Catch these Game and Parks education events in May
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in May.
Don’t forget to purchase a Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
May offerings are:
Train to participate in Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas
Join a webinar that will prepare community scientists and biologists to participate in the Missouri and Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas projects in 2026.
The Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas is community science project focused on tracking and conserving native bumble bees. The public is invited to attend virtual events this spring to learn about the project and how to become a volunteer.
During this May 3 webinar, guidance will be provided on how to participate in the Atlas and discuss priorities for the 2026 field season. The training will cover how, when and where to conduct surveys, necessary supplies, how to submit data, and distinguishing bumble bees from other insects.
Go to the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register and find more information.
Training offered for Big Butterfly Count
Anyone who loves butterflies and is interested in conservation and science is invited to join Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count Training Workshop. The free training is at 10 a.m. May 9 at the UNL West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte.
Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count is a community science project designed to collect statewide data to better understand butterfly diversity across Nebraska. Learn about community science, how to identify eastern/central Nebraska butterfly species and how to contribute to Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count. Participants will receive project resources, guidance, and support from community science project leaders.
Volunteers are needed to conduct a survey at least once every other week from May 1 through Sept. 30.
For more information, or to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
James Family Conservatory to host Wise and Wild
Wise and Wild is a program for those aged 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 10 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Mahoney’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
On May 12, the topic for this free event will be Tardigrades and Tiny Things. Explore the micro and macro world in the park as we collect samples and see what is hiding in plain sight.
A variety of nature-related topics will be shared in this free program for all ages.
Five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights scheduled
Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights on May 13.
Get your teams of no more than five players and be ready to compete for prizes. Registration is not required. These events are for adults only and are free to attend with a purchase from the host brewery.
The Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights, which begin at 7 p.m. local time, are at:
- Scottsbluff – Flyover Brewing Company, 1824 Broadway
- Lincoln – Code Beer Company, 200 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
- Hastings – First Street Brewing, 119 N. St. Joseph Ave.
- Omaha – Scriptown Brewing, 3922 Farnam St.
- Ponca – Cedar Hills Bar & Grill, 102 W. 3rd
For more information and or questions, email monica.macoubrie@
Discover ‘Science of’ bison
Bison are more than Nebraska’s iconic grassland giants, they’re a window into the science of ecology, behavior and conservation.
On May 14, the popular “Science of” virtual webinar series will explore how bison live, what they eat, and the ways they shape prairie ecosystems. Participants will learn about bison’s social structure, seasonal movements, and adaptations that help them survive harsh winters.
In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.
The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.
Herp Hike set for May 16
Join Conservation Nebraska and Nebraska Game and Parks in Crete for a unique guided hike searching for reptiles and amphibians. The public is invited to participate in this free Herp Hike at 10 a.m. May 16.
Curious participants can expect a slow-paced hike with stops for observing herps, hands-on learning about native species and their habitats, herping tips, fun facts, and great photo opportunities.
Registration is required. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. The hike location will be emailed to registered participants.
Learn about reptiles at Mahoney SP
Learn about reptiles at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center on Memorial Day Weekend.
Stop by any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on May 23. Naturalists will introduce guests to live snakes and turtles and teach about their habitats, adaptations and more.