Fontenelle Forest's November / December Leaflet by Fontenelle Forest

The Newsletter of Fontenelle Forest November - December 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

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

Cover photograph by Fontenelle Forest volunteer Dina Barta.

STAFF

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

Joe Vavak

Naturalist

Communications Assistant

Jim Beebe

Ronnie Wells

Ranger / NWNC Property Supervisor

Manager of Events and Exhibits

Elizabeth Chalen

Alex Wiles

Manager of Programming and Outreach

Animal Care Specialist

Linda Dennis

Deborah Woracek

Education Assistant

Manager of Summer Day Camps

BOARD OF DIRECTORS O f fi c er s Jim Hawkins \ President Paul Halbur \ President-Elect Julee Sauer \ Secretary Levi Scheppers \ Treasurer Thomas D. Stalnaker \ Advisor

Keith Fehrenbacher

Facilities Betsy Finch

Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation Gary Garabrandt

Ranger Kareen Hickman

Development & Volunteer Associate Catherine Kuper

Educator Denise Lewis

Educator/Raptor Recovery Kate Murphy

Educator Tony Palmer

Animal Care Technician Josh Preister

Ranger / FFNC Property Supervisor Alex Shiffermiller

Manager of Visitor Services Barb Shiffermiller

Manager of Customer Service Joan Soverns

Manager of Donor Relations and Membership Janet Stander

Part-Time Educators Kyle Anderson Amy Campagna Julianne Carbonelle Lindsay Cooley Kathy Fischer Michelle Foss Dianne Guinn Tisha Johnson Seth Krone-Keith Matt Miller Jean Neneman Bruce Noble Grace Noecker Tony Palmer Nick Sauvageau Dorie Stone Chelsea Taxman Chris Vosicka Visitor Services Assistants Helen Beebe Brian Mark Conover Brenna Watkins

Assistant Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation Jamie Vann

Naturalist

November - December 2014

D i re cto rs Angela Athy Catherine M. Barmettler Angela L. Burmeister Ann Christiansen Toba Cohen-Dunning David M. Dvorak Lorraine A. Egger Mike Hamilton Jon T. Hansen Christine Jacobsen

Ho no r ar y Tru st e e s 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

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

MEMBERS ONLY M e m ber s hip B e nef i t s As a Fontenelle Forest Member, your benefits include: • FREE admission to Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods for 12 months • 26 miles of marked trails within the extraordinary Loess Hills • Two wheelchair accessible boardwalks with Missouri River and wetland views • Diverse ecosystems, hidden lakes, and rare wildflowers • A premier birding location with over 246 recorded species • Family-friendly exhibits • Acorn Acres: A forest playscape with nine exploration areas • Habitat Hollow for indoor play and learning • Unique entertainment options: critter encounters, guided hikes, children’s programs

• • • • • • •

FREE members-only events and other programming 10% discount at The Gift Shop at Fontenelle Forest Subscription to Fontenelle Forest’s newsletter “The Leaflet” Free or discounted admission to over 100 nature centers nationwide through ANCA Every time you visit, two of your guests can receive ½ priced admission Discounts on Winter and Summer Camps Access to trails before and after hours

For more details and information, please visit our website at fontenelleforest.org /membership

Mem be r Ex cl us i ve E vent

JUST FOR CHILDREN

December 5 7:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CB Members Only Leader: Michelle Foss & Tad Leeper

A Chill in the Air: Campfire Program As winter approaches, let’s celebrate that chill in the air that is a part of why we love Nebraska winters! Together we will learn how different cultures keep warm (and sane) in the winter. Bring your blanket and a buddy and enjoy an outdoor evening warmed by the glow of a campfire. After the stories, join us for hot cocoa! Registration is required for this program

December 31 3:00p.m. - 5:00 p.m. FFNC Members Only Leader: Deborah Woracek

Nature’s New Year’s Eve Join us as we celebrate the New Year with a family-friendly celebration. We will make our own noisemakers, have a bubble November 22 wrap stomp, learn what the animals do for 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. winter, listen to a story or two, go outside CB for a short hike, and welcome in the year 2015 (with London time - not our time). We will have a snack and toast the New Year with hot cocoa after our outdoor adventure. Hurry! Registration is required. For children ages 3-12 and their families.

Monday - Thursday 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Kate Murphy

December 13 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. CB

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. This program is for children ages 5 and younger. *Note: Mud Pies takes a holiday break;

Check the calendar for dates. Nature Explorers: Turkey Tracking Learn about this big bird of the forest and follow its tracks and scat along “Ridge Trail” at Camp Brewster. Scope out a turkey roost by looking for dropped feathers. Enjoy a turkey snack while listening to Turkey’s Gift to the People by Ani Rucki. Please dress for the weather. For children ages 5 – 12. Registration is required. Nature Explorers: Celebrating Winter Solstice On December 21st at 5:03 PM Omaha experiences the winter solstice. There are many traditions around this longest night of the year. The Nature Explorers will listen to the story of the Oak King and the Holly King. They’ll see how acorns, holly, and mistletoe fit into that story. Then they’ll search for logs and each child will make a Yule Log to take home. For children ages 5 – 12. Registration is required.

November - December 2014

PROGRAMS Programs are listed in chronological order November 1 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Schramm Park SRA Leader(s): Rick Schmid

November 1 1:00p.m. CW Leader(s): Eric Scholar

History Hike Join us at Camp Wakonda to hike History trail and learn about some of the amazing historical events that have shaped Fontenelle Forest. The rich history of this area will be shared along the trail, from the early inhabitants to the fur trade and beyond.

November 1 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader(s): Michelle Foss & Tad Leeper

November 8 9:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. CB Leader(s): Elizabeth Chalen & Catherine Kuper Cost: $35 / Members $45 / Non-Members

Embark: Journey Into Nature Landforms of Nebraska Nebraska has a rich geological history that is buried beneath the topsoil. This class will uncover the history of our landforms and how Nebraska came to be the land that it is today. From an inland sea to glacial till and loess deposits, we will recreate the geological history of Nebraska (and really, of the United States) as we delve into our past. Debbie Beck, geologist and naturalist with Fontenelle Forest, will take us on a learning expedition. This class will include a field trip to an old quarry to search for ancient fossils from when Nebraska was covered in oceans. Registration is required.

November 8 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. CB

Family Raking Day Gather your little ones and join us for a morning of fall fun. Great opportunity for families to volunteer together. We’ll end the morning roasting marshmallows and enjoying hot chocolate.

November 11 9:45 a.m. - 11:00a.m. Stories of the Night Sky: Campfire FFNC Program From stars to settlers, animals to explorers, Leader(s): Catherine Kuper listen to tales of the night sky. Bring your blanket and a buddy and enjoy an outdoor evening warmed by the glow of a campfire. After the stories, join us for hot cocoa! Registration is required.

S.U.N. (Seniors Understanding Nature) The Greening of Bellevue Don Preister of Green Bellevue will present a program about how Green Bellevue and the citizens of Bellevue are leading the city’s efforts to sustainability in partnership with the city leaders. Don has been chair of the city’s Earth Day Celebrations as well as responsible for many of the Green Bellevue programs.

November 2 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Jackie Sundberg

Missouri River Trail Hike Join us for a crisp morning hike along the Missouri River. We will search for signs of beaver and bald eagles along the river, and enjoy autumn on the floodplain.

November 15 9:45a.m. - 10:45a.m. FFNC

November 2 2:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Holly Hofreiter

Family Sundays in the Forest: Families On Foot Come and enjoy a late fall hike in the woods. We will explore the forest for animal signs and plants as they prepare for winter. Who knows what else we may find? Family activities will add to the fun. Please dress for the weather and bring water to drink.

Raptors... Live! This is your opportunity to come visit us and meet our amazing raptors! See and learn about these fascinating owl, hawk, and falcon wildlife ambassadors; photographs are encouraged.

November 15 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Johnny Wells & Lisa Cuevas Jorgensen

Birdseed Baubles Stop in and create two edible decorations for your outdoor trees or shrubs that will not only look great, but taste great, too—at least to the birds (and probably that squirrel) that visit your yard.

November 16 8:00a.m. (All Day) FFNC Leader(s): Bob Goetschkes & Justine Marshall

Perimeter Hike This rare opportunity will take us on an adventure around Fontenelle Forest’s property. Whether you have been a member for years or are brand new, this hike will offer you a whole new perspective of the Forest as we trek along the outer trails. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots or hiking shoes, and bring along a lunch, snack and water to last the day.

November 6 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Rick Schmid Members Only

Bird Club Our guest speaker will be Joel Jorgensen (Nebraska’s Nongame Bird Program Manager) who will talk about the breeding bird monitoring programs at Ponca State Park and Indian Cave State Park. The November field trip will be the club’s traditional pre-Thanksgiving trip to Squaw Creek NWR on November 22.

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG November - December 2014

November 16 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Landon Wiens & Mic Burt

Family Sundays in the Forest: Snakes Galore When you think of winter, snakes are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. So what do snakes do in the winter? Join us to learn some of the special things that snakes do to survive the cold winters in Nebraska, and get an up close look at some of our education snakes and artifacts to learn more about these amazing creatures.

November 20 7:00p.m. FFNC

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club Jeff Kurrus, NEBRASKAland Magazine editor and author, presents his new book, THE TALE OF JACOB SWIFT, a children’s photo book about Nebraska’s swift fox. Jeff will sign his books after the meeting.

November 28 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Rick Schmid

Bird Banding Get a people’s-eye-view of our feathered friends as we capture live birds, “tag” them with tiny light-weight leg bands and release them back into the wild. Drop by any time between 9:00am and 11:00am and stay as little or as long as you like. All ages are welcome, and anyone who wishes to may touch a live bird. We welcome donations of bird seed, which can be made through Wild Birds Unlimited in Rockbrook Plaza (402.399.9976).

November 29 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Wanda Pendley

Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure Learning to track animals requires many hours in the field, often on your hands and knees, studying animal signs up close. This is the dirt time, literally time to look and dig and track in the dirt. It is only through this regular dirt time that we can hone our skills as trackers, and this is our opportunity to get together with others who are interested in learning more about the animals who call this forest home. All are welcome, and no prior experience tracking is needed. Come prepared for the weather and the great possibility of muddy or snowy boots...the more mud and snow, the easier it is to find tracks!

November 29 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Jeanine Lackey

Fontenelle Forest Animal Close Encounters Would you like to meet Fontenelle Forest’s education animals up close? Let us introduce you to Ratatouille the Western Rate Snake, Tres, the three-toed box Turtle, Olive the soft-shelled turtle, and many more critters that reside at Fontenelle Forest. The first 30-40 minutes of this formal, sit-down program will enthrall you with life history information and live animal presentations. During the second half of the program, you’ll be able to stroll through live animal stations and watch a turtle eat a worm, see a turtle swimming, and feel the scales on a snake.

November 30 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Joanne Langabee

Family Sundays in the Forest: Wildflowers of the Winter Although the bright blooms of summer’s wildflowers are a distant memory, they still play a vital role in the ecosystems of our forests and wetlands. Many of these amazing plants will provide food and shelter for other living things all winter long. Come to the wetlands to learn what wildflowers leave behind for the winter, and how to recognize nature’s bounty even during the slower seasons.

November 21 - 23 Neale Woods trails closed for annual deer hunt. These managed hunts are designed to control the deer population.

November 23 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Jackie Sundberg

Hike Hidden Lake Head out on the wetland trails to get a view of Hidden Lake. This relatively flat trail will take you around the end of the marsh and through the floodplain to Hidden Lake, where you may happen upon waterfowl and bald eagles looking for a bite to eat.

November 23 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Amberle Parkin & Bonnie Newman

Family Sundays in the Forest: Turkey Talk With Thanksgiving only days away, come on out to the Forest to learn more about these amazing birds that we often associate with this holiday. Did you know that Turkeys can fly and roost in trees at night? What do you call a young turkey? Can you tell the difference between a male and female turkey? Let’s learn together!

November 27 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Lisa CuevasJorgensen

Turkey Day Traipse Let’s get a little fresh air and exercise before the feast (and food coma) begins! We’ll leave from the Nature Center and head down Hackberry and Hawthorn; across Childs Hollow; up Hickory to the Boardwalk; we’ll check out the views on Ridge and then finish up, once again, on the Boardwalk to the Nature Center. You’ll be grateful you came! Please note that the building will not be open, so no bathroom access will be available.

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

November - December 2014

December 4 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Rick Schmid Members Only

Bird Club Chris and Maggie Olson will review the club’s recent trip to southeast Arizona, which was led by Rick Wright. Club members are also encouraged to participate in any of the many Christmas bird counts being held in December.

December 4 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Sharon Draper & Tad Leeper

Silent Night Hike In the natural world, interesting things often occur at and around the borders between: land and water, woodland and pasture, earth and sky, day and night. Join naturalists Sharon Draper and Tad Leeper on a silent night hike in the Forest floodplain as we explore nature’s ‘borderlands’ and observe some of the transitions that take place in and around this diverse wetlands habitat. This hike is best for adults and youth over the age of 12. Please wear appropriate winter hiking footwear and warm clothing.

December 6 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Schramm Park SRA Leader(s): Rick Schmid

December 9 9:45 a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Catherine Kuper

Bird Banding at Aksarben Aquarium Get a people’s-eye-view of our feathered friends as we capture live birds, “tag” them with tiny light-weight leg bands and release them back into the wild. Drop by any time between 9:00am and 11:00am and stay as little or as long as you like. All ages are welcome, and anyone who wishes to may touch a live bird. We welcome donations of bird seed, which can be made through Wild Birds Unlimited in Rockbrook Plaza (402.399.9976). S.U.N. (Seniors Understanding Nature) Glacial Creek Restoration - Allwine Prairie Allwine Prairie north of Omaha is part of the Glacial Creek watershed. Long a research site for University of Nebraska at Omaha, Allwine has been the location for many to learn how to trap small mammals, burn a prairie, and conduct wetlands restoration as well as a place to practice field work. Dr. Thomas Bragg and Barbi Hayes will present a program on the restoration of the Glacial Creek watershed that surrounds the former Allwine Prairie. Join us for this interesting program about the preservation of a native habitat.

December 6-10 Fontenelle Forest Deer Hunt Nature Center and Riverview Boardwalk open. All other trails closed. These managed hunts are designed to control the deer population.

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG November - December 2014

December 13 9:45a.m. - 10:45a.m. FFNC

Raptors... Live! This is your opportunity to come visit us and meet our amazing raptors! See and learn about these fascinating owl, hawk, and falcon wildlife ambassadors; photographs are encouraged.

December 14 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Justine Marshall & Bob Goetschkes

Family Sundays in the Forest: Snowshoe Hike If you have always wanted to try snowshoes in the Forest, this hike is your perfect chance. Come try out our snowshoes and take a hike through the forest. If it doesn’t snow, we can still learn about snowshoes, and head out for a winter hike!

December 18 7:00p.m. FFNC

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club Member’s slide show and Potluck dinner.

December 20 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Lisa CuevasJorgensen

December 21 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Jackie Sundberg & Sharon Draper

Family Sundays in the Forest: Winter Solstice Hike Celebrate the first day of winter with a walk through the forest! Make the most of this, the “shortest day” of the year (lightwise) by getting outside and welcoming winter! We will walk about 3.5 miles total.

December 27 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Wanda Pendley

December 28 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Bob Fuchs

Family Sundays in the Forest: Winter Walk What happens in the Forest during the winter? Discover the secrets of life in the winter as we search for animal signs and tracks, look for eagles along the Missouri and learn about the winter adaptations of animals and plants along the way.

Fre e F li g ht By Betsy Finch, Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation The mass quantities of Great Horned Owl youngsters of spring have slowly given way to the usual numbers of young screech owls and kestrels; these were followed in turn by an unusual number of young Barn Owls – 28 – notorious eaters of mass quantities of mice! Among the more unusual patients we received in late summer were three nestling / fledgling Northern Harriers. Due to a loss of wetlands and wet meadows, harriers are increasingly uncommon. Now exercising in a flight pen, these youngsters are beautiful to watch as they maneuver on those long wings. A young Long-Eared Owl is being evaluated for flight strength since he had been fed nothing but steak for three weeks prior to admission. Hopefully the lack of calcium in his diet as he was actively growing will be overcome by a good diet of mice during his stay here. One special youngster that arrived in early fall was a Turkey Vulture chick who may have lost his parents and arrived emaciated. Little “Vulchy” ate readily (like a pig, actually) and was soon ready for more room. He fledged in a flight pen, and when he was ready, we opened the door and placed food outside the pen. It didn’t take him long to leave. We continued to put food out in a nearby barrel for him as he gradually flew farther afield. Vulchy soon discovered Squirtsy (our resident vulture) in her cage at the Rehabilitation Center. That became his favorite hangout; doing sun salutations and keeping Squirtsy company occupied much of his day. Vulchy stayed around for two weeks, taking longer and higher flights around, committing the Center to memory. One afternoon, an adult vulture flew through the yard and Vulchy followed. It was a perfect release. Several immature Swainson’s Hawks arrived at the Center this fall, thin and hungry. Luckily, we were about to fatten them up and get them out in time for them to join their flocks on the long migration to Argentina. Known there as the Grasshopper Hawk, thousands of Swainson’s Hawks feed on millions of locusts, swirling through great clouds of locusts and snatching them in the air. No wonder these hawks have such fast feet! Seasonal migrants are beginning to arrive at the Center – SharpShinned Hawks, Merlins, and Ospreys. Those denizens of the tundra, the Rough-Legged Hawks, are probably not far behind. If the winter is very cold, we may even see the Arctic migrants, Snowy Owls. What’s the most numerous raptor at the Center now? Great Horned Owls. Gone are the healthy youngsters of summer; here are the more complicated cases of feather damage, infections, WNV, parasite infestations, and long-term recoveries from serious injuries. With 111 Great Horned Owl admissions from January through September, we indeed have mass quantities of these flying tigers!

November - December 2014

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Family Sundays in the Forest: Wildflowers of the Winter 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | WLC p. 5

Family Sundays in the Forest 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 5 Hike Hidden Lake 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | WLC p. 5

Hunt: Neale Woods 23 Deer 24 All trails at Neale Woods closed.

Family Sundays in the Forest: Snakes Galore 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 5

Perimeter Hike 8:00a.m. | FFNC p. 4

Family Sundays in the Forest: Families on Foot 2:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 4

Missouri River Trail Hike 1:00p.m.| WLC p. 4

Monday

november

Sunday

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

S.U.N. - Greening of Bellevue 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. | FFNC p. 4

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Tuesday

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Wednesday

Turkey Day Traipse 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m. | FFNC p. 5

Thanksgiving Day

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club 7:00p.m. | FFNC p. 5

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Bird Club*** 7:00p.m. | FFNC p. 4

Bird Banding 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. | FFNC p. 5

Deer Hunt: Neale Woods All trails at Neale Woods closed.

***Denotes members only program

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Friday

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

Thursday

Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. | WLC p. 5 Fontenelle Forest Animal Close Encounters 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. | FFNC p. 5

Nature Explorers: Turkey Tracking 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | CB p. 3

Deer Hunt: Neale Woods All trails at Neale Woods closed.

Raptors... Live! 9:45a.m. - 10:45a.m. | FFNC p. 4 Birdseed Baubles 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 4

Family Raking Day 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | CB p. 4

Embark: Journey into Nature Landforms of Nebraska 9:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m. | CB p. 4

Stories of the Night Sky 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. | CB p. 4

9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. | Schramm Park p. 4 History Hike 1:00p.m. | CW p. 4

1 Bird Banding

Saturday

Family Sundays in the Forest: Winter Walk 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Winter Day Camp 8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. | CB p. 10

Winter Day Camp - Half Day 8:30a.m. - 12:00p.m. | CB p. 10

Family Sundays in the Forest: Winter Solstice Hike 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Family Sundays in the Forest: Snowshoe Hike 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Deer Hunt: Fontenelle Forest Riverview Boardwalk open. All other trails closed.

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Monday

Sunday

Winter Day Camp 8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. | CB p. 10

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

S.U.N.: Glacial Creek 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. | FFNC p. 6

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Riverview Boardwalk open. All other trails closed.

Wednesday

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Nature’s New Year’s Eve*** 3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. | FFNC p. 3

Winter Day Camp 8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. | CB p. 10

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Deer Hunt: Fontenelle Forest Riverview Boardwalk open. All other trails closed.

9 Deer Hunt: Fontenelle Forest 10

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Tuesday

***Denotes members only program

Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. | WLC p. 6

Birdseed Baubles 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Nature Explorers: Celebrating Winter Solstice 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | CB p. 3

Raptors... Live! 9:45a.m. - 10:45p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Bird Banding 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. | Schramm Park p. 6

Deer Hunt: Fontenelle Forest Riverview Boardwalk open. All other trails closed.

Saturday

december

A Chill in the Air: Campfire Program*** 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. | CB p. 3

Friday

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

Christmas Day All Fontenelle Forest facilities are closed for the holiday

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club 7:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Mud Pies 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

Silent Night Hike 7:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | WLC p. 6

Bird Club*** 7:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 3

4 Mud Pies

Thursday

2014 Winter Camps at Fontenelle Forest Fontenelle Forest welcomes you to a winter adventure of discovery where the quiet wild of nature offers an unparalleled opportunity for your child to learn. Winter Day Camps feature learning through play and are taught by FFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s year-round professional educators. Our staff is committed to providing your child with high quality, positive experiences. Whether your child creates a work of art, discovers a new world on a hike, or learns a new skill, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure that they will bring home memories and knowledge that will last a lifetime. For 2014, we have a half day camp on December 22nd and three full days of camp on December 29, 30 and 31. Register for one day.. or all of them! December 22 8:30a.m. - 12:00p.m. CB

Winter Camp Half Day Drop your campers off for a fun half day of camp so you can finish up your last minute shopping and preparations. We will spend our time making projects, hiking, playing games, and listening to stories. A snack will be provided.

December 29 8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. CB December 30 8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. CB December 31 8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. CB

Winter Camp Full Day Sign up for Winter Camp at Fontenelle Forest. Spend the day hiking, playing games, creating art, reading and listening to stories, making new friends, and exploring. Our outdoor activities will depend on the weather, we will spend some time outside each day. Please be sure to pack extra socks and mittens in case we get to play in the snow! Pack a lunch and we will bring the snacks.

Visit fontenelleforest.org/camps for more information. Camps are for children currently in 1st through 8th grade. Proof of age is required. Registration will begin on November 17th and prices will be announced at that time. Space is limited.

November - December 2014

Pa r ty Where t he Wi l d Th i n gs Live!

Em ba r k: Jo ur ney I n to N a tu re

Make your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next birthday memorable by celebrating it at the Forest! Each party includes a Naturalist led hike, games, and one very cool animal visitor (rabbit, snake, toad, salamander or turtle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is your choice!). There will be time allotted for eating, singing, and gift-opening. Admission to Fontenelle Forest is included for all participants for that day. One adult must be present for every four children in attendance. Prices are non-refundable unless Fontenelle cancels due to the weather. This year we are excited to offer a taste of the Embark: Journey into Nature program through a newly designed format of 5, one-day classes. Each session will focus on a different topic to help give one a better Available Dates: December 20 understanding of the natural and historical world around us. Each class Available Times: 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. is designed for adult learners and is limited to 24 participants. Cost for 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. each session is $35 for members/ $45 for non-members. Location: Camp Brewster Lodge $130.00 FF members plus $50.00 refundable cleaning deposit $150.00 non-members plus $50.00 refundable cleaning deposit Ages: 4-10 (12 child limit per party) Registration required. Call Debra Beck at 402.731.3140 x1017. Registration and payment must be received two weeks in advance of party date.

Ju n io r N at u r a lis t s ! This new program is for students who love to explore the natural world and are entering 6th-8th grade! Come join us every second Saturday of the month - weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll practice our outdoor skills, learn from experts, take field trips, and work on service projects. For more information and to join the e-mailing list, contact Lindsay Cooley at lcooley@fontenelleforest.org

Saturday, November 8 9:00-4:00pm Landforms of Nebraska Nebraska has a rich geological history that is buried beneath the topsoil. This class will uncover the history of our landforms and how Nebraska came to be the land that it is today. From an inland sea to glacial till and loess deposits, we will recreate the geological history of Nebraska (and really, of the United States) as we delve into our past. Debbie Beck, geologist and naturalist with Fontenelle Forest, will take us on a learning expedition. This class will include a field trip to an old quarry to search for ancient fossils from when Nebraska was covered in oceans. Register online today!

Tee n N a t ur a l is t s!

Future dates: February 14 - Our Place in the Universe March 14 - Ancient Peoples April 11 - People of Nebraska

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.

For more details on what each individual session will cover, visit the website at www.fontenelleforest.org/embark.

November - December 2014

Ad o p t a n Anim a l By Deborah Woracek, CIG Master Naturalist Our Favorite Speed Demon, Aero The fastest animal on the planet lives in one of our raptor mews and her name is Aero! A Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) will go into a stoop or high speed spiral dive from extreme heights to catch up to their prey, an unsuspecting bird. When they catch up to the bird, they will punch it with their large foot and then bite the back of the bird’s neck with a specialized tomial tooth and notch system found on their beak. Death is swift and merciful. Some stoops have been clocked at more than 200 mph. To prevent any lung damage during a stoop the falcon had a rounded peg in each nostril believed to slow the intake of air. These sleek raptors are one of the larger species of falcons found in North America. They are dimorphic with the females a beautiful bluegray and the males more brown. Both sexes have the dark malar stripe on their heads to prevent sun glare as they hunt on sunny days.

Na t ur al S e le ct i on s By Deborah Woracek, CIG Master Naturalist

In the late 1940s Peregrines became endangered due to the use of pesticides which caused eggs to become thin-shelled and crack. Some falcons died of organochlorine poisoning from the use of the pesticides. Peregrines were considered among the most contaminated birds, due to their diet of birds, etc. Loss of habitat also contributed to their population declines. Fontenelle Forest Raptor Recovery was involved in the early Nebraska conservation efforts for the Peregrine Falcons in Nebraska. In 1988 seven young chicks were hacked out on the Woodman of the World building in downtown Omaha which simulated a cliff near a river. Several more batches of chicks were hacked and by 1992 the first hatchlings were born on the downtown buildings and every year since then baby Peregrine Falcons can be seen in downtown Omaha as they learn to fly and catch their food. They feed primarily on pigeons and starlings. The Peregrine populations have increased to the point that they were removed from the Endangered List in 1999. They also nest in Lincoln on the state Capitol Building.

November Chickadees are defending winter feeding areas and are joined by the titmice, White-Breasted Nuthatches, and Downy Woodpeckers. These species form the winter ‘mixed’ flocks or gangs that are so entertaining along our upland trails and around local bird feeders. Many eyes are better than just two when it comes to watching for predators and, therefore, all of them will have a better chance of surviving the winter. Not such a bad idea for us to consider …we need to ‘mix up our flocks’ and look out for others as we look out for ourselves by giving our support to organizations like Fontenelle Forest whether by volunteering our time, visiting the forest, or simply renewing our membership. Meanwhile with the advent of early winter one can easily see which trees had squirrel activity during the summer as their leaf nests are revealed. Watch as the turkeys are circling around each other to decide who will be the ringleader of the winter gang of males. Meanwhile, the deer are still in rut with some bucks not even eating this time of year. A few late Aero came to us from Frisco Creek Wildlife Center in Del Norte, CO geese can be heard overhead as they journey to warmer climes where with an injured shoulder which prevents her from being released back the waters don’t freeze. If you look carefully you can see the raptors as into the wild. She arrived in 2009, her hatch year. She has gradually they float by up very high in the sky…it’s always a great way to test your gotten the steel gray coloration of an adult female. She is named after own eyesight! Eagles are seen occasionally along the river. Our Barred the word “aerodynamic” as falcons are considered the race cars or jets Owls will call in the late afternoon and into the night. Much can be of the bird world. An entertaining, personable bird, Aero always adds to seen and heard on a quiet November walk! our programs, usually at the top of her lungs! December Her adoption fee is $200. What a fine birthday, anniversary, or Now is the time of year to ‘read’ the stories that can be found in the Christmas gift it would be to have your name posted on the Peregrine mud or snow along our trails. The fox leaves his calling card beside the Falcon’s cage! raccoon’s signature. We can learn yesterday’s menus if we investigate the scat. The trees and bushes reveal small critter activity at their bases Other benefits include: Family guest pass to Fontenelle Forest & Neale if one looks close enough. Chewed nuts and pods show us that the Woods Nature Centers, an adoption certificate, a color photograph animals are switching to their winter diets. Juncos or snowbirds arrive of your animal, an animal fact sheet including your animal’s personal from up north and can be seen hopping under the feeders to scratch story, and the knowledge that you have helped to enhance an educaup some seeds. They leave their tell-tale double prints in the snow and tional animal’s life. mud. Unbelievably, the fox squirrels start the courting chases along the bare branches of the trees with the females giving birth to the year’s first For more information about adopting Aero or any other educational litter in February. We simply need to take a closer look to realize that animal at Fontenelle Forest, call Deborah Woracek at (402) 731-3140 the winter forest is a very busy place. Come, rent some snowshoes and ext.1016 or dworacek@fontenelleforest.org. see for yourselves.

November - December 2014

CONTRIBUTIONS & SUPPORT Ju ly 1 6, 2014 - Sep t em b er 1 5 , 20 1 4 Benefactor ($2,500+) John and Stephanie Koraleski Distinguished Patron ($1,000-$2,499) Tillman Lowrey and Cheryl Teser Neal S. and Debra Ratzlaff Sustaining Patron ($500 - $999) Jim and Dawn Hammel Bryan and Heather Schneider Supporting Patron ($250 - $499) Paul and Laura Hein Theodore W. James Terri Madison and Sarah Konigsberg Robert D. Rose and Kathleen CrawfordRose W. Lee and Carol Rowe

Paul & Oscar Giger Foundation George Haddix Grace E. Hansen Fred Hawkins, Jr. Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation Nancy Hultquist Bruce Lauritzen and Gerry Morrow Lauritzen Teresa and Thomas Lombard Thomas and Cindy McGowan Ann Pape Marilyn and Bill Rishel Kyle Scheef Anne Schmid Carol and Pat Schuster Rachel Simpson Patricia Smith Ken and Ann Stinson Jennette and Michael Stoll Jordan Stough Alan and Angie Williamson Corporate and Foundation Giving

Patrons ($150 - $249) Steve Carson and Selaba Travis Bruce and Sharon Clawson Jason and Kristen Dorsey Gary and Irene Ecklund Tracy A. and Rebecca Gies Steve and Debora Goebel Virginia Grissom Robert and Suzanne Hasiak Theresa S. Hatcher Michael T. Hayduska David and Nicole Kaufman Bryan and Melissa Kenney Harold and Alice Kosowsky Jerry and Kathy Monson Roland Peschel Patricia Regan Larry and Diane Shackman Richard H. and Carolyn Sieling Angela and Jose Velez Tom and Sue Weidner Donations America First Foundation Gary Beck Ronald and Mary Begg Michael Flood

Audubon Society of Omaha Dell - Your Cause, LLC FF Bird Club Goddard School Merck Partnership For Giving MetLife Michael Forsberg Gallery Notre Dame Sisters Omaha Schools Foundation

A Special Thank You to Our Donors & Sponsors Catholic School Program An Education Program for Students in the Omaha Archdiocese Friend of the Forest

Nebraska Environmental Trust Papio-Missouri River Natural Resource District R. Joe Dennis Foundation Free Forest Adventures Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation Forest Sustainer Black Walnut Friend of the Forest Methodist Health System Sarpy County Tourism Shagbark Hickory J. William and Ruth Lind Scott Fund Kiewit Companies Foundation Webology An Education Program for Omaha Public School Fourth Grade Students Omaha Schools Foundation H2Omaha: Missouri River Science Education Initiative An Education Program for Omaha Public School Fifth Grade Students Omaha Schools Foundation William Leopard Charitable Lead Trust 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

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

November - December 2014

CONTRIBUTIONS & SUPPORT Vo l u n te er N ews Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events Saturday, November 1 – 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Teacher Naturalist Training Saturday, November 1 – 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteer Land and Trail Stewardship workday Saturday, November 8 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 am Family Raking Day at Camp Brewster. Great opportunity for families to volunteer together. We’ll end the day roasting marshmallows and enjoying hot chocolate.

Volunteer Appreciation Day! You are Invited to Fontenelle Forest’s Volunteer Appreciation Day! All Fontenelle Forest Volunteers and their families are invited to attend. Join us for lunch, a short program, volunteer appreciation, and special activities just for you. Visit fontenelleforest.org/volunteer to register

Saturday, November 15 – 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern Nebraska Raptor Relay Team Volunteers – save the date for November 15th for an Orientation and Raptor Handling Training. Watch your mailbox and email for more information on this upcoming training exclusively for you.

Sunday, November 9 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

Saturday, December 6 – 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Teacher Naturalist Training Wednesday, December 31 – 3p.m. – 5p.m. Nature New Year’s Eve – Help create a wonderful nature-themed New Year’s Eve experience for children here at Fontenelle Forest. Volunteers are needed during the event as well as helping with set up from 1pm – 3pm. Also, do you like to prepare crafts and activities? Volunteers are needed during the two weeks leading up to the event to help prepare for the event

Volunteers needed for Managed Deer Hunts. Get a jump start on addressing your holiday cards or catch up on your Netflix queue while volunteering as a Deer Sentry! Each year, staff members alongside community volunteers conduct managed deer hunts on properties owned by Fontenelle Forest. These hunts aim to control the deer population for the health of the forest as well as the deer. Fontenelle Forest is seeking volunteers to serve as Deer Sentries to be stationed at key posts along roads leading to the deer hunt sites. This important role helps ensure the safety of our visitors by not allowing them to enter the trails while hunting is in progress. Sign up individually or with a friend. Volunteers are needed on the following dates to serve as Deer Sentries. There are two shifts available for all dates—8:00am-12:30p.m. and 12:30p.m.-5:00p.m. Neale Woods Fontenelle Forest

November 21, 22, 23 December 6 - 10

Current Volunteers To sign up for any of these volunteer activities: Sign up online at www.fontenelleforest.org/volunteer Email: khickman@fontenelleforest.org Call: 402-731-3140 x1024 Want to get involved as a volunteer? Please contact Kareen Hickman at khickman@fontenelleforest.org or 402-731-3140 x1024.

November - December 2014

Vo l u n te er s Thank you to our many talented volunteers. Your work at Fontenelle Forest helps provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature! Thank you for volunteering from July - September 2014. Patty Albright Mary Lou Alfieri Jennifer Alloway Aurora Alvarez Maria Baglieri Terry Bangs Catherine Barmettler Jennifer Bartelt Louise Bauck James Beebe Richard Behrens Judith Bell Alexis Boulos JoAnne Bowden Amy Brown Jennifer Brummund Eric Bruster Michael Burke Angi Burmeister Mic Burt Staci Cahis Julianne Carbonell Martha Carlisle Frank Carnaby Casey Carrell Mary Clausen Jess Conroy Jessica Covi Kathleen Crawford-Rose Sue Cullers Dawn Daniel-Conlon Kristi Davis Bob Dinslage Shannon Dombrowski Sharon Draper Amy Duboise David Dvorak Lorraine Egger Marty Elftmann Jonathan Ewanyk Nelli Falzgraf Mindy Foral Robert Fuchs Connor Furchert Grant Glazer Bob Goetschkes Susan Graf Betty Grenon Dianne Guinn Jaisa Gutierrez

Andrea Gutta Paul Halbur Michael Hamilton Kris Hammond Jean Hankins Russ Hankins Jon Hansen Blake Hatfield Jim Hawkins Bill Hennigar Roger Hildebrandt Lisa Hoffman Brett Homme Jessica Houchen Camille Hussmann Dennis Hynes Lois Inskeep Christine Jacobsen Jeannette James Gary Johnson Ingrid Johnson Lisa Jorgensen Clem Klaphake Marge Knudsen Jennifer Koom Sandra Kovanda Jeff Lacey Heidi LaClair Joanne Langabee Emily Lauritzen Gerry Lauritzen Tad Leeper Kristin Lewis Julie Liakos Tillman Lowrey Justine Marshall Martha Mays Jerry Mcentee Peggy McGowan Sarah McGowan Dean McVicker Sara Meier Kate Murphy Susan Nemer Bonnie Newman Amy Oden Thomas Olshark Carole Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil Vickie Orr Jane Palmer

Joseph Palmer Amberle Parkin Amy Parks Ean Patrick Wanda Pendley Julie Peterson Linda Plock Susan Poling Jeanne Pricer Linda Ramos Debra Ratzlaff Tiffany Regan Megan Ringenberg Todd Rivers Andrew Roberts Chris Robie Robert Rose Julee Sauer Levi Scheppers Connie Schmeeckle Rick Schmid Eric Scholar Christine Schulte

Kathleen Schwery Chris Scoville Joni Shaw Katherine Simmons William Smock Peter Sojka Thomas Stalnaker Libby Stiles Carl Stonerook Jackie Sundberg Vern Throop Joe Trouba Rochelle Trouba Ray Turkle Bridget Tynan Joseph Vann Jeff Voss Karen Wagoner Cathy Watson Johnny Wells Robert Wells MaryKate Wray Maddie Zellars

November - December 2014

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Omaha, NE Permit No. 679

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)

November 21 - 23 Neale Woods trails closed for annual deer hunt. December 6-10 Fontenelle Forest deer hunt. Riverview Boardwalk is open. All other trails are closed.