Fontenelle Forest's September/October Leaflet by Fontenelle Forest

LEAFLET The Newsletter of Fontenelle Forest September - October 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 photograph by Josh Preister.

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

Officer s

Debra Beck

Jordyn Walker

Naturalist

Animal Care Technician

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

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

Kareen Hickman

Director s

Development Associate Betsy Finch

Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation Gary Garabrandt

Ranger Catherine Kuper

Educator Denise Lewis

Educator/Raptor Recovery Kate Murphy

Educator 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

Assistant Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation Jamie Vann

Naturalist Joe Vavak

Communications Assistant

September - October 2014

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

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

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

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 emb e r s h i p B e ne f its 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

Oc t o b e r sihsi pM U em betreA ppre ciatio n Mon th M emb pda It’s an ENTIRE month dedicated to celebrating YOU! Prizes and Giveaways • Enter to win a prize each time you visit the nature center-make sure to mention Members Appreciation Month at the Front Desk to be entered. Winners will be drawn once a week throughout the month on Thursdays. Discounts • 20% off in the Gift Shop • FOUR of your guests can be admitted at half price each time you visit. (Excludes enLIGHTen exhibit admission.) • Gift Memberships are $5 off each level • Referral bonus: If your friend signs up for a membership at the same time as you, you both receive an extra month on your membership. Exclusive member-only events throughout the month, see listings below. Visit fontenelleforest.org for more details.

M emb e r Ex c l u s i ve Eve nts October 4 3:00p.m. FFNC Members Only

Shakespeare on the Plaza Enjoy an autumn afternoon and free popcorn while watching Nebraska Shakespeare perform Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” A post show discussion will be held immediately following the performance.

October 11 4:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m. FFNC Members and Guests of Members Only $7 (includes food, trick or treat bag, games, prizes & fun!)

Trick or Treat in the Forest 3rd Annual Trick or Treat in the Forest. Join us for the most unique Trick or Treat experience—in the Forest! You’ll meet many of the critters who live here as you stroll the boardwalk for all of your treats. We’re excited to be partnering with Ballet Nebraska, Strategic Air and Space Museum, and Nebraska StoryArts. Food, a kids maze, games, prizes, treats, entertainment, and new this year - a ‘horrors’ of nature boardwalk trail. This is one event you will not want to miss! Come early to enjoy the food then get involved with the fun and games after or explore the games first and eat afterwards. Registration is required, online at Fontenelleforest.org. Please RSVP by Oct. 6.

October 18 6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. FFNC Members Only

Beer on the Boardwalk (21+) Over the boardwalk and through the forest on a microbrew hike you will go! The guides show the way to tasting bouquets as you sip on hops galore! Games, prizes and entertainment will be provided. Must be 21 or over to attend. Registration is preferred.

October 24 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. FFNC Members Only

Preview of enLIGHTen Please join us for a special members only celebration of the opening of our newest exhibit, enLIGHTen. Crafts, snacks, drinks, and exclusive activities will be provided for the whole family. This is your only chance to view the new exhibit free of charge! (Exhibit admission is half price for members.) Registration is required. Please RSVP by Oct. 17!

October 31 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. WLC Members Only

Shadows in the Night: A Forest Gone Batty Who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween with some hunters of the night? Meet some bats up close and personal! Join us for an evening of fun, learning, and entertainment! Featuring Nebraska Wildlife Rehab & Opera Omaha.

September - October 2014

JUST FOR CHILDREN

PROGRAMS Programs are listed in chronological order

Monday - Thursday 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. FFNC 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. This program is for children ages 5 and younger.

September 13 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Deb Beck, Kate Murphy

Nature Explorers: Discovering the Past September is “Archaeology Month” in Nebraska. The Explorers will visit the earth lodge site just off the boardwalk to participate in a scientific model dig. The group will discover clues about the Nebraska Phase early people who called our forest home. For children ages 5 – 12. Registrations is required.

October 4 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Deb Beck, Kate Murphy

Nature Explorers: Celebrating Fall in the Wetlands Amazing changes occur in the wetlands as one season flows into the next. Both plants and animals need to make adaptations to the temperature shift. This program will be mostly on the trail. Please dress for the weather. For children ages 5 – 12. Registration is required.

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG September - October 2014

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

Bird Club Our speaker will be the club’s own Lorinda Langner, who recently visited France. She will present on the Birds and Culture of Provence.

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

September 6 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Jeff Voss

Wellness Walks Does your company offer benefits for participating in wellness activities around the city? Are you looking for a healthy activity to get yourself involved in? Join us for weekly wellness walks for a better sense of well-being and health. If you are interested in hiking most of the trails at the Forest, join us each week for a different view of the property. This slightly hilly hike will cover about 2 miles as we head out on the boardwalk and take Ridge Trail, head down into Childs Hollow and back up Linden and Hackberry to the nature center again.

September 7 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Tad Leeper and Tony Palmer

Family Sunday in the Forest: It’s a Small World After All Like a picture is made of pixels, our planet is made up of many small worlds that are unknown to most humans. Come with us and explore these microcosms - and be blown away by the diversity of life you can find in places you never expected living creatures to be found. Explore the forest a mere 1 inch at a time and just see what amazing things you will discover!

September 7 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Linda Plock

Archeology of the Nebraska Phase Culture of Fontenelle Forest On Fontenelle Forest property, 70+ Earth Lodge sites have been located, and some of these have been excavated and mapped. These family lodges were home to a large group of people’s known as the NE Phase Culture, a people who lived in the forest over 1000 years ago. Linda Plock is with the Archeological Midwest Center, National Park Service, in Lincoln NE. She will be available to show visitors some artifacts, replica artifacts and share other information about how the NE Phase Culture lived and what they ate while they made Fontenelle Forest home. You and your family can stop by and talk to Linda any time between 1 and 3 pm on Sept. 7 at her table which will be set up in the atrium or Great Hall at our main Nature Center.

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

S.U.N. (Seniors Understanding Nature) Fire in the Forest (On Purpose!) Fire is an important part of any ecosystem. Two of our fire ecologists, Jim Beebe and Michelle Foss will talk about why this is important and share some of their experiences with controlled burns here at Fontenelle Forest and in the surrounding area. Their presentation will also include a time-lapse sequence after a burn. Join us for a different look at fire.

September 12 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader(s): Deborah L. Woracek

Monarch Tagging for the Family Bring your family to Camp Brewster and spend the evening tagging monarch butterflies. Deborah Woracek, Naturalist, will provide the nets, bug jars, and tags while you provide the children to capture the butterflies. The monarch butterflies are on their way to the central mountains of Mexico where they will spend the winter. A different generation of butterfly makes the return journey next summer. Limited to 40 people. Registrations required by September 6. Register at fontenelleforest. org.

September 14 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Linda Plock and Clem Klaphake

Archeology of the Nebraska Phase Culture of Fontenelle Forest On Fontenelle Forest property, 70+ Earth Lodge sites have been located, and some of these have been excavated and mapped. These family lodges were home to a large group of people’s known as the NE Phase Culture, a people who lived in the forest over 1000 years ago. Linda Plock is with the Archeological Midwest Center, National Park Service, in Lincoln NE. She will be available to show visitors some artifacts, replica artifacts and share other information about how the NE Phase Culture lived and what they ate while they made Fontenelle Forest home. You and your family can stop by and talk to Linda any time between 1 and 3 pm on Sept. 14 at her table which will be set up in the atrium or Great Hall at our main Nature Center. After viewing the artifacts, head out to the forest with Clem Klaphake to see an earthlodge site.

September 14 3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Chris and Walt Vosicka, Kate Murphy $3 per person Members Only

Family Canoeing on the Great Marsh Bring your family for an afternoon of canoeing followed by a hot dog roast and s’mores. For children ages 4 and up and adults. This program is for members only. Limited to 25 people. Registration is required.

September 18 7:00p.m. FFNC

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club This month’s topic is: Action Photography with a GoPro

September 20 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Kareen Hickman

Volunteer 101 Have you recently started volunteering at Fontenelle Forest? You are invited to attend Volunteer 101 on Saturday, September 20 from 9a.m. to 1p.m. This is a great opportunity to get to know other volunteers, learn about our mission and rich history as well enjoying the trails of the Forest. Lunch will be provided. For questions, please contact Kareen Hickman at khickman@fontenelleforest.org or 402731-3140. Registration required.

September 20 10:00a.m. CW Leader(s): Den Hynes

Archaeology on History Trail Did you know there have been several archeological digs in Fontenelle Forest? Come out and see and hear about some of them as we take History Trail back in time. From the earliest Native Americans, the early founders of what is today Bellevue, to a hermit, History Trail has it all. Please note: some of the trail is steep.

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

September - October 2014

September 20 Session 1 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Elizabeth Chalen

Teacher Naturalist 101 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 after Volunteer 101 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, forest resources and natural education. For questions, please contact Elizabeth Chalen at echalen@fontenelleforest.org or 402-731-3140. Registration required.

September 21 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Jeff Voss

Wellness Walks Does your company offer benefits for participating in wellness activities around the city? Are you looking for a healthy activity to get yourself involved in? Join us for weekly wellness walks for a better sense of well-being and health. If you are interested in hiking most of the trails at the Forest, join us each week for a different view of the property. This longer, hilly hike will head out on the Boardwalk and take Hickory and Chickadee down to the floodplain. We will walk Missouri and the Walking Club trail before heading back up to the building. This entire hike will cover 4.5 miles.

September 21 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Chris Robie

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 childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Predator / Prey: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for Lunch? Join us and discover the predator/prey relationships that occur every day in nature. Visit with various live animals and their handlers as you learn about the wonders of the food chain.

September 27 10:30a.m. - 3:00p.m. Meet at FFNC Leader(s): Debbie Beck Free for members / $15 for non-members

Rock and Fossil Field Trip Register now for this exciting field trip to an inactive quarry. We will search for the remains of ancient organisms and learn about the exposed rock layers, which were deposited millions of years ago when a shallow sea covered Nebraska. You may even take your fossils home with you (baggies provided) Make sure to wear your sunscreen and bug spray. Bottled water and granola bars will be provided. We suggest you bring a sack lunch as we will be fossil hunting over the lunch hour. We will get there by car caravan, following the trip leader. Ages: 6+, children below the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by September 12 and is limited to 30 people.

September 28 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Jeff Voss

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG September - October 2014

September 21 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC

Wellness Walks Does your company offer benefits for participating in wellness activities around the city? Are you looking for a healthy activity to get yourself involved in? Join us for weekly wellness walks for a better sense of well-being and health. If you are interested in hiking most of the trails at the Forest, join us each week for a different view of the property. This hilly walk from the Wetlands will head up the road to Signal Ridge and through Mormon Hollow to Camp Wakonda. We will cover History and Prairie trails before heading back down to the floodplain by the pond, and will walk about 3.5 miles total.

September 28 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Tad Leeper and Chris Robie

Family Sundays in the Forest: Forest Time Traveler Be a Forest Time Traveler - Are you a nature lover or a history buff and want to be an active participant in a guided hike through Fontenelle Forest? Two naturalists will offer brief script cards for you or your family to choose from before our interactive hike. You might get to share interesting historical facts, lead the group in hooting like a barred owl, share the biology of the oak savannah or join us in walking like a coyote. Time Travel will cover thousands of years but will only take 1 ½ hours. Free memories will last forever. First come get first pick of readings. Hike level will be “easy”, but may not be conducive to strollers on the path.

October 2 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Rick Schmid Members Only

Bird Club Rick Schmid, Director of Operations at Fontenelle Forest, will present an education program on identification of sparrows found in Nebraska.

October 4 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Schramm Park SRA Leader(s): Rick Schmid

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 October 11 through Wild Birds Unlimited in Rock9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. brook Plaza (402.399.9976). CB Hike All Trails in a Day! Leader(s): Elizabeth Chalen Join us to hike all the trails at Fontenelle and Catherine Kuper Forest in one day. You will definitely get $35 / members your exercise for the day as we will hike $45 / non-members nearly 20 miles, but we will also get to see the forest in a new light. We will get to hike by the Great Marsh, Hidden Lake, and all of the hills and ravines of the beautiful forest in the fall season. Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch you can eat on the trail. This will be a strenuous day of hiking, so come prepared and do some pre-hiking to get ready. Feel free to join us for the entire day or hike as far as you can and then head back.

October 5 7:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Adam Erickson and Seth Keith

October 5 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Jeff Voss

Wellness Walks Does your company offer benefits for participating in wellness activities around the city? Are you looking for a healthy activity to get yourself involved in? Join us for weekly wellness walks for a better sense of well-being and health. If you are interested in hiking most of the trails at the Forest, join us each week for a different view of the property. This hilly hike from the wetlands will head out on the Boardwalk to the blind, and out past Hidden Lake. We will climb up to History trail and around, back down Mormon Hollow, and up stream trail to Cottonwood before returning to our cars. This hike totals almost 4 miles.

October 5 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Clem Klaphake and Dianne Guinn

Family Sundays in the Forest: Missouri Valley Raptor Migration - Aren’t Raptors Cool? Master Naturalist Clem Klaphake will discuss the migration of hawks, eagles, falcons, kites and vultures that occurs every fall here in the Missouri River valley. As an experienced raptor watcher and counter, Clem will discuss these birds, their migration routes and when they are likely to pass through eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. A short musical video on raptors will be included. Following the presentation you will get to meet a live raptor up close with Master Naturalist Dianne Guinn. Embark: Journey Into Nature - Into the Prairie Are you interested in learning more about the prairies that once covered the Midwest? Wonder what it was like to live in the prairie, with tall grasses and flowering plants towering over you and stretching as far as the eye can see? Into the Prairie will provide a day of prairie experiences, as we hear stories of life in the prairie when the pioneers were first coming through, then head into the prairie to see for ourselves what this disappearing ecosystem really looks like. Glenn Pollock will introduce us to the plants and animals that call the prairie home as we explore Vincent Bluff prairie together. Registration is required for this adult program.

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

September - October 2014

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

Labor Day We are open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Monday

Family Sundays in the Forest: Forest Time Traveler 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Wellness Walks 10:00a.m. | WLC p. 6

Predator / Prey 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

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

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

S.U.N. - Fire in the Forest 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. | FFNC p. 5

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

Tuesday

Mud Pies 10:00a.m. | FFNC 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. | FFNC p. 6 Family Sundays in the Forest: p. 4 Pollinators are our Friends 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

21Wellness Walks

Family Canoeing on the Great Marsh*** 3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. | WLC p. 5

Archeology of the NE Phase Culture of Fontenelle Forest 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 5

Family Sundays in the Forest: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Small World After All 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 4

Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday

september

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

Wednesday

Rock and Fossil Field Trip 10:30a.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Teacher Naturalist 101 1:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m. | FFNC p. 6

Volunteer 101 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. | FFNC p. 5 Archeology on History Tr. 10:00a.m. | CW p. 5

Nature Explorers: Discovering the Past 1:00 p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 4

Wellness Walks 10:00a.m. | FFNC p. 4

9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. | Schramm Park p. 4

6 Bird Banding

Saturday

***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

Monarch Tagging for the Family 6:00p.m. - 8:30p.m. | FFNC p. 5

Friday

Sunday

Family Sundays in the Forest: Creepy Creatures 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 11

Family Sundays in the Forest: Fall in the Forest 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 10

Writing Hike 10:00a.m. | FFNC p. 10

Family Sundays in the Forest: Autism Awareness Hike 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 10

Wellness Walks 10:00a.m. | WLC p. 10

Family Sundays in the Forest: Arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Raptors Cool? 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 7

Wellness Walks 10:00a.m. | WLC p. 7

7:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. | FFNC p. 7

5 Hike All Trails in a Day!

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

***Denotes members only program

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

Tuesday

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

S.U.N. - Bats of the Great Plains 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. | FFNC p. 10

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

october

Monday

Metro Arts and Culture Pass Deals:

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

enLIGHTen 6:30p.m. - 10:00p.m. | FFNC p. 13

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

Insect Club 7:00p.m. | FFNC p. 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday

Wednesday

Shadows in the Night: A Forest Gone Batty*** 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.| WLC p. 3 enLIGHTen 6:30p.m. - 10:00p.m. | FFNC p. 13

Member Preview of enLIGHTen*** 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.| FFNC p. 3

Friday

Shakespeare on the Plaza*** 3:00p.m. | FFNC p. 3

Nature Explorers 1:00 p.m. - 3:00p.m. | WLC p. 4

Bird Banding 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. | Schramm Park p. 7

Nature Explorers 1:00p.m - 3:00p.m.| CB p. 4

enLIGHTen 6:30p.m. - 10:00p.m. | FFNC p. 13

Beer on the Boardwalk*** 6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.| FFNC p. 3

Cancer Survivor / Supporter Walk 10:00a.m. | FFNC | p.10

FFNC p. 10

River & Stream Cleanup 189:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. |

Trick or Treat in the Forest*** 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. | FFNC p. 3

Embark: Journey Into Nature 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. | CB p. 7

Saturday

PROGRAMS Programs are listed in chronological order October 12 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Jeff Voss

Wellness Walks Does your company offer benefits for participating in wellness activities around the city? Are you looking for a healthy activity to get yourself involved in? Join us for weekly wellness walks for a better sense of well-being and health. If you are interested in hiking most of the trails at the Forest, join us each week for a different view of the property. This flat Wetlands walk will loop around Cottonwood and Walking Club trails, then along Stream and Marsh trails to Hidden Lake, Redbud trail and back along the Boardwalk. Although this hike is flat, we will cover almost 5 miles.

October 12 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Seth Keith and Wanda Pendley

Family Sundays in the Forest: Autism Awareness Hike Nature can greatly enrich the lives of individuals on the autistic spectrum. We will take a short hike to immerse ourselves in nature and reap the benefits to our health and well-being in the process. We also want to bring awareness to these benefits and the ever changing health world that has now realized the benefits of “prescribing” nature to help with a variety of mental and physical health concerns. Wanda & Seth both have experience working with autistic individuals, so please come join us in the forest with the opportunity to explore sensory experiences that are soothing and rich for the whole family.

October 14 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Catherine Kuper

October 16 7:00p.m. FFNC

S.U.N. (Seniors Understanding Nature): Bats of the Great Plains Dr. Jeremy White from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Biology Department has been conducting researching with mammals which includes mist netting of our local bats at Fontenelle Forest. He will present a program about various bat species found in the Great Plains and let us know what we can do to help these incredible hunters of the night.

October 18 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Alex Wiles, Josh Priester and Seth Keith

River & Stream Cleanup Please join us cleaning up our local watershed. River and stream cleanups are a great way to proactively be good stewards of the Missouri River and its tributaries. We want to form a strong connection and relationship with the water sources that support us. During our cleanup we will educate about the problem of pollution in our waterways and more importantly, we will be part of the solution to the problem. We will be cleaning up through various parts of the forest both on and off trail, in and around the streams. Long pants and closed toe shoes are required; please bring work gloves and water. Open to all ages. Participants will be asked to sign Fontenelle Forest’s Volunteer Waiver. For more information, please contact Kareen Hickman at khickman@fontenelleforest. org or 402-731-3140. Registration is encouraged.

October 18 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Den Hynes

Cancer Survivor / Supporter Walk Join us at the Nature Center for a walk to celebrate fall and enjoy a gentle walk through the woods. The leaves should be changing and the weather just crisp. A perfect time to enjoy and share an outing with others who have, have had or have helped someone with cancer. The focus is on having a fun, good time at the Forest.

October 19 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Jeff Lacey

Writing Hike Explore the sights and sounds of the forest through the lens of writing! Poet, teacher, and Master Naturalist Jeff Lacey will lead you on a trek through the forest, with stops for guided writing along the way. This is a great chance to brush off your writing skills and to celebrate the forest with your own prose or poetry in a community of writers. All ages are welcome. The hike will stick primarily to the boardwalk.

October 19 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Ingrid Johnson and Bonnie Newman

Family Sundays in the Forest: Fall in the Forest The leaves are changing colors and there is a chill in the air! Autumn is upon us, so come explore the forest and the changes it goes through in preparation for winter. Fall can be just as much fun as summer! We will explore why leaves change color and why they fall. This program will include indoor activities and an outdoor hike that encourages exploration of this phenomena of nature.

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club This month’s topic is: Aerial Photography using a Drone.

September - October 2014

October 23 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Rick Schmid Members Only

October 26 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC

Insect Club Eric Scholar, Insect Club member and Fontenelle Forest Teacher-Naturalist, will conduct an education program on beetles. Eric manages several web pages on Fontenelle’s Nature Search website, including all the information on beetles. Family Sundays in the Forest: Creepy Creatures What makes a creature “creepy”? We will be debunking common myths about various unique animals and insects that we as people usually shy away from. You will gain an appreciation and respect for these creatures through up-close and personal encounters.

Cer tified I n ter p retive G u id e Wor ksh op October 13 - 16, 2014 Instructor Debra K. Beck, Naturalist / Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT) Location This four-day course will be held at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, Camp Brewster Building, Bellevue NE 68005 Registration To register go to http://www.interpnet.com click “Certification and Training Programs” and click “Certification and Training Calendar” then locate the CIG Training at Fontenelle Forest Oct. 13 – 16th and click “download the registration form” fill out (on-line) and it will be sent to Debra K. Beck. Cost (Not due until start of workshop) • $360.00 for non NAI members (includes instructor fee, 1-year membership, certification fee, and course materials) Lodging and meals are not included. • $330.00 for NAI members (must provide current NAI membership number and expiration date with registration.) The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a professional certification course for individuals who will be delivering interpretive programs or having public contact at interpretive sites.

Par t y Wh e re t h e W ild T hing s L ive ! Make your child’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 – 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. Available Dates: September 6 and October 25 Available Times: 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. 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)

This 32-hour course includes: • history, definition, and principles of interpretation • making your programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic • using tangible objects to connect audiences to intangible ideas and universal concepts in interpretive programs • presentation and communication skills • certification requirements (open book exam; program outline; 10min. presentation) • all materials, workbook, and CIG course textbook Requirements for the CIG Course Anyone age 16 or over with a desire to increase their knowledge and skills related to interpretation may participate. Membership in NAI is not required, but NAI members may pay a discounted fee to participate in the program. You can also elect to take the training without becoming certified. Logisitics Participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging and meals. Hearty snacks and beverages will be provided each day. For more information about the course, please contact Debra Beck, Naturalist / CIT at dbeck@fontenelleforest.org or call 402-731-3140, ext. 1017

Registration required. Call Debra Beck at 402.731.3140 x1017. Registration and payment must be received two weeks in advance of party date.

September - October 2014

OCTOBER 2014 - JANUARY 2015 This fall, experience a transformation of nature, with glowing colors and visitor-controlled pop-up stations. Vibrant lighting designs build the stops on a one-of-a-kind interactive, educational journey â&#x20AC;&#x201D; opening eyes to illumination of the Forest and Mind.

FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

September - October 2014

Em b ar k: Jou r n ey I n to Natu re

enLIG H Te n An Illumination of the Forest & Mind. One hundred years ago, a group of community leaders joined together to establish Fontenelle Forest, an organization dedicated to securing lands along the Missouri River in eastern Nebraska. In honor of this centennial celebration, a creative team led by award-winning lighting designer Jack Mehler will create a mile-long, multimedia exhibit, incorporating exquisite light projections against the natural backdrop of the Forest. This fall, when the sun goes down, synthetic lights will meet the rhythm of nature, resulting in a magnificent immersive takeover of the senses. As the official 2014 Fall Centennial Exhibit, enLIGHTen is an experiential art and theatrical installation unlike anything the Omaha metro area has seen. Illuminating the Forest at night, powerful colors and dramatic video will project onto the trees and ridges, the perfect canvas on which to simulate natural occurrences that have happened throughout time, like flood, fire, and forest growth. Indoors, visitors will prepare for their outdoor experience in the Nature Center’s South Gallery while viewing illustrated facts about the history of the land, people, vegetation, and animals as well as theories about light and its interaction with the environment and mood.

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 understanding of the natural and historical world around us. Each class is designed for adult learners and is limited to 24 participants. Cost for each session is $35 for members/ $45 for non-members. For more details on what each individual session will cover, visit the website at www. fontenelleforest.org/embark October 11, 9:00am-3:00pm November 8, 9:00-4:00pm February 14, 6:00-9:00pm March 14, 9:00-3:00pm April 11, 9:00-3:00pm

Into the Prairie Landforms of Nebraska Our Place in the Universe Ancient Peoples People of Nebraska

No two walks in the Forest are ever exactly alike and the same is true for enLIGHTen. Along the one-mile boardwalk a dreamscape will exist and transform into a lushly designed world. Inspired by history and nature, enLIGHTen offers an Alice-in-Wonderland-like experience for spectators as they explore the Forest to discover hidden scenes, unearth clues that illuminate a hidden world, use tokens to gain access to guarded secrets, and encounter the quiet wild that unfolds in real time. enLIGHTen aims to be a transformative experience for those who attend. Visitors of all ages will discover the activities focused on the innate creativity and imagination. Members are invited to a special FREE preview of the exhibit on Friday, October 24 from 7:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.

enLIGHTen October 25, 2014 – January 3, 2015 Thursday, Friday, Saturday Only 6:30p.m. – 10:00p.m. (October 25 – November 1) 5:30p.m. – 9:00p.m. (November 6 – January 3) $5.00/Adult – FF member $4.00/Child (2-17) – FF member $10.00/Adult – non-member $8.00/Child (2-17) – non-member No guest passes or discount coupons accepted for this exhibit, unless otherwise specified on pass or coupon.

Ju n ior Natu r alists! 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 - we’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

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.

September - October 2014

Free F l i gh t

Owl under Ginny. From that time on, Ginny took care of Pocket Owl. She preened her and kept her under her at all times.

By Betsy Finch, Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation

Screech Owls and Horned Owls get a second coat of down that is grey or buffy; whereas Barn Owls are a sort of dingy white. When Pocket Owl and Moose started changing colors Calliope would inspect them and look at me as if to say “They’re moldy.” Nevertheless, they were fed by her and cared for properly.

In “celebration” of all the Barn Owl babies we have received at the Elmwood facility this spring and summer, we’d like to reprint this article written by Sue Grapner for our Free Flight newsletter in 1985.

Calliope’s Brood Ginny was now out and about for short walks, accompanied by Pocket Owl, of course. The two were inseperable, and Ginny also was aware that I was not an owl and should be hissed at frequently. Soon she began “toe dusting,” a behavior specific to Barn Owls and thought to be a defensive tactic. When Ginny hissed and toe dusted, little Pocket Owl, now standing under squatting Ginny, toe dusted also! Shortly after I realized that Pocket Owl was acting like a Barn Owl, she was placed with her own kind up at our Raptor Recovery Center barns.

Calliope, who lives with me, is a Barn Owl that has been used for educational purposes in demonstrations because being imprinted to humans and having only one good wing, she is unreleasable. For Calliope, winter was going as she had planned. It was the end of January. For the past 1 1/2 weeks she had insisted that I hand her the food. She greeted me with a very high-pitched, screech-type call from her favorite perch - the old log. Recognizing the signs, I hand her the same “eggs” she had had the year before - a rubber mouse and ball. She promptly swept them close under her and brooded in apparent contentment. For the next month or so she wouldn’t leave them unless I was there to take over the brooding.

Meanwhile, Moose was young enough to be brooded, but size-wise he was a bit too large to fit under Calliope. Still, Calliope would brood him almost on her tippy talons. At last Moose was put with other Horned Owl chicks that were fostered out into wild nests of their own kind. Oolert, Woolert and Ginny Howlett were put with the other Barn Owl chicks that were born at the breeding pens; and Calliope is anxiously waiting to see what will hatch this year from the rubber mouse and ball.

When she had been brooding for about five weeks, it developed that a pair of 1 week old Barn Owls became available at the breeding pens. I brought them home in my coat pocket and while I was brooding for her, I substituted the babies for the “rubber” clutch. Calliope never questioned how the two odd objects had hatched into week-old Barn Owls, and she was just happy both had hatched Last year only one of the two had hatched In Shropshire, England, Barn Owls are referred to as “oolert” or “woolert” and so those became the names of Calliope’s hatchlings. When Oolert and Woolert were about 4 1/2 weeks old, I brought home “Ginny Howlett,” a Barn Owl chick about two to three days old. I was concerned that Oolert and Woolert, now old enough to wander around the nest area and pount on things, might decide to “catch” Ginny. I checked my family almost hourly the firest few days to assure that everything was going to be okay. Then I decided to sleep through a whole night. In the morning I found Calliope perched on her log but there was no sign of Ginny. The thought of her being eaten was terrible, but as I approached Oolert and Woolert at the nest, they stood up to reveal little Ginny sound asleep under them! For the next few weeks I usually found Calliope brooding air and Oolert and Woolert brooding Ginny. When Ginny was about 3 1/2 weeks old, the Raptor Recovery Center received a newly hatched Screech Owl chick and a newly hatched Great Horned Owl chick. We decided to see if Calliope would accept these little orphans who really needed a mother to look after them. Sure enough, one look and she swept them right under her. Things were fine for a few days until I couldn’t find the little Screech Owl that I had named “Pocket Owl” because of her small size. A look under Calliope accounted for “Moose,” the Great Horned Owl; but, still no Pocket Owl. I went to move Ginny over and there was Pocket

September - October 2014

Ado pt a n A n i m al

Natu r al Selection s

By Deborah Woracek, Master Naturalist

By Deborah Woracek, Master Naturalist September September skies are spectacular featuring the beginning of the fall migrations – from the circling kettles of hawks & vultures to vireos, warblers, & waterfowl. Even the tiny Ruby - throated hummingbirds are joining the parade this month. A hike in our wetlands can be very exciting. Keep your eyes to the sky in September and you may see the Monarch butterflies as they pass through on their way to their winter home. Don’t forget to look down to see if any fungi are popping up. Gently tapping a puffball fungus to see it puff is a favorite childhood ritual of mine. Try it as it is so fun to see the ‘smoke’ spores come out. On the flora side of things, aster’s purple blooms are added to the yellows and whites of summer. Yes, September is a dynamic time on our trails.

The New Kid on our Block A Screech Owl was hatched in June of 2013 in Louisville, Nebraska. Unfortunately his hollow nest tree was cut down. He along with his 2 siblings ended up at Raptor Recovery. George, as he is known now, ended up here with us because of an eye injury – one of his pupils doesn’t dilate properly. His 2 siblings were eventually released after they were grown. George is more vocal than our other Eastern Screech Owls have been and his ‘trill’ is rapidly becoming a hit at any raptor program featuring the little guy. We believe he is a male due to his size (remember the females are usually larger than the males). Screech Owls are in the family Strigidae (Typical Owls) and are one of the smaller of the tufted owls. The ‘ear’ tufts help the bird blend into the background as they roost in a tree during the day and actually have nothing to do with their ears. Eastern Screech Owls are found in the eastern half of the United States (Nebraska is home to both Eastern & Western). Ours is a gray morph screech owl, but they also come in a red morph that is more common in western Nebraska or down south where there are more pine trees. The two kinds do hybridize. These little owls can be found in woodlots, forests, marshes, orchards, parks, and suburban gardens. These owls are usually seen only after hearing their call…..either a tremolo or their horsey-whinny call. If you hike at dusk you may hear the call of the Eastern screech Owls. They will eat small rodents, crayfish, moths, beetles, frogs, and small fish. Screech Owls cough up a smaller version of the pellets that school children delight in dissecting. Typically Screech Owls stay with the same mate for life or for several years. A single brood of 2 to 8 young is raised annually.

October Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods are now dressed in their finest fall fashions. If the weather is just right our woods will change to deeper colors overnight. Usually though our hills and valleys show a gentle, gradual change from the greens of summer to the beiges and yellows of fall. The vines found here, such as poison ivy and Virginia creeper and the smooth sumac shrubs will dazzle us with their red leaves which provide contrast to the landscape. Everyone from the deer and woodpeckers to the tiny mice are gathering and stashing acorns, hickories, and walnuts. Squirrels busily bury acorns as the turkeys busily dig them up. Some of our snake species are going into brumation for the long winter. Deer are starting the rut with the males and females both marking. The skies are full of migrating birds. At the end of the month the nights are quiet without the late summer insects. The nights bring the strong autumn winds which blow down the yellow leaves turning them into golden rafts as they spin down the stream and river. The trails are busy with all things preparing for the days to come.

If you want to adopt our Eastern Screech Owl the price is $150. Your name will be placed on his cage and you will receive a beautiful portrait of ‘your’ owl, the animal’s history and fact sheet, an official adoption certificate, and a guest pass to use yourself or to pass on to family or friend. His adoption would make a great gift for a Birthday or Anniversary! Your gift will also benefit our educational programs and help us enhance our educational offerings! For more information or to adopt our Eastern Screech Owl contact Deborah Woracek at (402)731-3140 ext.1016 or dworacek@fontenelleforest.org. We appreciate your support.

September - October 2014

CONTRIBUTIONS & SUPPORT Vo lunte e r N ew s Volunteer 101 and Teacher Naturalist 101 Saturday, September 20, 2014 Volunteer 101 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Have you recently started volunteering at Fontenelle Forest? You are invited to attend Volunteer 101 on Saturday, September 20 from 9a.m. to 1p.m. This is a great opportunity to get to know other volunteers, learn about our mission and rich history as well enjoying the trails of the Forest. Lunch will be provided.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events Saturday, September 6 - 8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. Teacher Naturalist Training Saturday, September 27 – 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteer Land and Trail Stewardship workday Saturday, October 4 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Teacher Naturalist Training

Teacher Naturalist 101 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Do you love the outdoors? Are you interested in helping others connect with nature? Become a Teacher Naturalist!

Saturday, October 11 – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Trick-or-Treat in the Forest Teacher Naturalists are volunteers who run weekend programs for the Owls, spiders, bats, oh my! Help create a ghoulish Halloween experipublic, attend fascinating lectures and programs by experts on field biol- ence for members of all ages. Volunteers will be needed to help lead ogy and other natural history topics, and contribute to special programs hikes and manage activity stations both inside and outside. that the Forest offers year-round. Saturday, October 18 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Taking the first step is easy! Join us after Volunteer 101 for our TN River and Stream Clean Up Day. Open to all volunteers and mem101: Introduction to the Forest course and you will be well on your way bers of Fontenelle Forest. See p. 10 for more information. to becoming a Teacher Naturalist. All persons interested in becoming Saturday, October 18 – 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Teacher Naturalists must attend TN 101. TN 101 will not only brief prospective volunteers on the benefits and responsibilities of their Volunteer Land and Trail Stewardship workday position, but will also provide invaluable training in the areas of field identification, forest resources and natural education. Saturday, November 1 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Teacher Naturalist Training If you have questions or want to know more about this day of fun, please contact Kareen Hickman at khickman@fontenelleforest.org or Saturday, November 1 – 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Elizabeth Chalen at echalen@fontenelleforest.org or 402-731-3140. Volunteer Land and Trail Stewardship workday

enLIGHTen Exhibit This fall, when the sun goes down, synthetic lights will meet the rhythm of nature, resulting in a magnificent immersive takeover of the senses. As the official 2014 Fall Centennial Exhibit, enLIGHTen is an experiential art installation unlike anything the Omaha metro area has seen. No two walks in the Forest are ever exactly alike and the same is true for enLIGHTen. Along the one-mile boardwalk a dreamscape will exist and transform into a lushly designed world. Inspired by history and nature, enLIGHTen offers an Alice-in-Wonderland-like experience for spectators as they explore the Forest to discover hidden scenes, unearth clues that illuminate a hidden world.

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. Saturday, November 15 – 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Local 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.

Current Volunteers To sign up for any of these volunteer activities: Volunteers are needed to serve as greeters at warming stations along the Sign up online at www.fontenelleforest.org/volunteer boardwalk three nights a week from October 23 to January 3 during the Email: khickman@fontenelleforest.org evening hours. Watch your email for more information to sign up for Call: 402-731-3140 x1024 this unique opportunity. Want to get involved as a volunteer? SummerWorks Omaha Please contact Kareen Hickman at khickman@fontenelleforest.org or Thank you to the youth and staff of SummerWorks Omaha. Over 402-731-3140 x1024. a two and a half week period, participants from the SummerWorks Omaha program helped create an outdoor enclosure for our turtles.

September - October 2014

Vo lunte e r 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 April - June 2014. Jaime Abrego Patty Albright Jennifer Alloway Alex Aspiazu Angela Athy Elaine Bachel Vilma Baluyot Catherine Barmettler Dina Barta Jennifer Bartelt Penny Bartholomew Louise Bauck Cassie Baum Helen Beebe James Beebe Richard Behrens Judith Bell Shawn Bengtson Jim Brentlinger Amy Brown Jennifer Brummund Alexis Boulos Michael Burke Angi Burmeister Mic Burt Julianne Carbonell Pete Carbonell Frank Carnaby Thomas Chaussee Pamela Cheever Ann Christiansen Toba Cohen-Dunning Dolan Collins David Connolly Jess Conroy Jessica Covi Kathleen Crawford-Rose Amanda Dana Dawn Daniel-Conlon Kristi Davis Bob Dinslage Shannon Dombrowski Jenny Doyle Sharon Draper Chufan Du Amy Duboise David Dvorak Heather Efaw

Lorraine Egger Marty Elftmann Amber Fahey Nelli Falzgraf Gina Feely Jessica Feinstein Doug Finch Mindy Foral Michelle Foss RobertFuchs Jody Galata Efrain Galvan Sue Gentes Bob Goetschkes Kristin Gottschalk Susan Graf Betty Grenon Dianne Guinn Jaisa Gutierrez Andrea Gutta Paul Halbur Michael Hamilton Kris Hammond Jean Hankins Russ Hankins Jon Hansen Amanda Harvey Jason Harvey Blake Hatfield Jim Hawkins Andrew Hemminger Roger Hildebrandt Kristin Hoffman Lisa Hoffman Brett Homme Carri Honz John Howell Natalie Huntley Camille Hussmann Dennis Hynes Lois Inskeep Jeannette James Jenny Janes Kelly Jeffreys Gary Johnson Ingrid Johnson Christian Jones Lisa Jorgensen

Howard Kaslow Linda Katalenich Cecilia King Clem Klaphake Dan Kloch Rolf Kloch Jennifer Koom Joanne Langabee Maria Lara-Rivas Emily Lauritzen Gerry Lauritzen Tad Leeper Kristin Lewis Hunter Long Tillman Lowrey Missy Magnuson Justine Marshall Martha Mays Jerry Mcentee Peggy McGowan Sarah McGowan Dean McVicker Bella Mendoza Marques Mitchell Kate Murphy Susan Nemer Bonnie Newman Brian Ogle Ric Olsen Barbara Orr Vickie Orr Gordan Overmann Babs Padelford Loren Padelford Jane Palmer Joseph Palmer Amberle Parkin Amy Parks Denise Paul Brandi Pellerito Holly Pendley Wanda Pendley Julie Peterson Adrienne Petsick Linda Plock Susan Poling Jeanne Pricer Athena Ramos

Debra Ratzlaff Tiffany Regan Megan Ringenberg Chris Robie Mary Jo Rome Robert Rose Julee Sauer Levi Scheppers Eric Scholar Jacqueline Scholar Christine Schulte Kathleen Schwery Joni Shaw Katherine Simmons Brenda Smith David Smith Peter Sojka Thomas Spliethof Debbie Stalnaker Thomas Stalnaker Janet Stander Jax Stander Jay Stander Jeff Stander Elizabeth Stiles Dorie Stone Carl Stonerook Jackie Sundberg William Tarbox Kristin Taylor Vern Throop Christopher Toms August Trumm Ray Turkle Desirae Vallier Joseph Vann Christine Vosicka Nicole Voss Steven Voss Jordyn Walker Sierra Walters Johnny Wells Robert Wells Kaitlyn Wiktor Ann Woolard Second Unitarian Church Yahoo!

September - October 2014

CONTRIBUTIONS & SUPPORT May 16 , 2 0 1 4 - July 1 5 , 2 0 1 4 Distinguished Patron ($1,000-$2,499) David and Dawn Johnson John and Nancy Webster

Donations America First Foundation Clyde and Mary Anna Anderson Dorothy Balash Derek and Melissa Bees Sustaining Patron Robert and Debra Belt ($500 - $999) William and April Bolte Dhruba and Andrea Chakravarti Linda Brown John A. and Janis Haggstrom Jared Burks and Gretchen Neer Thomas S. and Caroline M. Thomas Robert D. Rose and Kathleen Crawford-Rose John F. and Susan Thomas Beth Dean Michael and Brenda Whealy Dell - Your Cause, LLC Muriel Dimock and Jan Reeser Supporting Patron Paul & Oscar Giger Foundation ($250 - $499) Michael and Lyn Gilbert Marvin and Susie Cohn Norma Goltl Michael and Stephanie Hamilton Bob L. and Liz A. Gunkelman Russ A. and Jean A. Hankins H. Lee and Carol Gendler Charitable Fund Richard and Frances Juro Dan Hawkins and Timberly Ross James E. and Diny Landen Fred Hawkins, Jr. Michael Yanney and Gail Walling Yanney Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation Chester Waters Ann Kelsall Liz and Brian Kreitlow Patrons Danforth and Mary Loring, Sr. ($100 - $249) Brian McCoy Robert Becker Teresa Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary Derek and Melissa Bees Toby and Stephanie Paul Ronald and Chris Blumkin Alisha and Josh Sauer Amy Bones Sissy Silber David and Dorothy Bowman, Jr. Johnny and Haley Snyder Karla Ermel Janet and Jeff Stander Ed and Lynn Fleming Daniel Thiele Adam and Joey Gaines Tiffany Bowlby Tina Gottschalk Christopher and Maureen Williams John and Jennifer Haack Larry and Susan Wolfe Roger and Jackie Harned John & Robin Wood Don and Ann Hosford Charles and Patricia Wright Burton D. and Eva Jay James R. Kellett Corporate and Foundation Giving Michael J. and Carol LaCroix BNSF Foundation Robert and Melissa Myer Central Nebraska Public Power District R.J. and Liz Neary Dell - Your Cause, LLC Michael J Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara The Hawks Foundation Ric and Vickie Olsen Claire M. Hubbard Foundation Mary Petersen The McGowan Family Foundation, Inc. Don Preister and Mary Ann Krzemien Merck Partnership For Giving Stefanie and Matt Ramsey MetLife James T. Shaw PayPal Giving Fund Joan L. Wallace Vatterott College Don and Angie Wells Herbert and Marian Weston Foundation Dave and Amy Wohlers Wild Birds Unlimited Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society

September - October 2014

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

Oma ha G i ve s ! 2 0 1 4 Thank you to everyone who supported Fontenelle Forest during Omaha Gives! on May 21. Your support made the day a tremendous success, both for Fontenelle Forest and other Omaha-area organizations. With your help, we raised over $12,000!

Deborah Ady Aileen Aragones Vince Asta Treasure Baker Ingrid Bangers Gary Beck Shawn Bengtson Robert Bennett Stephanie Bess Marea Bishop Amy Bones Laurie Bottum Matt & Sara Boyd Charitable Fund Anne Bradbury Sharon Brodkey Jason Bruce Leah Bryant Kathi Buchholz Diana Bunnell Theresa Bushman Brian Callaghan Mary Lou Chapek Kris Chavez Ann & Dennis Christiansen Rebecca Chung Christi & Jason Churchill Joseph Churchill Amanda Ciurej Dr. Robert & Jill Cochran Fund Edward Cohn Ryan Cole Bill Collins Michael Combs Diane Crews Trudi Crosby Charitable Fund Robert Crouch Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen Roger Curry Jessica Curtis Laurel Davis Linda Dennis Beth Dietz Candace Dinan Tamara & Jared Draeger

Sarah Edwards Martha & John Elftmann Lori Elliott-Bartle Tory Ewing Mary Falkowski Leah Fontenelle Linda Ford Michelle Foss Richard Furst Sarah Gilbert Jennifer Gleason M L Gomez Ali Grachek Donna Gray Sherry Grout Sarah Gudeman Dianne Guinn Jaime Hackbart Kellie Hall Hanley Family Fund Debra Hart Blake Hatfield James Hawkins Paul Heaberlin Kareen Hickman Joni Hicks Lisa Hoffman Sharon Hofschire Andrea Howard Jackie Hoyt Richard Hunt Laura Huntimer Carolyn Jacobson Kim Janes Elizabeth Jenckes Gabriel Jenison Paul Jessen Memorial Fund Matt Jetter Waldon Johnson Susan Jones Kenneth E. & Sally W. Kampfe Fund Howard Kaslow Joseph Kirshenbaum

Clem Klaphake Judy Klostermeyer Holly Koenigsfeld Yvonne Kros Mike Preston Laura Garden Nancy Lee Elizabeth Leeper Abby Leeper William Leeper Lorraine Leiser Mary Beth LeRoy Preston & Marjorie Maas Russ & Mary Ann Manners Fund Adrianne Marinkovich Justine Marshall Michael Marshall Lee Martin Matthew Mason Scott McCollister Sarah McGowan McGowan Family Foundation Carol McKee Sharon Mendlick Georgianne Meyer Dale Miller Jessica Mogis Craig and Emily Moody Andrea Neill Jodi Niemants Stephan Nowling Karla Oliver Jack Pagel Tammi Palm Gwendolyn Parmenter Bernadette Parys Emily Peterson Mary Lee Ranheim Kathy Rieger Jacqueline Rogers Jennifer Rohacik Robert Rose James Rose Anita Roth

John Roth Mary Rozmajzl Robert Schmidt Nancy Schober Amy Shaw Laura Shiffermiller Todd D. Simon Charitable Fund Shelley Smith Joanie Soverns Laraine Staats Robert Sterken Kristine Story Ellen Struve Holly Thomas Katherine Townsend Rochelle & Joe Trouba Michael True Anne Trumble Klare Veath Blythe Watkins Ashley Wegner Bonnie White Kristin Williams Sara Williams Donna Wilson Tom Yaroch Anonymous Gift

September - October 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 1111 Bellevue Boulevard North, Bellevue, NE 68005 •

Hours: Open daily, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Closed December 25 & January 1

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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)

Neale Woods 14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha, NE 68112 •

Trails open year round, dawn to dusk

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Nature center CLOSED for renovation

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

Coming October 25, 2014