Fontenelle Forest's Leaflet - September / October 2016

The Journals of Emmy Gifford exhibit opens in September All new Explore More! member exclusive event in October Look inside for more information

New event: Explore More!

All new members-only event Celebrate Fall and Fontenelle Forest, plus explore the trails & prairies of Camp Brewster!

Saturday, October 22nd 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Join us at Camp Brewster for our first Explore More! event - an autumn celebration exclusively for Fontenelle Forest members. Explore More! is an afternoon of fun and exploration for people of all ages with many family-friendly fall activities including..

Trick or Treat Hayrack Rides Live Raptor Shows Stories Games Guided Hikes Music and Dancing Campfires & more!

Explore More! is a great opportunity to discover the prairies and trails of Camp Brewster and learn more about our ongoing oak restoration efforts. Hike trails that are not generally open to the public, like the geology trail!

Costumes are encouraged. Refreshments will be provided.

Other food will be available for purchase at the event.

Shuttle parking will provided for your convenience. More details will be provided closer to the day of the event.

Registration is required. Please RSVP by October 19th.

Cost: $5 per person Register today at fontenelleforest.org/exploremore.

September and October 2016

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The Journals of Emmy Gifford Explore the world through the eyes of Omaha icon, designer and artist Emmy Gifford

Opens Saturday, September 17th.

Explore the world through the eyes of Emmy Gifford, an artist and designer who brought her own style to Omaha and founded the Emmy Gifford Children’s Theatre. The Journals of Emmy Gifford exhibition brings her travels and experiences to life with over sixty pages of colorful journals and sketchbooks. These remarkable works of art will be displayed in a gallery setting for the first time.

Emmy Gifford’s family has been an important part of Fontenelle Forest throughout the organization’s history.

Dr. Harold Gifford, Sr., Emmy Gifford’s father-in-law, led a group of area scholars and businessman who created Fontenelle Forest and raised money to purchase the first 300 acres of protected land in 1920. In the mid-1970’s, Carl Jonas, Emmy Gifford’s brother, donated the land that would become the site of the Neale Woods Nature Center.

The Journals of Emmy Gifford exhibition honors the generosity and vision of the Gifford Family and Carl Jonas and their roles in helping Fontenelle Forest become one of the largest and most respected non-profit nature organizations in the United States.

The Journals of Emmy Gifford will be on display until Sunday, October 16. The exhibition is free for members.

Raptor Woodland Refuge Thank you to everyone who helped make the grand opening of Raptor Woodland Refuge a tremendous success!

We celebrated the opening of our latest addition with a series of events in mid-July, including a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce. Your support helped make this ambitious vision a reality and allows us to rescue raptors throughout the state.

If you’ve yet to experience Raptor Woodland Refuge, it is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center.

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September and October 2016

Invasive Species Open House The public is invited to an open house at Fontenelle Forest to learn about invasive species and how they impact the economy, our natural areas, and the community.

Date: Saturday, October 1st Time: 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Location: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center Cost: Free

What is an Invasive Species?

Invasive species include non-native plants and animals whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health. We use the term “invasive� for the most aggressive species such as Tree of Heaven and garlic mustard. These species grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major disturbance to the areas in which they are present.

Japanese Stiltgrass

1. Invasive species, if left uncontrolled, can and will limit land use now and into the future.

Invasive plants turn into landscape bullies by out-competing the surrounding native plants, they tend to put their leaves out earlier in the spring and lose them later in the fall than their native counterparts. This extended growth period gives them a significant advantage over the native species.

2. The longer we ignore the problem the harder and more expensive the battle for control will become.

Join us for the Invasive Species Open House on October 1st and learn more..

3. Invasive species can decrease your ability to enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, gardening and other outdoor recreational activities.

1. Background information about Green Bellevue, Fontenelle Forest, and Bellevue City Parks Department and the conservation challenges they are facing. Background information about Green Bellevue, Fontenelle Forest and others.

A few things you should know about invasive species in Nebraska

4. The United States suffers from $1.1-120 billion per year in economic losses due to exotic, invasive species.

2. Life history information about the species we are all dealing with, with a focus on Tree Of Heaven

5. Approximately 42% of Threatened or Endangered species are at risk due to non-native, invasive species.

3. Cost to the environment, the city, and the Forest by not controlling invasive species.

Invasive plants can adversely affect our ability to enjoy natural areas. Plants such as Japanese stilt grass (see photo) can grow over trails and cover the landscape, making hiking difficult to impossible. Invasives can take over plant communities by shading out and displacing native wildflowers, trees and shrubs, thereby reducing the beauty and diversity of our native plant communities.

September and October 2016

4. How citizens can help and what the plan is moving forward.

5. Where to get resources (native plants, guidelines for control of invasive species).

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FOREST FAMILY What is your background?

I went to school at University of Nebraska – Lincoln and studied Fisheries and Wildlife during my time there. During school I worked at Pioneers Park Nature Center, and after graduation I worked as a Naturalist at Ponca State Park for a summer. Once fall came around, I moved back to Omaha and worked at an afterschool program that was run through Collective for Youth and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo at Bancroft Elementary while also working part-time for the Forest.

What is your favorite part about working at Fontenelle Forest?

I think that my favorite part about working at Fontenelle Forest is all of the amazing opportunities that this place offers. I love taking kids down a muddy trail and getting them to conquer their fears, and at the same time I get the chance to watch the joy of kids (who might never get to come to our actual forest) as they encounter a mounted insect or a live raptor in their own classroom. I love that the forest can also teach us so many lessons about life. As each season changes the trees around us, life is always changing too, and it’s good to know we’re in that together.

Meet Grace Gaard, naturalist and certified interpretive guide here at Fontenelle Forest. If you’ve ever experienced one of our Canoe The Great Marsh programs, you’ve likely got to know her out on the water. She’s also the talent behind all of the wonderful raptor drawings that appear throughout Raptor Woodland Refuge.

How long have you worked at Fontenelle Forest?

I worked for the Forest as a Camp Counselor during the summer of 2013, then came back during the fall of 2014 part-time and became a full-time staff person in July of 2015, so now I have been here for a year full-time!

What do you do at Fontenelle Forest?

We started the Canoe the Great Marsh program in 2015, and I oversee most of the scheduling and leading of that program. I also help to manage the Omaha Public Schools On-The-Go program. We visit 7 elementary schools in OPS as part of a grant with the Omaha Schools Foundation, and bring 3rd and 5th graders a variety of fun, science standard based programs right in their classroom! I am a trained raptor handler, and I also provided the drawings of the raptors on all the signs for Raptor Woodland Refuge.

Then, on normal days, I lead educational hikes and summer camps for kids of all ages.

Canoe the Great Marsh, photo by Grace Gaard

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September and October 2016

PROGRAMS

MUD PIES For ages 5 and younger.

Monday - Thursday Except September 5 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

FFNC Leader: Lindsay Cooley

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.

Please note: Mud Pies in the Afternoon has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Members Only September 1 7:00p.m.

FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid

Bird Club For September, the Fontenelle Forest Land Management staff will give a presentation on their Oak Woodland Restoration efforts.

September 2 7:30p.m. - 9:30p.m.

Neale Woods Leaders: Bob Fuchs

Night Sky Viewing at Neale Woods Take advantage of this dark evening during the New Moon and view the night sky!

We’ll meet in the Neale Woods parking lot, enjoy a twilight hike for 45 minutes, then look up to see what constellations are visible. If skies are cloudy, we’ll still walk, so come join in!

September 3 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m.

FFNC 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 September, the TNTs will hold a put luck, walk through Raptor Woodland Refuge, and more.

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.

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.

YOGA IN THE FOREST

September 6 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

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.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED September and October 2016

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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 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.

OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

WLC Leader: Kate Murphy

Home School Science Discoveries: Fish Tales (Sold Out) 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 9 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

CB Leaders: Tracy Van Zee & Tad Leeper

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 8:30a.m. - 12:00p.m.

FFNC Leaders: Josh Preister

Land Steward Volunteer Work Day Land Steward volunteer Saturday work days resume! This fall, we will be focusing especially on native grass and forb seed collection as well as invasive species removal. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, boots and leather work gloves are recommended. Volunteers meet at 8:30 for a light breakfast; our day will wrap up around noon and is followed by a light lunch for those that care to stay.

Please RSVP to Josh Preister if you plan to attend: jpreister@fontenelleforest.org.

Thank you for your commitment to the natural world!

September 10 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.

WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

September 10 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

Camp Brewster Leader: Eric Scholar

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.

Butterfly Investigation Curious about butterflies? These insects are plentiful this time of year, and spark our interest in a unique way! Come learn how to identify the species we commonly see and get all your butterfly questions answered.

Members Only September 10 6:00p.m. - 7:30p.m.

Camp Brewster Leader: Deborah Woracek

Monarch Tagging for the Family (Sold Out) Bring your family to Camp Brewster and spend the evening tagging monarch butterflies. We will provide the nets, bug jars, and tags while you provide the children to capture the butterflies. The monarch butterflies are on their way to the central mountains of Mexico where they will spend the winter. A different generation of butterfly makes the return journey next summer. Registration is required. Space is very limited so register soon!

September 11 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

Camp Brewster Leader: Bob Fuchs

Family Sundays in the Forest: Butterfly Walk How many butterflies can you spot in a prairie of wildflowers? Come find out on this butterfly walk, perfect for all ages. The wide, flat grassy trail can easily accommodate strollers, and is a great place for practicing catching these beautiful insects.

Join us and learn how!

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.

September 15 6:40p.m. - 8:40p.m.

WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

Harvest 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.

Members Only September 15 7:00 p.m.

FFNC

Fontenelle Forest Photography Club For September, the photo club will share their best photos of the summer and participate in a forest photo shoot. Visit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org for more information.

FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

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September and October 2016

Saturday, September 17

The Journals of Emmy Gifford Exhibit of drawings and sketches opens

September 24 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.

September 25 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

WLC Leaders: Dianne Guinn & Ingrid Johnson

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 identify these creatures and learn about their importance in this ecosystem.

September 27 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.

October 1 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.

See page 3 for more information.

Members Only September 17 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

Camp Brewster Leader: Kathy Fischer

Nature Explorers: Butterflies and Dragonflies For September, the Nature Explorers will go on a hike to look for butterflies and dragonflies. We will come back inside to make a dragonfly and butterfly craft to take home. Nature Explorers is a child only learning experience for children ages 5-11. Snacks provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration required. Space is limited! Cost: $5 per child.

September 18 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

FFNC Leaders: Holly Hofreiter, Joanne Langabee & Bob Wells

Family Sundays in the Forest: Test Your Forest IQ Fall brings many changes to the forest.

Come join us, and explore the board walk!

What plants are in bloom? Why do the trees change color? As you walk the boardwalk, find more questions and answers on signs set up along the way. Look for stations with interesting facts and naturalists to answer your questions.

September 21 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

Neale Woods Leaders: 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.

September 24 6:40a.m. - 8:40a.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.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED September and October 2016

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October 1 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.

FFNC Leaders: Jeanine Lackey & Josh Preister

Invasive Species Open House Interested in learning more about invasive species and what can be done to minimize their impact? Join us for this special program highlighting invasive species, especially Tree of Heaven, and learn more about how homeowners can help reverse invasive species trends. This program is a provided in a partnership with Green Bellevue, the City of Bellevue, and the Bellevue Tree Board.

October 1 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m.

WLC Leader: Jamie Vann

Teen Naturalist Trainees For October, the TNTs will begin planning for 2016.

October 2 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

FFNC Leader: Chris Robie

For more information on the Teen NatuMembers Only ralist Trainees program, view the listing for October 6 September 3rd on page 6.

7:00p.m.

FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid Family Sundays in the Forest: Migrating Monarchs The annual fall Monarch Migration to October 7 Mexico is one of the wonders of the 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. natural world. Learn more about how CB you can help these winged miracles and Leaders: Tracy Van Zee receive free monarch seeds to plant this & Tad Leeper fall. Children can fly and get pictures taken with giant monarch wings.

Bird Club For October, Club member and former field trip coordinator, Elliott Bedows, will present on the club’s recent trip to California.

October Campfire Program: Spooky Spiders Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly night by the fire. We will explore the sometimes spooky, often kooky world of the spider! Learn some spidery facts, sing some silly songs, and search for delicate webs. Bring a blanket and a friend! Don’t forget your cup for cocoa!

October 3 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.

OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

FFNC Leader: Kate Murphy

Home School Science Discoveries: Searching For Spiders For October, Home School Science Discoverers will enter the world of arachnids.

Learn about these unique creatures as we search along the trails. For snack the group will create edible spiders. 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.

October 8 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.

WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

October 4 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.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.

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.

October 8 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

Camp Wakonda Leader: Eric Scholar

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. Water is not available at the trailhead; please bring along any water you will need.

FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

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September and October 2016

Members Only October 8 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

Camp Brewster Leader: Kathy Fischer

Nature Explorers: Scarecrow Workshop For October the Nature Explorers will create their own scarecrow friends to take home! Pumpkin heads and stuffing provided. Each child needs to bring a set of scarecrow clothes(shirt,pants,maybe a silly hat) Nature Explorers is a child only learning experience for children ages 5-11.

Snacks provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration required. Space is limited! Cost: $5 per child.

October 16 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.

WLC Leaders: Dianne Guinn & Ingrid Johnson

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 identify these creatures and learn about their importance in this ecosystem.

October 11 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m.

FFNC Leaders: Tracy Van Zee

Seniors Understanding Nature: Lending Raptors a Helping Hand Stories from Raptor Recovery This month we will get an insider’s look at the people and processes involved in helping Nebraska’s injured birds of prey.

Denise Lewis, who has a wealth of stories from her years working with Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery, will share some of the ups and downs of the rehabilitation process. Following the program, everyone is invited to visit the Raptor Woodland Refuge and meet its new residents.

Knowledgeable docents will be available to answer your questions and share the birds’ stories as well.

Members Only October 20 7:00 p.m.

FFNC

Fontenelle Forest Photography Club October’s topic will be announced at a later date. Visit fontenelleforestphotoclub. org for more information.

October 12 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

WLC Leader: Kelly Propst

October 15 11:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

FFNC Leader: Katie Heithoff

October 15 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.

WLC Leaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

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.

Say Hello to the Hunter’s Moon Our moon is the source of many stories and legends, as well as an instigator of physical changes here on earth. Learn about moon phases and seasons, its affect on the earth, and favorite folklore when you stop by the Forest today!

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.

Saturday, October 22

Explore More!

All new member exclusive event See page 2 for more information.

Members Only October 26 7:00p.m.

FFNC Leader: Rick Schmid

Insect Club For October the club’s own Dennis Kingery will provide the evening’s presentation: Adventures With Insects. Dennis’ programs are always very entertaining and extremely thought-provoking.

October 29 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.

October 29 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.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED September and October 2016

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AT A GLANCE

October

September 1 Bird Club

1 Bird Banding at Aksarben Aquarium Invasive Species and You Teen Naturalist Trainees

2 Night Sky Viewing at Neale Woods 3 Teen Naturalist Trainees

2 Family Sundays: Migrating Monarchs

6 Canoe the Great Marsh*

3 Home School Science Discoveries*

9 Home School Science Discoveries*

4 Canoe the Great Marsh*

Campfire Program: Mighty Migrators

6 Bird Club

10 Land Stewardship Volunteer Work Day

7 Campfire Program: Spooky Spiders

Canoe the Great Marsh* Butterfly Investigation Monarch Tagging for the Family (Sold out)

8 Canoe the Great Marsh*

A Hike Through History Nature Explorers: Scarecrow Workshop*

11 Family Sundays: Butterfly Walk 13 Seniors Understanding Nature

11 Seniors Understanding Nature

15 Harvest Moon Canoeing

12 Sunset Hike in the Wetlands

Fontenelle Forest Photography Club

15 Say Hello to the Hunter’s Moon

17 Opening of The Journals of Emmy Gifford

Full Moon Canoeing*

Nature Explorers: Butterflies & Dragonflies*

16 Family Sundays: Dipping in the Wetlands

18 Family Sundays: Test Your Forest IQ

20 Fontenelle Forest Photography Club

21 Sunset Hike at Neale Woods

22 Explore More! Member Exclusive Event*

24 Sunrise Canoeing*

26 Insect Club

Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure

25 Family Sundays: Dipping in the Wetlands

29 Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure Write in the Forest

27 Canoe the Great Marsh* Mud Pies meets Monday - Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mud Pies is for children 5 and under.

Yoga in the Forest meets every Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. for people of all ages and experience levels * denotes program that requires registration

FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

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September and October 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)