Nebraska Birder Donates $1,000 Prize to Wildlife Conservation as Game and Parks Shares Summer Updates
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Nebraska’s Birding Bowl participants spent May supporting wildlife conservation by competing to spot as many bird species as possible, and one winner took it a step further. David Cunningham, who won the Competitive Birder 150 Species level, donated his full $1,000 prize to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund, which will support nongame wildlife research, conservation, and future Birding Bowls.
Cunningham said improved habitats are making a real difference for at-risk species and credited conservationists for inspiring his decision. The fourth annual Birding Bowl ran May 1-31, drawing 750 participants, up 300 from last year, with winners receiving prizes at a ceremony on June 27 in Lincoln.
Paddlefish Permit Applications Open July 1
Separately, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept paddlefish snagging permit applications from July 1-14, with results available by July 20. Applicants must be at least 12 by October 1, 2026, and permits are awarded through a random drawing based on preference points.
Whitney Lake Boat Ramp Reopens
The boat ramp at Whitney Lake Wildlife Management Area has reopened after a temporary closure that allowed scooper planes to refill while battling the South Fork Fire, which grew past 39,000 acres before containment.
July Events on Tap
Game and Parks has a full slate of July programs planned, including birding sessions at Mahoney State Park, a firefly webinar on July 9, a Master Naturalist training July 12-18, a bumble bee field day on July 18, and a moth lighting event on July 25. Most require registration at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Stay updated for the latest outdoor and conservation news as this story develops.
