Fontenelle Forest's Leaflet - March / April 2015 by Fontenelle Forest

LEAFLET The Newsletter of Fontenelle Forest March and April 2015

AT A GLANCE MARCH

APRIL

Family Sundays in the Forest

Bird Club

Campfire Program

Bird Banding at Aksarben Aquarium Conservation Hike

Introductory Bird Identification Class Bird Banding at Aksarben Aquarium Conservation Hike

Family Sundays in the Forest

Nebraska Science Festival Wildlife Hike

Family Sundays in the Forest

Seniors Understanding Nature (S.U.N.)

Nebraska Science Festival

An Indoor Look at History Trail

Seniors Understanding Nature (S.U.N.)

Junior Naturalists Wildlife Hike Welcoming Monarch Butterflies to Your Yard

Spring Migration Night Hike Fontenelle Forest Photo Club

Bird Banding Junior Naturalists Plant Hike

Family Sundays in the Forest

Insect Club

Feather Our Nest

Raptors... Live! Family Sundays in the Forest

Bird Banding Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure Volunteer and Teacher Naturalist 101

Ancient People of Fontenelle Forest An Indoor Look at History Trail Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure

Family Sundays in the Forest

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club

20 21 22 28 29

Night Hike and Constellation Viewing Plant Hike

Family Sundays in the Forest Mud Pies meets Monday thru Thursday every week for children ages 5 and younger.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED March and April 2015

March 6 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader(s): Michelle Foss and Tad Leeper

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

March 28 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Kate Murphy

April 25 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.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 March 7 to learn the weekly topic. This program is 8:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. WLC for children ages 5 and younger. Leader(s): Clem Klaphake Nature Explorers: Weather Wise This month the “Explorers” will examine seasonal weather changes. The group will discover the importance of the water cycle. We’ll learn to use a cloud window and an anemometer. For children ages 5 - 12, registration is required. Space is limited. Nature Explorers: Bursting Into Spring Find out how a bud opens to a leaf or flower. Nature Explorers will enjoy the warmth of spring as they search for bursting buds, tree flowers, and wild flowers. Please dress for the weather as we will be out rain or shine. For children ages 5 - 12, registration is required. Space is limited.

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 9:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. and stay as little or as long as you like. All ages are welcome, and anyone who wishes 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).

March 7 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Matt Miller

Conservation Hike: Natural and Manmade Erosion Control Join Matt Miller, a Fontenelle Forest educator and Ranger, to discuss natural and man-made methods to help prevent erosion. First, learn more through a half-hour conversation on how Fontenelle Forest Rangers and the creatures of Fontenelle help out with a huge erosion problem. For the remainder of the program, join Matt on a hike through Childs Hollow to witness some of Fontenelle’s human and natural methods of erosion control.

Programs are listed in chronological order

March 5 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Rick Schmid Members Only

Family Sundays in the Forest: What’s Popping in the Forest Find out everything you ever wanted to know about wildflowers – where they are found, why they have different colors, and more! Then head outside for a hike to learn even more about the forest around us. Bird Club The program will be an introduction to Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery program and will include live, non-releaseable, rehabilitated raptors.

Introductory Bird Identification Class With over 50 million ‘birders’ in the U.S., bird watching is the fastest growing outdoor activity today. Led by Clem Klaphake and Justin Rink, both past presidents of the Audubon Society of Omaha, this class includes local field trips designed to teach you how to identify the birds in your back yard or places you go on vacation, and how to use binoculars and field guides properly. Ages 12 and up. The class is limited to 15 participants. To sign up, contact Clem Klaphake at 402.292.2276 or at ckavian@cox.net. Part 2 will be held on April 11, and Part 3 will be held on May 2. There is a $25.00 fee for complete three class series.

March 7 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Schramm Park SRA Leader(s): Rick Schmid

PROGRAMS March 1 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Eric Scholar, Wanda Pendley, & Mary Lou Alfieri

Campfire Program: Spring Equinox Bring a buddy and a blanket as we celebrate . . . spring? This month holds the vernal equinox, when the amount of light is equal to the amount of darkness. We’ll usher in the spring season with stories and songs in rain, snow or starlight. Please bring a mug for hot cocoa after the campfire.

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

March and April 2015

March 8 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Dianne Guinn

Family Sundays in the Forest: The Forest Reawakening Spring is coming soon, and the forest is waking up after a long winter! We’ll head out for a hike investigating all signs big and small, animal and plant, that show that the forest is awakening from its winter dormancy.

March 10 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC

S.U.N. (Seniors Understanding Nature): Sites Along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Byrony Forbes, of the National Parks Service, is from the headquarters of the Lewis & Clark Historic National Trail located on Omaha’s Riverfront Drive. She will speak about the sites you can visit along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. Come join us for an armchair journey across the country.

March 12 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Den Hynes

March 14 10:00a.m. - 11:30a.m. WLC Leader(s): Lindsay Cooley

March 14 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Mic Burt & Jeff Voss

An Indoor Look at History Trail Come and take a look at what History Trail is all about. If you have wanted to hike History Trail but it is too difficult or if you would just like to learn more, please join us for a presentation and discussion that sheds some light on significant parts of Nebraska history. From the Mormon migration, ancient earth lodges, archeological digs, trading posts and establishment of Bellevue, History Trail has it all.

March 14 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Kate Murphy

Welcoming Monarch Butterflies to Your Yard Drop into “Habitat Hollow” to learn about the Monarch Butterfly’s life cycle and its special adaptations. Find out which flowers welcome the adult butterfly and which are necessary for the caterpillar’s survival. Get a jump start on summer by planting a few milkweed seeds. Also take a seed packet of a Monarch’s favorite nectar flowers. When the soils warm up these seeds can be directly planted into the ground.

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

Family Sundays in the Forest: Tracks and Scat Detectives Match up tracks and scat to animals found in the Fontenelle Forest. Every family will receive a free copy of the Nebraska Wildlife Tracks booklet and card set. We’ll then use this booklet to hike out onto the trail in search of these wildlife clues left behind.

March 19 7:00p.m. FFNC

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club Visit fontenelleforest.org for more information on the Photo Club and the topic of this month’s meeting.

March 20 7:00p.m. Neale Woods Leader(s): Bob Fuchs

Night Hike and Constellation Viewing We will hike about an hour into the evening on dirt trails and then, if skies are clear, observe late winter/ early spring constellations in the night sky. Bring binoculars if you wish to look for some deep sky objects, such as star clusters, nebulae, or galaxies. All ages are welcome. Please dress for the weather. Please note that modern restroom facilities are currently unavailable.

Junior Naturalists Come join other 6th-8th grade students and learn more about our natural world! For information on monthly topics or to register for this month’s activity, please email Lindsay Cooley at lcooley@fontenelleforest.org. March 21 Wildlife Hike: White-Tailed Deer 10:00a.m. On this hike we’ll discuss the ins and outs FFNC of white-tailed deer. We’ll look for signs of winter browsing and learn about the social dynamics of does and bucks as spring approaches. March 22 9:45a.m. - 10:45a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Denise Lewis

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED March and April 2015

Plant Hike Join a Fontenelle Forest naturalist for our monthly guided Plant Hike. March 21st is the second day of spring, where winter melts away and the vibrant greens of the growing season begin. Learn more about the many plants that call the forest home. 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.

March 22 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Holly Hofreiter

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

March 28 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Wanda Pendley and Seth Keith

Family Sundays in the Forest: Families On Foot Stop by the Discovery Tables before you go on your hike. Pick up a treasure hunt list. Can you find all the things or places on the list? Examine things you might find up close! March days can be windy! Celebrate the wind and make a pinwheel to take on you hike. If it is a windy day- discover where the wind blows the hardest-in the open areas or forested areas? The hill tops or valleys? Where might the animals go on cold windy days? Come, learn, and enjoy the outdoors! 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 9:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. and stay as little or as long as you like. All ages are welcome, and anyone who wishes 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). 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!

March 29 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader(s): Dianne Guinn

Family Sundays in the Forest: What’s the Forest News Today? Put on your detective hats and come along on a hike to find out what’s going on in the forest today! We’ll look at the evidence all around us and get the scoop about the latest happenings. Who knows what we’ll find!

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

Bird Club Club member, Elliott Bedows, will present the first of a two-part program on his recent trip to South Africa.

April 3 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader(s): Michelle Foss and Tad Leeper

Campfire Program: We’ve Gone Batty! Bring a buddy and a blanket and explore the night world of bats. Myths abound around these wonderful little mammals, so join us as we untangle the truth and maybe even learn a song! We’ll be there, rain, snow or moonlight. Please bring a mug for hot cocoa after the campfire.

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

April 4 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Matt Miller

Conservation Hike: Invasive Species Join Matt Miller a Fontenelle Educator/ Ranger to discuss how Fontenelle Forest deals with invasive species. After a quick description on the type of invasive species and methods of controlling them, we’ll head out on a hike. This hike will be a good time for visitors to see some methods of control first hand along with seeing the different types of invasive species that inhabit our Forest.

April 5 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader(s): Jackie Sundberg

Family Sundays in the Forest: Wetland Wonders Explore the teaching pond and stream trail habitat on this family-friendly adventure. We’ll find lots of signs of life, from turtles to frogs and beaver and more! Stop by the front desk of our Main Nature Center to pay admission or scan your member card, then meet us down at the Wetlands Learning Center for this fun time of discovery.

April 11 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Grace Noecker

Wildlife Hike: Muskrats Come search for signs of muskrats along the stream and Great Marsh, and learn more about their busy habits! We may even see a muskrat up close on this great hike. Please dress for muddy conditions.

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

March and April 2015

April 11 and 12 11:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. FFNC

Nebraska Science Festival Fontenelle Forest is proud to take part in NE SciFest for its third year. Join us April 11 & 12 from 11a-5p as we discover STE[+a]M at the Forest. With hands-on activities, demonstrations, and lectures we will delve into the natural side of Science, Technology, Engineering,(+art) and Math. Schedule of events will be posted on the day of the event. Admission is free with a NESciFest Ticket. Visit nescifest.com for more information on the 2015 Nebraska Science Festival.

April 14 9:45 a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC

S.U.N. (Seniors Understanding Nature): Promise in a New Land: Migrating and Settling in Nebraska Cherrie Beam-Clarke as Mariah Monahan, with Irish brogue and period costume, depicts a Nebraska settler between 1845 & 1870. Based on historical fact, viewers are transported in time to sail the ocean, ride the wagon trail, feel the loneliness and fight prairie fires. This program comes to us from Humanities Nebraska.

April 16 7:00p.m. - 8:30p.m. WLC Leader(s): Tad Leeper & Sharon Draper

Spring Migration Night Hike Springtime at the Great Marsh is a wonderful time and place to observe waterfowl migration. Join Sharon Draper and Tad Leeper on an evening hiking adventure as we seek out the many species of birds that use the wetlands as a stopover during their northern migration to their summer nesting grounds. This program is for participants ages 16 and older. Please wear appropriate clothing for hiking.

April 16 7:00p.m. FFNC

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club Visit fontenelleforest.org for more information on the Photo Club and the topic of this month’s meeting.

April 18 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Rick Schmid

April 18 10:00a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Eric Scholar

Plant Hike: Spring Wildflowers Come enjoy a spring morning outdoors as we hike several woodland trails in search of wildflowers.

April 19 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Bob Fuchs

Family Sundays in the Forest: Signs of Spring Join us on a family-friendly hike to check out all the signs of Spring in our forest! We’ll look for birds, wildflowers, and more. It may be muddy, but that won’t stop us from having a wonderful springtime adventure.

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

Insect Club Fontenelle Forest’s own Certified Interpretive Trainer, Debbie Beck, will enlighten us on Cicadas and the Magical Magicicadas. 2015 is an emergence year for the periodical cicadas, so you won’t want to miss this preview of what to expect.

April 24 6:00p.m. Omar Baking Building 4383 Nicholas St

Feather Our Nest Feather Our Nest is our annual fundraising gala presented by the Fontenelle Forest Guild. The proceeds of this benefit event open a door into the natural world for the youth of our community. Over 40,000 children explore the wonders of Fontenelle Forest each year. These experiences are priceless to the many inner-city kids who never have a chance to walk in the woods, wade through prairie grasses, or see animals in the wild. For 2015, Feather Our Nest is all about “Farm to Table” with fresh local ingredients and culinary creations from some of the very finest area chefs.

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 9:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. and stay as little or as long as you like. All ages are welcome, and anyone who wishes may touch a live bird.

Visit fontenelleforest.org/feather to purchase tickets to this exciting event.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED March and April 2015

April 18 10:00a.m. - 11:30a.m. FFNC Leader(s): Lindsay Cooley

April 25 8:30a.m. - 12:00p.m. 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. FFNC

April 25 10:00a.m. WLC Leader(s): Wanda Pendley and Seth Keith

Ancient People of Fontenelle Forest: an Archeologist’s Perspective Evidence exists that people referred to as Nebraska Phase Culture lived along the ridges of the Missouri River from about 1000 to 1300AD. We know they built and occupied earth lodges and left remains of their life in cache pits. There are more than 70 known sites at Fontenelle Forest, and several of those sites have been explored by archeologists since 1935.

Join Iowa State Archeologist, Lynn Alex for an overview of the story of these people based on her work at a similar site in Glenwood, Iowa. Lynn will share how an archeologist studies a site and will have available April 26 some of the artifacts she has found as well 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. as some artifacts from Fontenelle Forest. FFNC Leader(s): Tad Leeper 9:30a.m. – 12:00p.m. General presentation on Archeology and Nebraska Phase culture with some interactive opportunities. 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. Field Study GroupLimited to 24 people, first come first served. Includes a hike to several known sites for hands on learning.

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...the more mud and snow, the easier it is to find tracks! Family Sundays in the Forest: Songbird Nests and Eggs Nature “Touch Table” It’s songbird nesting season in the Forest! Stop by the nature touch table in the Naturalist Nook at the Fontenelle Forest nature center and learn some fascinating facts about songbird nests and eggs.

Members: $5 for morning session / $10 entire day (morning and hike) Non-members: $12 for morning session / $17 entire day Visit fontenelleforest.org for more information and to register. Please note: This program was originally scheduled for 3/14.

Volunteer at Fontenelle Forest March 28 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. FFNC

Volunteer 101 Have you recently started volunteering at Fontenelle Forest? You are invited to attend Volunteer 101. 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.

March 28 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. FFNC

For questions about Volunteer and Teacher Naturalist 101, please contact Kareen Hickman at khickman@fontenelleforest.org or 402-731-3140. Registration is required.

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.

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

March and April 2015

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North Bellevue, NE 68005 www.fontenelleforest.org

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)