Fontenelle Forest's May/June 2014 Leaflet by Fontenelle Forest

LEAFLET The Newsletter of Fontenelle Forest May - June 2014

OUR MISSION

INFORMATION Phone: Web:

402.731.3140 fontenelleforest.org

To provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature.

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

Neale Woods

1111 Bellevue Boulevard North Bellevue, NE 68005

14323 Edith Marie Avenue Omaha, NE 68112

We want to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world.

Cover photo by Dina Barta

OUR VISION STAFF

To be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier nature center

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

St a ff Debra Beck

Joe Vavak

Naturalist

Public Relations Assistant

Jim Beebe

Ronnie Wells

Ranger / NWNC Property Supervisor Elizabeth Chalen

Exhibits, Special Projects, and Events Coordinator

Manager of Programming and Outreach

Alex Wiles

Linda Dennis

Animal Care Specialist

Education Assistant

Deborah Woracek

Kareen Hickman

Manager of Summer Day Camps

Officer s Jim Hawkins \ President Paul Halbur \ President-Elect Julee Sauer \ Secretary Levi Scheppers \ Treasurer Thomas D. Stalnaker \ Advisor

Director s

Development Associate

Angela Athy Catherine M. Barmettler Angela L. Burmeister Ann Christiansen Toba Cohen-Dunning Ben Del Rosario David M. Dvorak Lorraine A. Egger Mike Hamilton Jon T. Hansen Christine Jacobsen

Betsy Finch

Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation Gary Garabrandt

Ranger Catherine Kuper

Educator Paul Lahowetz

Facilities Superintendent Denise Lewis

Educator/Raptor Recovery Matt Miller

Facilities Attendant Kate Murphy

Educator Josh Preister

Ranger / FFNC Property Supervisor Alex Shiffermiller

Visitor Service Supervisor Barb Shiffermiller

Manager of Customer Service Joan Soverns

Manager of Donor Relations and Membership Janet Stander

Part-Time Educators Kyle Anderson Amy Campagna Julianne Carbonell Kathy Fischer Michelle Foss Sandy Gibbons Dianne Guinn Seth Krone-Keith Matt Miller Jo Murray Jean Neneman Bruce Noble Dorie Stone Lindsay Cooley Chris Vosicka

H on or ar y Tr u stees Mogens Bay George F. Haddix Neal C. Hansen Rhonda A. and Howard L. Hawks Gerry and Bruce Lauritzen Marilyn Mammel Nancy and Mike McCarthy Cynthia C. and Thomas F. McGowan Ann Pape Walter Scott, Jr. Ann Stinson

Visitor Services Assistants Helen Beebe Brian Mark Conover Kirk Vaughn-Robinson Brenna Watkins Nick Woodard

Assistant Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation Jamie Vann

Naturalist

May - June 2014 M

Gary D. Johnson Howard J. Kaslow Gerry Lauritzen Tad Leeper Julie Liakos Sarah McGowan Keith Navratil Susan Nemer Athena Ramos Todd Rivers Robert D. Rose

MEMBERS ONLY Mem b e rs h i p B e ne f it s As a Fontenelle Forest Member, your benefits include: • FREE members-only events and other programming • 10% discount at The Gift Shop at Fontenelle Forest • FREE admission to Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods for 12 • Subscription to Fontenelle Forest’s newsletter “The Leaflet” months • Free or discounted admission to over 100 nature centers nation◊ 26 miles of marked trails within the extraordinary wide through ANCA Loess Hills • Every time you visit, two of your guests can receive ½ priced ◊ Two wheelchair accessible boardwalks with Missouri River admission and wetland views • Monthly discounts at attractions across the metro area with the ◊ Diverse ecosystems, hidden lakes, and rare wildflowers Metro Arts and Culture Pass ◊ A premier birding location with over 246 recorded species • Discounts on Winter and Summer Camps ◊ Family-friendly exhibits ◊ Acorn Acres: A forest playscape with nine exploration areas • Access to trails before and after hours ◊ Habitat Hollow for indoor play and learning For more details and information, please visit our website ◊ Unique entertainment options: critter encounters, guided at fontenelleforest.org /membership hikes, children’s programs

Dea l A l e r t - M e tro A r ts & Cult ure Pass Use your Fontenelle Forest membership card to get discounts at local attractions across the metro. For more information, go to facebook.com/metroartspass. Visit or contact the featured organizations below to take advantage!

MAY

JUNE

Bluffs Arts Council Buy one get one free ticket to June’s Savor the Flavor

Nebraska Shakespeare Free bag of popcorn June 19-22 & 26-29

G o D ee p e r i n t o t he Fo re s t Emba rk i n t o Su mme r

Ju n ior Natu r alists!

Calling teachers, vacationers, and those adults who wonder why they never get to go to summer camp!

This new program is for students who love to explore the natural world and are entering 6th-8th grade! Come join us once a month - we’ll practice our outdoor skills, learn from experts, take field trips, and work on service projects. For more information, contact Lindsay Cooley at lcooley@fontenelleforest.org or visit fontenelleforest.org

This summer, Fontenelle Forest is excited to present Embark Into Summer, a new five-day program which offers an opportunity for adults to encounter the natural world through presentations, field study, and integrative experiences. We’ll explore geology; forest, prairie, and wetland ecology; and human inhabitants from ancient to current times. Join us for the week of June 16-20 16-20, 9am-4pm daily. For more information and to apply, visit fontenelleforest.org/embarkintosummer or contact Elizabeth Chalen at echalen@fontenelleforest.org.

Teen Natu r alists! If you have a high school student who loves nature, contact Naturalist Jamie Vann at jvann@fontenelleforest.org for information on the Teen Naturalist Trainee program.

Scou tin g at Fon ten elle Forest Contact the Scouts Registrar as Fontenelle Forests’ new Scout programs are in the works. If you are interested in details on new guided hikes and badges, contact Kathy Fischer at kfischer@fontenelleforest. org or check out our website at http://www.fontenelleforest.org/programs-a-education/scouts.

Embark

Save th e Date!

Journey Into Nature

May - June 2014

JUST FOR CHILDREN

PROGRAMS Programs are listed in chronological order

Mud Pies now meets four days per week, Monday - Thursday. Mud Pies is a family program encouraging adult/child interaction focused around a weekly nature theme.

May 1 7:00p.m. $12 per year FF members only FFNC

Bird Club Our guest speaker will be renowned Nebraska ornithologist and UNL Professor Emeritus, Dr. Paul Johnsgard. Dr. Johnsgard is the author of more than 40 books, and his presentation will be on cranes. This program was rescheduled from the April 3rd meeting. May field trips will consist of Friday evening “show-and-gos” to look for spring migrants at various places around the Omaha/Bellevue area.

May 4 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Missy Magnuson

Family Sundays in the Forest: What Tree do I See? Ever wonder what trees are in the forest? By looking at leaves and bark from these trees, we will teach you to identify the most common trees found in Fontenelle Forest. Using bark rubbings and leaf rubbings, we will compare our samples with the trees founds in the uplands, and learn a few fun facts about each tree as we go.

May 4 & 18 11:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka $60.00 - FF members $75.00 - non-members

Fontenelle Forest presents Woggworks Fundamental Kayak Lessons Part 1 & 2 Fontenelle Forest and WoggWorks Kayaking are offering these beginning basic paddle lessons. Instructors are certified American Canoe Association members. Please note that each lesson consists of two two-hour sessions on different days. Fee includes: kayak rental, lifejacket, paddle and on-the-water instruction. Check-in will be at the Hitchcock Learning Center Building at the Wetlands. On-line registration is required. Class is limited to 10

May 4 & 18 2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka $60.00 - FF members $75.00 - non-members

Preschools are accepted on Fridays only by appointment. Contact Kate Murphy at kmurphy@fontenelleforest.org for more information and availability of times. Monday - Thursday 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. Ends May 22 FFNC Leader(s): Kate Murphy

Wednesday & Friday 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. FFNC Begins June 4 - Ends July 25 Leader(s): Kate Murphy

Mud Pies Drop by to explore nature activities with your child. One adult is required for every two children. A different natural science topic is introduced each week through interactive stations within “Habitat Hollow.” Check the calendar at fontenelleforest.org to learn the weekly topic. For ages 5 and younger.

Wild Summer Days Each week a different topic will be explored through centers, animal visitors, walks, and outdoor play. Topics will be announced on our web site. For ages 11 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG May - June 2014 M

May 10 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. CW Leader(s): Dennis Hynes

History Hike on History Trail Interested in learning more about the history of Fontenelle Forest? Join us for this hike through time on our History trail. Along the way, you will see some of the more notable points from Fontenelle’s history, and discuss the historic facts, people, events and places that make Fontenelle such a unique space.

May 10 1:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka

Welcome to Kayaking 101 Fontenelle Forest and WoggWorks Kayaking are offering kayaking at Fontenelle Forest’s wetlands. Chris Vosicka, Fontenelle Forest Educator/ACA Member/Certified Instructor, and husband Walt will be providing kayaking opportunities at “The Marsh” throughout the seasons. This presentation will give you a short history of kayaking and water safety, and will give you an understanding of kayaking. You will also be able to try the various kayaks and paddles available today. This will be a “dryland” event in preparation to be “on the water” at other classes. Registration required.

May 17 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. WLC Leader(s): Josh Preister

Teen Naturalist Trainees: Weather 101 & Storm Chasing If you are in or will be entering High School in the autumn come join the Teen Naturalist Trainees as they learn some basics about weather, including tornadoes. For those curious about the TNT program this is a great chance to get to know some of the participants and ask questions.

May 18 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Ingrid Johnson, Bonnie Newman, & Amberle Parkin

Beavers! Come learn about the second largest rodent in the world. Explore beaver artifacts at the Wetlands center, then head out for a hike to see the work the beavers have done. You will learn interesting facts about this amazing creature!

May 20 9:45a.m. – 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Catherine Kuper

SUN: Seniors Understanding Nature Note: Date change this month! Debra Beck, Fontenelle Forest Naturalist & CIT will speak on “Nebraska Geology “.

May 11 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Justine Marshall & Brandi Pellerito

Yoga in the Forest Join us for this short beginner’s yoga presentation, followed by a silent hike through the forest. We will experience the benefits May 21 of nature on the body. Please bring your 10:30a.m. - 12:00p.m. own yoga mat. FFNC Leader(s): Dennis Hynes Mommy and Me Yoga May 11 Bring your yoga mat and your little ones 2:30p.m. - 4:30p.m. for this relaxing, refreshing afternoon yoga FFNC Leader(s): Justine Marshall session in the forest. & Brandi Pellerito May 23 8:00p.m. Photographers Club May 15 NWNC Program to be announced. 7:00p.m. Leader(s): Bob Fuchs FFNC May 16 7:00p.m. - 8:30p.m. WLC Leader(s): Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen

Friday Night (Twi)Lights What better way to start the weekend than with a spring twilight hike in the Wetlands. Come and experience the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem: is it settling in for the night…or just waking up?

May 17 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Jackie Sundberg

Explore More Trails This hike will begin in the parking lot north of the Wetlands Learning Center and will head out on the floodplain on Cottonwood trail, along Stream and Missouri trail, back along Walking Club trail and to the parking lot. This is a flat trail with sandy soil…a great chance to see the impact that the flood of 2012 had on this area.

May 24 10:00a.m WLC Leader(s): Wanda Pendley

SUN programs will resume in September 2014. Check the website for program listings. Poetry Hike We will start our hike through the forest with some poetry about the forest. Let’s see how we can tie the poem to what we are able to see, hear, and enjoy.

Evening Hike with the Night Sky! Join us on an evening hike to listen to sounds of the forest and prairie with viewing of the late Spring night sky constellations at the end. Bring binoculars if you have them to view some deep sky objects. If cloudy, we will hike anyway, but no constellation viewing. Please note, there are currently no restroom facilities available at Neale Woods.

Explore More Trails We will meet at the parking lot near the Wetlands Learning Center and will head through the floodplain on Cottonwood trail, up through Handsome Hollow and down Oak trail to the road. We will then take the road back to the parking lot. This hike has a few steep hills.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

May - June 2014

May 24 9:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. FFNC Free to all volunteers Lunch provided

Teacher Naturalist 101: Introduction to the Forest Do you love the outdoors? Are you interested in helping others connect with nature? Become a Teacher Naturalist! Teacher Naturalists are volunteers who run weekend programs for the public, attend fascinating lectures and programs by experts on field biology and other natural history topics, and contribute to special programs that the Forest offers year-round. Taking the first step is easy! Join us for our TN 101: Introduction to the Forest course and you will be well on your way to becoming a Teacher Naturalist. All persons interested in becoming Teacher Naturalists must attend TN 101. TN 101 will not only brief prospective volunteers on the benefits and responsibilities of their position, but will also provide invaluable training in the areas of field identification, animal care, forest resources and natural education. Registration is required for this training. If you have questions or want to know more about this day of fun, contact Elizabeth Chalen at echalen@fontenelleforest.org or 402.731.3140 x 1026.

May 24 & 31 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka $60.00 - FF members $75.00 - non-members

May 24 & 31 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka $60.00 - FF members $75.00 - non-members

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG May - June 2014 M

May 25 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Alex Aspiazu

Family Sundays in the Forest: Art Hike - Look Down! Bring your favorite art tools and let’s take advantage of the beautiful weather by painting at the gorgeous Overlook! We will hike over to Camp Brewster, which will be a special treat with a view of the beautiful Missouri.

May 31 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Jeanne Pricer

Explore More Trails Meet at the Wetlands Learning Center and wind your way around to Hidden Lake, part of History Trail and back to the WLC. This hike is a longer one and is moderately strenuous.

June 1 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Joanne Langabee

Family Sundays in the Forest: Wildflowers Celebrate Nebraska Wildflower Week with us as we search the wetlands for wildflowers. Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Joanne Langabee will lead you on a walk to learn which wildflowers call the floodplain and marsh home. We may also find some waterfowl or other animals that live amongst these wildflowers.

June 3 & 4 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka $60.00 - FF members $75.00 - non-members

Fontenelle Forest presents Woggworks Kayak Day Camp for Adults Fontenelle Forest and WoggWorks Kayaking are offering these beginning basic paddle lessons for people who have summer mornings open and parents who have children in Summer Day Camps at Fontenelle Forest. Instructors are certified American Canoe Association members. Please note that each lesson consists of two two-hour sessions on different days. Fee includes: kayak rental, lifejacket, paddle and on-the-water instruction. Check-in will be at the Hitchcock Learning Center Building at the Wetlands. Registration is required. Class is limited to 10 participants.

June 5 7:00p.m. $12 per year FF members only CB

Bird Club This will be the Club’s annual business meeting and potluck dinner at Camp Brewster. We will elect officers for the Club’s next business year.

June 7 6:00a.m. - 11:00p.m. FFNC & WLC

Bioblitz More information coming to a web site near you (www.fontenelleforest.org) Come help us identify the living organisms that make up Fontenelle Forest. The BioBlitz is a citizen science project which provides an opportunity for those interested in learning more about what lives in Fontenelle Forest to team up with experts as they identify the organisms that call the Forest home.

June 7 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Michelle Foss

Explore More Trails We will meet at the Wetlands Learning Center parking lot and walk down Gifford Road to begin hiking up Signal Ridge trail. We will hike through Mormon Hollow, along Stream trail and back up the road to our starting point. This hike includes steep trails.

June 8 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Diane Guinn, Wanda Pendley, & Mary Lou Alfieri

Family Sundays in the Forest: Dipping in the Wetlands Join us at the Wetlands Learning Center to learn which macroinvertebrates can be found in the pond. Using nets and strainers we will discover the amazing world that thrives in the water. Dragonfly larva, riffle beetles and snails, oh my! This hands-on afternoon will give you a whole new perspective on what’s in the water!

June 14 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka $20.00 - FF members $30.00 - non-members

June 14 10:00a.m. CW Leader(s): Eric Scholar

June 15 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Chris Robie

Fontenelle Forest presents Woggworks Age 55+ Kayaking Fundamentals Fontenelle Forest and WoggWorks Kayaking are offering Fundamentals of Kayaking for adults age 55 and over. Try out kayaking with a few paddle instructions and on-the-water time. Bring a picnic lunch to eat afterwards. Registration is required. Class is limited to 10 participants.

Explore More Trails We will meet at Camp Wakonda (on Forest Drive) and hike up Mormon Hollow to Prairie trail and around History Trail. This hike contains some strenuous hills.

June 17 & 18 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka $60.00 - FF members $75.00 - non-members

June 18 10:30a.m. - 12:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Dennis Hynes

Poetry Hike We will start our hike through the forest with some poetry about the forest. Let’s see how we can tie the poem to what we are able to see, hear, and enjoy.

June 19 7:00p.m. FFNC

Photographers Club Program to be announced.

June 20 7:00p.m. - 8:30p.m. WLC Leader(s): Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen

Friday Night (Twi)Lights What better way to start the weekend than with a summer twilight hike in the Wetlands. Come and experience the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem: is it settling in for the night…or just waking up?

June 21 10:00a.m. CLF Leader(s): Bob Fuchs

Explore More Trails We will meet at Camp Logan Fontenelle (on Gifford Road) and hike along Indian and Oak trails, onto the floodplain on Cottonwood trail and back through Handsome Hollow to the parking lot at Camp Logan. This hike will include a few strenuous hills. Family Sundays in the Forest: Forest Investigations Be a Nature Detective and explore the remains of NE mammals. Can you guess who they belong to? Using pelts, skulls, bones and artifacts we will discover the stories waiting to be unfolded. This program will include an optional hike to search for animal tracks and other signs to lead us on an adventure of forest investigation. Night Sounds at the Great Marsh Early summer evenings at the Great Marsh stand witness to almost magical seasonal transitions – punctuated by the night-time sounds of the animals who call the wetlands Home. Join us for a night hike on the floodplain as we listen for the voices of the Forest’s nocturnal critters. Note: Wear long pants and sturdy footwear. Bring water and insect repellent. This program is for 12 and older.

June 22 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Judy Bell

Family Sundays in the Forest: Pollinators are Our Friends What pollinators live at Fontenelle or Neale Woods and maybe in your backyard too? Come explore on a child’s level what these pollinators do and why they are so important. You may have read about the continued loss of bees and butterflies. How can we help these and other pollinators? Kids bring your dads and moms for Free Flower Seeds, and ask about my trip to where the monarchs overwinter for a Free Monarch Pencil.

June 24 7:30p.m. - 9:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Tad Leeper

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

May - June 2014

Monday

Wednesday

25 27

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Fundamental Kayaking 11:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.|WLC p. 4 Beavers! 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|WLC p. 5 Fundamental Kayaking 2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.|WLC p. 4

Family Sunday 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|FFNC p. 6

20 Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4 SUN 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m.|FFNC p. 5

Yoga in the Forest 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m.|FFNC p. 5 Mommy & Me Yoga 2:30p.m. - 4:30p.m.|FFNC p. 5

14 Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

13 Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4 Poetry Hike 10:30a.m. - 12:009.m.|FFNC p. 5

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

6 Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

***Denotes members only program

CB - Camp Brewster CLF - Camp Logan Fontenelle CW - Camp Wakonda HWLC - Hitchcock Wetlands Learning Center FFNC - Fontenelle Forest Nature Center NWNC - Neale Woods Nature Center

Tuesday

Fundamental Kayaking 11:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.|WLC p. 4 Family Sundays 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|FFNC p. 4 Fundamental Kayaking 2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.|WLC p. 4

Bluffs Art Council: Buy one get one free ticket to Juneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Savor The Flavor

Metro Arts and Culture Pass Deals

may

Sunday

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4 Photographers Club 7:00p.m.|FFNC p. 5

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Thursday

Evening Hike 8:00p.m.| NWNC p. 5

Friday Night (Twi)Lights 7:00p.m. - 8:30p.m. | WLC p. 5

Bird Club 7:00p.m. |FFNC p. 5

Friday

Explore More Trails 10:00a.m | WLC p. 6 Fundamental Kayaking 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.|WLC p. 6 Fundamental Kayaking 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|WLC p. 6

Teacher Naturalist 101 9:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.|FFNC |p. 6 Explore More Trails 10:00a.m | WLC |p. 5 Fundamental Kayaking 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.|WLC |p. 6 Fundamental Kayaking 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|WLC |p. 6

Explore More Trails 10:00a.m | WLC p. 5 Teen Naturalist Trainee 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|WLC p. 5

History Hike 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.|CW p. 5 Welcome to Kayaking 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | WLC p. 5

Saturday

Family Sundays 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|FFNC p. 10

Family Sundays 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|FFNC p. 7

Family Sundays 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|WLC p.7

Family Sundays 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.|WLC p.6

Sunday

Monday

***Denotes members only program

Wild Summer Days 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Wild Summer Days 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4 Friday Night (Twi)Lights 7:00p.m. - 8:30p.m. | WLC p. 5

Wild Summer Days 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Friday

Explore More Trails 10:00a.m. | FFNC p. 10

Age 55+ Kayaking 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m.| WLC p. 7 Explore More Trails 10:00a.m. | CW p. 7

BioBlitz 6:00a.m.-11:00p.m.| WLC & FFNC p. 6 Explore More Trails 10:00a.m. | WLC p. 6

Saturday

june

Nebraska Shakespeare: Free bag of popcorn - June 19-22 & 26-29

Metro Arts and Culture Pass Deals:

Insect Club 7:00p.m.|FFNC p. 10

Kayak Day Camp for Adults 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.|WLC p. 10 Wild Summer Days 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

19 Photographers Club 7:00p.m.|FFNC p. 7

Bird Club 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.|FFNC p. 6

Thursday

Kayak Day Camp for Adults 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.|WLC p. 7 Wild Summer Days 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Wild Summer Days 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Kayak Day Camp for Adults 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.|WLC p. 6 Wild Summer Days 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.|FFNC p. 4

Wednesday

CB - Camp Brewster HWLC - Hitchcock Wetlands Learning Center CLF - Camp Logan Fontenelle FFNC - Fontenelle Forest Nature Center CW - Camp Wakonda NWNC - Neale Woods Nature Center

Kayak Day Camp for Adults 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.|WLC p. 10 Night Sounds at the Marsh 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. | WLC p. 7

Kayak Day Camp for Adults 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.|WLC p. 7

Kayak Day Camp for Adults 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.|WLC p. 6

Tuesday

June 24 & 25 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris & Walt Vosicka $60.00 - FF members $75.00 - non-members

June 26 7:00p.m. $10 per year FF members only FFNC

Insect Club What’s the difference between a moth and a butterfly? What butterfly species should I be looking for in Nebraska? How do I tell a swallowtail from a hairstreak? Local entomologist and FF Teacher Naturalist, Tony Palmer, will answer these and other questions during his presentation on Lepidoptera, which will prepare us for the annual NABA butterfly count coming up on Thursday, July 3. This program was rescheduled from April 24.

June 28 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen

Explore More Trails This hike will begin at FFNC on the boardwalk, then head down Hickory trail into Childs Hollow, around Chickadee to Hawthorn and up Hackberry and back to the nature center. This hike contains a couple of steep hills.

June 29 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Alex Aspiazu

Family Sundays in the Forest: Art Hike - Into the Woods Make sure to bring all of your best greens and your favorite art tools because this hike will take us on a leisurely stroll through to the end of the Boardwalk where the views are gorgeous and green, green, green.

Su ppor t t h e Fo re s t w it h D e licio us n ess

APPLE PIES FOR SALE famous homemade! May - June 2014 M

Natu r al Selection s By Deborah Woracek, Master Naturalist May May opens with spring and ends at the beginning of summer. Most of the frogs and toads in our area are calling by May. Dame’s rockets, columbine, blue Siberian squill, tiny downy yellow violets, and

Virginia bluebells are all showing their blooms at the trail’s edge. Majestic Jack-in-the-pulpits complete our May bouquets. Our bird numbers now include baby wild turkeys, eaglets, adult hummingbirds, thrushes, herons, ducks, and goslings. The birdsong symphony at dawn is at its highest volume of the year. As you hike look high in the tall trees to see the bright orange and black flash of the returning Northern Orioles. Beavers, coyotes, and mink are all weaning their young in late May and early June. June In June, the white-tailed bucks have almost full-sized antlers covered in velvet. Blue flags, elderberry, jewelweed, and motherwort all show off their flowers. Above the blooms Red-spotted Purple butterflies, Great Spangled Fritillaries, Hackberries, and the early Monarch butterflies add to the beauty of our

gardens and prairies. Young screech owls, grackles, robins, and house wrens are hatched. Painted turtles and snapping turtles are laying their eggs to the tune of the bullfrogs singing. Soon summer will be in full swing! Photo by Loren J. Padelford

Free Fligh t News from Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery

By Betsy Finch, Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation Each spring we compile the statistics for the previous year, noting numbers, species, and possible emerging trends. The 2013 numbers will be added to the data base of the past 38 years, and are as follows. Great Horned Owls 115 Red-tail Hawks 101 E. Screech Owls 69 Cooper's Hawks 41 Am. Kestrels 35 Bald Eagles 19 Barn Owls 14 Turkey Vultures 10 Barred Owls 10 Sharp-shinned Hawks 10 Rough-legged Hawks 6 Mississippi Kites 6

N a t ure D i s c ove r y D ay Camps

Swainson's Hawks Peregrine Falcons Golden Eagles Merlins N. Harriers Ospreys Long-eared Owls Broadwing Hawk Burrowing Owl Prairie Falcon Snowy Owl Total

There’s still time to register for camps! Hurry, the early bird discount ends May 12. Forms for registration are available online. For questions or information, contact our Manager of Day Camps at 402.731.3140 x1016 or dworacek@fontenelleforest.org. GRANDS & ME EXPLORERS Ages 4 to 8 1st & 2nd Grade Grands & Polliwogs Crazy about Critters A Grand Adventure Boys at Brewster Ages 9 to 12 Glorious Girls Grands in the Wetlands A Planting We Will Go Wetlands Wonders TODDLERS Habitat Havoc Ages 3 and under Up, Up, and Away....the Things with Wings Sky’s the Limit! Night Time at Inspect an Insect Camp Brewster Oh, What a Tangled Web We See A Sample of Science DISCOVERERS Ages 4 and 5 SEEKERS Below Your Toes 3rd & 4th Grade Claws & Paws Marsh Music Color My World Take a Hike Nature Through Scat, Tracks, & Trails Eric Carle’s Eyes Nature’s Engineers Puddle Ducks Skeeters, Ticks, & Flies, Oh My! Gals in the Wetlands ADVENTURERS Guys in the Forest Kindergarten Time Traveler A is for Ants, B is for Beetles....S is for Spiders TRACKERS Nature Detectives 5th & 6th Grade Dinosaurs Rock! Canoeing 101: A Beginning... Nifty Night Critters All Day Adventures Camp All About Amphibians Canoeing 102: (and Reptiles, too) The Next Chapter... Open the Door, Let’s Explore Zombie Camp or Pond Discoveries How to Survive in the Wild!

5 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 461

160 of these birds, plus 25 birds from 2012, were released in 2013. Preliminary release rate for 2013 is 35%; for 2012, 44%. Our annual reports are based on the calendar year- we figure final release rates when birds held over the winter are released the following spring. Annual reports notwithstanding, reasons for raptor admissions tend to be seasonal-migration, nesting, etc. Winter for us is Eagle Season. Most of our eagle admissions occur from December through March, and most of them are suffering from lead poisoning. Even eagles that arrive with other injuries- broken wings, leghold trap injuries, head traumaare also positive for lead. Lead poisoning is a serious condition and does kill eagles. Treatment consists of twice daily injections, hydration therapy, and monitoring with blood samples. This is difficult and dangerous. As the eagles get better, they get stronger- and nastier! Three of the Bald Eagles so far have graduated to the Eagle Flight Pen; we will all be happy to see them go free! And the next season is already upon us-Baby Season. Great Horned Owls begin the season in early January and we usually see chicks arriving here by mid-March. High winds and unsafe situations send babies our way. Not all babies are the same age either; in 3 days we received 2 different young horned owls that were almost fledged and 3 tiny babies less than 2 wks old. Luckily, Moopitz, our Eurasian Eagle Owl, laid eggs, setting the stage for her to foster chicks. She has the 3 babes. Additionally, Owlberta, a long-time foster mom for us, was given 2 eggs that were removed from a nest in February. She hatched them out about 3 weeks ago and was just given another chick the same age to raise. Baby season is our favorite time at the Center as most are not injured and have an excellent chance of surviving. Next, Barred Owls will follow (probably already hatching); Screech Owls, Red-tails, and Kestrels are not far behind. And the Barn Owl season can last all summer into fall, since they can produce several broods in good weather and plentiful food! All of these babies can really consume mass quantities of mice and rats, but we love them anyway!

May - June 2014

CONTRIBUTIONS & SUPPORT Ja nua r y 1 6 , 2 0 1 4 - Ma rch 1 5 , 2 0 1 4 Benefactor ($2500 - above) Laura and William Shiffermiller Distinguishing Paton ($1000 - $2499) Paul and Maureen Halbur Bryan Handlos Leland Russell and Mary Liz Jameson Howard J. and Gloria C. Kaslow Bill Kathol and Linda Head, M.D. Sustaining Patron ($500 - $999) Jim and Mary Hawkins Anne Hubbard Lawrence R. and Jeannette James Richard W. and Ruth Laughlin Janet McCrae Daniel and Cheryl Morris H. Douglas and Karen Riley Edward B. and Victoria F. Roche Christine Smith and Lynne MacDonald

Janis and Robert Cole William E. and Rose Marie Davis Matt and Kristi Davis Marcus Maydew and Catherine DemesMaydew Joe and Ruth Erman David and Ruth Garrison John and Kay Lynn Goldner Mace Hack and Rosie Zweiback D. Paul and Marge Hartnett Matt and Jessica Jaksha Marilyn and Bill Rishel Dennis and Jill Smith Don and Julie Stavneak Carl E. and Ellen Stonerook Dave and Nancy Valenta

Tributes

In Memory of Jim Haggart, Jr. Cynthia Anderson

In Memory of Jim Haggart, Jr. Barbara L. Smith

Donations Lisa Bethel Barbara Blohn David and Dorothy Bowman, Jr. Lee and Pam Cheever Beth Dean Linda Deeds Supporting Patron Mark and Beth Dietz ($250 - $499) William Gasper Mike and Becky App Rollin and Sue Gentes John Arndorfer and Mary Carnazzo Gary and Cindy Harmon Jonathan and Traci Bean Brad and Allison Hertzler Michael Berry Deanna Hoskins Robert and Anne Bothe Beth Jenckes Chester and J. Louise Bressman Susan Jones and Trinity Bishop Sal and Mary Kay Carta Adrian and Clare Koesters Dennis and Ann Christiansen Gary and Barb LeMoine Robert and Linda Fuchs Laurel E. Lewis James and Christine Jacobsen Kristina Lewis and Courtney Smith Robert and Cheryl Leavitt Chris and Sarah McGowan Tad Leeper and Mary Coady-Leeper Matt Miller Martin and Lorraine Mancuso Philip and Michelle Mortlock Chris and Sarah McGowan Dagmar Neilsen Bill and Judy Mueller Carol Niemann Athena Ramos and Jose Sanchez Paul and Connie Randazzo Robert and Stacie Reed, Jr. Kyle Scheef Robert D. Rose and Kathleen Crawford-Rose Tom and Christine Schulte Steve and Julee Sauer The Miller Foundation Thomas D. and Denese H. Stalnaker Steve and Molly Vacha Gary L. and Carol Thompson Roger and Kathy Wells Robert and Sandy Tuma Ricardo and Ramona Turner James T. and Dian Warren Patrons ($100 - $249) C. Shawn Bengtson Terry Calek and Lee Polikov

May - June 2014 M

Corporate and Foundation Giving Kiewit Companies Foundation Merck Partnership For Giving MetLife On Pointe Dance Centre Salesforce.com Foundation Security National Bank Sherwood Foundation Union Pacific Corporation - GivePlus Program Voice News

In Memory of Joan L. Flowers Betsy Finch Rosa Francis Nancy Hanshaw Nancy Hinnah Dan Morgan Loretta Mosier Donna Nichols In-Kind Gifts Security National Bank Robert D. Rose and Kathleen Crawford-Rose Neale Woods George F. Haddix

Wh o Do We Ser ve? A Special Thank You to Our Donors & Sponsors

Education

Formal School Visits/Field Trips

Catholic School Program

• 1,513 Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools, eight inner-city schools: Pre-K– 8th Grade • 5,151 Bellevue Public Schools, Sarpy County: Pre-K – 6th Grade • 408 Council Bluffs Community – High Schools Programs • 820 Kiewit Summer Fun Club • 1,017 Omaha Public Schools, All: Webology, 4th Grade • 2,754 Omaha Public Schools, All: H2Omaha, 6th Grade • 828 Omaha Public Schools, Western Hills Magnet Center: Expeditionary, 2nd – 6th Grade • 1,977 Educational Self-Guide Groups • 7,990 Youth Environmental Education Programs: Omaha Public Schools and other school districts including Council Bluffs Community School District, Elkhorn Public Schools, Gretna Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, Westside Community Schools

An Education Program for Students in the Omaha Archdiocese Friend of the Forest

Embark: Journey Into Nature Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community Environmental Expeditionary Learning Initiative: An Education Program for Western Hills

Magnet Center Lincoln Financial Foundation Erosion Abatement & Restoration Project Jim and Mary Hawkins Lozier Foundation Nebraska Environmental Trust Papio-Missouri River Natural Resource District R. Joe Dennis Foundation

Onsite & Outreach Education • 338 Boy and Girl Scout Programs • 2,744 Mud Pies (Early Education Program for Children Accompanied by an Adult) • 526 Nature Discovery Camps • 2,609 Speaker Series, Live Animal Demonstrations, Bird Banding, Other • 3,571 SUN: Seniors Understanding Nature • 342 Workshops (Continuing Education for Teachers)

Free Forest Adventures Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation Forest Sustainer

Black Walnut Friend of the Forest Methodist Health System

Shagbark Hickory J. William and Ruth Lind Scott Fund Kiewit Companies Foundation

Visitors

90,000+ Annually

Webology

An Education Program for Omaha Public School Fourth Grade Students Omaha Schools Foundation Wells Fargo H2Omaha: Missouri River Science Education Initiative

An Education Program for Omaha Public School Sixth Grade Students Omaha Schools Foundation William Leopard Charitable Lead Trust

• 2,000 acres of upland and lowland forest, native prairies, wetlands, lakes, and waterways • 26 miles of marked and maintained trails • Two fully handicap accessible boardwalk trails • 200 public education programs, activities, and major science exhibits • Acorn Acres, an outdoor playscape for children with nine activity areas • Habitat Hollow interactive exhibit gallery for children Volunteers

Areas of Service • Administration, Apple Pie Bakers, & General Maintenance • Board of Directors • Education/Teacher Naturalist • Environmental Projects/ Land Stewards and Land Management • Special Events • Guild of Fontenelle Forest

Interpretive Trail Kiosk Sponsor Bob and Evelyn Veach Foundation Youth Environmental Education Program GFH and SAH Foundation H. Lee and Carol Gendler Charitable Fund Lawrence R. and Jeanette James Foundation Mammel Foundation The Miller Foundation Robert H. Storz Foundation

Continued on next page

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CONTRIBUTIONS & SUPPORT Volunteers Thank you to our many talented volunteers. Your work here at Fontenelle Forest helps provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature!

Thank you for volunteering from February â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 2014.

Patty Albright Mary Lou Alfieri Jennifer Alloway Carrie Anslinger Angela Athy Jennifer Bartelt Penny Bartholomew Louise Bauck James Beebe Judith Bell Jerry Boganowski Alexis Boulos JoAnne Bowden Amy Brown Jennifer Brummund Michael Burke Angi Burmeister Mic Burt Julianne Carbonell Frank Carnaby Thomas Chaussee Albert Lee Cheever Pamela Joy Cheever Ruihong Chen Ann Christiansen Jessica Covi Kathleen Crawford-Rose Sean Crowell Amanda Dana Dawn Daniel-Conlon Marissa Daskiewicz Kristi Davis Bob Dinslage Shannon Dombrowski Jenny Doyle Sharon Draper Chufan Du Amy Duboise David Dvorak Heather Efaw Marty Elftmann

May - June 2014 M

Amber Fahey Nelli Falzgraf Gina Feely Jessica Feinstein MindyForal Michelle Foss Robert Fuchs Jody Galata Sue Gentes Susan Graf Betty Grenon Dianne Guinn Andrea Gutta Paul Halbur Jean Hankins Russ Hankins Katie Hartner Blake Hatfield Jim Hawkins Jami Heidemann Roger Hildebrandt Kristin Hoffman Lisa Hoffman Brett Homme Jenny Hula Camille Hussman Dennis Hynes Lois Inskeep Jeannette James Jenny Janes Kelly Jeffreys Ingrid Johnson Kate Johnson Lisa Jorgensen Howard Kaslow Cecilia King Clem Klaphake Jennifer Koom Kara Krehbiel Catherine Kuper Aaron Lamb

Joanne Langabee Emily Lauritzen Tad Leeper Kristin Lewis Missy Lewis Julie Liakos Les Lowrey Chuqi Luo Missy Magnuson Justine Marshall Martha Mays Sarah McGowan Dean McVicker Kate Murphy Jarl Nelson Susan Nemer Bonnie Newman Brian Ogle Vickie Orr Babs Padelford Loren Padelford Isabelle Paik Jane Palmer Amberle Parkin Amy Parks Denise Paul Brandi Pellerito Holly Pendley Wanda Pendley Julie Peterson Adrienne Petsick Linda Plock Jeanne Pricer Jeff Quandt Donald Ranheim Debra Ratzlaff Tiffany Regan Megan Ringenberg Chris Robie Christine Robie Lydia Ross

Jennifer Salem Julee Sauer Chris Schacht David Schaffer Destiny Schaffer Levi Scheppers Rob Schindler Eric Scholar Christine Schulte Eloise Schwerdtfeger Kathleen Schwery Lindsey Semrad Katherine Simmons Brenda Smith Debbie Stalnaker Thomas Stalnaker Jay Stander Elizabeth Stiles Tori Stuckey Jackie Sundberg Joshua Tausz Kristin Taylor Christopher Toms Jim Trojanowski Ray Turkle Bridget Tynan Desirae Vallier Joseph Vann Christine Vosicka Nicole Voss Steven Voss Jordyn Walker Johnny Wells Haley Wharton Landon Wiens Kaitlyn Wiktor Chad Witt Liza Woltemath Richard Wright

May - June 2014

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Omaha, NE Permit No. 679

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North Bellevue, NE 68005 www.fontenelleforest.org Address service requested

GENERAL INFORMATION Phone: 402.731.3140 Email: info@fontenelleforest.org Web: fontenelleforest.org Find us on: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

Neale Woods

1111 Bellevue Boulevard North, Bellevue, NE 68005

14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha, NE 68112

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Hours: Open daily, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

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Trails open year round, dawn to dusk

Closed December 25 & January 1

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Nature center CLOSED for renovation

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Trails open dawn to dusk for FF members. Non-members admitted before close have trail access until dusk

Admission: Fontenelle Forest members Free One Day Membership $7 Adult | $6 Senior (62+)| $5 Child (2-17)

Admission: Fontenelle Forest members Free One Day Membership $5 Adult | $4 Senior (62+) | $3 Child (2-17)

Experience the Quiet Wild

of Nature