Important Information: Holiday Hours
2016 has been a landmark year for Fontenelle Forest, a year of new beginnings and important changes. We’ve celebrated the opening of the amazing Raptor Woodland Refuge and the arrival of a new executive director. We reached nearly 40,000 area students with important environmental education and rescued over 500 birds of prey from throughout the states of Nebraska and Iowa. The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center continues to see more visitors every year, offering a vital resource to the local community - an escape to nature only minutes from the city.
Important Dates November 17-19 All trails at Neale Woods closed for managed deer hunt. December 1-2 All trails and buildings at Neale Woods and Fontenelle Forest closed for managed deer hunt.
As the year comes to a close, we’re thankful for all of our members and supporters that help make everything Fontenelle Forest does possible. We wish everyone a very happy holiday season and a new year full of possibilities.
December 3 Fontenelle Forest Nature Center and Raptor Woodland Refuge are open. All trails at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods closed for managed deer hunt.
We are announcing three closures that will take place over the next two months. The first two are for our annual managed deer hunts that function as an important tool in our land management’s arsenal to control deer populations and prevent overbrowsing and over-crowding.
December 22 - January 2 Holiday closure. All trails and buildings at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods closed during the holidays.
We will also be closed during the holidays beginning on Wednesday, December 22 and will reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd. This closure, during the quietest time of the year here at the Forest, includes all trails and buildings at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.
November and December 2016
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Yeggy Michael Art Exhibit
Mud Pies in 2017 Mud Pies has been one of the most successful programs here at Fontenelle Forest. Since its inception, Mud Pies has provided the opportunity for thousands of young children and their adults to spend time together exploring nature! Starting in January 2017, we will return to charging a materials and supply fee for the Mud Pies program. This change will allow us to continue to provide a high quality nature experience for everyone. The cost is as follows... Daily Mud Pies admission is $3 per child for Fontenelle Forest members. The non-member rate is $5 per child plus daily admission. A yearly Mud Pies pass will be available to Fontenelle Forest members. This pass provides access to Mud Pies for a full year on a once-a-week basis. The Mud Pies pass goes on sale December 1st at an introductory rate of $100. This price increases to $150 on February 1st. The new prices will begin on Monday, January 9th when Mud Pies resumes after the holidays. The annual pass will be available for purchase at the Nature Center or online.
The art of Yegizaw “Yeggy” Michael will be on display at the Nature Center beginning Monday, December 5th. We’re excited to bring Yeggy’s colorful art to Nebraska for the first time. Members will be invited to meet the artist and learn more about his work, date to be announced soon.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Chalen at 402-731-3140 or echalen@fontenelleforest.org.
Yegizaw Michael is from Eritrea and has exhibited his art works around the world, including Kenya, Uganda, Austria and the United States. He currently resides in Seattle, Washington.
Holiday Gift Shop Specials
His artist statement:
Looking for a unique holiday gift for the nature lover in your life? Stop by the Gift Shop at the Nature Center for a wide assortment of fun merchandise for people of all ages. Fontenelle Forest clothing, toys, books, and more!
“My vision is to provoke questions and provide a sense of place within the natural cycles of life, our ever-changing environment, and the movement and existence of time. My creative journey stems from the search for universal connections between mankind and nature.
Stop by during the weekend after Thanksgiving for a special Black Friday sale: 25% off regular priced merchandise for members / 10% off for non-members. This discount is only offered once per year!
In their evidently random encounters, I find myself painting and creating. My art and its vast hues are a reflection of our interaction with the universe. I have traveled across three continents and seen the fire of the summer sun, the importance of life in water, the winds and the land and the beauty of snow its mountains. In order to provide a sense of place for my audience to connect with, I’ve used all kind of materials paint, metal, stone, glass, tile, paint, wood; to reinterpret the abstract, cyclical nature of all things.”
Also.. Don’t forget about our delicious volunteer-made apple pies! They are a great gift at only $10 each for members or $12 each for non-members, and every dollar supports the Forest.
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November and December 2016
Education Corner Webology Area Students learn about the fascinating webs of life with the professional educators of Fontenelle Forest. John Muir once said, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.� Students in the Omaha metro area are proving this to be true as they study the connections between living (and dead) creatures in the forest in our Webology program. Through generous support from the Midlands Community Foundation and the Omaha Schools Foundation, every 3rd grader in Bellevue Public Schools and every 4th grader in Omaha Public Schools gets to experience first-hand the food chains and food webs that make up this ecosystem. As they hike through the forest, students discover producers, consumers and decomposers, and stop along the way to investigate and draw the food webs they see right in front of them. As students compare their observations, they start to notice that each of their drawings could be connected to one another in a never-ending cycle of energy throughout the ecosystem. These forest classes also help build the framework through which students view their world, and serve as a reference point for the rest of the school year. Later in the year when their teacher mentions a decomposer, the students immediately remember the way the jelly fungus jiggled when they touched it, or the way the fallen leaves smelled as they crunched down the forest trails. When discussing how plants use photosynthesis to capture sunlight, students feel the sunlight filtered through the Bur Oak trees onto their faces. And when consumers are brought up, they instantly think back to the deer they saw chewing on young hackberry trees. Webology is just one of the many amazing programs that bring students out to the Forest to put on their scientist hats and observe nature, and maybe to just take a moment to breathe in the cycles of life happening all around them. - Elizabeth Chalen, Director of Education
November and December 2016
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Free Flight
Forest Family
It’s been another summer of mass quantities of Cooper’s Hawks coming in, many with West Nile virus. Once they recover, they can start to gain strength. After 40 plus birds, we were starting to wind down to just a few left. I had just moved two Hawks to the round corn crib to give them exercise experience where they can go up high, bank and fly in circles; this prepares them for a life of navigating through trees to catch their main prey; other birds. The day after I moved them, I went into the cage to drop off their afternoon snack. One Coop dropped to the ground, did an end run around me, and escaped before I could close the door. “Swell,” I thought. “This one will never survive.”
Meet Rick Schmid, the Forest’s Director of Operations and resident ornithologist. If you’ve attended any of our bird banding programs or participated in a club, you’ve likely experienced Rick’s enthusiasm in person.
For the next two days, there was no sign of the Loose Coop. on day 3 she was at the birdbath in the yard, but left quickly . Later, she was on a post outside her old cage, and again left quickly. But I put a quail on that post. On day 4 she was on the post, and the quail was gone. By day 5 she was waiting for me. I think the fact that were 2 other Coops in the cage she had occupied helped to attract her back.
How long have you worked at Fontenelle Forest? Since July 2009
The daily ritual of am and pm feeding continued; I was afraid this hawk was going to make the rehabilitation center her home, something that would not bode well for the resident American Kestrels, and other birds. But she did get stronger and more agile every day.
What is your background? I was born in Columbus, Nebraska and grew up in Sumter South Carolina. I returned to Nebraska and graduated from Norfolk Senior High School. I attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and obtained a B.S. in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering. I worked in the software industry for 26 years (23 years at ACI Worldwide in Omaha) prior to working at Fontenelle Forest.
One hot day, the Coop failed to come to the station. I continued to leave food for a few more days, but still no Coop. The bird had either left on its own, or had been taken by a larger hawk or owl. Such is Nature. About 2 weeks after Little Loose Coop released herself, she was spotted a half mile west of the rehbilitation center, flying across the road.
What do you do at Fontenelle Forest? Director of Operations, responsible for: facilities, accounting and finance, human resources, payroll, Insect Club & Bird Club liaison…and of course, bird banding.
What is your favorite part about working at Fontenelle Forest? I love being at the Forest every day, and I get outside as much as I can. I update all the nature sightings on our website and in the nature center.
One lesson I learned is that young Cooper’s Hawks are social, and like to hang out in groups before they disperse. That means we can actually release juveniles within known territories, where they can pick up hunting strategies from the adult Hawks. I also learned you can successfully hack them out: trying to live train Coops on flight end birds is not possible here.
What keeps you busy when you’re not working? Spending time in nature, especially birding and looking for insects. I also play golf and spend time with my wife, children and grandchildren. I am very active in my church, Waters Edge United Methodist, and I have planned, led and participated in ten mission trips to Belize. I have also planned and led numerous birding trips all over the U.S.
Regretfully, she was not banded, so we will never know her fate; but this Little Loose Coop proved her determination to not only survive, but thrive. She went from an emaciated, twitchy West Nile virus patient to full freedom. - Betsy Finch, Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation
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November and December 2016
November 5 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Schramm Park SRA near Gretna Leader: Rick Schmid
MUD PIES For ages 5 and younger. Monday - Thursday 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. Except: November 8 November 23-24 December 1 December 22 - January 5 FFNC Leader: Lindsay Cooley
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”. November 5 Check the calendar at fontenelleforest.org 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m. to learn the weekly topic. This program is FFNC for children ages 5 and younger. Leader: Jamie Vann
YOGA IN THE FOREST 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.
November 6 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. FFNC Leaders: Jim Beebe
PROGRAMS Programs are listed in chronological order Members Only November 3 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid
Bird Club Local artist, Lorelle Carr, will present on her unique project: 90 birds painted in 90 days.
November 4 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leaders: Tracy Van Zee & Tad Leeper
November Campfire Program: Mighty Migrators Rescheduled program from September: 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 or cocoa.
Honeysuckle Smackdown Join us for a special volunteer workday in the south upland area of Fontenelle Forest. We’ll be meeting at the Camp Wakonda parking lot and working to remove invasive honeysuckle. Bring a pair of loppers or just yourself. We will work in teams to cut and apply herbicide to control this nonnative plant. Wear long pants, long sleeves, boots and gloves. Bring a water bottle and your enthusiasm for creating a healthy, diverse woodland. Snacks will be provided. If you are interested in helping out, contact Jim Beebe at jbeebe@fontenelleforest.org or 402-731-3140.
November 7 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CB Leader: Kate Murphy
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED November and December 2016
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 November, the TNT’s will be working on a project and enjoying hot cocoa. 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. Contact Jamie Vann at jvann@fontenelleforest.org for more information.
Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. - rain or shine! Sunday mornings 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m. Except: December 25 January 1 FFNC Leader: Julie Mckeone
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.
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Home School Science Discoveries: Tracking Turkeys (Sold Out) Turkeys have amazing adaptations that allow them to survive in several different habitats. The Science Discoverers will walk the trails looking for evidence that flocks of turkey call Fontenelle Forest home. They’ll examine turkey feathers, skulls, feet, and scat. 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 non-members. A waiting list is available, email kmurphy@fontenelleforest.org to be added.
November 9 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leaders: Tracy Van Zee & Alex Wiles
Seniors Understanding Nature: Going Batty - Working with our Winged Friends Bats! Many people fear them. They are often misunderstood. Bats are really our friends. Join us for a batty program about the work that Nebraska Wildlife Rehab and Amy Campagna do with injured animals, including our nocturnal winged friends. We will even have an opportunity to meet a live bat! Please note: SUN is on Wednesday due to Election Day.
November 9 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. Neale Woods Leader: Kelly Propst
Sunset Hike at Neale Woods 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. Bring a headlamp if possible. Please note – water is not available; please bring along any water you will need. A portapotty is available.
November 12 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. FFNC Denise Lewis
Kestrel Day Join us for the first ever Kestrel Day here at Fontenelle Forest. We will be celebrating the American Kestrel, the smallest and most colorful Falcon found in Nebraska. These are big birds in a small package, and unfortunately, their numbers are declining, mainly because of lack of nesting habitat.
November 20 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Bob Goetschkes
Family Sundays in the Forest: Bird Migration Did you know that orioles fly thousands of miles south to Panama? Or, that barn swallows fly as far south as Argentina? Hummingbirds only weigh as much as a penny, yet they fly over 500 miles, without stopping. How do they know where to go? And, how do they find their way? Come find out as we explore bird migration.
November 26 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. WLC Leader: Wanda Pendley
Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure Dirt Time is back! If you’ve ever wanted to learn to interpret the animal clues around you, this is your opportunity. Come spend time literally in the dirt and gain the skills needed to “read” the forest and its animal inhabitants. All participants will receive a track guide for future use. Please dress for the weather and bring a pair of gloves that you don’t mind getting dirty.
December 1-3
Managed Deer Hunt December 1 and 2: All trails and buildings at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods are closed. December 3: All trails remain closed, Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is open including Raptor Woodland Refuge.
Families will learn about these nimble little falcons and assemble a Kestrel Nest box to take home with them. Folks will also be encouraged to report nesting success, as we will report the data to the Kestrel Foundation. There will also be a small class where ladies can bead weave a pair of Kestrel earrings – perfect gift idea for Kestrel lovers. Activities for kids will include take home crafts, face-painting, and a visit from 3 live educational kestrels. There will also be giveaways throughout the day, and the RWR will be open for tours. Snacks will be provided. Space is limited, so please RSVP. Price is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. This includes one Kestrel Nest box and admission for one family.
November 17-19
Managed Deer Hunt at Neale Woods All trails at Neale Woods closed.
December 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.
Members Only December 3 Four sessions 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. FFNC Leader: Kate Murphy
Going Wild with Gingerbread It’s time again for one of the year’s most popular events here at Fontenelle Forest! Use your imagination to create a gingerbread cabin complete with wildlife in your snow covered yard. $10 per child - includes all supplies needed to make a gingerbread house. Parents, grandparents, etc. are welcome and encouraged to join in their child’s fun. Registration is required. Space is limited, so register soon!
FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG
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November and December 2016
December 5 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CB Leader: Kate Murphy
December 9 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. CB Leaders: Tracy Van Zee & Tad Leeper
Home School Science Discoveries: The Winter Solstice Students will conduct demonstrations to understand the turning of the seasons. The class will learn the ancient story of the “Holly King” and the “Oak King.” On the trail the group will celebrate Winter’s arrival. 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. If sold out, a waiting list is available. Email kmurphy@fontenelleforest.org to be added. December Campfire Program: Long Winter Nights Winter nights can be long and cold. In fact, in December we have our shortest day of the year during the winter solstice. People have filled the dark with stories, songs, and warm fire light for generations. Enjoy some legends and tales of old beside a warm, cheery fire. Find out how people of other cultures and times filled these long, dark winter nights!
December 10 10:00a.m. - 11:30a.m. WLC Leader: Grace Gaard
Wetland Wander Don’t let the colder weather keep you from getting out there to explore! This time of year is great for identifying tracks, sighting bald eagles, and discovering the lay of land without all of those leaves in the way. Come see how great it is to be outdoors as winter approaches! Meet at the Wetlands Learning Center.
December 11 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leaders: Bonnie Newman & Kathy Heithoff
Family Sundays in the Forest: Deer in the Forest How much do you know about deer? Did you know that they are the smallest members of the family of animals known as Cervidae? And, that CERVIDAE means deer or deer-like in Latin. Did you know that antlers are not horns? Horns are permanent, whereas antlers are temporary. With a top speed of 36 miles per hour, a mature deer can outrun any predator. Come learn more interesting facts about deer and while you’re here join us in making a clothespin reindeer decoration for the tree.
December 13 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m. FFNC Leaders: Tracy Van Zee & Alex Wiles
Seniors Understanding Nature: Are the Vegetation Zones Changing? National Weather Service Meteorologist John Pollack will explore the changing climate and its impact on winter weather. We will take a look at how climate change is affecting the vegetation zones around our country. Could we see changes in our local ecosystem as plants attempt to adapt? Join us to learn about our changing world!
December 14 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. WLC Leader: Kelly Propst
Sunset Hike in the Wetlands End your work day with a beautiful evening hike down on the floodplain! You’ll experience the wetlands, the forest, and the sounds of critters getting ready for night. Bring a headlamp if possible. Please note – water is not available; please bring along any water you will need. A portapotty is available.
December 18 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Bob Goetschkes
Family Sundays in the Forest: Animal Tracks How many animal tracks can you identify? Come find out how to distinguish between tracks and learn more about the habits, habitats, signs, and ranges of the mammals that live in our forest.
Members Only December 20 5:30p.m. - 7:00p.m. FFNC Leader: Deborah Woracek
Winter Solstice Celebration Join us as we celebrate the shortest day and longest night of the year. We will welcome the light of longer days by making solstice crafts. We will take a winter hike to see what the animals do for winter and then come inside to have a solstice snack and cocoa. This program is designed for families with young children. Registration is required. Cost: $5 per person.
December 22 - January 2
Holiday Closure All trails and buildings closed at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED November and December 2016
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AT A GLANCE
December
November 3 Bird Club
1 Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods closed
4 Campfire Program: Mighty Migrators
2 Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods closed
5 Bird Banding at Aksarben Aquarium
3 Fontenelle Forest trails closed
Teenage Naturalist Trainees
Neale Woods closed Bird Banding at Aksarben Aquarium Going Wild with Gingerbread*
6 Honeysuckle Smackdown 7 Home School Science Discoveries (Sold Out)
5 Home School Science Discoveries
9 Seniors Understanding Nature
9 Campfire Program Long Winter Nights
Sunset Hike at Neale Woods
10 Wetland Wander
12 Kestrel Day*
11 Family Sundays: Deer in the Forest
17 Neale Woods Trails Closed
13 Seniors Understanding Nature
18 Neale Woods Trails Closed
14 Sunset Hike in the Wetlands
19 Neale Woods Trails Closed
18 Family Sundays: Animal Tracks
20 Family Sundays: Bird Migration
20 Winter Solstice Celebration*
26 Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure
22 - Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods closed Jan 2 - All buildings and trails closed
Mud Pies meets most Monday - Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mud Pies is for children ages 5 and under.
Yoga in the Forest meets every Sunday morning (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. for people of all ages and experience levels
Mud Pies does not meet on: Tuesday, November 8 Wednesday and Thursday, November 23 and 24 Thursday, December 1 Wednesday, December 22
* denotes program that requires registration
Mud Pies resumes after the holidays on January 9
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November and December 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. Raptor Woodland Refuge: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily • 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)
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)