Let's hear it for Nebraska's newest state record fish! This Redear Sunfish was caught by David Bell at Duck Creek Reservoir on July 6. The fish measured 12.5 inches and weighed 2 pounds, beating the old rod and reel state record by 2 ounces. Congratulations, David! 👏

The blowout penstemon: A reminder that beauty can be found in harsh conditions. ☀️ This perennial plant species can only be found in open sand habitats called blowouts. Learn more about this endangered species: brnw.ch/21wULOV 📸: Gerry Steinauer

Fort Kearny SRA is opening reservations early! Starting Sept. 2, visitors can reserve 38 campsites as early as March 1. The early reservations are being offered to accommodate visitors during the sandhill crane migration. Learn more: brnw.ch/21wUMaR 📸: Eric Fowler

⚠️ CAUTION: The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County, Nebraska. Learn more: brnw.ch/21wUMiY

Gone fishing this summer? Show us your photos! 📸⬇️ 📸: @NEBland_Julie

Hunters: Fall turkey permits are available for purchase starting Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. Central time. 🦃 Buy your permit today: brnw.ch/21wUPkp 📸: Jeff Kurrus

⚠️ HEADS UP: Roads or portions of roads leading to several WMAs in southwestern Nebraska are closed following heavy rains. The NGPC has begun to assess damage at Frenchman, Enders, Swanson, Red Willow, and Medicine Creek WMAs. Learn more: brnw.ch/21wUPyp

⚠️ HEADS UP: Portions of Two Rivers SRA are closed following a weekend storm. Riverside Campground and the river day-use area are closed until further notice. Cottonwood Campground is closed to walk-ins until Aug. 15. Learn more: brnw.ch/21wUPDK 📸: Jeff Kurrus

Approximately 206 butterfly species can be found in Nebraska, and they are readily seen during warm summer days. 🦋 Learn more about Nebraska's butterflies: brnw.ch/21wUQY0 📸: Nebraskaland

Embark on a captivating journey into Heron Haven in Omaha! Ted LaGrange is leading a guided exploration on Aug. 23 where participants can experience diverse ecosystems and learn about wetlands in Nebraska. Learn more and register: brnw.ch/21wURra 📸: Justin Haag, NGPC

Nebraskans who want to donate or receive harvested deer can participate in the Deer Exchange. 🦌 This program brings together hunters who have a surplus of deer with recipients willing to accept the deer meat. Learn more: brnw.ch/21wUSYg 📸: Justin Haag, NGPC

Let's celebrate! We're hosting a 10th anniversary event at Danish Alps SRA and Kramper Lake this Saturday, Aug. 16. 🎉 Join us for a day filled with fishing, kayaking, trail rides and more. Find event details here: brnw.ch/21wUTow 📸: Jenny Wheatley

Heads up, anglers! 🎣 Recent hot temperatures, followed by several cloudy days, have contributed to the occurrence of fish kills in Nebraska. Learn more: brnw.ch/21wUUH5 📸: Jeff Kurrus

#Throwback to the first annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park. Join us to celebrate the expo's 20th anniversary Sept. 20-21, 2025! Learn more: brnw.ch/21wUV2d 📸: Nebraskaland

Create clean, healthy spaces for wildlife to enjoy at our statewide Kayak Cleanup events Aug. 21! Join us at: 🛶 Lake Zorinsky 🛶 Danish Alps SRA 🛶 Lake Minatare SRA 🛶 Platte River SP Learn more and register: brnw.ch/21wUVom 📸: Nick Sauvageau

Picnicking is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your next picnicking adventure: 🔥 Try outdoor cooking. 🗑️ Leave no trace. 🐾 Don't feed the wildlife. Find a picnic area: brnw.ch/21wUWKP 📸: Jeff Kurrus

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for a 2026 mountain lion hunting season at its Aug. 22 meeting in McCook. Read more: brnw.ch/21wUX5e

⚠️ CAUTION: The health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County has been extended. Learn more: brnw.ch/21wUXdV

Nothing beats a starry Nebraska sky. 🤩 📸: Justin Haag, NGPC 📍 Smith Falls State Park

Nothing says late summer like a night of chasing big croakers. Bullfrogging season is an unusual season, but one that reeks of challenge, excitement and tremendous entertainment value. Read "Bullfroggin' 101" by Greg Wagner: brnw.ch/21wUYSR 📸: Jeff Kurrus