ORD, Nebraska -- Ord-area residents, and visitors to the Valley County community, routinely seek out the Lower Loup NRD Arboretum for its calming trail winding through abundant plantings of more than 60 species of trees and shrubs. Now, through a new adventure program in cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the attraction will soon be on the recreational radar of travelers from across Nebraska and beyond exploring the state while qualifying to win prizes.

The Your Parks Adventure 2024 Trail Trek features 47 trails spread out across the state of Nebraska. Each participating trail is marked with a Trail Trek “Selfie Spot” sign featuring the cartoon image of the program mascot, Kit the Raccoon. Trail trekkers are challenged with finding the Trail Trek sign at each location. Most are located within a half mile of the trail head.

Each “Selfie Spot” sign is unique to the location where it is featured. Participants who visit any of the featured trails, snap a picture with the designated Trail Trek sign, and submit it online are eligible for a chance to win prizes. A QR code featured on each sign can take smart phone users directly to the program website.

The selfie sign for the Lower Loup NRD Arboretum Trail is located at the northwest corner of the Arboretum, near the Lower Loup NRD headquarters.

The more trails visited; the more chances participants have to win. A list of all the featured trails can be found at www.outdoornebraska.gov.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Parks Division reached out to the Lower Loup NRD about taking part in the program. “The Arboretum Trail connects with the City of Ord’s popular hike and bike trail. I see people out there walking, jogging, or riding bicycles nearly every day,” said Lower Loup NRD General Manager Russell Callan. “The trail is a cherished amenity for area residents and visitors, and we look forward to this program encouraging even more travelers to explore the quality communities and destinations within the Lower Loup NRD.”

The Trail Trek program began May 22 and will end October 31. Prizes include T-shirts, magazine subscriptions, two-night Nebraska State Park cabin stays, water bottles, and other outdoor gear.

Entering as few as one selfie qualifies participants for the prize drawings. Additional drawings are held for participants who enter 10 to 19 selfies, 20 to 39 selfies, and those who enter 40 or more.

The 47 destinations include trails belonging to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Nebraska communities, and several Natural Resources Districts. The Campground Loop Trail at Calamus State Recreation Area near Burwell is the only other trail within the Lower Loup NRD that is part of the program for 2024.

Find more information at www.YourParksAdventure.com.

Reach the Lower Loup NRD at (308) 728-3221.