OutdoorNebraska

22 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2018 Annual Report S T A T E P A R K S O F F E R E X P A N D E D A C T I V I T I E S A N D E D U C A T I O N High public turnout for park events and educational programs in recent years show that Nebraska's state parks serve as nature's classroom. Parks allow families, as well as school and youth groups, a place to participate in the outdoors, learn about the natural world and create traditions and memories. Park events and other programs that allow the public to interact with nature serve another critical function: They help create an engaged citizenry that understands the natural world and that appreciates the outdoors and outdoor recreation. Educating the public about the value and importance of nature will ultimately lead to a new generation of advocates for conservation of our natural resources. To meet growing demand for interpretive programming and fun family activities, Nebraska's state parks have added more and more events in recent years. In 2018, these events included First Day Hikes at parks across Nebraska; stargazing parties at Merritt Reservoir SRA and Indian Cave State Park; a music festival at Fremont Lakes SRA; bald eagle viewing at Lake Ogallala SRA; art shows at Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks; living history events at Fort Kearny and Rock Creek Station state historical parks; a special U.S. Air Force flyover at Fort Atkinson SHP; and programs about nature and the natural world conducted by naturalists at parks throughout the state. Independence Day, Halloween, Christmas and other holidays offered dozens of events, many with record turnout. Some of these grew out of events initially started by park visitors that over time grew into formal events co-hosted by the parks. These events demonstrate the strong relationship our parks enjoy with the public. P R O G R E S S M A D E O N I M P R O V E M E N T S C A L L E D F O R I N L A K E M C C O N A U G H Y / L A K E O G A L L A L A M A S T E R P L A N In 2016, Nebraska Game and Parks approved a 20-year master plan for the Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas in order to provide additional protection of threatened and endangered species; manage the lakes' numerous access points; and better serve and control the areas' nearly two million annual visitors. In 2018, nearly $2 million was invested to further the plan. Projects included upgrading campsites at Lone Eagle Campground, parking improvements at the North Shore walk-in access area, and the addition of 400 new picnic tables and fire rings throughout the park. OWL PELLET WORKSHOP AT PONCA EXPO/MISSOURI RIVER OUTDOOR EXPOSITION, IN DIXON COUNTY

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