Nebraska is abundant with diverse wildlife and habitats. Nebraska is a biological crossroads of North America where prairie meets ponderosa pine forests, where wetlands speckle the landscape and more than 23,000 miles of rivers and streams ribbon through the state. The vast grasslands of the Sandhills stretch the imagination to recall pioneer days, while the Pine Ridge escarpments tower over the landscape. Nebraska is the place where plant and wildlife communities of different regions meet, giving the state a rich diversity of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Watchable wildlife
Explore tips for watchable wildlife opportunities across the state:
How to watch wildlife
Observing wildlife in nature is a rewarding experience that requires little more than patience. However, investing in (or borrowing) the right equipment and following a few key tips will help make your wildlife watching excursion as successful as it can be.
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Where to watch wildlife
Nebraska is a biological crossroads of North America where prairie meets ponderosa pine forests, where wetlands speckle the landscape and over 23,000 miles of rivers and streams ribbon through the landscape. The vast grasslands of the Sandhills stretches the imagination to pioneer days while the pine ridge escarpments tower over the landscape. Nebraska is the place where plant and wildlife communities of different regions meet, giving the state a rich diversity of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Watchable Wildlife Guides
Available to download and print for free, these regional wildlife ID guides can aid in your exploration of Nebraska’s diversity of plant and animal species. These quick reference guides provide information of the region, help with species identification, and provide tips for wildlife viewing. They can be used for personal or educational purposes.
Wildlife viewing timeline
Wildlife watchers can find something to observe all year round. The following is a month-by-month guide to viewing some of Nebraska’s most popular species to observe.
Watchable wildlife grants
This granting opportunity seeks to help develop watchable wildlife and nature based experiences in Nebraska. The intent of these grants are to help people build appreciation and stewardship for natural resources through experience. Potential projects include viewing site development, events, infrastructure, equipment and plan development. Funding is provided by the Wildlife Conservation Fund.
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Monarch Waystations
Monarch waystations are areas that provide all of the necessary resources for monarch, as well as other, butterflies to produce several generations and sustain their migration. Monarchs rely on milkweeds, any of several species, throughout the spring and summer during their breeding seasons and would not be able to produce successive generations to aid in their fall migration. Monarchs also require a variety of nectar producing flowers that bloom throughout spring, summer and fall to also aid in their migration to Mexico. Having host plants as well as nectar producing plants for adults applies to monarch population’s world-wide.
Nebraska Native Plants
Nebraska’s Milkweed
