump-start to outdoor experiences, such as ice-fishing, gardening for pollinators, backpacking and more. These boxes — available for purchase throughout the year — are packed with gear, literature, special access to online programs, and other educational content. See details or purchase at sgooutdoors.com/subscriptionbox.

Learn more and purchase these items at OutdoorNebraska.org/GiftGuide.

Missouri River boat ramps affected upstream of Lewis and Clark Lake

LINCOLN, Neb. – Low and fluctuating water levels have created boat access issues along the Missouri River in northeastern Nebraska.

Average releases from Fort Randall Dam in South Dakota have dipped below 11,000 cfs for the winter, with minimal nighttime releases.

Current boat ramp conditions:

• Santee – usable, use caution

• Bazile Creek Wildlife Management Area – poor access, use extreme caution

• Niobrara Townsite – usable, use caution

• Niobrara Confluence – unusable

• Verdel Landing WMA – concrete boat ramp unusable; use primitive launch area immediately upstream of ramp at your own risk

• Sunshine Bottoms WMA – unusable

Boat operators should use caution loading, unloading and navigating the river as daily water level fluctuations occur. These conditions likely will exist through the winter.