GREETINGS!
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Field Notes Greetings and Happy New Year Fontenelle Forest members and friends! We are excited about some of Fontenelle Forest’s recent happenings and look forward to a banner year in 2016 for the Forest.
Happy New Year! 2016 begins with exciting things here at Fontenelle Forest. Raptor Woodland Refuge is just about ready to open, the animals and birds in the Forest are well into their winter season habits, and Fontenelle Forest Membership and One-Day Memberships will be changing a bit. Thank you to many of our members and visitors who gave us feedback regarding these changes.
At this writing, Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery treated 555 birds of prey in 2015. This is the second largest number of injured, sick and orphaned raptors cared for in the nearly 40-year history of the Raptor Recovery rehabilitation hospital located near Elmwood, Nebraska.
Starting February 1 membership prices will better reflect the large community Fontenelle Forest has become. Individual, Two Individuals, and Household levels will each increase $10.
Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery recently celebrated the December release of two young bald eagles who were treated at the rehab center for injuries and lead poisoning. More than 100 people were on hand to observe the release of both of the majestic raptors at the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge near Blair. Eagles are quite social birds and the Desoto release venue increased the likelihood that the two juvenile bald eagles would mix in with some of the numerous adult eagles at the Wildlife Refuge. Desoto also provided close proximity to abundant fish and waterfowl – two primary sources of food for the raptors.
We’re also excited to announce the availability of a new membership add-on called FF Plus One! This allows for a member to bring one guest with them every time they visit the Forest. This could be a friend, a neighbor, grandmother, ANYONE, and it can be a different person each visit. FF Plus One brings versatility as well as convenience to any level of membership. The cost is $25. Once Raptor Woodland Refuge opens, our One-Day Memberships will be $9.50 for Adults, $8.50 for Seniors (62+), $7.50 for Children (2-17), and free for the wee ones under 2. Thanks to you, and all of our donors, we have not needed to increase our daily admission in almost 15 years! That’s awesome fantastic. We encourage you to join the Fontenelle Forest community as 2016 begins. Your membership or admission dues do not just give you access to amazing miles of trails, they make you a donor and a member of a much larger Fontenelle Forest community. A donor who can be proud that in 2015: • Over 550 birds were rescued throughout the state of Nebraska by Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery • Raptor Woodland Refuge plans finalized and started building • Over 100,000 people visited the Nature Center • Over 40,000 school-age children received important environmental education • The “Save the Oaks” project to restore and preserve the Forest’s centuries-old oak savannas began • An all new innovative website was launched • …and much more!
Janet Stander, Assistant Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation, and Susan Nemer-Haddix, Fontenelle Forest Board of Directors, before the release of one of the juvenile bald eagles on December 12.
You are the reason Fontenelle Forest, a private non-profit, nature preserve flourishes. Thank you and may the new year bring you much joy and success. We hope to see you on the trails! Happy hiking.
As we look toward 2016, excitement is building at the Forest as the new Raptor Woodland Refuge exhibit adjacent to the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue nears completion. The new interpretive raptor exhibit will feature more than twenty live birds of prey in outdoor enclosures (called mews). The grand opening of the new exhibit is planned for April 2016. In the
- Joanie Soverns, Manager of Donor Relations and Membership
January and February 2016
2
meantime, numerous activities are underway to ready the exhibit for its feathered raptor inhabitants. Most of the heavy ‘hammer and nails’ construction activities will be wrapped up in early January. Perches will be installed in the mews in January. Interpretive signage is currently being designed and will be installed in February. Raptors will move into the mews in late winter. Landscaping will be completed in early spring. Once plans are finalized, details about the grand opening celebration of the new one-of-a-kind Raptor Woodland Refuge at Fontenelle Forest will be published on the Forest’s website.
basis of U. S. efforts to protect birds that migrate across international borders. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the goal of the Migratory Bird Treaty centennial is to create awareness, promote key actions, increase support, and expand opportunities for engagement in the conservation of migratory birds. As you may know, Fontenelle Forest is a favorite stopover for migrating birds in the spring and fall. Approximately 275 species of migratory birds have been identified in the Forest during migration season. Thus, it seems appropriate that we’ll be celebrating the Migratory Bird Treaty in 2016.
Along with the grand opening of the Forest’s new outdoor raptor exhibit, in 2016 we plan to also celebrate both the 40th anniversary of the founding of Raptor Recovery and the centennial of the international Migratory Bird Treaty. The members of our state-wide Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery volunteer network labor tirelessly to rescue and transport injured, sick, and orphaned raptors via a modern day, pony express-style relay process. Several outstate volunteers also use non-releasable live raptors to educate the public about birds of prey conservation. Plans are underway to recognize the more than 70 dedicated Raptor Recovery volunteers across the state of Nebraska during 2016. The Migratory Bird Treaty between the United States and Great Britain (on behalf of Canada) was signed on August 16, 1916. This treaty, along with three treaties that followed, forms the
Finally, this is a reminder that Fontenelle Forest is a four-season destination. The more than 25 miles of hiking trails at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods are open all winter for hiking and snow-shoeing. In fact, one of the best times to visit the Forest is right after a new snowfall. When hiking the snow-covered trails, it’s not unusual to observe the fresh tracks of deer, turkeys, and even fox along with those of human visitors. Snowshoes are available for rental at the Forest for a nominal fee. That said plan to visit our own winter wonderland right here in metro Omaha. See you on the trails! - Tad Leeper, Interim Executive Director
SAVE THE DATE
FEATHER OUR NEST FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 HILTON OMAHA
3
January and February 2016
Discoverers (Preschool, Ages 4-5)
Fontenelle Forest welcomes you to a summer of discovery and learning in a place where the quiet wild of nature offers an unparalleled opportunity for your child to learn. Nature Discovery Day Camps feature science based learning through play taught by our year-round professional educators. Our staff is committed to providing your child with high quality, positive experiences.
Let your four or five year old discover Camp Brewster. These three day sessions are for those not entering kindergarten in the fall of 2016. June 8-10 8:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. Camp Brewster
Visit fontenelleforest.org/camps for more information and to register. Space is limited. Registration begins January 15th. Proof of age is required.
OR July 13-15 8:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. Camp Brewster
Toddlers (Ages 3 and under with adult)
Each session is limited to 12 campers. Snacks provided. Cost: $90 / $150 nonmembers
Explore the wonders of nature with your toddler. These sessions are geared for children ages 3 and under accompanied by an adult. June 6-7 9a.m. - 11a.m. Camp Brewster OR July 11-12 9a.m. - 11a.m. Camp Brewster
Discovering Nature’s Little Creatures Join your toddler in natural play as they search for and examine little critters such as snails, roly polys and ladybugs. Each morning includes outside play, time for a short walk, a snack and a craft. Each session is limited to 10 toddler / adult teams. Snacks provided. Cost: $90 / $155 non-members
Adventurers (Ages 5-8) These camps are designed for children who are ages 5 – 8 years on June 1, 2016. From exploring the wetlands and forest to learning about our animals, everyone will find a learning adventure this summer. June 13-17 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. Wetlands
Grands and Me (Ages 4-8 with grandparent) Give your grandchild wonderful memories of special times with you in the great outdoors. We will learn about nature through games, hikes, animal visitors, and more. June 20-21 9a.m. - 1p.m. Camp Brewster OR July 7-8 9a.m. - 1p.m. Camp Brewster
Stories and Puppets Build wonderful memories of natural adventures with your grandchild/children. Link favorite stories to the natural world. Each day camper teams will enjoy a good book and then head out to the prairie, pond or forest that surrounds Camp Brew- June 27-July 1 ster to engage in trail activities related to 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. the book. After a theme related snack, the Camp Brewster campers will create a puppet to help them retell the story at home. Each session is limited to 10 camper/ grandparent teams. Campers should bring their own lunches. Snacks provided. Cost: $90 / $155 non-members
Visit fontenelleforest.org/camps to register today! January and February 2016
The World of Pooh Come play in the “Hundred Aker Woods” (Camp Brewster). Meet one of Rabbit’s relations and Owl himself. Join Pooh in his search for honey bees. Help Pooh and Piglet track a Woozle. Build a house for Eeyore. Make Pooh snacks and crafts.
4
Wetlands Wonders Here’s an opportunity to jump feet-first into the wetlands. Come discover the wetlands habitat with us as we learn all about the water-loving beasts that call our marsh and streams home, from frogs and turtles to crawdads and dragonflies. We will dip in the pond, look for evidence of beaver and muskrats and explore the marsh trails. We might get muddy so bring your old clothes! Each session is limited to 24 campers. Snacks provided. Campers bring their own lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members In the Air, Water, Ground, Under Logs What Have We Found? This camp will be a week of scientific exploration, discovering the forest, the prairie, the pond and the living things around us. We will be doing experiments and looking for clues, becoming Nature Detectives as we do. Each session is limited to 24 campers. Snacks provided. Campers bring their own lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members
Explorers (Ages 9-12)
Adventurers (Ages 5-8) continued July 6-8 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. FFNC 3 Day Camp
July 25-29 8:30a.m. -3p.m. Camp Brewster
August 1-5 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. Camp Brewster
Explore more! We are offering children who are ages 9 – 12 years on June Crazy about Critters 1, 2016 a chance to spend more time honing their science skills as they If you love animals, this is the camp for you! From reptiles and amphibians to enjoy a week of exciting explorations, activities and games. mammals, birds, and insects…you will look June 13-17 Nature’s Engineers at all of them up close. Learn how these 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. We will explore the prairie and forest critters, move, eat, and spend their days. at Camp Brewster to find what nature’s Campers will have a chance to meet some Camp Brewster engineers have done there. From the bee’s of our resident educational animals during honeycombs and the bird’s nests to the this informative week. spider’s webs, we will discover the wonders Each session is limited to 24 campers. of nature’s ingenuity. Be prepared to add Snacks provided. Campers bring their own your own touches to the environment. lunches. Cost: $135 / $200 non-members. Each session is limited to 24 campers. Snacks provided. Campers bring their own Fantastic Pollinators - Butterflies, lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members. Bees,Wasps, and More! We will roam the forest and the wild Creativity Camp flower garden to find these very important June 27 - July 1 8:30a.m. 3p.m. This camp is where creativity and nature insects. We will look at them up close FFNC collide! Beginners are welcome! This and far away. Why are they so important? camp is for anyone between the ages of 9 How do they pollinate? We will learn and 12 who loves to be creative, no matter about this and much more through explowhat your prior experience may be! We’ll ration, activities, games and songs. explore the forest and let it inspire us to Each session is limited to 24 campers. write, draw, paint, and more! Come enjoy Snacks provided. Campers bring their own the great outdoors with fun games and lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members. activities that will give you the opportunity to create something wonderful! Open the Door, Let’s Explore Each session is limited to 24 campers. There are exciting secrets hidden in nature Snacks provided. Campers bring their own around Camp Brewster. If you love the lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members. idea of exploring both the forest and the prairie, this is the camp for you. Each day July 6-8 Challenge Camp you’ll explore a different natural concept 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. Your adventure will begin with the chalfrom life cycles to adaptations. Outdoor Wetlands lenge of completing a ropes course taught games, songs, and art activities are in3 Day Camp by trained instructors. Then practice your cluded. What will you discover? outdoor skills and stretch your knowledge during this fun camp. The adventure Each session is limited to 24 campers. continues as you learn proper fishing Snacks provided. Campers bring their own techniques and explore our wetlands. We lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members. will spend time hiking some of the lesstraveled trails. Stories, crafts, and games are also a part of this adventure. Each session is limited to 24 campers. Snacks provided. Campers bring their own lunches. Cost: $135 / $200 non-members.
Visit fontenelleforest.org/camps to register today!
5
January and February 2016
Explorers (Ages 9-12) continued July 11-15 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. Wetlands
Seekers (Ages 12-14) continued
Canoe Camp July 25-29 Have you always wanted to learn how to 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. canoe? Then this is the camp for you! Ca- Wetlands noe Camp is for campers who have never tried canoeing before, as well as those who want to get more practice. Come learn and review the basics of canoeing! You will also spend time exploring the Great Marsh and have a chance to practice team building skills through fun games and water activities. On Thursday, pack your sleeping bag because we are going to camp out! On Friday morning we will get out in the canoes to watch the sun rise and discover the Great Marsh during a totally different time of day! This is a week of getting wet and muddy, so make sure you wear your old clothes.
Canoe Camp Have you always wanted to learn how to canoe? Then this is the camp for you! Canoe Camp is for campers who have never tried canoeing before, as well as those who want to get more practice. Come learn and review the basics of canoeing! You will also spend time exploring the Great Marsh and have a chance to practice team building skills through fun games and water activities. Then on Thursday, pack your sleeping bag because we are going to camp out! On Friday morning we will get out in the canoes to watch the sun rise and discover the Great Marsh during a totally different time of day! This is a week of getting wet and muddy, so make sure you wear your old clothes.
Each session is limited to only 14 campers, so register soon! Snacks provided. Includes dinner / breakfast for campout. Campers bring their own lunches. Cost: $240 / $305 non-members.
Each session is limited to only 14 campers, so register soon! Snacks provided. Campers bring their own lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members August 1-5 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. FFNC
Seekers (Ages 12-14) Here’s an opportunity for our oldest campers to continue to learn about the natural world through more adventures and exploration on our trails. Each session provides participants with a variety of hand-on learning experiences that go deeper into ecology, natural and cultural history and keep them on the move! June 6-10 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. Wetlands
Trail Blazers Looking for wilderness adventure? Want to learn new outdoor skills or improve your skills? Among other activities, you will trek many of Fontenelle trails (with backpacks if you desire), learn how to use a compass, read a topographic map, practice Leave No Trace techniques, design your own day hike, and learn a little history at the same time.
Each session is limited to 10 campers, so register soon! Snacks provided. Campers bring their own lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members.
Each session is limited to 24 campers. Snacks provided. Campers bring their own lunches. Cost: $225 / $290 non-members.
Visit fontenelleforest.org/camps to register today! January and February 2016
Remarkable Raptors and More Are you a future naturalist, zookeeper or veterinarian? Join us as we explore the world of raptors. This camp will delve into the mysteries of how these incredible birds of prey live and hunt in our region. We will have behind-the-scenes access to animal care and the new Raptor Woodland Refuge here at the Forest. Visits from Fontenelle Forest Raptor Recovery staff, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, and a local veterinarian are included. We will also spend time outside looking for signs of these amazing animals!
6
Raptor Bird-Day Party!
MUD PIES For ages 5 and younger. Monday - Thursday 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. FFNC Leader: Lindsay Cooley
January 9 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. FFNC Leader: Denise Lewis
Raptor Bird-Day Party! Every January, we celebrate the birthday of all of our raptor ambassadors with a bird-day party! Join us as we honor these amazing birds for another year of providing important educational opportunities to people of all ages. Learn more about the raptors, from their personal stories to facts about their species. Enjoy a snack and refeshments as well!
Please note: Mud Pies resumes on Monday, January 4th. Older kids are permitted to join in the fun on January 4th and 5th until schools are back in session. Every Thursday 12:30p.m.-2:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kate Murphy
MEMBERS ONLY PROGRAMS Members Only In February 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Camp Brewster Members Only Leader: Kate Murphy
Celebrate Snow When/if the snow flies in February, bring your family to Camp Brewster for an afternoon of sledding, snowman building, s’mores and hot apple cider. Due to the unpredictably of snow in Nebraska, your family will be notified a day or two before the event. This program is limited to 12 families so register early to be on the “snow play” list.
Mud Pies in the Afternoon Unable to attend Mud Pies in the morning? Drop by the Nature Center on Thursday afternoons 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”. This program is for children ages 5 and younger.
NATURE EXPLORERS Members only, for ages 5-11. Registration Required. Members Only January 23 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. FFNC Leader: Kathy Fischer
Nature Explorers: Paws and Claws In January, the Explorers will be searching for animal tracks in the snow or mud. Paint your own track to take home. For children ages 5-11, snacks provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration required. Space is limited!
Members Only February 20 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. WLC Leader: Kathy Fischer
Nature Explorers: Under The Ice Explorers will be amazed at what goes on under the ice. From frogs to muskrat and beavers how do they survive. Make an art project to take home. For children ages 5-11, snacks provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration required. Space is limited!
YOGA IN THE FOREST Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. - snow, rain or shine! Every Sunday morning 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m. FFNC Leader: Julie McKeone
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.
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
7
January and February 2016
PROGRAMS Programs are listed in chronological order Members Only January 7 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Bird Club Mace Hack will present on the birds of Colombia and his recent travels there. Mace is the State Director of The Nature Conservancy of Nebraska, and a Fontenelle Forest Board Director.
January 8 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader: Tracy Van Zee
January Campfire Program: Cool Canines January is the month of the Wolf Moon. Join us for stories, songs, and fun facts about wolves and the current canines of the Fontenelle Forest - coyotes and foxes. These dog cousins share a lot of fun traits with “man’s best friend!” Bring your blanket and a buddy as we enjoy an indoor evening in the Camp Brewster Lodge warmed by the glow of a wood fireplace. Bring a mug for hot cocoa after the program.
January 10 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Chris Robie
Family Sundays in the Forest: Tracks and Scat Detectives Drop by and learn how to match tracks and scat with the animal that left that “clue” from Teacher Naturalist Chris Robie. And don’t forget to pick up a great animal tracking tool before you head out to look for more wildlife clues left behindeach family will receive one!
January 12 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader: Catherine Kuper
Seniors Understanding Nature: Save The Oaks - An Oak Woodland Restoration Project Jeanine Lackey, Fontenelle Forest’s Director of Research & Stewardship, will talk about the project underway to restore oak savannah woodland using controlled burns.
January 17 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Bonnie Newman
Family Sundays in the Forest: Craft Time Bring your little ones to the Forest for an afternoon of fun! Stop by the Craft Table in the Great Hall. Each person can make a cute White-tailed Deer craft to take home. Then head out to play and look for deer, or play inside if you choose!
January 17 2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Jackie Sundberg
Snowshoe Hike Bring the whole family or just yourself and enjoy a walk through the woods! Try snowshoeing if there’s enough snow - bring your own or rent ours at the front desk. And if there isn’t any snow? We’ll hike anyway! Dress for the weather. All ages welcome.
Members Only January 21 7:00 p.m. FFNC
Fontenelle Forest Photography Club For January, members will share their photo destinations and have a swap meet. Visit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org for more info on the Photography Club.
January 30 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. FFNC Leaders: Ann Cole & Mary Lou Alfieri
Little Stars Astronomy Do you know a preschool-aged child who’d love to learn what’s up in the sky? This new program series is geared towards kids ages 3-5 and focuses on a different astronomy topic once a month from January through May. Drop in anytime to learn through hands-on experiments, games, and going outside. Adults must accompany children.
January 31 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kelly Propst
Family Sundays in the Forest: A Snowshoe Excursion When there’s snow on the ground, the whole family can have fun! Two guided snowshoe hikes will take place, each lasting about 45 minutes - one around 1 pm and the other around 2:15 pm. Bring your own snowshoes, or rent adult- and child-sized snowshoes when you arrive. Remember we can still hike if there’s no snow! Dress for the weather and bring water.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED January and February 2016
8
Members Only February 4 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Bird Club For February, the Forest’s own Catherine Kuper will enlighten us on the history of Fontenelle Forest.
February 5 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader: Tracy Van Zee
February Campfire Program: Who IS That? Bring a blanket and a buddy and grab a spot by the fire for an evening of owl lore! Learn some fun facts, and hear some interesting stories about these feathered friends. Meet an owl or two up close! We will be inside of Camp Brewster Lodge this month, and don’t forget to bring your cup for hot cocoa after the program.
February 6 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.
February 7 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kris Chavez
February 8 10:00a.m. - 11:30a.m. CB Leader: Kate Murphy
Family Sundays in the Forest: Forest Photos Photography enthusiasts of all ages will love this workshop-style program focused on mindful hiking and photo composition. Kids, teens, and adults will have the opportunity to learn what makes photos visually pleasing, and then take a guided hike and capture images themselves. Each participant or family will need a camera of some type, whether it be a phone or a DSLR, but quality is not important. Those with digital images will have the opportunity to share their photos with the group for feedback. Dress for the weather. Home School Science Discoveries: The Water Cycle in Winter Through experiments and activities, students will discover how the water cycle works in winter. The group will create clouds, rain, snow and ice. A themed snack is included. Please dress for the weather as we will be spending some time outside. Registration is required and is limited to 12 students ages 5 - 11. There is a $5.00 materials fee per student.
February 9 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader: Catherine Kuper
Seniors Understanding Nature: The Stories Along Our History Trail Den Hynes, one of our own Teacher Naturalists, will present a program about our History Trail including the Fontenelle Trading Post and the ancient people who once lived here.
February 14 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Denise Lewis
Family Sundays in the Forest: Raptors... Live! Valentine’s Edition Stop by the Nature Center and fall in love with our raptor ambassadors on Valentine’s Day! Meet the live birds and their handlers, and learn all about their lives. Be sure to bring your camera for photos with your loved ones, both human and feathered.
February 14 2:00p.m. - 3:30p.m. FFNC Leader: Eric Scholar
Winter Tree Hike How do you identify trees during winter, when there are no leaves to be found? Join Teacher Naturalist Eric Scholar for a fun guided hike as you learn to identify trees by looking at their bark, buds, and twigs. Dress for the weather and for hiking on the trails. This hike is best suited for those aged 10 and up.
Members Only February 18 7:00 p.m. FFNC
Fontenelle Forest Photography Club Doug French and Pete Carbonell be giving a presentation on Lightroom software. Visit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org for more info on the Photography Club.
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
9
January and February 2016
February 21 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Holly Hofreiter
Family Sundays in the Forest: Winter Birds Do you know the winter birds and their feeding habits? Bring the whole family and learn identifiable characteristics while playing a game and watching birds at the feeders. Then, if you head out for a hike, look for birds and see if you can tell who they are!
Members Only February 25 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Insect Club For February, Brad Carlson, Insect Club member, will present on his recent insect seeking trip to Peru.
February 27 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. FFNC Leaders: Ann Cole & Mary Lou Alfieri
Little Stars Astronomy Do you know a preschool-aged child who’d love to learn what’s up in the sky? This new program series is geared towards kids ages 3-5 and focuses on a different astronomy topic once a month from January through May. Drop in anytime to learn through hands-on experiments, games, and going outside. Adults must accompany children.
SAVE THE DATE Upcoming programs at Fontenelle Forest
March 12 8:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. WLC Leaders: Clem Klaphake & Justin Rink
Introductory Bird Identification Class: Three Part Course Beginning March 12 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. No prior knowledge of bird identification is needed. 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 16, and Part 3 will be held on May 7. A fee of $25 is due before the start of the firest class.
February 28 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kelly Propst
Family Sundays in the Forest: A Snowshoe Excursion When there’s snow on the ground, the whole family can have fun! Two guided snowshoe hikes will take place, each lasting about 45 minutes - one around 1 pm and the other around 2:15 pm. Bring your own snowshoes, or rent adult- and child-sized snowshoes when you arrive. Remember we can still hike if there’s no snow! Dress for the weather and bring water.
March 17 7:00 p.m. FFNC Leader: Clem Klaphake
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED January and February 2016
10
Audubon Society of Omaha speaker: Snowy Owls with Denver Holt Well known Snowy Owl researcher, Denver Holt, will be giving a talk on his many years of research in Alaska. Mark your calendars for Thursday March 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Forest Room. Admission is free. The Audubon Society of Omaha is the primary sponsor of this program and Fontenelle Forest is providing the facility. More information will be provided in the March/April Leaflet.
AT A GLANCE
February
January 3 Yoga in the Forest
4 Members Only: Bird Club
7 Members Only: Bird Club
5 Campfire Program:
8 Campfire Program: Cool Canines
6 Bird Banding at Aksarben Aquarium
9 Raptor Bird-Day Party!
7 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Forest Photos
10 Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: Tracks and Scat Detectives
8 Home School Science Discoveries*
12 Seniors Understanding Nature: Save the Oaks
9 Seniors Understanding Nature: History Trail
17 Yoga in the Forest
14 Yoga in the Forest
21 Fontenelle Forest Photography Club
18 Fontenelle Forest Photography Club
23 Members Only: Nature Explorers*
20 Members Only: Nature Explorers*
24 Yoga in the Forest
21 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Craft Time Snowshoe Hike
Winter Tree Hike Raptors... Live! Valentine’s Edition
Family Sundays: Winter Birds
30 Little Stars Astronomy
25 Members Only: Insect Club
31 Yoga in the Forest
27 Little Stars Astronomy
Family Sundays: A Snowshoe Excursion
28 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: A Snowshoe Excursion
Mud Pies meets Monday - Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. for children ages 5 and younger. New for 2016: Mud Pies in the Afternoon meets on Thursday afternoons from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. for children ages 5 and under. * denotes program that requires registration
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
11
January and February 2016
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 • Hours: Open daily, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Closed December 25 & January 1 • Trails open dawn to dusk for FF members. Nonmembers admitted before close have trail access until dusk
14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha, NE 68112 • Trails open year round, dawn to dusk • Nature center CLOSED for renovation
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)