Full day of activities at Homestead for national trails day, this weekend

BEATRICE, Neb. - The Homestead National Historical park is getting ready to celebrate their three miles of pristine trails, while also educating those in attendance as part of National Trails Day.

This Saturday will include walks featuring everything from birds to plants, with the goal for those in the area to learn about their national park.

“Trail Day is a way for the park service and other agencies to celebrate  all the great trails on the public land…. Here at Homestead National Historical Park we have some great walking trails, but we’re also lucky to be near some of the great national historical trails as well.”

Jesse Bolli is a Resource Management Specialist for Homestead and says events begin Saturday morning and are open to all ages and skill levels. The morning includes walks focused on birds and plant diversity within the park, while the afternoon features a butterfly and insect walk.

“You can come for all three or come for just one,” Bolli said. “8:00 a.m. is birds, 10:00 a.m. plants, and 12:30 is the bugs.”

Bolli notes events that include biodiversity walks are good for the broader spectrum of citizen science. The park uses sites such as iNaturalist and Ebird to help conduct wildlife surveys digitally to provide important data. In addition, events like trails day helps reinforce the parks presence.

“It’s a national event so people may hear about it and look for ways to celebrate,” Bolli said. “In finding it, they can find stuff here at Homestead or even down at Rock Creek (Rock Creek Station). Lots going on this weekend, but it’ll be a nice event.”