The day dawned coolly, with a low fog layer keeping the temperature down after sunrise. An eager group of runners gathered at the starting line, waiting for the signal. The announcer shouted “Ready, Set, Go” and the runners were off! This 8-kilometer fun run kicked off Wildlands Day on May 18 at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area south of Scottsbluff, Neb. For the past six years, Wildlands Day has been held on the third Saturday in May to coincide with Free Parks Day for Nebraska State Parks. I had the fortunate opportunity to attend and help out at the event for Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory.
A young girl uses her new guide to identify a wildflower in the hills of western Nebraska. Photo by Connie McKinney.
One the most anticipated activities of the day was the bighorn sheep tour, with a large caravan setting off from the nature center parking lot in the morning toward Cedar Canyon. Although Kylie, our sheep chaser with Nebraska Game and Parks, had located the sheep prior to the hike, the sheep seemed to have a sixth sense about visitors, heading over a ridge and out of sight as the caravan arrived. However, the group was able to see the equipment she uses to track the radio-collared sheep, and talk to her about her job and the sheep that she monitors.
While western Nebraska has its share of beautiful, ephemeral spring wildflowers, the timing between late frosts and spring rains makes planning a showcase hike tricky business. Fortunately, everything bloomed at the right time this year and the flowers were fabulous. Resident wildflower expert Connie McKinney led the hike to view the abundant display of colors in the hills. All who attended the hike had a blast – unlike birds or sheep, the wildflowers cannot take off as hikers approach!
The author works the finish line of the 8-k fun run. Photo by Connie McKinney.
For our little visitors who were not up for hiking the steep trails, crafts and activities were held in the nature center classroom. Kids learned about scat and how useful it can be for wildlife ecologists. They had the opportunity to create their own edible scat out of Tootsie rolls and other goodies. Out on the back deck, kids were able to make their own seedball with a combination of native grass and wildflower seed from a special Pheasants Forever mix. The seedballs could be taken home, thrown into a sunny spot in the yard, watered every few days and within a week, little flower seedlings would be poking their heads up above ground.
More than a hundred folks attended Wildlands Day this year, setting new race times, seeing their first wildflowers of the season and exploring this special area. The weather, people, plants and wildlife were perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a better day!
Save the Date for May 17, 2014!
If you’re in western Nebraska next May, stop by Wildcat Hills on May 17 to get an in-depth look at some of the unique plants and animals that call this place home.
~ Maggie Vinson, Nebraska Education Coordinator
