The weather is warming up, flowers are emerging, and birds have been migrating through.  Spring is here, and with it comes countless opportunities to enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

Recreation Areas
The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (District) manages six recreation areas for all to enjoy:

• Bruce L. Anderson (Recharge Lake), York
• Overland Trail, York
• Oxbow Trail, Ulysses
• Pioneer Trails, Aurora
• Smith Creek, Utica
• Teal View Wetland Education Area, Hampton

These areas are open year-round and provide a place for everyone who wants to view wildlife, go fishing, kayak, take a nature walk, picnic, or participate in other outdoor activities.  Each site has different levels of development and available amenities, offering unique settings for visitors to connect with nature and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

In addition to day-use activities, campgrounds are a popular seasonal attraction, which re-opened on Monday, April 6. Camping is permitted at District recreation areas as posted, with each location offering a different experience.  From tent camping at Smith Creek and Oxbow Trail to RV camping with electrical hookups at Bruce L. Anderson and Pioneer Trails, visitors have options for how they would like to spend a night under the stars.

 

Recreation Exploration Offers Chance at Prizes
Across the state, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) collectively own and manage over 80 recreation areas, which showcase the diversity of Nebraska’s habitats and landscapes.  The NRD Recreation Exploration program is designed to inspire individuals and families to venture outside and explore the state’s natural beauty, while also promoting physical activity and fostering environmental stewardship.  Those taking part in the NRD Recreation Exploration program have the chance to win monthly prizes, with a grand prize drawing for a $1,500 Scheels gift card.

To participate in the NRD Recreation Exploration program, individuals can follow these simple steps:

• Visit any NRD recreation area across the state.
• Capture a photo to show you were there.
• Upload the photo at www.nrdnet.org/recreation before September 18, 2026.

For more information, including a list of recreation areas and the prize structure, visit www.nrdnet.org/recreation.

Beyond Recreation
All 23 of the NRDs provide outdoor recreation facilities, but have a much broader responsibility to manage, develop, and protect soil, water, forest, rangeland, and wildlife resources.  Several recreation areas are multi-functional projects designed not only for recreation, but also for soil erosion and sediment control, flood damage reduction, groundwater recharge, water quality improvement, and wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration.  Research on water quality and quantity is also conducted on these properties, which provides beneficial information for management decisions.

Get Started
Whether you like to fish, birdwatch, camp, or hike, now is the time to adventure outside and start making great memories! For more information and to plan your outing:  www.upperbigblue.org/recreation-areas.