The seventh annual Nebraska Science Festival – presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center – runs throughout the month of April and includes an array of science- and technology-related activities in 20 communities across the state.
With more than 100+ SciFest activities, there is something for every age and interest. Become a trained weather spotter, learn about sheep, visit a fish hatchery and photograph nature while hiking. You’ll find the entire festival schedule (with details and registration links) on www.nescifest.com. Here are a few activities of interest in western Nebraska, including the communities of Sidney, Valentine, Kimball, Broken Bow and Bridgeport.
Valentine Fish Hatchery – open throughout April
Visit the Valentine Fish Hatchery, one of five hatcheries in Nebraska. Spread over 700 acres, the hatchery handles millions of fish eggs annually (60 million walleye eggs, for example). The hatchery also houses largemouth bass and bluegill year round. These species are allowed to spawn naturally in the hatchery ponds, and fingerlings are collected for distribution in the fall. Call in advance to schedule a tour.
Government Canyon, located on the north end of the property, offers a variety of opportunities for hikers, bikers, bird watchers and wildlife photographers. Free.
Severe Weather Spotter Training
·Cheyenne County – April 10, Sidney High School, Sidney, Neb.
·Kimball County – April 17, Kimball Public Library, Kimball, Neb.
·Morrill County – April 24, 21st Century Equipment in Bridgeport, Neb.
Region 21 Emergency Management will provide free severe weather training from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the locations listed. Training will include definitions and climatology of severe weather, cloud and storm recognition, storm hazards and safety tips, and proper weather reporting procedures.
Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Association – Lambing and Kidding Clinic – April 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers Association and Nebraska Extension will host a lamb and kidding school at the Custer County Fairgrounds in Broken Bow, Neb. Attendees will hear six presentations and receive a hands-on tour of Heidi Smith’s farm. Register online.
Presented by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy. In addition to UNMC, other sponsors, to date, are Metro Credit Union, the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, and media sponsors KETV and the Omaha World-Herald.
To learn more about SciFest, and to see the full schedule, go to: www.nescifest.com. In addition to NeSciFest.com, you will find SciFest updates and information on Twitter (@NESciFest) and Facebook (NE SciFest).
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Nebraska Science Festival highlights in western Nebraska
