North Platte, Neb. – In honor of the late Bev Kimball of Kearney, the Fort Kearny Preservation, Restoration and Development (PRD) board is hosting activities at the Fort Kearny Recreation Area from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Lake 6, which is also free park entry and free fishing day across the state.
Bev Kimball raised the funds to buy the 1.8 mile segment of the Burlington Railroad Line in 1977 for Nebraska’s first Rails to Trails conversion. Kimball was a leader of kids nature tours, Fit and Fun exercise stations, historian and a longtime member of the Fort Kearny PRD Board; today’s members are especially privileged to honor such a great lady with this event.
Kimball was devoted to helping others and being outside. Her passions outside included birding, hiking, camping, skiing, traveling and golfing. Bluebirds were Bev’s favorite bird and you will find your own as you hike around the park while participating in our Find the Birds Scavenger Hunt. Enjoy fishing in the ponds or walking the new concrete trial finished last year that Kimball worked tirelessly to start funding on. Bev passed away this past December, but she did get to see her hard work pass on to so many others as they used the trail. Her wish was to see it always be available for residents of Nebraska and visitors.
Activities will include:
– Find the Birds Scavenger Hunt where participants will use clues to explore the park, locate and identify the birds, and expand upon their knowledge. Prizes will be available for all those who participate. May is International Migratory Bird Month so stop in and celebrate with a fun activity.
– 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. is free fishing at Lake 6 with poles and bait. Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, 2018 fishing guides and forecast, and additional birding identification will be available.
– The trail will have a variety of native Nebraska plants and Nebraska Game and Parks staff has created packets of native seeds to take home with you and start your own pollinator gardens. This will also come with information on how to make your backyard a hotspot for pollinators of all types and other animals.
Bev Kimball will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on. We hope you will join us for a fun day of activities, free fishing and park entry, and enjoy the space that Bev made possible.
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