City: Omaha, NE

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (402) 476-2729

Description: The Lincoln Saline Wetland Nature Center is best experienced via its walking trail, which takes hikers straight through the dense ecosystem, one of the most productive in the world. Of Nebraska’s four types of wetlands, the Saline Wetlands are the most unique and also the most endangered. Floodplains off the Salt Creek, Little Salt Creek, and Rock Creek drainages have saline soil, which means they’re tolerant to salt, and therefore grow specific plants not seen in other areas.During the last century, more than 200 species of birds have been documented in the wetlands, and as a result, wildlife and bird viewing are popular here; the area’s two wetland ponds get lots of waterfowl visitors. The wetlands, which were restored in the early 1990s, include the Old Wyoming Bridge, which visitors can walk across and experience. The bridge is one of the last of its kind. Dating from the mid-1800s, it has bowstring arches.The wetlands are open to the public; casual clothing, including pants, socks, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Visitors are advised to stay on marked trails and within designated areas to generally be considerate of the endangered environment. Open fires and all types of grills are prohibited in the wetlands, as is collecting plants and wildlife from the site.