A Grand Island high school science teacher who photographed a Little Blue Natural Resources District lake took second place in Nebraska’s 2026 Natural Resources District Recreation Exploration Program and was awarded a $500 Scheels gift card on Oct. 23.
Program encourages visits to NRD-managed areas
The prize presentation at the Central Platte Natural Resources District’s Alda Crane Viewing Site recognized Daniel Gibson, a science teacher at Grand Island Lutheran High School, for a photograph of Roseland Lake, a recreation area managed by the Little Blue NRD. The contest encourages residents to visit NRD recreation sites across the state, document their experiences with photographs and submit entries for prizes.
“I think the program is important because it encourages young people to appreciate nature their whole life,” Gibson said.
Central Platte NRD officials said the 2026 Recreation Exploration Program included more than 80 NRD recreation areas statewide and ran through Sept. 18. Activities at participating sites include hiking, fishing, wildlife watching and camping. The program’s grand prize was $1,500 in Scheels gift cards, with a second-place award of $500.
- Prize awarded Oct. 23 at the Alda Crane Viewing Site, operated by Central Platte NRD.
- Gibson’s entry featured Roseland Lake, managed by the Little Blue Natural Resources District.
- Program covered more than 80 NRD recreation areas across Nebraska; contest ended Sept. 18.
Central Platte NRD manages three public recreation areas: the Alda Crane Viewing Site, the Richard Plautz Crane Viewing Site near Gibbon, and B-1 Reservoir. Officials noted that the two crane viewing sites provide year-round, free public access to sandhill crane viewing and other wildlife observation along the Platte River.
At the presentation, Gibson emphasized the program’s role in linking outdoor recreation and environmental education, and in promoting health and well-being through time spent outdoors. Central Platte NRD materials say the Recreation Exploration Program aims to foster appreciation for Nebraska’s natural areas and to connect families and individuals with local NRD-managed resources.
More information about Central Platte NRD recreation areas, educational programs and public access is available at www.cpnrd.org, the district said.
