Tag Archives: nebraska

Save the Dates – Platte River Prairies Events in 2014

Posted on by
Reply

If you’ve been waiting for a special invitation to come explore the Platte River Prairies, here it is…

“Come explore the Platte River Prairies!”

The Nature Conservancy's Platte River Prairies, Nebraska.

The Nature Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies, Nebraska.

During 2014, we will be hosting a number of events, including two Field Days, several volunteer workdays, and the annual meeting of the informal “Patch-Burn Grazing Working Group”.  More information on each of these is below:

Field Days – June 13 and August 29, 2014

Our Field Days are open house events that feature guided tours of our prairies and wetlands, along with discussions and presentations on various topics related to prairie management and restoration.  The events are free and open to anyone.  This year, we will have a particular focus on plant identification and invasive species, but will also feature a number of other prairie management and ecology topics – some yet to be decided.  More details will emerge as we get closer to summer, but for now, put the dates on your calendar!

Volunteer Work Days – June 7, July 5, August 2, and September 6, 2014

There are four Saturday workdays scheduled for 2014.  Anyone is welcome to join in the fun – just email or call Mardell Jasnowski (mjasnowski@tnc.org or 402-694-4191) to get more information and/or let her know you’re coming.  You can also ask to be put on our volunteer mailing list to keep abreast of other volunteer opportunities.  If you can’t make those days but are interested in helping out, Mardell can work with you on that as well.  You can find more information HERE.

Come harvest prairie seeds with us, or help with other prairie restoration or management work.

Come harvest prairie seeds or help with other prairie restoration or management activities.

Patch-Burn Grazing Working Group – August 13-14, 2014

The last time we hosted the Patch-Burn Grazing Working Group in the Platte River Prairies was 2008, so it’ll be fun to have everyone back again.  Despite the formal-sounding name, this is really just a casual networking opportunity for people working to combine prescribed fire and grazing as habitat management tools.  Meetings typically include a mixture of ecologists, land managers, ranchers, and academics from around the country, and are full of field trips and discussions that focus on increasing habitat quality and biological diversity on public and private grasslands.

The two day event is open to anyone interested in learning more about patch-burn grazing and other methods of creating more habitat heterogeneity in prairies.  More information on registration and other details will be forthcoming.

Hiking Trails – Always Open!

You don’t have to wait for an organized event to come out to the Platte River Prairies…  Our two hiking trails are open anytime you need them.  You can explore restored and remnant prairies, watch birds, photograph wildflowers, or just enjoy the fresh air.  For more information, click HERE.

Hubbard Fellowship Blog – Back on the prairie: fresh snow and hoar frost

Posted on by
3

 

A guest post from Anne Stine, one of our Hubbard Fellows.  All photos are by Anne.

 

Fresh snow on bushclover and yarrow in the Derr Sandhills. The Nature Conservancy's Platte River Prairies, Nebraska.

Fresh snow on bushclover and yarrow in the Derr Sandhills. The Nature Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies, Nebraska.

I’ve finally returned to Wood River after a long absence. It’s been ages since I was out on the prairie, or since I even saw it out the window.  The re-acquaintance period after my long time away did not disappoint. Just after I got back, we had some fun weather in the wake of the polar vortex (though I was *less* excited about the frozen pipes…). Specifically, we saw fresh snow followed by hoarfrost.  I was pleased to have a reason to get outside and take pictures.

Hoarfrost on Canada goldenrod

Hoarfrost on Canada goldenrod

I’ve seen hoarfrost before, but I’m struck by how lacey and delicate the world looks with white limning the edges of each leaf and twig. Fresh snow is dramatic in its own right.  I like the way it fuzzes out the horizon and scatters light.

Hairy grama, Bouteloua hirsuta, on the Derr Sandhills during a light snow shower.

Hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta) on the Derr Sandhills during a light snow shower.

I am also pleased to report that I have retained my ability to withstand the cold weather. I dress like an arctic explorer, but at least I get outside!

If you’re curious, this is the face behind the posts… winter edition.

If you’re curious, this is the face behind the posts… winter edition.

The morning I woke to hoarfrost, I made a bee-line to the sand pit restoration to capture it on the cottonwoods. The sand pit restoration is one of my favorite places to tromp around in the Platte River Prairies.  I return there regularly enough I was able to make this fun comparison of summer and winter images.  I find this reconstructed wetland to be picturesque year-round. These two pictures are up on TNC Nebraska’s Instagram, nature_ne.  I’m so glad I’m here to see the much-feared prairie winter.

Sand pit restoration: summer vs. winter.

Sand pit restoration: summer vs. winter.

Hoarfrost lining my favorite cottonwood, ice on the creek.

Hoarfrost lining my favorite cottonwood, ice on the creek.

Another view of my favorite cottonwood, framed by common evening primrose stalks.

Another view of my favorite cottonwood, framed by common evening primrose stalks.

.