In even‑numbered years, the Nemaha Natural Resources District hosts Watershed of Wonders, a free youth day camp for children ages 10–12 at one of our public recreation areas. First launched in 2002, the camp rotates among Kirkmans Cove, Iron Horse Trail Lake, and Duck Creek Recreation Area.

Up to 100 participants enjoy a day packed with hands‑on learning focused on natural resources and outdoor recreation. Activities may include archery, fishing, water rockets, boat safety and rides, and other interactive experiences designed to inspire curiosity, teamwork, and a love of the outdoors.

2026 Watershed of Wonders

Watershed of Wonders 2026 will take place at Iron Horse Trail Lake near DuBois, NE on Thursday, June 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This FREE day camp for kids ages 10–12 features rotating activity stations with archery, fishing, boating, nature exploration, outdoor skills, and more—plus lunch, snacks, drinks, and prizes included!
Space is limited to 100 participants.

[Download the 2026 Registration Form here]

For more information, please contact our office by phone (402)335-3325 or email mmillion@nemahanrd.org.

Since 1989, the Nemaha NRD’s Plant-A-Tree program has helped spark a love for trees and conservation by giving more than 20,000 seedlings to third‑grade students throughout the district. Each spring, NNRD staff visit classrooms to deliver the trees and lead a brief, age‑appropriate lesson about the tree species, proper planting, and long‑term care. Every student gets to take a seedling home, encouraging hands‑on learning and a lasting connection to the environment.

This competition tests teams of five high schoolers in seven categories: soils, wildlife, range, forestry, aquatics, policy, and one national subject which changes each year. Regional contests take place from January-March across the state; winners advance to the State contest in late April at locations that change each year. The lucky State winner represents Nebraska at the national contest later that summer. The regional contest for schools in the Nemaha NRD is in Beatrice in March.

Nebraska Envirothon

Each fall high school FFA students compete in range judging contests and land judging contests throughout the state. Range judging takes place in September within predetermined regions, and those contests rotate among different locations within their regions. Students are tested on plant identification and range management. A state contest which also rotates around the state is held later in the month, and any team or individual may compete at that contest regardless of their placing in the regionals.

Land judging contests are also set up on a regional basis, and the Nemaha NRD and Lower Big Blue NRD take turns hosting every other year. This contest involves evaluating soils and land use. Unlike the range contest, land judging contestants must qualify at their regional contest in order to participate in the state contest.

The 2024 contest period has ended. Please check back later.