Dave Caserio, a local writer and educator, is leading a writing workshop at Pictograph Cave State Park on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will use observations of the natural world and the area's historical, cultural, and geological background to create works in any writing genre.
Alabama State Parks launched the Junior Ranger Program, designed for children ages 5-12 to explore nature and cultivate conservation stewardship. Funded by Ford's Bronco Wild Fund, the program is available at all 21 state parks and includes free activity booklets and guided experiences led by park naturalists.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is requesting public input on a new general management plan for W.J. Hayes State Park in southern Michigan through an online survey available until April 3. Debbie Jensen, DNR park management plan administrator, emphasized that public insights are critical to developing the draft plan, with a public meeting scheduled for summer to review and comment on the new proposal.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will begin installing a traffic signal at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park's relocated U.S. 31 campground entrance in early March as part of an $8.5 million enhancement project. Motorists should anticipate intermittent single-lane closures during the two-week installation period, with the signal becoming fully operational in late April.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission completed multiple improvement projects across state parks and recreation areas, including trail restoration, facility upgrades, and new amenities at locations like Fort Robinson State Park, Merritt Reservoir, and Ponca State Park, funded through Capital Maintenance Funds and federal grants.
The Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee is seeking a northwest Lower Peninsula representative. Applicants should have experience with state parks and outdoor recreation. Interested candidates can apply through the provided form or contact Barbara Graves at 517-284-6136.
Nebraska Game and Parks discontinued guided horse trail rides at Ponca and Chadron state parks to improve efficiency and resources. Trail rides will continue at Fort Robinson, Platte River, Eugene T. Mahoney, Niobrara state parks, and Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, with horses and equipment transferred to strengthen equestrian services.
Brookville Lake features a remodeled beach house at Mounds State Recreation Area and updated amenities at Whitewater Memorial State Park, while Quakertown SRA's beach closes due to declining usage. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will repurpose the space for other recreational activities.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct prescribed burns this spring on wildlife management areas, state parks, and recreation areas to improve habitat. Burning removes invasive species like eastern red cedar and honey locust while enhancing wildlife attraction and long-term habitat quality.
Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama celebrated the completion of renovations to all 14 historic cabins originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The upgrades, funded by an $85 million bond approved by Alabama voters in 2022, modernized kitchens, bathrooms, and interiors while preserving the cabins' heritage charm. Additional improvements include expanded campsites, new bathhouses, and enhanced accessibility features.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park will host its annual art show and final rock art interpretive hike on March 21 as part of Great Falls Western Art Week. The event features original works by the Kuka Family, including pieces by late Blackfeet artist Kingsley "King" Kuka, with a guided hike starting at 10 a.m. and art show from noon to 3:30 p.m.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers multiple March events including a quilting exhibit at Arbor Lodge Mansion, naturalist-led hikes at Ponca State Park, and oak woodland restoration volunteer opportunities at Schramm Park State Recreation Area.
The Schramm Education Center south of Gretna offers March programming including Little Saplings on groundhogs, Spring Break Day focused on beavers, and Homeschool Hikes exploring woodpeckers. Admission ranges from free to $10 for adults.
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area's south bridge on the hike-bike trail has reopened following improvements including new decking, railings, and eight viewing platforms. The project, funded by a $250,000 federal Recreational Trails Program grant and Nebraska Game and Parks' Capital Maintenance Funds, enhances safety and viewing opportunities for sandhill crane migration observers.
Jack Pearadin and Michael Schumacher discovered a historic 6.03-carat yellow diamond during a livestreamed search at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas on January 25. Named the Pearadin Schumacher American Dream Diamond, it ranks as the fourth-largest yellow diamond registered at the park since 1972.
Travelers' Rest State Park near Lolo continues its Winter Storytelling Series each Saturday through March 14, celebrating the SΓ©liΕ‘ tradition of winter storytelling. Programs feature speakers including Sophia Etier, Tim Ryan, Bruce Bugbee, Lee Silliman, Dan Hall, and Ramona Holt, with admission at $5 per person and free for those under 18.
Montana State Parks is seeking volunteers to serve as campground hosts, visitor center attendants, park naturalists, and event coordinators. Last year, volunteers contributed over 33,000 hours across state parks and fishing access sites, with Beth Shumate and Duane Schlabach highlighting the critical role volunteers play in welcoming residents and visitors to Montana's natural destinations.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Flathead Audubon Society invite the public to a free Great Backyard Bird Count celebration at Lone Pine State Park on February 14. Participants will observe birds, learn about local species, and contribute data to the international Great Backyard Bird Count community science effort.
Kick off America’s semiquincentennial with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered Jan. 1 at Indiana’s state parks and lakes. Find one near you at on.IN.gov/INStateParkEvents.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in January. Activities take place at the Schramm Education Center south of Gretna, the Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering and virtually.