Join nature activities at Lake Mac

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering several opportunities to connect with nature at Lake McConaughy during the month of May.

Tree Hike

“Let’s Talk Trees” at the Lake Ogallala Modern Campground on May 17, 5 p.m. Join park naturalist for a walk at Lake Ogallala. All supplies will be provided to create a leaf masterpiece. Meet near the shower building at the Lake Ogallala Modern Campground. Vehicle park permit required.

Pizza Party

“National Endangered Species Day” and “National Pizza Party Day” is on May 19 at 5 p.m. 

The event will feature presentations from Central and NGPC on information and policies relating to the endangered and threatened species in Nebraska and at Lake McConaughy. Following the presentations, Central is sponsoring a free pizza dinner to all attendees who RSVP before May 15. For more information or to RSVP contact Colby Johnson at 308-284-8804 or colby.johnson@nebraska.gov.

Free Park Day

“Free Park Day” will be held at Lake Ogallala on May 20. Activities will include:

• 9 a.m: Bird walk 

• 1 p.m: Guided nature journaling walk 

• 5 p.m: - Camping 101 at the Lake Ogallala Modern Campground.

Registration required.

Painting at the Lake

“Evening Acrylics” will be held at the Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center on May 25, 5-7:30 p.m. Join the park naturalist at the lake to paint. Follow guided instruction or come up with an original idea. 

The painting will be bird-themed, in celebration of Nebraska Bird Month. Canvas, brushes, paint, and refreshments will all be provided, for a fee. Limit 20, registration is required.

Scavenger Hunt

“I Spy Lake McConaughy” will be held at Martin Bay on May 26, 5 p.m. Gather up some friends and come out to Lake McConaughy for a scavenger hunt. The park naturalist will have a list of things to spot around the lake, including hidden items. Bring a team, or search independently. First team to locate all items will win a prize. Meet at the Martin Bay entrance. Registration is required.

Bird Walk

Join “Birds and Bikes” at Ash Hollow State Historical Park on May 27. Follow the park naturalist on a bird walk through Ash Hollow, starting at 9 a.m. Meet at the picnic area. Binoculars, guidebooks, and checklists will be provided. Meet up again at 1 p.m. for a light bike ride through the park. It will start at the Ash Hollow Visitor Center. Bring a water bottle. Vehicle park permit required.

Make a Bird Feeder

 “Fashion a Feeder” at the Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center on May 28, 1 p.m. Join the park naturalist in making bird feeders. There will be supplies available to turn a recycled item into a beautiful feeder. Bring recyclable item(s) to use. This activity is free of charge.

Plant Flowers

“Water a Flower Day” will be at the Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center on May 30, at 5 p.m. Kids and their parents are welcome out to the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center for an afternoon of planting flowers. After a short presentation, flowers will be transplanted into larger pots for the visitor center. Each kid will decorate their own pot with a flower that they can take home. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free of charge, registration is required.