LINCOLN, Neb. – Show an appreciation for trails and help restore them at Indian Cave State Park on June 2 in celebration of National Trails Day.
Volunteers are needed for trail restoration projects that may include wood chipping trails, pruning encroaching vegetation, defining corridors, erosion maintenance and general cleanup. Work will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., or at the volunteer’s discretion. Bring work gloves and appropriate clothing. Pre-registration is required by May 29 by calling the park office at 402-883-2575.
The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is a celebration of America’s trail system. It takes place annually on the first Saturday in June. It features a series of outdoor activities designed to promote and celebrate the importance of America’s trails.
Indian Cave is located 6 miles east of Shubert in Richardson County. A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the park.
Nebraska Game and Parks urges safety while boating
LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans will enjoy this summer boating on waters across the state. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges boaters to keep safety the top priority.
Boaters should not take safety for granted. Game and Parks suggests ways boaters may reduce the risk of incidents and help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
Wear a Life Jacket – Children under age 13 and anybody on a personal watercraft are required by law to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. People being towed by a boat on skis, a tube, or other similar device also must wear a life jacket.
Avoid Alcohol – Boat operators can become impaired with less alcohol than motor vehicle drivers due to heat and dehydration. Boating Under the Influence is a criminal violation and is enforced actively in Nebraska.
Have All Required Safety Equipment – This will help boaters be prepared if an emergency occurs. Life jackets, throw cushions, fire extinguishers and bailing devices are required on most boats. For a list of what is required on a boat, check out the 2018 Boating Guide at BoatSafeNebraska.org.
Be Wary of Surroundings – The best boat operators constantly are looking around for other boats, personal watercraft, swimmers, stumps and other hazards. Speeds in excess of 5 mph are prohibited if within 30 yards of any other vessel, swimming area or dock.
Take a Boating Safety Course – Anyone born after Dec. 31, 1985, who operates a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska must have successfully completed the Nebraska boating safety course. Visit BoatSafeNebraska.org for a list of classes.
Public urged to leave wildlife babies alone
LINCOLN, Neb. – It is natural for some people who see a young wild animal apparently abandoned by its mother to want to rescue it. The correct course of action is to leave it alone.
Here are some rules of thumb from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regarding wildlife babies:
-- A lone fawn, or other young bird or mammal, may appear to be abandoned or injured, but the mother frequently is off feeding or drinking. Do not move it. The longer the fawn is separated from its mother, the slimmer the chance that it will be reunited with her. In some cases, other deer will adopt an orphaned fawn.
-- It is normal for a doe to leave its fawn to keep it from being detected by predators. Predators can see the doe as it feeds, so she leaves the fawn hidden and leaves the area to draw attention away from the fawn's location.
-- Do not try to raise wildlife babies as pets. As animals mature, they become more independent and follow natural instincts to leave and establish their own territories. Rescued animals are poorly prepared for life in the wild.
-- Most wildlife babies are protected by state or federal law and it is illegal to possess them.
