NPS - National Park Service

05/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/03/2024 11:46

Help NPS rangers count the critters at Homestead

Date:
May 3, 2024
Contact: Jesse Bolli, 402-223-3514

BEATRICE, Neb. - Curious about the plants and animals of Homestead National Historical Park? Then be at the park on Saturday, May 11, 2024, for the 2024 Critter Count - Bioblitz!

The three ranger-led nature walks will start at Homestead's Education Center.

• 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Bird Walk
• 10 a.m.-noon Plant Walk
• 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Insect Walk

Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

The goal during the walks will be to look for, photograph, and record the critters that are encountered. Data will be collected using the iNaturalist app, but you do not need a device to participate; no experience is needed, and everyone is welcome!

Early in the history of Homestead National Historical Park managers recognized the importance of biodiversity. When talking about the prairie restoration project in a 1940 management plan, biologist Adolph Murie wrote, "it would seem desirable to make an effort early in the program to restore some of the more prominent spring, summer and fall flowers to show a part of nature which no doubt gave some cheer to the first settlers." This event is a celebration of the original restoration activities that allows us in 2024 to get a glimpse of what the first homesteaders encountered in eastern Nebraska.

For more information on available accommodations please contact Accessibility Coordinator, Amber Kirkendall at (402) 223-3514.

Homestead National Historical Park is a unit of the National Park Service, located four miles west of Beatrice, NE. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free! For more information, please call (402) 223-3514, or visit http://www.nps.gov/home.

Remember, Homestead National Historical Park has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2024. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNHP) and Facebook (Homestead National Historical Park).

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 424 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.