HALSEY – The Bessey Ranger District near Halsey will be hosting three days of activities this week to celebrate the 80th birthday of Smokey the Bear.
Smokey Bear was created by the U.S. Forest Service in 1944 for a series of public service announcements to educate the public about the dangers of human-caused wildfires. He has since become one of the most well known mascots in the country.
On Thursday, August 1, 7 p.m. Smokey will make an appearance for a photo opportunity and story time. Activities will be in partnership with the Nebraska Bow Hunters Association.
Friday, August 2, at 1 p.m. there will be a tour of the Bessey Nursery. Participants should wear closed toed-shoes and have the ability to walk on uneven ground. The tour will meet in the visitor center. The tour is expected to last 45 minutes to an hour.
On Saturday, August 3, there will be a birthday party with cake and games. The party is in partnership with Black Hills Parks and Forests. Activities will begin at 1 p.m. with a Smokey appearance, telling of the Smokey story and birthday cake, while it lasts. Other activities will include playing Safe Fire Bingo and a Leave No Trace Hike.
Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA) is the official non-profit partner of Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Black Hills National Forest, Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands and the National Grasslands Visitor Center. BHPFA provide vital funding to our public agency partners in support of their education goals.
Camping will be limited this weekend. If you plan to camp, please consider the first- come, first serve sites at Natick campground. Natick Campground is accessed off 212. The campground is primitive but has a vault toilet, non-potable water and plenty of shade.
