NORFOLK, Nebraska -- The Pilger Recreation Area, owned and managed by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (NRD) has been given the gift of new life thanks to the efforts of generous donors. At their Oct. 23, 2025, board meeting, Lower Elkhorn NRD directors unanimously voted to accept the terms of an agreement between the Lower Elkhorn NRD and the owners of Sand Creek Post & Beam, Inc. d/b/a Timberlyne, for the donation of materials and resources to construct a pavilion at the Pilger Recreation Area.

The 24’ x 36’ pavilion will be constructed using the post and beam concept, which is a specialty for Timberlyne. One hundred percent of the costs for materials and resources to build the feature are being donated, and the partners hope to begin construction in the near future. The Lower Elkhorn NRD will bear the cost of insurance and maintenance of the pavilion after it is built. Conversations with a representative of Timberlyne and a member of the Pilger community began earlier this year, and this project is the first of several possible improvements that will be established by the Lower Elkhorn NRD at the Pilger Recreation Area.

The Pilger Recreation Area was constructed more than 50 years ago to protect the watershed from flooding. Though many of the amenities have been removed from the area, it is still a great location to hike, walk, and enjoy the outdoors. The Pilger Rec Area is also home to an archery range and 3-D archery course. 

The Board also voted to approve a bid of $13,860 from Mel’s Small Engine in Bancroft, for a new Grasshopper lawnmower. Though the bid accepted wasn’t the lowest of the three, Recreation Area Superintendent Tyler Warren, recommended purchasing from Mel’s because of the working relationship already established, the ability to service the mower within the District, and to support local businesses in our District.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Water Resources Manager Doug Hallum gave an informational presentation to the board highlighting the relationship between surface water and groundwater. He ended by asking the question if we can extract more value from groundwater and stream observations.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at the Lower Elkhorn NRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.