Upcoming SPRA Events
Highlights of upcoming SPRA events and activities, offering an overview of exciting opportunities to engage with the Refuges and participate in meaningful experiences.
June Hike to Bison Bridge
Fort Niobrara NWR
JUNE 7, 2025
Meet at trailhead at 9AM hike to bridge and back by 11:30, lunch served at Noon, enjoy burgers and hot dogs plus side dishes. Bring a chair to sit in.
Families invited, bring your dog on a leash, meet like-minded hikers.
Wilderness Access Foot Trail
The Wilderness Access Foot Trail allows visitors to hike through the Sandhills to the Buffalo Bridge. Parking is available at the Corrals which is where the trailhead is located. Restrooms are available at the parking area. This moderate trail weaves through the Sandhills making some accents and descents then transitions to the tree lined rivers edge. Various birds, deer and reptiles may be seen along the trail. Hikers will descend and emerge from the trees to arrive at the Buffalo Bridge. The bridge used by the refuge bison herd to cross over the river every fall and spring. Take in the Niobrara National Scenic River from above while on the bridge. Look out for bald eagles as they are known to frequently reside in the trees along the river banks. The wilderness area across the bridge is open to hikers to explore or turn around and retrace the path to the trailhead.
Trail Length (mi) 1.19
Trail Difficulty Moderate
Estimated Time 2 Hours
Trail Activities:
Birding
Dog walking
Hiking
Photography
Wildlife watching
August Hike and Plant Tour
Valentine NWR
AUGUST 2, 2025
Meet at trailhead at 10AM back for lunch at Noon, Educational for the whole family, bring your dog on leash, interactive plant tour.
Civilian Conservation Corps Fire Tower Trail
The Civilian Conservation Corps Nature Trail starts at the parking area on the west end of Hackberry Lake and leads to an observation deck located on the old fire tower. Prairie plants are identified along the trail. Information on CCC history, ecology of the Sandhills, bird watching, and a spectacular view of the prairie can all be found at the old fire tower.
Trail Length (mi)
0.66
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Trail Activities:
Birding
Plant ID
Kid friendly
Lek Viewing
Valentine NWR
Spring, 2025
Prairie Grouse gather in the spring at traditional mating grounds called leks. This is also the best time for visitors to see them up close putting on the best show on the prairie. The Refuge provides reserved blinds for viewing and photography.
Bluebird Box Check Field Trip
Fort Niobrara NWR
May 17, 2025
The Sandhills Prairie Refuge Association is hosting a guided tour of the nest box monitoring effort for anyone interested – especially children. We will meet at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge headquarters on May 17, at 9:00 a.m. If the weather is disagreeable, we may reschedule (call Gordon at 402-760-1437). Come join us, wearing long pants and a warm jacket in case it is cool. And don’t forget your binoculars – the bluebirds are nesting now!