Natural Legacy Conference
The annual conference covers research, education and management of at-risk species in Nebraska.
The Natural Legacy Conference focuses on conservation, management, education and research of at-risk species and habitats in Nebraska. Join us at the annual conference to learn about efforts to implement the Natural Legacy Project and network with biologists, students, landowners and others interested in conservation across the state.
2024 Conference
The 2024 Nebraska Natural Legacy Conference will take place Oct. 8-10 in North Platte, Nebraska. Please fill out the registration form and see the tentative schedule and hotel reservation options below.
Cost
- $50 for students or Master Naturalists
- $100 for non-NGPC affiliates
- NGPC staff – do not pay online, just fill out the registration form; you will be direct billed after the conference.
For anyone who is NOT Nebraska Game and Parks staff:
- First pay the registration fee online before filling out the registration form below.
- Save your registration payment transaction number. You will need this to complete the conference registration form below.
- Fill out the registration form below.
Tues., Oct. 8 at Harbor Lights
1 p.m. – Registration opens
1:30-2:30 p.m. – Kickoff & Regional Session
2:30-5 p.m. – Field Trip
5-6 p.m. – Break
6-9 p.m. – Dinner & Social
Wed., Oct. 9 at Lincoln County Fairgrounds
8-8:45 a.m. – Registration (Ag Activities Center Building)
8:45-9 a.m. – Welcome
9-10 a.m. – Keynote Speaker
10 a.m. – noon – Presentations
Noon-1 p.m. – Lunch
1-5:30 p.m. – Field Trip
6-9 p.m. – Dinner & Social at Harbor Lights; award presentations
Thurs., Oct. 10 at Lincoln County Fairgrounds
8-8:30 a.m. – Registration (Ag Activities Center Building)
8:30 a.m.-12:05 p.m. – Presentations
12:05-1 p.m. – Wrap-up & boxed lunches
Hotel Block
To receive the conference (government) rate, you must book your room by September 8, 2024. To reserve your room at the Holiday Inn, call (308) 532-9500.
The Room block is called: Legacy Conference. If you are tax-exempt, you must let them know when you make the reservation.
Call for presentations
We are now seeking abstracts for presentations for the 2024 Nebraska Natural Legacy Conference in North Platte.
Participation is encouraged from:
- Projects specifically supported by the Natural Legacy Project or State Wildlife Grants
- Presentations pertaining to Nebraska’s at-risk species or habitats
- Highlights of natural resource management, biodiversity, conservation, research, environmental education or outreach; particularly from a landowner perspective or projects at a Natural Legacy Demonstration Site
- Conservation efforts occurring in central and southwest Nebraska
- Interactive, participatory, engaging presentations highly encouraged
Submissions
Submit presentation abstracts to olivia.darugna@nebraska.gov by Friday, September 6th, 2024.
Please include:
- Title
- Abstract
- Names of all authors with affiliation and email address
All proposals will be reviewed and presenters notified if they have been accepted for the conference after September 6th. Presenters will be expected to deliver their presentations in person. Presentations should be about 20 minutes with five minutes for questions.
Legacy Awards
Each year, one conservation award and one education award are given. The award winners are nominated by fellow coworkers, partners and conservationists.
Submit your nominations
Nominations for 2024 Conservation and Education Awards must be emailed to olivia.darugna@nebraska.gov by August 28, 2024. Download the nomination forms below to complete your nominations.
Conservation Award
This award is given to an individual or organization that exemplifies the Natural Legacy Project’s mission of conserving Nebraska’s flora, fauna and natural habitats for our Natural Legacy Conservation Award. Again this year, we are giving additional consideration to private landowners/producers who focus on land stewardship and conservation.
Education Award
The Natural Legacy Education Award recognizes someone who has advanced environmental or conservation education and has inspired others to learn about natural resources and the Natural Legacy Project.
Previous award winners
- Brian Zuhlke, landowner
- Bob Hansen, Nebraska Master Naturalist
- Kenneth Dinan, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, USFWS
- Lindsay Rogers, Nebraska Game & Parks
- Robert Kaul, University of Nebraska-Lincoln State Museum
- Mary Bomberger Brown, Tern & Plover Conservation Partnership
- Mark Brohman, Nebraska Environmental Trust
- Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. Representative
- Joel Jorgensen, Nebraska Game & Parks
- Marian Langan, Audubon Nebraska
- Teresa Lombard, Nebraska Game & Parks
- Mike Schrad, Nebraska Master Naturalist
- William Whitney, Prairie Plains Resource Institute
- Paula Hoppe, Nebraska Master Naturalist
- Gerry Steinauer, Nebraska Game & Parks
- Jason St. Sauver, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
- Jamie Kelley, Lincoln Parks and Recreation
- Dennis Ferraro, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Past Conferences
View recordings of prior conference presentations on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission YouTube channel.
Contact us
Have a question or comment about the Natural Legacy Conference? Send us an email.
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About Nebraska Game & Parks
We’re a family of passionate, innovative professionals who work together to connect people to the natural world and support conservation in Nebraska.