RAPTOR WOODLAND REFUGE Grand Opening: July 16 Members Preview: July 15 See page 2 for more information
Raptor Woodland Refuge Grand Opening Fontenelle Forest Members Sneak Preview Friday, July 15th from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Are you ready to explore Raptor Woodland Refuge? Our latest addition to the Nature Center will open in July and provide a great opportunity to observe many species of birds of prey in a unique outdoor setting. Observe a raptor, learn more about Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery, and traverse our suspended walkways high above the forest floor!
Drop by the Nature Center for a special members-only viewing of the brand new Raptor Woodland Refuge! This is your chance to see the Refuge before the public opening on the 16th. Enjoy light snacks and enter a raptor-related raffle giveaway. Raptor Woodland Refuge is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. year round beginning on Saturday, June 16th. Follow us on Facebook / Twitter or check fontenelleforest.org for updates on the opening weekend.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR areas. And so each time I am quick to reply, “Fontenelle Forest isn’t just for kids.” Experiences that connect us to the natural world are important for our happiness, health and well-being.
Hello Everyone! It’s been three weeks since I relocated back home to the Metro area and two weeks since I started working as the executive director at the Forest. Not much time has passed but the experience I’ve had here so far has been rich and invigorating.
In 2015, a group of Stanford University researchers published a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The study highlights the vital role access to nature provides to people that live in cities. Researchers reported that the rate of urbanization throughout the world is increasing at an alarming rate. This growth is accompanied by a decrease in the access and exposure that people have to nature and an increase in the levels of anxiety and depression people experience. The research also revealed that people who went on a 90-min walk through a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination and showed reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness compared with those who walked through an urban environment. These results suggest that accessible natural areas may be vital for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world.
My time thus far has been spent meeting and greeting the wonderful staff, volunteers, and community that enjoys and supports the work of Fontenelle Forest. Several deer and wild turkey have visited the window inviting me to come out and walk in the woods as I sit busy at my computer. Office visitors have included three baby Short-Eared Owls, a Western Screech Owl, and a baby Cooper’s Hawk. It’s so nice to be able to tell you that every introduction and new experience I’ve had at the Forest has been full or warmth and welcome. I’m told that this is just the nature of Fontenelle Forest. I feel quite fortunate to have come to this place because the sense of connection and well-being that I am experiencing is something I am thrilled to be able to share with you! Of course, you get it. You are on the Forest’s mailing list and I hope you are a regular visitor to our piece of paradise along the Missouri River. But sadly, there are still too many people in our community that have found themselves stuck in the concrete prairie.
In Jeremy Coles’ article “How Nature is Good for Our Health and Happiness” he cites another study that reveals how children exposed to the natural world show increases in self-esteem; learn how to take healthy risks; are able to unleash their creativity; and, experience the benefits of exercise, play, and discovery.
As I’ve met new people and made new friends, I’m consistently asked what brought me back to Omaha after living in Seattle for 20 years. Excitedly, I tell them, I came back to work at Fontenelle Forest. And consistently, I hear the same refrain. “Oh, I went there when I was a kid.”
It has been said that “happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” Fontenelle Forest’s mission is to provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. We want to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world. It is my pleasure as executive director to invite you to share in the warmth, the welcome, and the well-being that is here for you at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.
It’s not difficult to understand when people reply in this manner. The Forest proudly provides nature education and outdoor experiences for close to 40,000 school children throughout our community each year. However, the importance and necessity of exposure to nature in our lives never ends and there are real health consequences to being isolated in urban Merica Whitehall, Executive Director July and August 2016
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PROGRAMS
WILD SUMMER DAYS For ages 11 and younger. Wednesdays and Fridays Through July 29 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. FFNC Leader: Lindsay Cooley
Programs are listed in chronological order Wild Summer Days Every child should experience the magic of holding a snail or smelling a wildflower, and learning alongside a special adult in their life. This summer, connect your child to the natural world by experiencing it together! Come to Wild Summer Days, a drop-in program for adults and children ages 11 to infant, for hands-on learning and technology-free play indoors and out. Due to the types of activities offered and the amazing benefits of adult-child interaction in nature play, one adult is required to accompany every two children. Drop in and play with us, and experience the wild of Fontenelle Forest this summer!
July 2 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader: Karen Wagoner
Minks & Ferrets Are Mustelids What on earth is a mustelid? Stop by to find out about these smelly carnivores’ life histories, and learn which live in Nebraska – even in Fontenelle Forest! You may even experience a living mustelid up close.
July 2 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. WLC Leader: Jamie Vann
Teen Naturalist Trainees The mission of Fontenelle Forest’s Teen Naturalist Trainee program is to engage teens in learning, leadership, and service within the natural world. For July, the TNTs will practice fire building skills and techniques, then enjoy s’mores!
MUD PIES For ages 5 and younger. Monday - Thursday Returns August 15 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. FFNC Leader: Lindsay Cooley
Every Thursday Returns August 18 12:30p.m.-2:00p.m. FFNC Leader: 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 July 9 for children ages 5 and younger. 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Mud Pies in the Afternoon Leader: Grace Gaard 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. This program is for children ages 5 and younger.
YOGA IN THE FOREST Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. - rain or shine! Every Sunday morning EXCEPT JULY 3 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.
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July 9 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. Camp Wakonda Leaders: Eric Scholar
Teen Naturalist Trainees is for students from 13 to 19 years old. We meet once a month, typically on the 1st Saturday of the month. During the meetings we have a chance to experience nature, explore the Forest, and have fun together. There are also a variety of great opportunities to volunteer at Fontenelle Forest. If you are a teen who would be interested in joining the Teen Naturalist Trainees please e-mail Jamie Vann (jvann@fontenelleforest.org) for more information on our next meeting and an application. Canoe the Great Marsh Have you ever wanted to see Fontenelle Forest in a totally different way? Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required. A Hike Through History Did you know that Fontenelle Forest has evidence of people living on its ridge tops from almost 1,000 years ago? Or that you can still see the foundation blocks of the first trading post in Bellevue? Come walk through history on this guided hike and discover the History Trail’s rich cultural resource for yourself. Please note – this hike meets at Camp Wakonda. Water is not available at the trailhead; please bring along any water you will need.
July and August 2016
July 10 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leaders: Bonnie Newman & Ingrid Johnson
July 13 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. Neale Woods Leader: Kelly Propst
Family Sundays in the Forest: Let’s See the Beavers! Beavers are one of nature’s most powerful landscape transformers, and evidence of their activity can be seen with just a short walk in Fontenelle Forest’s wetlands. Come meet in front of the Wetlands Learning Center and take a guided walk on some beautiful floodplain trails. Trails are fairly wide and level, able to accommodate rugged strollers. Please note – water is not available at the trailhead; please bring along any water you will need. A portapotty is available. Neale Woods Evening Hike End your work day with a beautiful evening hike up at Neale Woods! You’ll experience a little prairie, a little forest, and lots of beautiful views on this great guided hike. Meet in the parking lot. Please note – water is not available; please bring along any water you will need. A portapotty is available.
July 15 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
July 19 8:00p.m. - 10:00p.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Full Moon Canoeing Ever wonder what the Great Marsh is like at night when the moon is full? Come with your head lamp ready in case the clouds are out, and enjoy the chorus of the night in our Wetlands! Recommended for older children and adults. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for nonmembers. Registration is required.
July 23 5:30a.m. - 7:30a.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Sunrise Canoeing If you’re looking for a reason to get up early on a weekend – look no further! The Great Marsh is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise, and the plants and animals will be busy waking up to greet the day! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
July 30 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Canoe the Great Marsh Have you ever wanted to see Fontenelle Forest in a totally different way? Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
July 30 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Jeff Lacey
Write in the Forest 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.
August 6 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Canoe the Great Marsh Have you ever wanted to see Fontenelle Forest in a totally different way? Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
Raptor Woodland Refuge - Members Sneak Preview Drop by the Nature Center for a special members-only viewing of the brand new Raptor Woodland Refuge! This is your chance to see the Refuge before the public opening on the 16th. Enjoy light snacks and enter a raptor-related raffle giveaway. July 16 and 17 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Raptor Woodland Refuge - Grand Opening Weekend
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED July and August 2016
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August 6 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. WLC Leader: Jamie Vann
Teen Naturalist Trainees The mission of Fontenelle Forest’s Teen Naturalist Trainee program is to engage teens in learning, leadership, and service within the natural world. For August, the TNTs will review their canoe skills and practice canoeing in the Great Marsh! Teen Naturalist Trainees is for students from 13 to 19 years old. We meet once a month, typically on the 1st Saturday of the month. During the meetings we have a chance to experience nature, explore the Forest, and have fun together. There are also a variety of great opportunities to volunteer at Fontenelle Forest. If you are a teen who would be interested in joining the Teen Naturalist Trainees please e-mail Jamie Vann (jvann@fontenelleforest.org) for more information on our next meeting and an application.
August 10 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Canoe the Great Marsh Have you ever wanted to see Fontenelle Forest in a totally different way? Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
August 10 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. WLC Leader: Kelly Propst
Wetlands Evening Hike An evening in the wetlands is the perfect time and place for encountering wildlife, from beavers to frogs to owls to bats. End your work day the good way and join us for this wonderful guided hike. Meet in front of the Wetlands Learning Center. Please note – water is not available; please bring along any water you will need. A portapotty is available.
August 13 5:40a.m. - 7:40a.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Sunrise Canoeing If you’re looking for a reason to get up early on a weekend – look no further! The Great Marsh is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise, and the plants and animals will be busy waking up to greet the day! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
August 13 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. Camp Brewster Leader: Eric Scholar
Prairie Wildflower Hike Late summer is prime time for brilliant wildflowers! Make your way through the prairie on this guided walk and learn to identify the wildflowers you see. Whether you are an avid botanist or just love colorful blooms, you’ll be delighted by this great hike.
August 14 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kathy Fischer
Family Sundays in the Forest: 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.
August 18 8:00p.m. - 10:00p.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Full Moon Canoeing Ever wonder what the Great Marsh is like at night when the moon is full? Come with your head lamp ready in case the clouds are out, and enjoy the chorus of the night in our Wetlands! Recommended for older children and adults. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for nonmembers. Registration is required.
August 20 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Lisa CuevasJorgensen
Snakes Up Close Snakes are a crucial part of Fontenelle Forest’s ecosystem, even though they might not qualify as the cuddliest animal out there. Stop by to learn more about snakes and find out what makes them amazing!
August 22 - 26 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Camp Brewster Leaders: Debra Beck Cost: See interpnet.com
NAI Certified Interpretive Guide Workshop The nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is designed for anyone in the interpretive field. Whether you’re a new hire, a professional looking to refresh your skills, or beginning a second career, this course will aid you in improving your presentation and communication techniques. The course combines both the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors. For more information, contact Debra Beck at dbeck@fontenelleforest.org or call (402) 731-3140. To register, visit NAI at interpnet.com and look for the Certification Training Calendar.
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
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July and August 2016
August 21 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Suzanne Hasiak
August 24 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Family Sundays in the Forest: Those Crazy Reptiles What makes a reptile? What role do they play in ecosystems? Why do they get such a bad rap? Stop by to find out the answers to these questions, add your opinions, and bring your own questions too.
SAVE THE DATE Upcoming programs at Fontenelle Forest
Canoe the Great Marsh Have you ever wanted to see Fontenelle Forest in a totally different way? Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
September 5 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. WLC Leader: Kate Murphy
Home School Science Discoveries: Fish Tales For September, Home School Science Discoverers will explore the watery world of the fish. Compare fish species. Hunt for fish in the pond and Great Marsh. Create a Gyotaku fish print of a native Nebraska fish. Snack is included. This program is limited to 12 students ages 5 11 per session and registration is required. Cost: Free for members / $7.50 for nonmembers.
September 6 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Canoe the Great Marsh Have you ever wanted to see Fontenelle Forest in a totally different way? Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
August 25 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Members Only: Insect Club For August, Dr. Jonathan Larson from UNL will present on the Emerald Ash Borer, which has unfortunately now arrived in our area.
August 27 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Canoe the Great Marsh Have you ever wanted to see Fontenelle Forest in a totally different way? Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
September 9 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leaders: Tracy Van Zee & Tad Leeper
August 28 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Bob Fuchs
Family Sundays in the Forest: Animal Encounters Fontenelle Forest is home to hundreds of species of living things, and today you have the chance to experience some animal species up close! Stop by to meet an animal ambassador and learn how its adaptations would help it survive in the wild.
September Campfire Program: Mighty Migrators Cooler fall weather gives many animals the itch to get moving – moving to warmer locations that is! Join us for a family-friendly evening filled with stories and songs about the many different kinds of animals that migrate with the seasons. Great and small, they all have a story to share! Bring a blanket, a buddy, and a cup for lemonade.
September 10 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau
Canoe the Great Marsh Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.
September 13 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leaders: Tracy Van Zee & Alex Wiles
Seniors Understanding Nature: International Travelogues - West Africa and New Zealand Follow conservation photographer Alex Wiles on his journey to photograph wildlife conservation around the world. For this program, Alex traveled to West Africa and New Zealand in search of lost frogs, scaled pangolins, and prehistoric reptiles known as tuatara.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED July and August 2016
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AT A GLANCE
August
July 2 Minks and Ferrets Are Mustelids
6 Canoe the Great Marsh*
9 A Hike Through History
7 Yoga in the Forest
Teen Naturalist Trainees
Teen Naturalist Trainees
Canoe the Great Marsh*
10 Canoe the Great Marsh*
10 Yoga in the Forest
Evening Hike
Family Sundays: Let’s See the Beavers!
13 Sunrise Canoeing*
13 Evening Hike
Prairie Wildflower Hike
15 Raptor Woodland Refuge Members Preview
14 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Raptors... Live!
16 Canoe the Great Marsh*
18 Full Moon Canoeing*
Raptor Woodland Refuge Grand Opening
17 Yoga in the Forest
20 Snakes Up Close
19 Full Moon Canoeing*
21 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Those Crazy Reptiles
23 Sunrise Canoeing*
22 NAI Certified Interpretive Guide Workshop
24 Yoga in the Forest
24 Canoe the Great Marsh*
30 Canoe the Great Marsh* Write in the Forest
25 Members Only: Insect Club 27 Canoe the Great Marsh*
31 Yoga in the Forest
28 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Animal Encounters
Wild Summer Days meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. until July 29. WSD is for children 11 and under. Mud Pies meets Monday - Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. starting August 15. Mud Pies is for children 5 and under. Mud Pies in the Afternoon meets on Thursday afternoons from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. starting August 18. Mud Pies is for children 5 and under. * denotes program that requires registration FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
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July and August 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 1111 Bellevue Boulevard North, Bellevue, NE 68005 • Hours: Open daily, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Summer Weekday Hours: 8:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. (Summer hours run M-F from May 30 - September 5) Raptor Woodland Refuge: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily starting 7/16 • Trails open sunrise to sunset for FF members. Non-members admitted before close have trail access until dusk Admission: Fontenelle Forest members: Free One Day Admission: $9.50 Adult | $8.50 Senior (62+)| $7.50 Child (2-17) Visit Fontenelleforest.org for the latest information
Neale Woods 14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha, NE 68112 • Trails open year round, sunrise to sunset • Nature center is currently closed Admission: Fontenelle Forest members: Free One Day Admission: $5 Adult | $4 Senior (62+) | $3 Child (2-17)