LEAFLET The Newsletter of Fontenelle Forest
September and October 2015
October is Member Nature Discovery Summer Camps begin!June 1st Appreciation Month Visit fontenelleforest.org/camps to register!
Members and Guests of Members Only October 3 10:30a.m. FFNC Free
TN Speaker Series: Under Omaha with Archaeologist Rob Bozell Join us for the speaker portion at our monthly Teacher Naturalist meeting. Nebraska State Historical Society archeologist, Rob Bozell, will present “Under Omaha”-- a look into our region’s buried archeological sites from ancient Native American camps and villages to fur trade posts and early military sites, including our very own fur trading post on History Trail and other sites on the Fontenelle Forest property. The Greater Omaha area is a wonderful place to live and it’s been that way for over 12,000 years! Please register by October 2nd.
Members and Guests of Members Only October 3 3:00p.m. FFNC Free
Shakespeare on the Plaza “A fool, a fool! I met a fool i’ the forest.” Enjoy an autumn afternoon and free popcorn while watching Nebraska Shakespeare perform Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” A post show discussion will be held immediately following the performance. Please register by October 2nd.
Members and Guests of Members Only October 10 4:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m. FFNC Adult: $10 Child: $5
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. Food, activities, prizes, treats, entertainment, and new this year - a LIVE performance of a classic Halloween children’s tale. This is one event you will not want to miss! Please register by October 5th.
Members and Guests of Members Only October 17 6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. FFNC Adult: $5
Beer on the Boardwalk (21+) Join us for the third annual beer tasting event at the Forest! 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! Live musical entertainment as well as a special hike on dirt trails led by our friends at Backwoods will be provided. The hike will start at 7pm, and please bring your own headlamp if you have one. Must be 21 or over to attend. Please register by October 12th.
October is Member Appreciation Month 31 days dedicated to celebrating YOU! October is our favorite time of the year - Member Appreciation Month! Join us at the Forest for an entire month of exciting, member-only events, giveaways, discounts, and more. Your support of Fontenelle Forest is vital to our success - Thank you! Member exclusive events • Enjoy unique member-only events for people of all ages from Trick or Treat in the Forest for children to Beer on the Boardwalk for adults. There’s something for everyone! Space is limited, so register early. Prizes and giveaways • Enter to win a prize each time you visit the nature center. Make sure to mention Member 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 • Up to four of your guests can be admitted at half price every time you visit in October • Gift Memberships are $5 off each level Visit fontenelleforest.org to register and for more information. All special member events require registration and are open to all Fontenelle Forest members and their guests. The final, discounted price will be shown at checkout. Please note: Due to construction of our new Raptor Woodland Refuge, a shuttle service will be provided for our most popular events. Please check our website and Facebook page for latest updates and availability of offsite parking. Handicap accessible parking as well as drop-offs at the Forest will still be available.
September and October 2015
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MUD PIES Monday - Thursday FFNC Leader: Lindsay Cooley Members and Guests of Members Only October 24 and October 25
Free Guest Weekend Show off your love of the Forest by bringing your friends and neighbors to experience the quiet wild on a beautiful fall weekend. As long as one member is present, you can bring as many guests as you would like…FOR FREE!
Members and Guests of Members Only October 27 6:30p.m. WLC Free
Full Moon Hike Want to see the forest at night? Join us for a unique night hike in our wetlands ecosystem. We will have a full moon to help us see our way, so please do not bring flashlights—your eyes will adjust! Please register by October 26th.
Members and Guests of Members Only October 29 Cocktails at 6:00p.m. Performance at 6:30p.m. CB Free
Opera After Dark (21+) Join us for this unique, immersive performance of “La Voix Humane” at our rustic Camp Brewster. We are partnering with Opera Omaha during the National Opera Week to bring something new to our members. Just in time for Halloween, this performance will leave you with chills. Must be 21 or over to attend. Please register by October 26th.
Note: Mud Pies is taking Monday, September 7 off for Labor Day
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.
NATURE EXPLORERS Members only, for ages 5-8. Registration Required. Members Only September 26 1:00 p.m. - 2:30p.m. Camp Brewster Leader: Kathy Fischer
Nature Explorers: Build A Tree Workshop Join us for the first Nature Explorers of the fall! Children will learn more about trees in a variety of ways - from learning to measure the height of a tree by its shadow to constructing a tree from the inside out. The Explorers will also enjoy delicious tree cookies! For children ages 5-8, snacks provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration required. Space is limited!
Members Only October 24 1:00 p.m. - 2:30p.m. WLC Leader: Kathy Fischer
Nature Explorers: Batty About Bats! For October, the Nature Explorers will explore the nocturnal world of bats. The Explorers will conduct an echo-location experiment, discover how bats fly, and make a bat toy to take home! For children ages 5-8, snacks provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration required. Space is limited!
YOGA IN THE FOREST Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. - rain or shine! September 6, 13, 20 & 27 October 4, 11, 18 & 25 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m. FFNC Leader: Julie McKeone
Yoga in the Forest Join us for an hour-long vinyasa style yoga class, surrounded by nature, designed to de-stress and relax you. This class is accessible for all levels of yogis, from beginner to experienced, and will feature the sounds of the forest as your soundtrack as you move towards complete wellness. A meditative walk will follow the class, ending with tea for those who can stay.
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
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September and October 2015
September 12 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader: Grace Noecker
Canoe the Great Marsh Ever wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Come down to the wetlands for a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat – you may even glimpse a beaver, snapping turtle or other wetland creature as you explore. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
September 12 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leaders: Debbie Beck Kate Murphy
Eight Legged Encounters Everything that has sparked your curiosity about arachnids will be explored through interactive centers. The activities are guaranteed to hold the interest of all age groups, small children through adults alike. Visitors will have the option of a short walk to hunt for some 8 legged critters.
September 13 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Lisa CuevasJorgensen
Family Sundays in the Forest: Scavenger Hunt Fun Bring the kiddos to the forest for some family time, and stop by the Explorer Table anytime between 1 and 3 pm. Lisa will introduce you to some forest “clues” and what they can tell us. Don’t forget to pick up a fun scavenger hunt to work on outside - all who complete it get a prize!
September 14 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leader: Grace Noecker
Canoe the Great Marsh Ever wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Come down to the wetlands for a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat – you may even glimpse a beaver, snapping turtle or other wetland creature as you explore. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
Members Only September 17 7:00 p.m. CB
Fontenelle Forest Photography Club Members will enjoy an outdoor photoshoot of flowers and plants at Camp Brewster before sharing their favorite images of the summer in a slideshow.
Members Only September 18 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. CB Leader: Deborah 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. Registration is required. Space is limited!
PROGRAMS Programs are listed in chronological order Members Only September 3 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Betty Grenon
Bird Club Wayne Mollhoff will be making a presentation for the August meeting. His program is titled: “Nebraska Northern Saw-whet Owl Nest Box Study.”
September 4 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader(s): Tad Leeper and Deborah Woracek
September Campfire Program: Autumn Forest Transitions Autumn is a time of many seasonal transitions for the plants and animals in Fontenelle Forest. Bring a buddy and a blanket as we usher in the change of seasons with stories and songs about Fall. Bring a cup for refreshments after the campfire.
September 8 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader: Catherine Kuper
Seniors Understanding Nature: Cicacadas - They Came Back Debbie Beck, CIT, CIG, Naturalist, will speak about the annual cicadas and also tell us about the citizen science and research that was done when the Brood IV periodic cicadas (13 & 17 yrs.) emerged this summer.
September 9 7:30p.m. - 9:00p.m. WLC Leader: Eric Scholar
Wetlands Evening Hike Join Fontenelle Forest naturalist Eric Scholar for a walk in the wetlands just after sunset and experience the magic of dusk in this wonderful ecosystem. If you’ve ever wanted a chance to see or hear owls, coyotes, or beaver in the wild, this hike is for you. Bug spray is, of course, encouraged.
September 11 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader: Kris Chavez
Photography Hike: Up Close and Personal Bring your camera - iPhone, digital, whatever you use - and join us for some mindful hiking in the forest. Kris Chavez is an avid photographer of nature whose photos have been juried into exhibits in Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota. She will first do a short session on tips for taking good photos of nature. We will then go out for a hike, snapping photos along the way, and will return to look at what we’ve taken as a group.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED September and October 2015
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September 19 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CB Leader: Taylor Keen
Omaha Fall Ceremonial Dance Fontenelle Forest is proud to host the 3rd Annual Fall Harvest Dance sponsored by the family of Taylor Keen (Omaha). This dance is to celebrate a successful harvest and the coming of the Autumnal Equinox. All are welcome!
September 20 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Holly Hofreiter
Family Sundays in the Forest: Tremendous Trees Going on a family hike? Stop by our Explorer Table anytime between 1 and 3 pm before you head out! You’ll learn about those fabulous fall colors that will be upon us soon! How does it happen? What makes trees so tremendous? Bring the whole family and find out!
September 21 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leader: Grace Noecker
Canoe the Great Marsh Ever wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Come down to the wetlands for a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
September 26 6:10a.m. - 8:10a.m. WLC Leader: Grace Noecker
Canoe the Great Marsh: Sunrise! Ever wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Come down to the wetlands for a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
September 26 10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Debbie Beck
Rock & Fossil Field Trip Fossil hunters unite! Join us as we 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. We will meet at the Nature Center and caravan to the site. Registration is required. For ages 6+, all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $15 for members / $20 for non-members. Visit fontenelleforest.org for more information.
September 27 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader: Holly Hofreiter
Family Sundays in the Forest: Focus on Migration Come and spend an afternoon with your family in Fontenelle Forest! Fall changes are happening all around us. Stop at the Explorer Table anytime between 1 and 3 pm to look at things you might see on your hike. Find out about animals that migrate. What animals might you see passing through our area?
September 28 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leader: Grace Noecker
Canoe the Great Marsh Ever wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Come down to the wetlands for a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat.. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
Members Only October 1 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Bird Club Club member and accomplished photographer, Phil Swanson, will present: “Toucans and Trogons and Sloths, Oh My... Birding in Costa Rica.”
October 2 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leaders: Tad Leeper and Deborah Woracek
October Campfire Program: About Bats - Myths and Facts Bats are the only mammals in Fontenelle Forest that can fly. They capture our imagination for this and many other reasons - especially at Halloween. Join us for stories and legends about these amazing nocturnal Forest inhabitants. Bring a mug for hot cocoa after the campfire.
October 3 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Schramm Park SRA near Gretna Leader: 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.
October 4 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader: Dianne Guinn and Ingrid Johnson
Family Sundays in the Forest: Dipping in the Wetlands Join us down at the wetlands pond anytime between 1 and 3, and discover the amazing world that thrives in the water. Dianne and Ingrid will show you how to use nets to find dragonfly larvae, water beetles, and snails, oh my! This relaxed, hands-on afternoon is geared toward families with children, but all are welcome.
October 9 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. WLC Leader: Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen
Marsh in the Gloaming Hike Join Fontenelle Forest naturalist Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen for a walk to the marsh in the gloaming - the twilight hours. This is one of the most beautiful and most busy times of day in the wetlands, so come along and experience it for yourself! This hike is best suited for those aged 12 and older, although all ages are welcome.
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
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September and October 2015
October 10 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader: Grace Noecker
Canoe the Great Marsh Ever wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Come down to the wetlands for a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat – you may even glimpse a beaver, snapping turtle or other wetland creature as you explore. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
October 17 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader: Grace Noecker
Canoe the Great Marsh Ever wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Here’s your last chance for 2015 to go on a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat – you may even glimpse a beaver, snapping turtle or other wetland creature as you explore. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
October 10 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. Camp Wakonda Leader: Eric Scholar
History Trail Hike Ever wanted to see the foundation stones of Bellevue’s first trading post? How about the home of Fontenelle’s resident hermit? Meet Fontenelle Forest naturalist Eric Scholar in the parking lot of Camp Wakonda and take a hike back in history to see these things and more. This hike is of moderate difficulty and best suited for those ages 12 and up.
October 17 2:00p.m. - 3:30p.m. FFNC Leader: Jeff Lacey
October 13 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader: Catherine Kuper
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.
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 walk through the forest, with stops for guided writing along the way. This is a great chance to learn new writing skills and celebrate the forest with your own prose or poetry. This hike will stick primarily to the boardwalk, and all ages are welcome. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, an inside walk-and-write activity will be held.
October 18 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Jayne Hutton
Members Only October 15 7:00 p.m. FFNC
Fontenelle Forest Photography Club Members will learn from a presentation on photography basics by Peter Carbonell before enjoying a outdoor night photo and light painitng shoot. Visit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org for more information.
Family Sundays in the Forest: Fall Journeys Before you head out for a family hike, stop by the Exploration Table anytime between 1 and 3 pm. Fontenelle Forest naturalist Jayne Hutton will help your family discover what animals are doing to prepare for winter, so that you can look for that activity out in the forest. With all the hibernators and migrators out there, there’s lots to see!
Members Only October 22 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Insect Club Our program will be “Around the World on Six Legs” by Dennis Kingery. This will be a review of international research and adventures in the world of insects (and some of their relatives).
October 25 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kate Murphy
Family Sundays in the Forest: All About Bats Stop by the Explorer Table anytime between 1 and 3 pm before you head out for family fun in the forest. Fontenelle Forest naturalist Kate Murphy will help your family discover why bats are sweet not spooky! Bring your kids and your bat questions and enjoy the fall afternoon.
October 16 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. Neale Woods Leader: Bob Fuchs
Constellation Hike Meet Fontenelle Forest naturalist Bob Fuchs in the Neale Woods parking lot for an evening adventure of great hiking and star-gazing. If the night is clear, Bob will guide you through identifying the autumn constellations. If it’s a cloudy night, we will still hike! Bring binoculars if you desire to glimpse objects in deep space. This hike is best suited for ages 10 and up.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED September and October 2015
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AT A GLANCE SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
3 Bird Club*
1 Bird Club
4 September Campfire Program
2 October Campfire Program
6 Yoga in the Forest
3 Bird Banding at Aksarben Aquarium Under Omaha* Shakespeare on the Plaza*
8 Seniors Understanding Nature 9 Wetlands Evening Hike
4 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Dipping in the Wetlands
11 Photography Hike
9 Marsh in the Gloaming Hike
12 Canoe the Great Marsh
10 Canoe the Great Marsh
Eight Legged Encounters
History Hike Trick or Treat in the Forest*
13 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Scavenger Hunt Fun
11 Yoga in the Forest
14 Canoe the Great Marsh
13 Seniors Understanding Nature
17 Fontenelle Forest Photography Club*
15 Fontenelle Forest Photography Club
18 Monarch Tagging for the Family*
16 Constellation Hike
19 Omaha Fall Ceremonial Dance
17 Canoe the Great Marsh
20 Yoga in the Forest
Writing Hike Beer on the Boardwalk*
Family Sundays: Tremendous Trees
21 Canoe the Great Marsh
18 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Fall Journeys
26 Canoe the Great Marsh: Sunrise!
22 Insect Club
Rock & Fossil Field Trip Nature Explorers*
24 Free Guest Weekend for Members*
27 Yoga in the Forest
Nature Explorers*
Family Sundays: Focus on Migration
25 Free Guest Weekend for Members*
28 Canoe the Great Marsh
Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: All About Bats
27 Full Moon Night Hike*
Mud Pies meets Monday - Thursday mornings for children ages 5 and younger. Please note that Mud Pies is off on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.
29 Opera After Dark: La Voix Humane*
Boardwalk and trail access at the Nature Center will be limited during Trick or Treat in the Forest. Trails in the Wetlands will remain open for the entirety of this event. * Denotes Members-Only Program
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
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September and October 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 1111 Bellevue Boulevard North, Bellevue, NE 68005 •
Hours: Open daily, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Closed December 25 & January 1
•
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)