Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering free April education events including Birds of a Feather birding programs at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, a virtual "Science of" ferns webinar, and Wise and Wild programs for ages 55 and up at the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
Indiana received $1 million in funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. to purchase 45 track chairs for all state parks, making Indiana the national leader in accessibility. Governor Mike Braun and DNR Director Alan Morrison announced the initiative to help visitors with limited mobility safely explore trails.
The Schramm Education Center in Gretna offers April programming including Little Saplings nature discovery for young children, Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations, a Spring Beginner Birding Hike, and Homeschool Hikes featuring Mushroom Madness. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and ages 4-12.
The Wildcat Hills Nature Center offers free April programming including a preschool program on April 14 and homeschool program on April 16, both featuring themes about pollinators, flowers, and Earth Day for children ages 2 and up.
Nebraska Game and Parks has implemented an immediate temporary ban on campfires at all state park areas and wildlife management areas due to dry conditions and high winds. Camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel remain permitted, while prescribed burns are temporarily halted.
Arkansas State Parks invites residents to explore 52 state parks across the state this Spring Break, offering free admission and activities including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Lodging options range from full-service lodges and cabins to yurts and camping sites, with Secretary Shea Lewis highlighting the accessible outdoor experiences available throughout the Natural State.
The Michigan DNR invites public input on a natural resource stewardship plan for Hartwick Pines State Park in Crawford County. A public meeting is scheduled for March 24 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, with an online survey available through April 15. The plan addresses protection and ecological restoration of 13 natural community types, including fire-dependent habitats.
Ouabache State Park's entrance road will close from March 16 to April 10 for culvert replacements. Visitors can access the park via County Road 100 South to S.R. 301, then Wenger Court.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park hosts a family-friendly educational event on March 28 led by FWP wolf-carnivore management specialist Sarah Zielke, featuring presentations on Montana's wolverine history and biology, with refreshments and a question-and-answer session.
Dave Caserio, a local writer and educator, is leading a writing workshop at Pictograph Cave State Park on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will use observations of the natural world and the area's historical, cultural, and geological background to create works in any writing genre.
Alabama State Parks launched the Junior Ranger Program, designed for children ages 5-12 to explore nature and cultivate conservation stewardship. Funded by Ford's Bronco Wild Fund, the program is available at all 21 state parks and includes free activity booklets and guided experiences led by park naturalists.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is requesting public input on a new general management plan for W.J. Hayes State Park in southern Michigan through an online survey available until April 3. Debbie Jensen, DNR park management plan administrator, emphasized that public insights are critical to developing the draft plan, with a public meeting scheduled for summer to review and comment on the new proposal.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will begin installing a traffic signal at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park's relocated U.S. 31 campground entrance in early March as part of an $8.5 million enhancement project. Motorists should anticipate intermittent single-lane closures during the two-week installation period, with the signal becoming fully operational in late April.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission completed multiple improvement projects across state parks and recreation areas, including trail restoration, facility upgrades, and new amenities at locations like Fort Robinson State Park, Merritt Reservoir, and Ponca State Park, funded through Capital Maintenance Funds and federal grants.
The Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee is seeking a northwest Lower Peninsula representative. Applicants should have experience with state parks and outdoor recreation. Interested candidates can apply through the provided form or contact Barbara Graves at 517-284-6136.
Nebraska Game and Parks discontinued guided horse trail rides at Ponca and Chadron state parks to improve efficiency and resources. Trail rides will continue at Fort Robinson, Platte River, Eugene T. Mahoney, Niobrara state parks, and Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, with horses and equipment transferred to strengthen equestrian services.
Brookville Lake features a remodeled beach house at Mounds State Recreation Area and updated amenities at Whitewater Memorial State Park, while Quakertown SRA's beach closes due to declining usage. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will repurpose the space for other recreational activities.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct prescribed burns this spring on wildlife management areas, state parks, and recreation areas to improve habitat. Burning removes invasive species like eastern red cedar and honey locust while enhancing wildlife attraction and long-term habitat quality.
Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama celebrated the completion of renovations to all 14 historic cabins originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The upgrades, funded by an $85 million bond approved by Alabama voters in 2022, modernized kitchens, bathrooms, and interiors while preserving the cabins' heritage charm. Additional improvements include expanded campsites, new bathhouses, and enhanced accessibility features.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park will host its annual art show and final rock art interpretive hike on March 21 as part of Great Falls Western Art Week. The event features original works by the Kuka Family, including pieces by late Blackfeet artist Kingsley "King" Kuka, with a guided hike starting at 10 a.m. and art show from noon to 3:30 p.m.