PONCA – Close out the final weekend in June at Ponca State Park.
According to a release, introduction courses will close out the weekend each morning at Ponca State Park from 9 – 11 a.m. with equipment provided at the Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex.
Pellet Rifle on Friday for those 8+ with adult supervision as cost is $1 per four clips; Shotgun will be highlighted on Saturday for those 12+ with adult supervision as cost is $7 for a box of 25 shells and Slingshot on Sunday for those 5+ with adult supervision as cost is $1 for 30 rocks.
Critter Corner is scheduled to last from 1 – 1:45 p.m. on Friday. Parkgoers can join a park naturalist to learn about Nebraska’s wildlife. Participants will get a chance to see furs, skulls, artifacts and more while hearing about how animals adapt to their environment. Meet in the display wing for this free event where you’ll even get to meet some resident critters.
A ‘Paracord Keychain’ is a small piece of rope and will help you survive. Learn the techniques and strategy of using a keychain made from paracord between 3 – 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Participants will weave their own keychain to take home. Pre-register and pay at the Resource and Education Center from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. before meeting behind the center at 3 p.m. Cost is $2 per kit.
Moving into Saturday afternoon from 1 – 2:30 p.m., bring your own pole or borrow one for ‘Fishing 101’. If you’re new to fishing or are just looking for some tips of the trade, Ponca State Park staff is there to help. All anglers 16 and older must have a fishing permit. Meet at the Ponca Pond for this free event.
Pond Macroinvertebrates will be the Saturday late afternoon session from 3 – 3:45 p.m. Join a park naturalist for water quality measurements as attendees will try and catch and identify the small creatures that live in the Ponca Pond. Meet at the Ponca Pond for this free event.
Other events include a Forest Critter Hunt (Bloodroot Trail Self-guided Hike) to find the 10 hidden wildlife statues along the trail; Bingos/Scavenger Hunts/Passports; Search for Sasquatch; Ponca Packs; Old Oak Trail Self-guided Hike and Fishing Tackle Loaner Program.
For details on all current activities going on at Ponca State Park, like Ponca State Park NE on Facebook or call 402-755-2284 with any questions.
