By Renae Blum

Blazing temperatures can put a damper on outdoor fun during the day. So why not head outside after dark? Bring a friend and explore one of the following options under the cover of night.   

Fishing

Fishing at night is a great way to beat the heat. It also can make for a great fishing experience, depending on the species and location, said Daryl Bauer, Nebraska Game and Parks’ fisheries outreach program manager.

“Just about any species of fish is more active during low-light periods, which is late in the day, early in the morning and after dark,” Bauer said. He added that while most people think of fishing after dark in the summer, it can be a good opportunity year-round.

“Honestly, there are times I fish after dark when I’m ice-fishing, so it’s not just a summer thing,” Bauer said. “A lot of my best fish have been caught after dark.”

Anglers should seek out clear waters for the best opportunities. Consider using a headlight or a mini mag flashlight, as well as lighted or glow-in-the-dark bobbers, depending on what you’re fishing for.

Observe the night sky

The night sky holds wonders year-round. Find a place away from city lights to sit back and enjoy the view with family and friends.

In August, you can look forward to a couple astronomical sights. One is the Perseid meteor shower, the largest of the year, which peaks on Aug. 11 and 12. During the peak, you might spot as many as 50 meteors an hour, which rises to 90 or more if you can find a true dark sky location. This year’s display should be especially good as the moon will set in time to see the action. The best viewing is from midnight to sunrise, but any time after dark will work.

On Aug. 19, you can observe the full Sturgeon Moon, which is the first supermoon of the year. A supermoon occurs when the moon is full and at its closest point to Earth. It also happens to be a blue moon, which is the third of four full moons in an astronomical season.

Watch wildlife

Observing wildlife at night is a great way to connect with nature – and there’s a variety of opportunities. You might spot mammals like raccoons, deer, bats and coyotes, as well as owls, frogs, toads and fireflies. To prepare, familiarize yourself with the habitat and the types of animals you might encounter. Dress in dark, quiet clothing and bring a flashlight or headlamp with a red filter; binoculars; camera; insect repellant and comfortable shoes.

For your best chance at spotting wildlife, be patient, move quietly, use red light and stay downwind. It’s also important to be safe, so go with a friend and have a plan. Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Also, be respectful of the wildlife you see and practice leave-no-trace principles.

Campground games

Dark skies can add extra excitement to ordinary campground games – and give kids an alternative to screen time. After sunset, get your group together and play games like Truth or Dare, Telephone or Hide and Seek. You can modify Hide and Seek to be played with flashlights; whoever gets caught in the flashlight’s glare is out. Set boundaries so kids know how far they’re allowed to wander.

Light-up or glow-in-the-dark toys are great options as well. Before your next camping adventure, buy some glow-in-the-dark ring toss or cornhole equipment. Glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark Easter eggs can be another source of fun.

Listen for wildlife

It can be easier sometimes to hear wildlife at night rather than see it. For example, owls, coyotes, frogs and toads, and crickets and katydids all make distinctive sounds at night.

Before you head out, familiarize yourself with the typical calls of local wildlife species and know the habitat you’re heading to, as different habitats attract different wildlife. Position yourself near suitable habitats such as ponds for frogs, wooded areas for owls, or open fields for crickets and katydids. You might want to bring along a recording device or smartphone app so you can listen back later and work on identification.

Be sure to pick a quiet location away from human noise and activity, and once you’re there, let your hearing adjust to the environment. Be patient, staying quiet and still. You also can try listening at different times; some animals are more vocal during specific times of night. Try listening during dusk, midnight and early morning to catch a variety of species.

Go mothing

One fun way to discover the wildlife around you is through mothing – using a light to look for moths at night. Mothing can be done anywhere there are plants for their caterpillars to eat, so a backyard, forest, garden or woodland area can work. You’ll need a light source, such as a flashlight, lantern or porch light, as well as a flat surface such as a bedsheet, towel, shower curtain or laundry basket.

Before you head out, check the weather – clear nights with no rain are best. When ready, hang up your sheet and aim your light source at it. Then be patient, as it may take a while for nearby moths to see your light. Wait and see what lands on your sheet and be gentle. If you want to observe a moth up close, approach it slowly and gently. Moths can be easily startled and may fly away if disturbed.

Consider taking photos or notes to document what you see and to help with identification. You also can check back periodically from dusk to late evening, which is when moths are most active; you might spot different species.

Go boating

If you’re looking to stargaze or fish, boating at night can be a fun opportunity. This activity is best for seasoned boaters who are familiar with the lake in question, said Nebraska Game and Parks’ Boating Law Administrator Jeff Clauson.

Those boating after dark should avoid alcohol and be wary of other vessels, as well as hazards in the water. “Make sure you have your lights working and leave them on even when the bugs come out,” Clauson said.

For more ideas on outdoor fun, and to learn more about Nebraska’s wildlife, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Catch these Game and Parks education events in August

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in August.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Here are some opportunities:

Schramm to host Mud Pie Making

Prepare to get messy Aug. 5 at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna. At 10 a.m., make a mud pie at the Outdoor Classroom after going on a hike to seek out the ingredients.

Participants can squish through the mud pie recipe while learning about soil and the animals that use mud.

Connect to natural world at Creature Comforts workshop

Join Nebraska Game and Parks and Papillion Public Library for Creature Comforts: Crafting Homes for Wild Neighbors at 6 p.m. Aug. 6.

In this free workshop, families will create a butterfly feeder to place in their backyard. Participants also will receive information on attracting pollinators to their yard and identifying species. Supplies will be provided.

The workshop will be at the Papillion Public Library, 222 N. Jefferson St.

Space is limited, so registration is required. See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to sign up. Email [email protected] with questions.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on Aug. 6

Get ready to go birding by participating in the new Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A different birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area.

On Aug. 6, the topic for this free, bird-related program for all ages will be the ruby-throated hummingbird. Learn about resident hummingbirds and how to attract them.

Wise and Wild is Aug. 6 at James Family Conservatory

Wise and Wild is a program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 3 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On Aug. 6, the topic for this free event will be Forest Hike and Tree Identification. Hike the forest and learn about trees with the help of a naturalist.

Little Saplings presents Froggy Fun on Aug. 7

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2024 series, which occurs the first Wednesday of the month, continues Aug. 7 with the theme Froggy Fun at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Explore Nature at Nightfall at Platte River SP

Platte River State Park will host Nature at Nightfall from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 9.

This evening celebration of nature is a chance to meet live animals, view the night sky, go on a night hike, observe bat netting science, discover moths, find pond critters and more.

At arrival, look for park staff handing out program maps with a list of activities.

Three SRAs to host Goin’ Bullfrogging

Learn about bullfrogs and then go out and try to catch some. Goin’ Bullfrogging is a program that will provide that opportunity from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 16 at Memphis State Recreation Area, Aug. 17 at Two Rivers SRA, and Aug. 18 at Louisville SRA.

The program will begin with an informational session about bullfrog biology, regulations, catching methods and more. Then participants and instructors will head out to the water’s edge to catch frogs.

A Nebraska fishing permit is required for ages 16 and older.

Registration is required through the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Call 402-332-5022 for more information.

Homeschool Hikes set for Aug. 21-22 at Schramm

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Aug. 21 and 1 p.m. Aug. 22. This month's theme is Dung Beetles.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Nature Printing workshop Aug. 22 in Omaha

Have you ever wanted to create prints using the natural items found outside your door? Join Nebraska Game and Parks educators for a Nature Printing workshop at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 as they lead participants through two printing methods.

In this workshop, educators will use the power of the sun to capture plant silhouettes through cyanotype printing on paper. Participants also will design a nature-themed bandana or tea towel using rubber stamps that you will get to carve by hand.

The event, for ages 18 and up, will be at Dry Spokes, 1901 Leavenworth St., Omaha.

Registration is required through the calendar event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Direct questions to Grace Gaard at [email protected].

Snakes of Nebraska event returns to Schramm

The Schramm Education Center will host its annual Snakes of Nebraska event from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 24-25.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln herpetologist Dennis Ferraro and his lab will lead a live snake encounter, set up open-house style in the Schramm Education Center classroom, featuring most of Nebraska’s 29 snake species. Visitors may ask questions and see venomous snakes up close at this free event.

Schramm Education Center admission fees will apply for anyone visiting the Education Center in addition to the event. A state park vehicle permit is not required in the Education Center parking lot.

Email [email protected] with questions or call 402-332-5022.