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Protecting lives. Protecting property. Protecting the future.

Since 1972... That’s when the Nebraska Legislature first charged Natural Resources Districts with a broad range of conservation based responsibilities. However, each NRD is unique with its own specific priorities. The Nemaha NRD encompasses all or parts of the eight southeastern counties in Nebraska, and 21 locally elected directors make local decisions to serve you.

Duck Creek Recreation Area

Opened in the spring of 2018, Duck Creek Recreation Area is the District’s fifth public recreation area featuring a 62-acre lake approximately 5 miles northwest of Peru, Nebraska, in Nemaha County. The park encompasses about 200 acres.
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Iron Horse Trail Lake

Located ½ mile north and 2 miles west of DuBois, Nebraska, in Pawnee County, this was the first public recreation area opened by the NRD in 1985. It’s dam was built as a flood control structure in the South Fork Watershed. The lake and park facilities were renovated and completed in 2011.
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Kirkman's Cove

This 511-acre park is located 2 ½ miles west and ½ mile north of Humboldt, Nebraska, in Richardson County. Opened in 1988, it was designed to be a multipurpose flood control recreation area as part of the Long Branch Watershed project.
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Wirth Brothers Lake

Opened in 1996 as part of the South Branch Watershed flood control project, this 89-acre park is five miles north and 1 mile west of Tecumseh, Nebraska, in Johnson County. This park was named for brothers John, Paul, & Anton Wirth from Nebraska City who donated their land and many of the improvements for use as a public recreation area.
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Prairie Owl

The land around this lake was purchased in 1975 for construction of a flood control dam in the Wilson Creek Watershed. For many years local community organizations maintained the area for public recreation. In ­­­the late 1980s the NRD accepted responsibility for the 39-acre park located 2 ½ miles south and 1 mile west of Dunbar, Nebraska, in Otoe County.
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Steamboat Trace Trail

This scenic, 22-mile abandoned railroad corridor parallels the Missouri River from about six miles south of Nebraska City to just south of Brownville, Nebraska. The trail winds through sandstone bluffs, cuts across open farm fields, and hugs the river in spots. A crushed limestone surface provides an avenue for hikers and bicyclists alike.
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Duck Creek Recreation Area
Iron Horse Trail Lake
Kirkman's Cove
Wirth Brothers Lake
Prairie Owl
Steamboat Trace Trail

NNRD News

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September 9, 2026

Husker Harvest Days includes Free Trees and Water Testing

Husker Harvest Days will offer visitors an opportunity to connect with Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts and conservation partners Sept. 15–17, 2026. Stop by the Natural Resources Hub (39E) to learn about conservation programs, cost-share opportunities and natural resource management. Visitors can also receive a free blue spruce seedling, while private well owners can bring a water sample for free nitrate testing. Three individuals will also be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame during a Sept. 16 ceremony.
Read More about Husker Harvest Days includes Free Trees and Water Testing
Husker Harvest Days includes Free Trees and Water Testing

February 26, 2026

NRD Recreation Exploration Encourages Nebraskans to Discover Nature, Win Prizes

Read More about NRD Recreation Exploration Encourages Nebraskans to Discover Nature, Win Prizes
NRD Recreation Exploration Encourages Nebraskans to Discover Nature, Win Prizes

February 25, 2026

Nebraska Receives Three National Conservation Awards at NACD Meeting

Read More about Nebraska Receives Three National Conservation Awards at NACD Meeting
Nebraska Receives Three National Conservation Awards at NACD Meeting