Fontenelle Forest's Leaflet - Winter 2017

Leaflet

The Newsletter of Fontenelle Forest

Winter 2017

fontenelleforest.org

WINTER 2017 FONTENELLE FOREST | 1

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Contents Fontenelle Forest’s Leaflet Winter 2017

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07 Free Flight Stories about some of the amazing residents of the raptor rehabilitation center

04 Highlights Raptor Bird-Day Party, Fairy Faire, and Summer Camp Registration

05 Forest News The Art of Yeggy Michael, Gingerbread and Santa, and a new addition

06 A Note of Thanks Thank you Tad Leeper for his dedication to Fontenelle Forest

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10 Forest Family Meet Michelle Foss, one of the Forest’s restoration biologists and member of Team #SaveTheOaks

11 Mud Pies in 2017 Important information about upcoming changes to the Mud Pies program

12 Education Corner Learn more about Fontenelle Forest’s after school

Merica Whitehall, Executive Director

programs in our local community

13 Volunteer Opportunities Information about the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and more

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As the year comes to a close I want to thank the staff, volunteers, donors, members and visitors that helped make 2016 a success!

The environmental education programs provided

by Fontenelle Forest educators and naturalists have served almost 46,000 people. Of these, almost 9000 were economically disadvantaged youth who participated for free and 6000 were our community’s elderly.

Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Woodland Refuge exhibit and our Raptor Recovery (FFRR) is unparalleled in Nebraska, actively rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey. This year alone, FFRR admitted 577 raptors including 27 Bald Eagles and 6 Peregrine Falcons, an all-time high.

The Forest’s Oak Woodland Restoration efforts set new highs this year also. With the support of the Nebraska Environmental Trust our Land Stewardship team is successfully restoring our native forest to a state of health using prescribed fire.

We are thrilled to be your urban oasis in the heart of the Metro Area. Whether you seek relaxation, exploration, education, or inspiration - Fontenelle Forest is your forest!

14 Calendar Highlights

From everyone at Fontenelle Forest, Happy Holidays!

Select upcoming programs at Fontenelle Forest, view the complete calendar at fontenelleforest.org Cover Photo by Grace Gaard, Naturalist WINTER 2017 FONTENELLE FOREST | 3

Highlights

BIRTHDAYS, FAIRIES, AND MORE! A new year brings new beginnings and old favorites to Fontenelle Forest

A RAPTOR BIRD-DAY PARTY SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 It’s time to celebrate another year of raptor birthdays!

Join us as we wish all of our amazing education and display birds of prey a happy birthday with snacks, live raptor presentations, photos, and more. We’ll also be unveiling a brand new addition to the Nature Center - an interactive digital learning exhibit where you can learn about raptors, Fontenelle Forest, conservation history and more!

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SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 1 Fontenelle Forest invites you to a summer of discovery and learning in a place where the quiet wild of nature offers an unparalleled opportunity for your child to learn. Registration for our 2017 Nature Discovery Summer Day camps begins on February 1st. Look for a camp catalog in your inbox in January with complete listings of all of this year’s exciting opportunities for children of all ages. Space is limited so register early!

FAIRY FAIRE RETURNS! SATURDAY, MARCH 18 Do you want to dress up and meet some forest fairies? The Fairy Faire is returning to Fontenelle Forest again in 2017.

This is your chance to come build a fairy house, make a craft, blow bubbles with the bubble fairy, and have your face painted. You can even go visit the Queen of the Fairies and get your own fairy name.

As always, costumes are encouraged!

Forest News

HELLO NEW YEAR Thank you for helping to make 2016 a landmark year.

WHISPERING IN COLOR A special exhibition of paintings by the Ertitrean artist Yeggy Michael opened at the Nature Center in December. These beautiful works examine the importance of nature in our lives. Whispering in Color will be on display until March 5.

GINGERBREAD HOUSES AND SANTA Thank you to everyone who came out to the Forest to celebrate the holiday season with us for Going Wild with Gingerbread. Our very own Santa stopped by for photos and present requests!

NEW ADDITION OPENING IN JANUARY We’re excited to announce an all new addition to the Nature Center’s Baright Gallery - an interactive digital experience perfect for people of all ages. Play educational raptor games, learn more about the history of Fontenelle Forest and conservation, explore a giant map of the Forest, and more. Special thanks to Nebraska Environmental Trust for making this interactive experience possible. The grand opening will be January 14th at the Raptor Bird-Day Party.

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A Note of Thanks On behalf of the Board of Directors of Fontenelle Forest, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly recognize and thank the staff of Fontenelle Forest for their efforts, dedication and patience during the recent leadership change at the Forest. The change in leadership would have been much, much more difficult without your unwavering support and hard work. We do not say it often enough but thank you!

In particular, we would like to recognize William P. “Tad” Leeper for his service as Interim Executive Director of Fontenelle Forest. Tad had been serving as the volunteer representative on the Fontenelle Forest Board and co-chair of the Board Engagement Committee when Angie Burmeister (the incoming President) and I approached Tad about serving for “a few months” as part-time interim executive director. Well, the short term, part-time gig ultimately turned into a 8+ month fulltime job.

Once we were able to convince Tad to take the position (and he had cleared it with his lovely wife, Mary), he wholeheartedly embraced the role and worked tirelessly, as Tad would say, “for the good of the Forest.”

In 2014, Tad had retired from a 39 year career in human resources from OPPD, most recently at the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Education from Hastings College and a Master of Science, Education from UNO. Tad has over 15 years of experience as a volunteer teacher-naturalist, is a Certified Nebraska Master Naturalist with specialization in Interpretation and Educa-

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tion/Outreach (University of Nebraska) and is trained as a handler of non-releasable raptors used in the Forest’s Raptor Recovery environmental education programs. He regularly assists with the care and rehabilitation of sick/ injured/orphaned birds of prey at the Forest’s Raptor Recovery center. Tad has also served roles with other non-profit organizations, including: President of the Audubon Society of Omaha Board of Directors, President of the Ralston Schools Foundation, co-founder and President of the Ralston After School Youth Program Board of Directors and Vice Chair and Secretary of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries.

After “re-retiring,” Tad has rejoined the Board as the volunteer representative intending to spend more time at his place in Colorado.

However, Tad has recently returned to OPPD as a short-term independent contractor to assist with HR matters in connection with the permanent shutdown of the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station. After that, he plans to “re-reretire.” Tad -- you really have to stop letting people talk you into things.

We are deeply indebted to Tad for stepping up in the Forest’s time of need.

Paul J. Halbur, Past President

Raptor Recovery

Free Flight Working closely with the permanent residents at Rehabilitation Center that are entrusted to me has allowed special relationships to emerge with some of these amazing raptors. For these particular birds, my caretaking duties go beyond feeding and cleaning; they enter the avian world of amorous antics.

Gavilan - Mississippi Kite

Gavilan and Miki arrived here as fledglings in August of 2001. These Mississippi Kites had been knocked from nests and handraised at another rehab facility and so were fairly tame, especially Gavilan. They would come to my hand for cups of mealworms, and we used them in educational programs.

As they matured, Gavilan began to exhibit conflicting behaviors. He would readily come for food, but when I was in the cage to change the water pan, he would start at one end of the cage, smack me on the head as he went by, then turn around and smack my head again! Since Gavilan and Miki were companionable, I attributed his ornery ways to a type of rivalry. But he was always ready to meet the public, and liked to show off his beautiful plumage. When Miki died three years ago, Gavilan was lonesome; Kites are very social. He has become closer to me , and the bond of trust is as strong as ever.

Gavilan is now 15 years old.

Betsy Finch shares the stories of many of our important rehabilitation center residents

Squirtsy - Turkey Vulture This young Turkey Vulture arrived in 2008 as a chick. She sported a big, white, fluffy body with a black head sticking out of it. We fostered her to a pair of vultures at a nature center. When she came back 10 days later a bloody mess, we learned that there was also a tom turkey in the enclosure. He probably cornered the defenseless chick and plucked all of the primary feathers out on both wings, leaving bloody scabs behind. The chick was nasty, and in pain. Over the course of treating it, the kid decided I was Mom. I called it all kinds of names, but Squirtsy stuck. Unfortunately, the damage to the feather follicles was permanent; primaries grow in, but fall out prematurely. Squirtsy has a playful side; she will chase me around her pen until I turn around and chase her. She sidles up, calling in a low growl, and the game is on. Not being a true imprint, Squirtsy considered me more of a crony than a mate. Squirtsy spends the winter indoors in Acclimation, and goes outdoors in the spring. She loves to do the sun salutations; other vultures frequently fly over to greet her.

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Her first season here as a foster mama went well. She raised a succession of nine Great Horned Owl babes without incident. Season two was a different story; she laid late, and was only two weeks into incubation when the first babes arrived. She ignored them for the most part, focusing on her eggs (timing is everything). I finally removed her eggs, hoping she would pay attention to the babes. No- she laid more eggs!

Moopitz - Eurasian Eagle Owl Moopitz is a Eurasian Eagle Owl, the largest owl species in the world. She is on loan to us from SIA, the Comanche Ethno-ornithological Iniative. Her name means “Boogeyman” in Comanche. One look at her glowing orange eyes and tremendous size give credence to the name! Moopitz’s purpose here is to serve as a foster mother to some of the many Great Horned Owl chicks we receive annually. She is a close cousin to them, and her appearance is similar enough for the babies to imprint to her and not people.

When Moopitz arrived here in Nov. of 2013, she was nine years old , a human imprint, and had successfully fostered babies before. The first winter here was a trying time for her, and an uneasy one for me. She had to habituate to a new place and a new mate-me. Not only were her huge size, glowing eyes, and Amazon feet intimidating; her penchant for coming at me while I was outside the cage was not reassuring. By the time spring arrived, Moopitz wanted to lay eggs; she had to accept me as her mate. Whew!

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We come to season three now. One good sign was that she laid earlier in March, and was three weeks into incubation when the first tiny chick arrived. She accepted it and brooded it along with her eggs. When the second little fluffball arrived, I removed her eggs .

She fed the babes well, and is determined to protect her babes during tours here. The fierce glare of those orange eyes have impressed all of the visitors!

Winslow - Eastern Screech Owl

The little Screech Owl was found in Winslow, NE, apparently fallen from a nest tree. The bird had a suspicious mark around the left leg, like a string had been tied to it, and the chick acted tame. Over the course of a month, three of the four toes turned black and fell off. This left Winslow with one good toe on that foot, precluding its release.

Screech owls usually mature in a year, breeding by their first birthday. We didn’t know what sex Winslow was, and received no clue from the bird. Year one rolled around; there was a lot of calling, but no behaviors that would clue us in to the bird’s gender. No eggs ensued, therefore it is male. Spring of 2016 rolled around; more calling, but still no behavioral clues as to gender. Then I found an egg on the floor. Mystery solved! She laid three more eggs, none in the nest box, and is done for the season. But she should be primed to become a foster mama next season.

Luna - Barred Owl Luna the Barred Owl arrived in the spring of 2004, badly injured by a tornado that ripped through the town of Nehawka, killing one of her parents and a sibling. The wing fracture she suffered was complicated and did not heal well enough for her to go free. I always suspected the bird was female, but it wasn’t confirmed until Moopitz came to stay. Their cages are adjacent, and Moopitz is very vocal.

I noticed Luna was more vocal that spring (2014), and spending a lot of time in her roost box. Sure enough, she had laid eggs. I carefully handed mice to her in her box, being wary of her propensity to to attack my face if I got too close. Egg-laying prepares the owls to receive foster babes; sadly , we did not receive any chicks that year for her to raise. The following year, we did get a fledgling Barred Owl for her; it sat with her ,but no feeding took placethe kid could feed himself. But it was a start.

Spring of 2016 started out the same way; but Luna was more accepting of me handing her mice directly to her in her box, and softly called to me. I was a poor substitute for a mate, I’m sure, but I was all she had. By April, Moopitz next door already had several foster babes, and Luna had broken her eggs and left the nest box- another failed year. Then, we got in a small Barred chick, and a few days later, another smaller one. I put them in the nest box with some extra mice, and waited.

By the second day, Luna was in the box with the babes, demanding food! Luna had finally fulfilled her destiny and became a wonderful parent. A third chick joined the family ten days later. All babes fledged in her pen, and were released back with wild adults. Luna did her job; the babes were wild to humans, as they should be.

Betsy Finch, Manager of Raptor Rehabilitation

Above photos courtesy of Joel Sartore WINTER 2017 FONTENELLE FOREST | 9

Forest Family

Michelle Foss Meet one of Fontenelle Forest’s restoration biologists and member of Team #SaveTheOaks How long have you worked at Fontenelle Forest?

I have worked at Fontenelle Forest for a total of four and a half years – almost three years as a part-time educator, and the rest as a Restoration Biologist.

What do you do at Fontenelle Forest?

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Currently, as a restoration biologist, I have a variety of tasks, depending on the season.

Right now is prescribed fire season, so that is the main focus of what I do. I do community and staff notifications when we plan on burning, help construct our firebreaks, create the maps we use, and carry out prescribed burns with the rest of the conservation staff and burn crew volunteers. After the burn, I help get the equipment cleaned up and ready to go for the next burn. When the weather shuts us down for burning, I help with targeted thinning, and more firebreak construction/maintenance. Our chainsaw season usually runs late-September through March, so as not to interfere with breeding bird season. Prescribed fire season usually runs into April, with hack and squirt/invasive species control picking up at that time. We go out and mechanically remove/hack invasive plants, and treat them with herbicide. I do most of our mapping using GIS software and GPS units that we take out into the field with us. Mixed into all of the other things, I keep track of the Nebraska Environmental Trust Oak Woodland Restoration grant-funded activities and pur-

chases. I attend trainings and conferences, and do public outreach on our restoration activities. I also compile and use computer software to analyze our breeding bird survey data.

Mud Pies in 2017

What is your background?

The first summer out of high school, I was lucky enough to serve as an intern in environmental education at Rocky Mountain National Park. I have a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the State University of New York at Albany, and was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. I have three kids, and when my youngest started kindergarten, I became a part-time educator here. When Fontenelle Forest received the Nebraska Environmental Trust grant, I applied for one of the Restoration Biologist positions and here I am!

What is your favorite part about working at Fontenelle Forest?

It’s hard to pick a favorite part about working at Fontenelle Forest. I love the variety of things I do, from using chainsaws and tractors, to maintaining them; gathering field data to creating maps; helping plan prescribed fire, to conducting burns, to helping report on all of our activities. I love that I get to work outside most of the time, and also still interact with the public. I’m thankful that I get to work on restoring oak woodlands, and the people I work with are fantastic.

What keeps you busy when you’re not working?

When I’m not at work, I’m either working with Scouts (Cub, Boy and Girl – I have one of each), teaching at church, walking my dog or hanging out with my kids. I enjoy reading, and hiking, and am always looking to learn new things.

Out of all the goals you set for yourself this New Year, do any of them include spending intentional time in nature with your young child?

Come join us at Mud Pies here at Fontenelle Forest and discover the amazing benefits of teaching your child about the natural world - or even learning new things alongside him or her!

Our goal is to give you resources for interacting with your young child in a way that will expand his love of nature, whether you’re encouraging dramatic play at the block center, guiding him through a themed activity, or exploring the forest together on a staff-led walk. I personally love watching parents and grandparents make their children’s faces light up as they realize their grownup is as excited to discover the natural world as they are - it’s magical.

Beginning on January 9th, we are excited for a new change that will help the magic of Mud Pies continue for years to come. A small materials and supplies fee of $3 per member child and $5 per non-member child will be reintroduced, providing a sustainable future for this program. If you’d prefer the convenience of a one-time purchase, a 12-month Mud Pies Pass is currently available to members for $100, increasing to $150 after February 1. We are so grateful for the support of this change shown thus far, and are excited to continue providing quality opportunities for you and your young child at Mud Pies.

Drop in to Mud Pies anytime on Monday Thursday, between 9:30 am-11:30 am. We can’t wait to see you! - Lindsay Cooley, Naturalist

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Education Corner A question we are often asked here at Fontenelle Forest is, “What do you even DO all winter?” While it is true that many of our outdoor education programs seem to take on that slow freeze with the weather, there are many opportunities that keep us steadily working day by day.

One of our favorite programs is Afterschool Programming. Research has confirmed that between the hours of 3:00pm and 6:00pm students are at the highest risk for getting involved in activities such as juvenile crime, drugs and alcohol, but when students are being engaged in an afterschool program there are countless benefits! From better attitudes and grades in school to improved aspirations for their own education, students grow in very positive ways from these experiences. Fontenelle Forest counts it a privilege to be included in providing these engaging, hands on moments for students on the topics of science and nature.

Usually split into sessions throughout the school year, we spend anywhere from 6-8 weeks per session visiting the same group of kids on the same day each week. While we visit both elementary and middle schools, our students are generally all near the same grade level within the group.

Our schools this session (did we mention we’re visiting four of them every week?), include Gilder and Indian Hill Elementary in Omaha and Franklin and Rue Elementary in Council Bluffs. During this session the students are learning all about the four major types of habitats that surround them in the Midwest including the plants and animals that live in them. Forests, Rivers, Wetlands and Prairies – we find them all to be amazing ecosystems to explore afterschool. And we can’t forget to men-

tion that we often bring along an animal visitor, inspiring the students to ask questions and make discoveries. There is so much joy in getting up close and personal with a furred, feathered, or scaly friend!

Over the course of each session we come to know our students well, and develop relationships with them that are full of learning about the natural world! It is always fun to return to a school for the next session and see the kids from past clubs excitedly waving our way. We can’t wait for our next round of clubs to begin in January! Inside or outside, this time of year is fantastic for adventures at Fontenelle Forest, and they can be found even on the coldest of days!

Grace Gaard, Naturalist

Afterschool Programs Despite the cold weather, winter is a busy time for Fontenelle Forest educators.

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Volunteer Opportunities We would like to start 2017 by saying “Thank you.” Each time you volunteer, you help realize the mission of Fontenelle Forest. Whether you’re shoveling snow in Raptor Woodland Refuge, planning family programs, baking apple pies, winterizing Acorn Acres, or lending a hand in countless other ways, know that we are grateful for your generosity. We simply could not provide all of the programming, services, and experiences that we offer without your support.

Saturday, February 18th will be a day to show our appreciation, celebrate, and recognize the efforts of all Forest volunteers. Please look forward to more details in early January!

Teen Naturalist Trainees

Volunteer Land Stewards

The mission of Fontenelle Forest’s Teen Naturalist Trainee program is to engage teens in learning, leadership, and service within the natural world.

Do you like being outside in nature year round, staying active with physical activities, and the idea of assisting Fontenelle Rangers and Biologists with restoration efforts in your backyard Forest? Then we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

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. We’ll work on a different project every month.

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.

Next meetings: January 7, February 4, and March 4

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The Land Stewardship group meets throughout the year to organize and carry out seasonal restoration related jobs.

We meet at the Nature Center at 8:30 a.m. and enjoy donuts and coffee before heading out to work. Work ends around 11:30 and is followed by lunch. Please dress appropriately for outdoor work.

Interested?

Contact Josh Preister (jpreister@fontenelleforest.org) for more info.

Next meetings: January 14, February 4, and February 18

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Calendar Highlights Mud Pies Looking for a unique setting in which to have fun with your child while learning about the natural world? Mud Pies is a drop-in-and-play program that encourages interaction between adult and child. Each week, a natural science topic is explored through station-based activities, free play, and a guided walk. Come discover the joy of sharing nature with your child!

Family Sundays in the Forest Join a Fontenelle Forest educator every Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. for Family Sundays in the Forest. Each week presents a new topic, from snowshoe hikes and indoor activities in the winter to wildflower walks and outdoor fun in the summer. All activities are family friendly and designed to both educate and entertain.

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 for those who can stay.

Seniors Understanding Nature Many seniors grew up in a time when nature was a big part of everyday life; SUN (Seniors Understanding Nature) programs enhance that experience. Join us to learn about a different topic every month. Refreshments are served for the presentation, and a nature walk follows for all who are interested.

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Mondays Thursdays

9:30 - 11:30 am Ages 5 & younger Resumes Jan 9

Most Sunday Afternoons 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Sunday Mornings

9:00 - 10:30 am Resumes Jan 8

2nd Tuesday Of Each Month 9:45 - 11:30 am

January 11 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM FFNC

February 6 9:30 AM & 1:00 PM CB

February 12 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM FFNC

February 16 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM FFNC

February 24 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM NW

Sunset Hike in the Forest End your day with a beautiful evening hike at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center! You’ll experience the forest and the sounds of critters getting ready for night. Wear sturdy shoes for the hilly trails and possible snow. It is recommended to wear gloves and hat for the cold.

Home School Science Discoveries Why are some of the forest mammals active in winter while others like their sleep? That is the question that this class will explore. Maybe there will be some snow and the group can do some tracking. Please dress for the weather!

For children ages 5-11. Registration required.

Raptors.. Live! Valentine’s Day Celebrate Valentine’s Day with our amazing birds of prey and learn more about them! We’ll have many raptor ambassadors and experts on hand for you to meet. Questions and photographs are encouraged. Plus there may even be a special surprise to celebrate the special holiday!

Silent Night Hike There is much talk these days about “forest bathing” a term to describe taking in the forest atmosphere. It has become a cornerstone for preventive healthcare in Japan. Come join us for a silent night hike and soak up the forest’s restorative powers. We guarantee you’ll feel great after! Please dress for the weather. Adults 16 and older.

February 28

Yeggy Michael: Meet the Artist

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM FFNC

We’re excited to welcome Yegizaw “Yeggy” Michael to the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. “Whispering in Color,” a series of paintings, is on display at the Nature Center until March 5. Join us for a special meet and greet with Yeggy on February 28 and learn more about this amazing artist.

March 6

Home School Science Discoveries

9:30 AM & 1:00 PM CB

Nature’s Believe It or Not. Would you believe that a pill bug turns blue when it is sick or that a turkey vulture lacks a voice organ and can only hiss? Nature has many such bits of trivia that are absolutely amazing! Join us as the group goes on a quest to find unbelievable facts hidden along the trail. For children ages 5-11. Registration required.

Begins March 11

Bird Identification Class

March 25

Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure

8:00 AM - NOON FFNC

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM WLC

This 3-part class includes local field trips designed to teach you how to identify the birds in your backyard or any other location you might encounter them, use of field guides and use of binoculars. No prior knowledge of bird identification is needed. $25 for the course, email Clem at ckavian@cox.net to register.

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.

Winter Constellation Viewing

Come explore the night sky from a great vantage point - Neale Woods! Meet in the parking lot. The new moon will make for great star viewing, and Bob will guide you through the visible winter constellations. Dress for cold evening weather. Please note: If sky is cloudy, this program will be cancelled.

FOR COMPLETE PROGRAM LISTINGS, VISIT FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG WINTER 2017 FONTENELLE FOREST | 15

Short Interview

Fontenelle Forest 1111 Bellevue Blvd N Bellevue NE 68005 fontenelleforest.org

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center 1111 Bellevue Boulevard North, Bellevue, NE 68005 • Hours: Open daily, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. beginning January 3 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: $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

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Admission: Fontenelle Forest members: Free One Day: $5 Adult | $4 Senior (62+) | $3 Child (2-17)