This site is designed to be a hub of information about prairies, especially Nebraska prairies, for landowners, biologists, and communtiy members. It addresses all aspects of the prairie, including resources, events, management , guides, restoration techniques, research, outreach, contacts, and much more. Just click on one of the categories at the top of this page or on one of the links to the right to get started.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Prairie Club
The Prairie Club is an intergenerational, multi-cultural club that gathers at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center the fourth Saturday of each month to take part in fun and educational activities focused on the tallgrass prairie. For youth ages 10-16 years.
If you want to learn more about the club or register email [email protected] or call 402-797-2301
All meetings of the Prairie Club are on the fourth Saturday of the month, from 10:00-12:00 noon at Spring Creek Prairie.
The Nature Conservancy
Platte Prairies Volunteer Work Days TNC Volunteer Pamphlet
TNC Nebraska manages over 60,000 acres of land. Its programs include prairie restoration, preserving vast native grasslands using bison, cattle and fire as management tools, enhancing unique ecosystems, and battling invasive species. The Conservancy is using multiple strategies to protect the Platte River, improve conservation on the Missouri River, and protect the wild and scenic characteristics of the Niobrara River.
The Nature Conservancy depends on volunteers like you to achieve its conservation mission and the vision of a world where the diversity of life thrives. At different times of the year and depending on skills and training, volunteers can help with harvesting seed, planting new prairies, controlled burns, removing invasive species, fencing, and many other land management duties.
Volunteering with us is a great way to contribute to the environment, learn more about the natural world while gaining new skills, and meeting people with a shared interest in conservation.
We would love your help with seed harvesting, native plant nursery work, invasive species control, and other jobs to restore and maintain healthy grasslands at the Platte Prairies.
Email Mardell Jasnowski at [email protected] or call her at (402) 694-4191 to be added to the Platte Prairies Work Days reminder list or to ask questions.
Platte River Prairies Schedule of Work Days – 2019
Last minute cancellations because of weather or other circumstances will be sent by email and phone calls to everyone who had registered to attend on that particular day. All dates are on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon.
| Date | Expected Activities |
| January 19, 2019 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) | Chainsaw work day: training and tree removal |
| February 16, 2019 | Seed Broadcasting / Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon |
| March – Crane Watching Events | |
| April 6, 2019 | Fencing |
| April 20, 2019 (April 22 is Earth Day) | Basal bark treating |
| May 4, 2019 | Thistle patrol |
| May 18, 2019 | Thistle patrol / tree control |
| June 1, 2019 | TBD |
| June 15, 2019 | Seed collection |
| July 6, 2019 | Seed collection |
| July 20, 2019 | Seed collection |
| August 3, 2019 | Seed collection |
| August 17, 2019 | Seed collection |
| September 7, 2019 | Seed collection |
| September 21, 2019 | TBD |
| October 5, 2019 | TBD |
| October 19, 2019 | TBD |
| November 2, 2019 | TBD |
| November 16, 2019 | TBD |
| December 7, 2019 | TBD |
| December 21, 2019 |
Prairie Loft
Family Outdoor Club
Third Saturday of Each Month 10-11:30amOutdoor activities geared toward kids ages 2-8 with their parents or guardians. Outdoor exploration, art activities, take-home projects, and more. $5 per family per Saturday.
School Field Trips
We offer programs to schools, summer programs, homeschool collaboratives, and other educational organizations. All classes are hands-on and active, with a variety of activities in every session. Activities may include team building activities, nature hikes, art projects, farm to table, animal studies, exploration of gardens, fields, and pasture, and more.
Prairie Loft Staff can also bring the learning to your classroom! Please contact us for more information.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute
Bader Park Tours (February, April, May, June, September, October, November)
Our walking tours of Bader Park near Chapman, Nebraska, begin in February and continue throughout the year. These leisurely trail hikes offer plenty of time for discussion and observation. Refreshments at the Bader House follow the hikes.
Sherman Ranch Prairie Hike (March)
A walking tour of the Sherman Ranch Prairie near Marquette, Nebraska, takes place each March. Migrating waterfowl are observed during this leisurely hike.
Gjerloff Prairie Hike (May)
Join us for a walking tour of the Gjerloff Prairie near Marquette, Nebraska. There’s plenty of time for discussion and observation during this leisurely hike.
Prairie Plains Fun Run (June)
The Prairie Plains Fun Run takes runners and walkers along a beautiful mowed trail through the hills and prairie of Gjerloff Prairie and Farm near Marquette, Nebraska. Both 5K and 10K are available.
Sioux County Ranch Trek (June)
The Ranch Trek begins with lunch at the Longhorn Bar and Grill in Harrison, Nebraska. Following lunch, we drive to the ranch to enjoy a driving/walking tour of the beautiful Guadalcanal Memorial Prairie and Ranch. A cookout concludes the day.
Youth Naturalist Program
Students in grades 7-11 are invited to attend the Youth Naturalist Program. An extension of our amazing SOAR program, YNP provides older students with in-depth opportunities to learn more about how to care for, protect and restore Nebraska’s ecosystems.
SOAR ( Summer Orientation About Rivers)
SOAR is a nature day camp where kids explore the Platte River and other outdoor environments in the area. By taking part in the many activities about science, language arts, history, agriculture, and art, SOAR campers learn while having fun. The Aurora Camp offers two five-day sessions for grades 3-6.
Please call 402-694-5535 for more information.
Nature Trails & Bison Herd Exhibit
The Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center’s Platte River Discovery Trail is a wonderful destination for all ages. Go birding, cool your feet in the Platte River, spend quiet time with our live bison herd, or relax atop our observation tower with a commanding view of the surrounding prairie and Platte River Valley. Native plants, wildflowers and wildlife abound along miles of natural hiking trails. Open year round and handicap accessible!
NE Game & Parks
Project WILD provides interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education curriculum and materials that focus on wildlife. Project WILD programs and materials assist learners of all ages to develop the awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment to act responsibly in matters concerning wildlife. Nebraska’s Project WILD Program offers educator workshop including: Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, Growing Up WILD and Flying WILD. Additionally, we offer many advanced workshops focusing on specific topics such as bats, pollinators, insects and birds. Workshops are free and provide educators with curriculum guides and resources.
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