NGPC saddened by passing of Commissioner Lynn Berggren
 Lynn Berggren, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioner from Broken Bow, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16. He had represented District 6 (21 counties) on the commission since 2007.
Berggren strongly believed that outdoor recreation made life great in Nebraska. He was dedicated to improving Nebraska’s natural resources, ensuring that the state had the best wildlife habitat management practices, and creating fishing access and parks opportunities for all.
Read more about Commissioner Berggren’s passion for the outdoors on the NEBRASKAland blog.
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Public invited to commission meeting north of Tekamah
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a new management plan to improve pheasant hunting in Nebraska when it meets Feb. 25 at Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel north of Tekamah. The public is invited to attend the 1 p.m. meeting.
Staff will present for Commission consideration a draft of the comprehensive management plan called the Nebraska Mega Plan. The mission of the plan is to produce the best pheasant hunting experiences for the most people over the next five years.
Learn more on the NEBRASKAland website.
Sandhill cranes migration is underway
 Half a million sandhill cranes will stop in the valley through mid-April to feast on leftover field corn and turn over cow pies with their long needlelike beaks, looking for tasty bugs, frogs, grubs and snakes.
The mass migration through Nebraska generally starts about Valentine's Day, peaks in March and tapers off by mid-April. The Lincoln Journal Star recently ran a story about this incredible migration. Visit the Journal Star website to learn more.
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Marsh madness event to be held at Ponca State Park
 Join us at Ponca State Park during the month of March to witness the wonder of spring waterfowl migration along the Missouri River. This annual event features Avian Adventure tours and blind sessions that allow visitors the opportunity to view and learn about waterfowl, eagles, and other early spring migrants.
Learn more on the Outdoor Calendar.
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Outdoor Education Center hosting upcoming classes
The Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln will be hosting a variety of outdoor education classes in the month of February. Upcoming events include a wild game cooking series and the continuing Explore Archery program.
Find out more information such as specific dates and times, costs, and registration forms on the Outdoor Education website.
Ice fisherman can’t complain about the cold
 Joe Morgan is unlike most people; he prefers winter weather over balmy spring temperatures. Freezing weather brings good ice fishing, something Morgan has loved to do for the past 10 years.
Without the summer crowds, fishing is a quiet, peaceful pastime. Morgan offers his personal advice to prospective anglers in this Omaha World-Herald article.
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Feed birds in your backyard this spring
The spring migration will soon be here bringing weary travelers; bird lovers may want to consider providing our backyard feathered friends with food as it may be limited in some areas.
Providing food for birds after arriving from their long migration could improve their health prior to mating and reproduction. The birds may be fatigued and the stress on their bodies has just begun.
Read more about safe feeding techniques for every avian visitor this spring on the Afield and Afloat blog.
Shedding light on shed antler hunting
 Shed antler hunting is an unusual pastime, but one that is growing in popularity. It involves hiking the countryside this time of year to look for and collect discarded branched, bony extensions of hooved animals. It is something that many different ages can enjoy and naturalists say it is the perfect cure for cabin fever.
Every shed antler is different; like snowflakes, they are large and small and each has unique characteristics making them fun to examine and collect. Learn more about where to find shed antlers and what you can do with your findings on the NEBRASKAland blog.
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Six winter getaways to visit without leaving Nebraska
 It’s just that time of year – the winter doldrums are settling in, and your feet are itching to escape and go somewhere new. Your office mate across the hall might be headed to Aruba, but that’s not an option for all of us. Rest assured, though, if you’re in need of a mid-winter getaway, plenty of options are tucked right into your backyard.
Check out the full list on the NEBRASKAland blog.
A 30% seasonal discount for lodging is applicable between now and May for reservations booked between Sunday-Thursday.
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Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:
The middle fork of Soldier Creek meanders through the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area near Fort Robinson State Park
Justin Haag/NEBRASKAland Magazine
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