August packed with fun events in southeast state parks

Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s southeast state parks. During August, a variety of events are planned for those for all ages and interests.

Don’t forget to purchase a required vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Beginning Wildfowl Carver Course at Schramm

Learn how to create a miniature duck decoy in four weekly sessions at Schramm Education Center from 3-7 p.m. July 27, Aug. 3, 10 and 17.

Participants will work with experienced carvers of the Central Flyway Decoy Collectors and Carvers Club, who will lead them through the carving process to complete a miniature redhead duck decoy.

Sessions include lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice using tools of the craft.

To register, visit the July 27 calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Kayak cleanup scheduled at Standing Bear, Wanahoo

Wildlife and people need clean and healthy spaces to live and enjoy. Join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor educators at two lakes Aug. 1 for a night of service to local waters – removing trash from lakes while kayaking.

Lake cleanups will take place at Standing Bear Lake in Omaha and Lake Wanahoo near Wahoo.

Trash bags and gloves will be provided as leaders and volunteers clean up trash from 6-8 p.m.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own kayaks, but a limited number of kayaks will be available on a first-come basis. Registration is required.

For more information, including where to meet, and to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Take a Round Raft Adventure at Schramm

Visit Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna on Aug. 3 and go on a Round Raft Adventure.

Round Rafts are the perfect watercraft for floating around in a pond. Look for the Round Raft Adventure trailer in the park from 10 a.m.-noon.

Rafters must fit in a life jacket to participate (sizes XXS to 4XL).

Youth Hunter Education Challenge is Aug. 11

The Youth Hunter Education Challenge is sure to put skills to the test Aug. 11 at Platte River State Park.

This free, skill-building competition is for youth aged 11 and older who have successfully completed Hunter Education and have not yet graduated high school. Proof of successful Hunter Education certification is required.

Participants will receive hands-on training from certified instructors, giving them expertise in all methods of take and all types of game. This challenge includes 3D archery, shotgun and rifle target shooting, advanced shooting skills, aerial archery, five-stand shotgun and knockdown rifle targets.

This event will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex.

To register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Arbor Lodge hosting patriotic quilt display

In celebration of America, and honoring local veterans, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is hosting a patriotic quilt display through Aug. 14. Visitors are welcome to view the displays any time during open hours, Tuesdays-Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The display includes more than 25 Quilts of Valor and other quilted items as well as display information regarding Morton Family Veterans and their patriotic service. Quilts of Valor are a project of the Blue Star Mothers Foundation, which honors veterans who have served overseas. Blue Star Mothers Chapter 1 of Nebraska City has awarded 257 quilts.

For more information, call 402-873-7222.

Enjoy stargazing at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland on Aug. 16 and enjoy some summer stargazing.

Telescopes will be provided so visitors may get a glimpse at the night sky beginning at dusk. Meet behind the park’s golf shack for this free event from 9-11:30 p.m. Remember to bring camp chairs or blankets.

The rain date is Aug. 17.

Indian Cave to host Labor Day Weekend events

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Indian Cave State Park with family fun Aug. 31.

Events will take place outside of the museum. The schedule includes hayrack rides, cake walk and yard games at 5 p.m., a fish fry from 6-7:30 p.m., and fireworks by the Pioneer Longrifle Club at 9 p.m.

Call the park for more information at 402-883-2575.