The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission soon will accept grant proposals that will enhance watchable wildlife opportunities and nature-based experiences in Nebraska.

The intent of these Watchable Wildlife Grants, which are funded through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, is to help people build appreciation and stewardship for natural resources through practical experience. Individuals, nonprofit, governmental, and for-profit entities are encouraged and eligible to apply.

Projects must develop ways to improve wildlife observation and should have a positive impact on natural resources and wildlife.

Potential projects include, but are not limited to, wildlife viewing blinds or decks, engaging pollinator gardens, binoculars and field guides for visitors, and wildlife viewing events.

The application period is Sept. 2-Nov. 4, 2024. The maximum award is $6,000 per proposal.

To apply, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Watchable Wildlife Grants.”

Direct any questions to [email protected].

Lake Wanahoo PATH sites open for reservations

The Passing Along the Heritage mentored youth hunting program sites at Lake Wanahoo now may be reserved.

Lake Wanahoo, a mile north of Wahoo in Saunders County, has seven hunting sites totaling 1,067 acres.

The PATH program is for mentored youth hunts where experienced mentor hunters can “pass along” their knowledge to youth, who must be aged 17 or younger to be eligible to hunt. Mentors may not hunt. This allows mentors to focus their attention on the youth, ensuring a safe and successful hunt.

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District manages the habitat in cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. There are five upland sites that allow for hunting of deer, upland birds, and waterfowl and two waterfowl-only sites. Sites range in size from 135 to 200 acres.

Interested mentors must create an account at apps.outdoornebraska.gov/PATH before they can reserve a PATH site. After choosing an available PATH property and reserving a date, a mentor will be able to print a permission slip, which must be carried during the hunt. Mentors may enroll for PATH up to five times annually.

Learn more about PATH and its other sites across the state at the program’s website.

The program is made possible by a partnership between the Game and Parks, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Shooting Sports Foundation and Nebraska landowners.

Memorial run raises $10K for Smith Falls trails

The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health, raised $10,000 for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails in 2024.

To date, supporters of the Vanderheiden Memorial run have contributed more than $30,000 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation to support trails.

Runners from every state in the nation and all 93 Nebraska counties participated either virtually or in-person in this year’s May 25 race, which brought together hundreds of people united around raising mental health awareness. Participants used the hashtags #PreventSuicide and #Run4TJV when they shared their race stories, memories of Tyler and their connection to the outdoors.

“The outpouring of support is a true reflection of the love we have for our precious son, Tyler,” said Shannon Vanderheiden, Tyler’s mother. “Our race efforts are just a glimpse of the important work and impact that Tyler has had on the lives of others, even those who never had the privilege of meeting him.

“For many the great outdoors holds a healing power that nurtures both our physical and mental health well-being, and we are humbled and grateful for the support we receive through Ty’s race to continue raising awareness about the importance of mental health well-being and suicide prevention. Thank you for being part of our family’s journey. Together, we are building a legacy of love and hope that will live on for generations to come.”

The annual event began in 2020 with the intent of being a space for healing and support for those who struggle with mental health or know someone who has, and since 2022, has benefitted trails across the state.

Funds donated this year will be used to support trail upgrades at Smith Falls State Park, home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall, and the donation could trigger access of up to $32,000 in matching federal Recreation Trails Program funds if a grant application by Game and Parks is successful this fall.

The run is organized by the Platte River Fitness Series, with support by West Central District Health Department, where Vanderheiden serves as executive director.

“Memorial races like this one resonate with runners in a special way,” said Trudy Merritt, series director. “Attaching something bigger than ourselves to a hard effort creates space for meaning making, something necessary for human flourishing.”

People continue to connect with the race’s message, helping to spread the word and shine a light on mental health and available resources.

The 2025 race is set for May 31.

To learn more, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for “Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run.”

Shooting ranges available for sight-in

Hunters may sight-in their firearms and bows for the coming seasons at any of several public and private shooting ranges listed on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website.

“It is important to sight-in your firearm or bow to increase your accuracy, boost your confidence, and help prevent hunting incidents from occurring in the field,” said Kyle Gaston, Nebraska Hunter Education coordinator.

The website includes dates, locations and hours of operations for Game and Parks and partner ranges, if any costs are associated, and any other special requirements.

To see a list of participating shooting ranges, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/prepare-to-hunt/sight-in-days.