Prairie Management Practices in Nebraska
Join Conservation Nebraska and Lincoln Parks and Recreation for an exciting presentation on land management practices!
Pioneers Park Nature Center reflects the City of Lincoln’s commitment to protecting, restoring, and celebrating Nebraska’s native landscapes. This presentation will explore the land management practices used throughout the Nature Center and across Lincoln Parks and Recreation greenways. Topics include prescribed fire, conservation grazing, and the modern tools and techniques used to control noxious weeds and remove invasive or undesirable vegetation.
Participants will gain insight into the purpose behind these efforts - how intentional, science-informed habitat restoration supports the long-term health of tallgrass prairies, native woodlands, saline wetlands, and other essential natural communities.
The presentation will also feature the remarkable story of North American bison, highlighting their historic significance and their ongoing role in prairie stewardship today.
Let us know you're coming by registering in advance: https://secure.ngpvan.com/268CqXxCtEiq0vWdsrJXHw2
About our speakers:
Jamie Kelley is the Coordinator at Pioneers Park Nature Center for Lincoln Parks and Recreation. She began her work with the department in 2014 as a Naturalist and has since led efforts to connect the community with nature through education and outreach. Prior to joining Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Jamie worked in natural resources and environmental education with nonprofit organizations including Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center and The Groundwater Foundation. She holds a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Nebraska. Jamie’s dedication to conservation education has earned her recognition from Nebraska Game and Parks with the Natural Legacy Education Award (2021) and from the Environmental Protection Agency for her education initiatives.She lives in Lincoln with her husband and two dogs and enjoys exploring the beauty of Nebraska.
Aaron Druery is the District Supervisor of Greenways and Conservation Areas for Lincoln Parks and Recreation in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was initially the Land Manager for the Pioneers Park Nature Center 2007 to 2016, then as Lincoln’s need for management of its ‘wild’ areas grew he was hired to manage Wilderness Park, the City-owned Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch properties, and other Greenways, now totaling around 2,300 acres. Management includes planning, preparing, and executing prescribed burns; mechanical vegetation removal; natural surface trail maintenance; grazing and haying planning and contracts; and herbicide application of invasive species. Before his work outdoors, Aaron was a touring rock musician including multiple tours of US, Canada, and Europe. He has a degree in Public Administration from Doane University. He recently won the Lead Ignitor Award from the Nebraska Prescribed Fire Council for leadership in prescribed fire education, outreach, and implementation across the state.
