Nebraska Forest Service

As Nebraska wildfires grow, firefighters train to keep fast-moving scenes from turning chaotic GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Inside a building better known to many as the 4-H building at the Nebraska State Fair, firefighters were not pulling hoses or advancing toward flames. They were gathered around…

The Nebraska Forest Service Western Community Foresters recently toured the Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff as part of the Rural Foresters team meeting. Thanks to Zoo Director Kei Hodgson and Head Keeper Reese Abts for a special visit, including the chance to feed Smokey Bear some berry treats!

We're also excited to celebrate the zoo's return as a Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Affiliate Site. Originally planted in 1985, the arboretum features many unique tree species not commonly found in western Nebraska. Thank you to the Riverside Discovery Center for their dedication to preserving and growing their tree canopy while providing outstanding educational opportunities for visitors.

The Nebraska Forest Service is seeking a Communications Intern for Fall 2026. This paid opportunity is open to University of Nebraska students interested in communications, social media, journalism, public relations, marketing, photography, videography, and storytelling.

Gain hands on experience creating content, telling Nebraska's forestry and wildfire stories, and building your professional portfolio.

Apply today at nfs.unl.edu/internship

University of Nebraska-Lincoln UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications

The Maskenthine Lake Arboretum near Stanton offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse collection of native and nonnative tree species while learning about their benefits, history, and role in Nebraska landscapes during the Stars, Strolls, and S’mores Moon Walk on July 1.

Stars, Strolls, S’mores, and Trees: Explore the Maskenthine Lake Arboretum | Nebraska Forest Service | Nebraska In the rolling hills north of Stanton, Nebraska, you will find Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area that is owned and managed by the Lower Elkhorn NRD. Nestled along the east shores of the lake, you will find Maskenthine Lake Arboretum.

We're growing our wildfire resilience efforts in western Nebraska.

The Nebraska Forest Service is launching a new Fuels Crew based in Scottsbluff and we're looking for crew members, squad bosses, and a crew boss to help reduce hazardous fuels, support wildfire mitigation projects, and assist with fire response when needed. The crew will work on projects such as thinning, prescribed fire support, fuels reduction, and other efforts that help protect Nebraska's communities, rangelands, and forests from catastrophic wildfire.

If you enjoy working outdoors, being part of a team, and making a direct impact on wildfire resilience in western Nebraska, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today: go.unl.edu/fuelcrew

PLEASE SHARE. Critical fire weather conditions continue across western and central Nebraska through the rest of today and into tomorrow. Low humidity, strong winds, and additional fire weather concerns expected Tuesday and Wednesday, including northerly wind gusts up to 45 mph, will create conditions where any fire that starts can spread rapidly.

Nebraska has already seen roughly 1 million acres burn this year. With grasses and other fuels remaining receptive to fire, now is the time to avoid outdoor burning, use extra caution with equipment that can create sparks, and continue checking any recent debris or pile burns for holdover heat.

One spark is all it takes.