The Prairie Ecologist and More

The Prairie Ecologist Chris Helzer is on a mission to protect and elevate one of Nebraska’s most vital, and often overlooked, ecosystems, the prairie. As Director of Science and Stewardship for The Nature Conservancy, Helzer helps guide stewardship efforts at the Platte River Prairies and the Niobrara Valley Preserve. Through his macro photography and writing, he reveals the prairie’s quiet beauty and reminds us why it matters. Down the Road from Ordinary The tiny settlement of Sacramento is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it place just outside Holdrege. It has corn, gravel, grain bins, and The Speakeasy, an unassuming steakhouse serving up fine dining in an unexpected place. Word about this little gem has spread coast to coast, but its heart stays local. It's the secret that keeps regulars coming back Lost in Loomis Does Loomis make you think of the space race? Probably not. But back in 1934, this quiet prairie town became the focus of national attention when three members of the historic Explorer I expedition crash-landed in a local farmer’s field during their daring attempt to reach the stratosphere.