Canoe the Great Marsh returns June 1! Inside this issue: Meet our new Director New summer hours Omaha Gives! is May 25
New summer hours!
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Greetings Fontenelle Forest Members and Friends! I have some wonderful news to share with you! On behalf of the Fontenelle Forest Board and staff, I am delighted to announce that the Board of Directors recently approved the appointment of Merica Whitehall as the Forest’s new Executive Director.
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be open extended hours for the summer season on weekdays beginning this Memorial Day! Nature Center Summer hours (May 30th thru September 5)
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Take advantage of the long summer evenings by exploring the Forest after a long day of work or sharing the outdoors with a guest! All trails will still be open from dawn to dusk. Member fobs will be needed to access Nature Center trails after 7:00 p.m. on weeknights and 5:00 p.m. on weekends.
Summer camps begin June 6
Merica (whose first name rhymes with Theresa) is an Omaha native and fifth generation Nebraskan. She was educated in the Omaha Public Schools and graduated from UNO. Merica currently serves as Executive Director of the Nature Consortium, a grassroots, community-based organization in Seattle, Washington. The Nature Consortium’s mission is to connect people, arts, and nature. Merica Whitehall’s background includes over twenty years of nonprofit leadership, both on a local and statewide level, as well as experience as an adjunct professor of nonprofit management at Seattle University. Merica will begin her new Executive Director role at the Forest on June 13th. I encourage each of you to introduce yourself to Merica when you see her at Fontenelle Forest. Congrats to Merica!
Don’t forget to register for Nature Discovery summer day camps!
fontenelleforest.org/camps We have amazing opportunities from children of all ages, including new camps for toddlers and ages 12-14. Space is limited so register soon!
Ready - Set - Give!
I am also pleased to inform you that Fontenelle Forest’s April 22nd Feather Our Nest fundraiser was a great success! Achievement of the event’s financial goals was the result of a great team effort on the part of the Forest Guild, Board, Friends, staff and the Community. More than 420 people attended the evening gala and participated in the silent auction, banquet and live auction. My hat’s off to all who helped to make our annual Feather Our Nest fundraiser a triumph! Omaha Gives! is Wednesday, May 25th! Schedule your donation for the big day now at:
Plans are underway to celebrate the grand opening of our new Raptor Woodland Refuge exhibit which will open soon. This one-of-a-kind outdoor live animal display will showcase more than twenty non-releasable birds of prey. (Exhibit grand opening details will be announced on the Forest website.)
omahagives24.org Our members play an essential role in everything that we do. In 2015, Fontenelle Forest provided environmental education opportunities for over 40,000 school children, rescued over 500 raptors throughout the state, began an important plan to restore our centuries-old oak savannas, and provided an opportunity to visit the quiet wild to over 100,000 people. Help us make 2016 (and beyond) even better!
Finally, this summer I hope you’ll take advantage of the many opportunities afforded by the Forest to experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. See you on the trails! - Tad Leeper, Interim Executive Director May and June 2016
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PROGRAMS
MUD PIES For ages 5 and younger. Monday - Thursday Until May 19 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. FFNC Leader: Lindsay Cooley
Every Thursday Until May 19 12:30p.m.-2:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kate Murphy
Programs are listed in chronological order 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. 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. This program is for children ages 5 and younger.
WILD SUMMER DAYS For ages 11 and younger. Wednesdays and Fridays Beginning June 1 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. FFNC Leader: Lindsay Cooley
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!
YOGA IN THE FOREST Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. - rain or shine! Every Sunday morning 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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Members Only May 4 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Bird Club Please note: The Bird Club’s May meeting has been rescheduled to Wed May 4. Rick Schmid will present on difficult bird identifications during spring migration.
May 6 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader: Tracy Van Zee
May Campfire Program: Forest Mothers and Babies Join us for a celebration of Mother’s Day as we explore the many mothers of the forest. Learn about the unique mother and offspring relationships that can we find outside our doors and enjoy stories honoring our own mothers, including Mother Nature! Grab a buddy and bring a blanket, and don’t forget to bring a cup for hot cocoa (or lemonade – depending upon the weather!).
May 7 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. WLC Leaders: Jamie Vann
Teen Naturalist Training: Pond Dipping Come out to the Wetlands and explore with the Teen Naturalist Trainees. We will hike along the stream, check out the beaver activity, look for birds on the Great Marsh, and dip for macro-invertebrates in the pond. This is for teens from 13 to 19. You need to dress for the weather and be prepared to get damp and muddy. Questions? Contact Jamie Vann at jvann@ fontenelleforest.org
May 8 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leaders: Chris Robie
Family Sundays in the Forest: Pollinators What’s all this buzz about the peril of pollinators? They say that for every 3 bites of food we eat we should thank a pollinator. Who are these guys and where are they at Fontenelle Forest and your backyard? Learn how you can help them including Citizen Scientist Projects. All moms get a free packet of flower seeds. Free elderberry plant for each family. Kids will enjoy pretending to be a pollinator in a tasty model. Let’s enjoy helping the pollinators help us!
May and June 2016
May 10 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader: Catherine Kuper
May 14 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. WLC Leader: Lisa CuevasJorgensen
May 15 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leaders: Heidi Seals & Adam Erickson
Seniors Understanding Nature: Courage to Continue Cherrie Beam Calloway from Nebraska Humanities will present part two of the story of Nebraska settler, Mariah Monihan, and her experiences from 1870 to 1885. Her dramatic presentation is based on historical facts. Wetlands into the Uplands Hike This moderately-paced hike will explore two different environments within the forest. We’ll start on the flat terrain of the wetlands and cross over into the hilly, sometimes steep, uplands. Recommended for those 10 years and older. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water, bug spray and a hat.
May 21 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leader: Kathy Fischer
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.
May 21 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. WLC Leader: Eric Scholar
Edible Plant Hike Curious about foraging for your own food? Whether for survival or just for fun, differentiating between edible and harmful plants is an important skill. Come learn examples of edible plants and how to identify them so that you can forage in your own backyard or neighborhood.
May 22 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leaders: Ingrid Johnson & Bonnie Newman
Family Sundays in the Forest: All About Beavers Drop by to learn about beavers, intriguing animals with flat tails and lustrous fur. Although sometimes considered pests, they create rich, watery habitat for fish, turtles, frogs, birds and ducks. Come find out where to spot them in Fontenelle Forest, too!
May 28 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.
May 29 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader: Dianne Guinn
Family Sundays in the Forest: Dipping in the Wetlands Have you ever wondered what is surviving under the water in our local ponds, rivers and lakes? Come out and help us discover the macroinvertebrates that are found in our “Dipping Pond” down at our wetlands. We’ll have a fun afternoon with dipping equipment and identification charts to help us I.D. these creatures and learn about their importance in this ecosystem.
June 1 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leader: 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 / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
Hike All Trails (On the Nature Center side of Fontenelle Forest) Join us to hike one half of the trails at Fontenelle Forest in one day. You will definitely get your exercise for the day as we will hike nearly 12 miles, but we will also get to see the forest in a new light. We will get to hike through Handsome Hollow, and all of the hills and ravines of the beautiful forest in the spring season. Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch you can eat on the trail. This will be a strenuous day of hiking, so come prepared and do some pre-hiking to get ready. Feel free to join us for the entire day or hike as far as you can and then head back.
May 16 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CB Leader: Kate Murphy
Home School Science Discoveries: Beginning Botany For May, Home School Science Discoveries will learn how plants reproduce. After dissecting a lily, we’ll visit the prairie to watch pollinators. Then the students will be challenged to hunt for plants that reproduce without making seeds. Snack is included. This program is limited to 12 students ages 5 - 11 and registration is required. There is a $5.00 materials fee per student.
Members Only May 19 7:00 p.m. WLC
Fontenelle Forest Photography Club For May, the Photography Club will be participating in a wetlands photo shoot. For more information, visit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED May and June 2016
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Members Only June 2 6:00p.m. CB Leader: Rick Schmid
Bird Club This is the club’s annual pot luck dinner and business meeting for election of officers for the next year.
June 3 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leader: Tracy Van Zee
June Campfire Program: Radical Reptiles As the warmer weather arrives, the reptiles of the forest are stirring! Come enjoy an evening with family and friends as we explore the radical world of reptiles. Enjoy stories, learn fun facts, and even meet a couple of live reptile guests. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful weather. Don’t forget to bring a mug for some lemonade!
June 3 8:00p.m. - 9:30p.m. Neale Woods Leader: Bob Fuchs
June 4 6:00a.m. - 11:00p.m. FFNC Leaders: Jamie Vann & Rick Schmid
June 5 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Jayne Hutton
June 8 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leader: Nick Sauvageau
Constellation Observation Come up to Neale Woods and search the sky! We’ll meet at 8:30 pm and walk for a while til sunset, after which we’ll look for constellations. Bring a pair of binoculars if you desire to find deep sky objects! Program will be cancelled if the sky is overcast. BioBlitz 2016 Come help us identify the living organisms that make up Fontenelle Forest. The BioBlitz is a citizen science project which provides an opportunity for those interested in learning more about what lives in Fontenelle Forest to team up with experts as they identify the organisms that call the Forest home. Visit fontenelleforest.org the week of the event for more information! Family Sundays in the Forest: June Bugs June is a great month for bugs, and Fontenelle Forest is full of them! Whether beautiful or less than cute, bugs are fascinating and have more effect on us humans than we often realize. Come out for a hike or just to stick around the building and learn just how crazy these creatures can be on your way out or in. 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 / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
June 11 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader: 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 / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
June 11 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Eric Scholar
Pollinator Program and Hike Pollinators are the key to success for many plants all over the globe, and humans’ lives depend on them in many ways. Come learn how pollinators benefit us and find out what we can do to help them continue their important work. We’ll start off indoors for a presentation and then move outside for a hike to catch pollinators in action. All participants should bring water. Bug spray is encouraged, but if you are interested in touching any insects, please avoid spraying hands.
June 12 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kathy Heithoff
Family Sundays in the Forest: Dragonfly Migration Dragonflies are the source of countless myths and stories, and this beautiful insect is so fun to observe each summer. But what happens to them the rest of the year? Come find out more about these winged legends and their migration habits as you pass through the building on your way to the rest of the Forest.
June 12 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kathy Fischer
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.
June 13 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. FFNC Leader: Kate Murphy
Home School Science Discoveries: A Bug’s Life Join us on a quest to survey the insect life under logs, in the air, water and trees at Fontenelle Forest. Meet some special insects up close, make insect models, and enjoy a buggy snack. Snack is included. This program is limited to 12 students ages 5 - 11 and registration is required. There is a $5.00 materials fee per student.
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
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May and June 2016
June 15 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leader: 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 / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
June 25 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader: 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 / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
Members Only June 16 7:00 p.m. TBD
Fontenelle Forest Photography Club For June, the topic and location will be announced soon. For more information, visit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org.
June 25 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. FFNC Leader: David Muska
June 18 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader: 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 / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
Returning to Nature: Part 2 This day of exploration will provide opportunities to put into practice the skills and tools presented at last night’s presentation. Bring a lunch and a sense of adventure as we head out into the Forest to uncover the tales of the natural world. Registration is required and all ages are welcome. This workshop is $5 for members or $12 for non-members.
June 26 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. WLC Leader: Dianne Guinn
Family Sundays in the Forest: Dipping in the Wetlands Have you ever wondered what is surviving under the water in our local ponds, rivers and lakes? Come out and help us discover the macroinvertebrates that are found in our “Dipping Pond” down at our wetlands. We’ll have a fun afternoon with dipping equipment and identification charts to help us I.D. these creatures and learn about their importance in this ecosystem.
June 29 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Kate Murphy
International Mud Day Join us to celebrate “International Mud Day.” Make mud seed balls. Paint with mud. But best of all play in the mud!!! You can bring a picnic supper for your family to enjoy on the plaza.
June 29 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leader: 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 / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.
June 18 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. WLC Leader: Lisa CuevasJorgensen
Wetlands into the Uplands Hike This moderately-paced hike will explore two different environments within the forest. We’ll start on the flat terrain of the wetlands and cross over into the hilly, sometimes steep, uplands. Recommended for those 10 years and older. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water, bug spray and a hat. Meet at the Wetlands Learning Center.
Members Only June 23 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Insect Club Dr. Ted Burk will present on identification of local butterflies and the annual butterfly count sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association. Dr. Burk is a Professor of Biology at Creighton University where he teaches several classes, including entomology.
June 24 6:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m. FFNC Leader: David Muska
Returning to Nature: Part 1 Join us for an evening with David Muska of Ondatra Adventures. This presentation will introduce the tools and information necessary to creating meaning relationships with nature as individuals, families and community members. Join us on March 26th for the Community Workshop as well! Registration is required and all ages are welcome. This program is free for members or with daily admission.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED May and June 2016
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AT A GLANCE
June
May 1 Yoga in the Forest
1 Canoe the Great Marsh*
4 Members Only: Bird Club
2 Members Only: Bird Club
6 Campfire Program: Forest Mothers & Babies
3 Campfire Program: Radical Reptiles
Constellation Observation at Neale Woods
7 Teen Naturalist Training
4 BioBlitz 2016
8 Yoga in the Forest
5 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Pollinators
Family Sundays: June Bugs
10 Seniors Understanding Nature:
8 Canoe the Great Marsh*
Courage to Continue
14 Wetlands into the Uplands Hike
11 Canoe the Great Marsh*
Pollinator Program and Hike
15 Yoga in the Forest
12 Yoga in the Forest
Hike All Trails (Nature Center side)
Family Sundays: Dragonfly Migration Raptors... Live!
16 Home School Science Discoveries* 19 Fontenelle Forest Photography Club
13 Home School Science Discoveries*
21 Raptors... Live!
15 Canoe the Great Marsh*
Edible Plant Hike
16 Fontenelle Forest Photography Club
22 Yoga in the Forest
Famly Sundays: All About Beavers
18 Canoe the Great Marsh*
Wetlands into the Uplands Hike
28 Little Stars Astronomy
19 Yoga in the Forest
29 Yoga in the Forest
Family Sundays: Dipping in the Wetlands
23 Members Only: Insect Club 24 Returning to Nature: Part 1*
Mud Pies meets Monday - Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. until May 19. Mud Pies is for children 5 and under.
25 Canoe the Great Marsh*
Returning to Nature: Part 2*
26 Yoga in the Forest
Mud Pies in the Afternoon meets on Thursday afternoons from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. until May 19. Mud Pies is for children 5 and under.
Family Sundays: Dipping in the Wetlands
29 International Mud Day
Canoe the Great Marsh*
Wild Summer Days meets Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. beginning June 1. WSD is for children 11 and under. * denotes program that requires registration
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
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May and June 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) • 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 Admission: $7 Adult | $6 Senior (62+)| $5 Child (2-17) Visit Fontenelleforest.org for the latest information
Neale Woods 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 Admission: $5 Adult | $4 Senior (62+) | $3 Child (2-17)