Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is this Saturday
 It’s almost here! The annual Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is set for this Saturday -- May 9 -- and this year’s event is set to be larger than ever before. This annual event allows kids and adults alike to try all sorts of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, archery, rock climbing, outdoor cooking and more, all for free and all under the supervision of trained outdoor educators. Equipment is provided.
New this year are cattle dog demonstrations, a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator and a 6,000-gallon aquarium containing fish from Nebraska waters. A complete list of activities is available online. Come learn new skills you and your family can use all summer long!
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Reconstructed 1891 Officers Quarters open at Fort Robinson
The newly reconstructed 1891 Officers Quarters at Fort Robinson State Park was described as “a welcome addition to a world-class place” as it was dedicated in honor of a highly-regarded Sandhills ranch couple during a ceremony last weekend.
The new frame structure, which blends historical features with modern amenities, was erected at its original footprint on the northwestern corner of the park’s central complex, complementing the other historical lodging facilities along the horseshoe-shaped drive. More than 100 people attended the ceremony and toured the new building afterwards. To read a recap of the event, and to see photographs of the new building, visit our website.
Winners announced in annual Cornhusker Trapshot
 Dean Rodgers of Papillion-LaVista won the Cornhusker Cup at the 46th Cornhusker Trapshoot on Saturday.
Combined with his perfect 75 shot on Friday at 16 yards, Rodgers earned the overall Cup with a two-day 148-for-150 after shooting a 73 at 25 yards in the handicap Saturday.
Katie Petersen of Omaha Marian was the top ladies shooter with a two-day score of 142. Omaha Creighton Prep Blue repeated as the top high school team breaking 697 of 750 clay targets. Omaha Marian Blue was the top ladies team at 685 and Oak Creek 4-H was the champion 4-H team with a 694.
A record 2,529 shooters in junior and senior high competed over three days at the home grounds of the Nebraska Trapshooting Association (NTA). The event is hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the NTA. Complete results are available on our website. Visit our Facebook page to see aerial video of this event.
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Open house at Ash Hollow State Historical Park
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host an open house on May 13 at the Ash Hollow State Historical Park Visitors Center.
The event, which will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., will be an opportunity for members of the public to discuss possible partnerships and other ideas pertaining to the operation of Ash Hollow State Historical Park with Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners and staff members. Commissioners and staff members also will be available to answer questions about the park.
For more information, call the park at 308-778-5651.
Run for wildlife during annual Run Wild event
 Celebrate spring during the 2015 Run Wild trail run at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland!
On Saturday, May 16 at 8 a.m., runners can challenge themselves to a 10K or 5K on the scenic trails of Mahoney State Park. Children 12 and under can take park in the one-mile fun run (and parents can run alongside young children at no cost!) Dressing like a wild animal is encouraged.
Registration proceeds support the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund. More information and registration are available online.
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Free Park Entry and Fishing Day coming up May 16
May is Free Park Entry and Fishing Day – which means that families and individuals can visit Nebraska’s beautiful state parks and recreation areas at no cost, and maybe catch a fish while they’re at it, too. Park areas across Nebraska have activities planned, and certified fishing instructors will be available at many areas to provide instruction and loaner equipment. For more information on activities at parks across the state, visit our online calendar.
This Mother’s Day, surprise mom with a visit to a state park
 Treat Mom on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10, with a trip to a Nebraska State Park. Both Platte River State Park and Fort Robinson State Park will offer special meals in honor of mom -- and time spent together as a family enjoying nature is probably just what she wanted, anyway.
Visit our calendar for details on these and other Mother’s Day weekend events.
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Celebrate Nebraska International Migratory Bird Month
Family bird walks, breakfast birding outings and other educational, family-friendly events are planned statewide throughout the month of May to celebrate Nebraska's diverse bird population.
Since 1993, International Migratory Bird Day has been celebrated nationally on the second Saturday of May. In Nebraska, the celebration has been extended throughout the month of May. It is a chance for conservationists, natural resource agencies, families and individuals to celebrate birds and bird migration.
Nebraska is situated in what is known as the Central Flyway, a migration route used by hundreds of species of birds each spring and fall, which makes it an excellent place for bird watching. Fifty events statewide will help Nebraskans learn about Nebraska’s bird population and introduce them to birding. For more information and a complete list of events, visit the Nebraska Bird Month website.
Egg update
 Over the weekend, viewers of the American Kestrel cam may have noticed this spring’s eggs began hatching. Nebraska Game and Parks Nongame Bird Program Manager Joel Jorgensen noted they were right on time since they eggs were laid almost exactly a month ago. Meanwhile, the Peregrine Falcons eggs are expected to begin hatching very soon. Visit the Nongame Bird Blog for the latest on these famous falcon families.
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Greg Wagner’s backyard birding quiz
In honor of International Migratory Bird Month, Nebraska Game and Parks Public Information Officer Greg Wagner has put together a quiz, in which readers can test their knowledge of Nebraska’s bird population. Visit his blog to see how you measure up when it comes to birding.
Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:
Buck pronghorn gather in a pasture on the Oglala National Grassland west of Toadstool Park.
Justin Haag/NEBRASKAland Magazine
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