Outdoor activities planned for remainder of August

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will be hosting a wide variety of activities during the month of August. Registration for many events is required, as is a vehicle state park permit. To register or for more information contact Alison Bleich at 308-284-0855 or alison.bleich@nebraska.gov.

For walking activities, attendees should wear appropriate walking shoes and bring water, bug spray and sunscreen. 

Acrylic Painting

Acrylic Painting will take place at the Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center on Aug. 17 from 5-7:30 p.m. 

Participants may follow guided instructions on an original painting or come up with their own idea. This month’s painting will be space-themed, in honor of this year’s solar eclipse. Canvas, brushes, paint and refreshments will all be provided. This event will have a small fee and be limited to 20 people. 

Wildflower Walk

Everyone is invited to join the park naturalist for a morning wildflower walk at Ash Hollow State Historical Park on Aug. 19, at 8 a.m. 

With help from local wildflower enthusiast, Carol Kraus, participants will attempt to identify wildflowers. 

Dog Tails on Lake Trails

Dog Tails on Lake Trails will be held at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area on Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. inside the modern campground. 

Participants are invited to bring their four-legged friends out to the lake for a family-fun morning. A trail hike begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by contests at 10:30 a.m. with awards going to cutest puppy, best dog trick, etc. There will be photo opportunities and games. Everyone will leave with a doggy bag of treats. 

All pets needs to be on a 6-foot leash while inside the park.

National Trail Mix Day

 A trail walk for National Trail Mix Day will take place at Ash Hollow State Historical Park on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. 

The evening will start with participants making their own trail mix from provided treats, and then enjoying the snack on a guided hike through the trails of Ash Hollow.