NORFOLK, Nebraska --  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) and the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau want to help you discover area trails, lakes, and wild places while also highlighting the unique opportunities nighttime has to offer with our free moon walk event, “Stars, Strolls & Smores.”

Our moon walk events provide a family-oriented activity that introduces the cultural and natural history of our area trails and lakes. Our local lakes and rivers provide countless opportunities to discover and learn more about our water, soil, and wildlife. Through this introduction, we hope to foster an understanding and appreciation for these resources that will lead others toward stewardship of public lands.

Moon walks will be held on Wednesday evenings, close to the full moon, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Most moon walks last for one to two hours. Participants will walk an average of one mile round-trip. Each moon walk starts with a short introduction of that night’s program, followed by a hike to a designated area for presentations. Presenters are experts in their field and from our local community. The evening will wrap up with warm and gooey s’mores!

The first moon walk will be held on Wednesday, June 19th at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk. Presentations will include a stroll along the Elkhorn River on the Cowboy trail to view interpretive signage and stop, look, and listen to the beauty around us. A scavenger hunt will keep us busy along the way! We will also learn about The Sound of Summer: The Cicada Song. We will discuss the unusual life cycle of the cicada and how it interacts with its respective environment.

The second moon walk will be Wednesday, July 17th at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area near Stanton. On this evening, we will discover the many uses of wild plants that most people call “weeds”. We will also use our smartphones to learn beginner telescope tips as well as identify stars, planets, and constellations. It is recommended to download one of these free apps for the session: Sky View, Night Sky or Sky Safari.

The final moon walk of 2024 is Wednesday, August 14th at Willow Creek State Recreation Area near Pierce.  Join us in debunking the myths of, and confirming the legends on, the mysterious owl. We will also learn to build a fire in multiple ways and start fires with flint and steel! Trolley rides will also be available throughout the evening as we celebrate 40 years of Willow Creek State Recreation Area! A park permit or day pass is required for entry.

All moon walk times and places are subject to change due to the weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Additional information and a formal brochure can be found on our website at www.lenrd.org

Since these free events take place close to home everyone is encouraged to join us and bring friends, family, and neighbors!