Grand Island Teacher Receives $500 Prize in Statewide NRD Recreation Exploration Program

GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – Daniel Gibson of Grand Island, a science teacher at Grand Island Lutheran High School, earned second place in the 2026 statewide Natural Resources District (NRD) Recreation Exploration Program. Gibson received a $500 Scheels gift card during a prize presentation on Oct. 23, 2026, at the Central Platte Natural Resources District's (NRD) Alda Crane Viewing Site.

Gibson earned the award for a photograph he submitted of Roseland Lake, a recreation area managed by the Little Blue Natural Resources District. Gibson's participation highlights how exploring Nebraska's natural areas can inspire a greater appreciation for the outdoors and create opportunities to connect recreation with environmental education.

“I think the program is important because it encourages young people to appreciate nature their whole life,” Gibson said. He also emphasized the benefits of spending time outdoors for personal health and well-being.

The NRD Recreation Exploration Program encourages individuals and families to discover Nebraska's natural beauty by visiting recreation areas managed by the state's Natural Resources Districts. Participants explore outdoor destinations, take photographs of their experiences and submit entries for a chance to win prizes.

The 2026 program featured more than 80 NRD recreation areas across Nebraska, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, camping and other outdoor activities. The contest ran through Sept. 18, with a grand prize of $1,500 in Scheels gift cards and a second-place prize of $500.

Central Platte NRD manages three public recreation areas: the Alda Crane Viewing Site, the Richard Plautz Crane Viewing Site near Gibbon, and B-1 Reservoir. The two crane viewing sites offer opportunities to observe sandhill cranes and other wildlife along the Platte River and are free and open to the public year-round.

For more information about CPNRD recreation areas and educational programs, visit www.cpnrd.org.