All are welcome to attend the Sandhills Celebration event hosted by the Sandhills Task Force on Friday, September 18th from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Hitching Post in Burwell, Nebraska.

 

Morning activities begin at 8 a.m. with guided ranch tours, featuring visits to the Redman Ranch, the Lakin Ranch and the Larsen Ranch near Burwell. Lunch will be served at noon and cost $15 (RSVP required for meal only).

 

Afternoon presentations from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. will showcase the Nebraska Sandhills, ranching and natural history themes through presentations, exhibitors, panelists and discussions.

 

Sandhills ranchers will be featured in panelist discussion format, exploring the theme of “Ranching Innovations” with topics on stream and wetland restoration, prescribed fire, grazing improvements, virtual fence, mental health and more. 

 

Paul Hanson, professor with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) School of Natural Resources, will present “Geologic History of the Nebraska Sandhills.” Research updates with UNL graduate students and biologists with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will also be featured.

 

The work of the Sandhills Task Force will be highlighted at 5 p.m. with a review of projects and programs, followed by an evening dinner and social event from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Ranchers and supporters will gather over a NY Strip steak meal and drinks served by The Hitching Post. The cost is $30 (RSVP required for meal only, by Sept. 14th).

 

“This event is an opportunity to gather and celebrate the Nebraska Sandhills,” said Shelly Kelly,  Sandhills Task Force Executive Director. “We hope to make this an annual event and we encourage folks to stay an extra day to explore the area.” 

 

The Sandhills Celebration will also feature a silent auction with all proceeds to benefit the Sandhills Task Force, a rancher-led non-profit formed in 1993 with the mission of enhancing grassland ecosystems and water, while sustaining private, profitable ranching in the Nebraska Sandhills.

 

All events are free and open to the public (RSVP and costs for meals only). For more information and meal reservations, visit sandhillstaskforce.org or call/text Amy at #(402) 440-8612. 

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