Free Event – Platte River Prairies Field Day, July 11, 2026

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Please join us for a fun day in the prairie on Saturday July 11!

Our annual Platte River Prairies Field Day will feature opportunities to learn about the ecology of prairies and wetlands and the identification and natural history of small mammals, plants and invertebrates. You can help with active restoration projects by harvesting seed and make your own art project with pressed wildflowers. If you show up early enough, you can tag along on a photography hike with me. See the full agenda, directions to the site, and other details here.

Master Naturalist Mike Schrad talking about his small mammal research while checking live traps.

This event is located at The Nature Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies and is free and open to all ages. Please use the link above to RSVP so we know how many people are coming and so we can contact if you if we have to change plans because of weather. Bring your own lunch and a refillable water bottle, as well as any other field supplies you need (insect repellant, sunscreen, hat, etc.). You’re welcome to come and go at any time during the day.

Come learn why this is a katydid and not a grasshopper (hint: antennae length) and how to identify the native legume it is sitting on
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About Chris Helzer

Chris Helzer is Director of Science and Stewardship for The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska, where he conducts research and supervises the Conservancy’s preserve stewardship program. He also helps develop, test, and share prairie management and restoration strategies. Chris is also dedicated to raising awareness about the value of prairies through his photography, writing and presentations. He is the author of The Prairie Ecologist blog, and two books: The Ecology and Management of Prairies and Hidden Prairie: Photographing Life in One Square Meter. He is also a frequent contributor to NEBRASKAland magazine and other publications. Chris and his family live in Aurora, Nebraska.

3 thoughts on “Free Event – Platte River Prairies Field Day, July 11, 2026”

  1. The photography hike sounds like a perfect way to start the day—getting out early to see the dew on the prairie flowers has always been a favorite part of my own field trips. Haven’t made it to the Platte River Prairies yet, but this might be the year to finally change that.

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