Nebraskaland Magazine

03/11/2025

As we leave October behind, it’s time to say goodbye to many of the pond’s familiar residents of spring, summer and fall. One such character is the American bullfrog.

Unlike many of the pond’s bird species, the bullfrog isn’t going far, however. Neither is it “croaking,” in the sense of life or death. Rather, it is staying local to enter a sluggish period of dormancy called brumation.

Read "Bullfrog Brumation" here: https://brnw.ch/21wXakb

📷&📝: Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine

31/10/2025

Time is running out! The 2025 Nebraskaland Photo Contest will close for submissions at 11:59 p.m. Central time Oct. 31, 2025. 📸

Make your final submissions: https://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/about/submissions/photo-contest/

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐍𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!

From Oct. 1-31, 2025, photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit photos in four categories:

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 — wild mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish
𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 — in which landmarks, scenery or inanimate objects are prominent
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 — people enjoying the outdoors through hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking, skiing or other outdoor activities. No traditional sports images will be accepted.
𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨 — native wildflowers, foliage, fruiting bodies or other parts of plants and the creepy crawly creatures that inhabit them.

All photos must be taken in Nebraska. Submissions will be judged by Nebraskaland staff, and winning photos will be published in the January/February 2026 issue of Nebraskaland Magazine. First-, second-, and third-place prizes will be awarded in all categories, and a Best in Show prize also will be awarded.

Learn more and submit your entry here: https://brnw.ch/21wWgtU

30/10/2025

Nebraska’s wide-open prairies are home to one of the continent’s most remarkable survivors, the pronghorn. Built for speed, these “grassland ghosts” can sprint up to 60 mph with their tan coats blending seamlessly into the rolling hills. Once nearly wiped out from the Great Plains, pronghorn have returned thanks to decades of conservation.

Read "Grassland Ghosts - Pronghorn" here: https://brnw.ch/21wX4kj

📝: Grace Gaard
📷: Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine

28/10/2025

Many people with color blindness miss out on the full beauty of parks and nature. EnChroma, makers of color-blindness glasses, found that most people with color vision deficiency feel left out when visiting places that rely on color — from trails and exhibits to maps and signs.

The Parks in Full Color campaign is raising funds to provide EnChroma glasses at Nebraska parks so everyone can experience fall’s vibrant hues. Donations will help bring glasses to places like Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Schramm Education Center and Ponca State Park, with plans to expand.

Read "Parks in Full Color Campaign" here: https://brnw.ch/21wX0gz

📷: Eric Fowler
📝: Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley

27/10/2025

When thinking about where you might find threatened or endangered species, what usually comes to mind are expanses of untouched prairie, secluded canyon streams or middle-of-nowhere wetlands. Some species, however, have had to make do with less. The small white lady’s slipper, where it has been pushed out of its preferred “untouched prairies,” has settled for soggy road ditches.

Read "Endangered - The Small White Lady's Slipper" here: https://brnw.ch/21wWYzu

📷: Drew Granville
📝: Ruby Rolland, Environmental Specialist, NGPC

24/10/2025

A ring-billed gull picks up a carry-out meal in the Sandhills.

📷: Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine

23/10/2025

"Currant" events 🍂

📷: Justin Haag
📍 Pine Ridge Ranger District, Nebraska National Forest

22/10/2025

It’s that time of year when trees start to dress for winter. Maybe not in the same sense that we do — they can’t check the weather forecast and put on layers before a chilly morning. But they prepare in other ways.

Read "Why So Many Fall Colors? here: https://brnw.ch/21wWQNx

📝: Jennifer Ruyle, Outdoor Education Specialist, NGPC
📷: Renae Blum

21/10/2025

There are ten days left to submit your entries to the 2025 Nebraskaland Photo Contest!

Photographers of all ages and skill levels can submit photos in the following categories:

🐾 Wildlife
🌳 Scenic
🎣 Recreation
🐝 Macro

Learn more and submit entries: https://brnw.ch/21wWOiB

20/10/2025

When we think of Nebraska’s predators, we typically picture coyotes in the fields or hawks circling overhead. But some of the state’s most impressive hunters live under the surface of our lakes, rivers and wetlands.

Northern pike wait in the weeds like underwater wolves; snapping turtles strike with powerful jaws; herons can spear fish in an instant; and even dragonfly nymphs — tiny but fierce — ambush tadpoles and minnows. Freshwater predators come in all shapes and sizes, and they’re all part of what keeps Nebraska’s water habitats balanced.

Read "Nebraska's Freshwater Predators" here: https://brnw.ch/21wWMh5

📷: Chris Masada
📝: Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist

16/10/2025

Deer rubs, scientifically described as signposts, are markings made on trees, fenceposts and a variety of other wooden structures, including — literally — posts on road signs. For deer, rubs serve several purposes, such as communicating with other deer both visually and through scent. For larger bucks, it is their billboard, a way to mark their territory.

Read "The Science of Deer Rubs" here: https://brnw.ch/21wWGj4

📝&📷: Brian Peterson