Fontenelle Forest's Leaflet - Winter 2018

Leaflet

The Newsletter of Fontenelle Forest

Winter 2018

fontenelleforest.org

From Floodplain by Alex Wiles Learn more on page 9 Winter 2018 FONTENELLE FOREST | 1

08

10 Education A look back at a successful year of environmental education

11 Summer Camps Registration begins February 1st

Contents 12 Feather Our Nest

Fontenelle Forest’s Leaflet Winter 2018

Save the date for our annual gala celebration on Saturday, April 14

04 12

09 Floodplain Learn more about the photographs

by Alex Wiles on display beginning January 6th

04 Highlights Upcoming events at the Forest

10

05 Forest News An amazing end to 2017

07 Raptor Recovery 2017 was a year of many successes and interesting stories

08 Stewardship Highlights and achievements from the past year

2 | FONTENELLE FOREST Winter 2018

14 Calendar Select upcoming programs. View the complete calendar at fontenelleforest.org

Fontenelle Forest 1111 Bellevue Blvd North Bellevue, NE 68005 (402) 731-3140 fontenelleforest.org

Happy New Year Fontenelle Forest is planting seeds for the future.

In 2018 we will not only maintain the living legacy established by Fontenelle Forest’s founders in 1913; we will also plant new seeds to assure that Fontenelle Forest remains relevant for the next 100 years. We have adopted the theme of creating a sustainable future, placing community at the center and supporting and promoting conservation, education, recreation, and research.

Like a tree, Fontenelle Forest continues to grow, to adapt, and, to extend its branches. One of my most rewarding experiences this year was hearing from you. As a part of envisioning the future we engaged more than sixty Fontenelle Forest staff, board members, volunteers, and community members who shared their thoughts and ideas with us. I learned that our members have very diverse interests when it comes to experiencing and learning about nature.

Some of you are interested in passive recreation/ leisure while others are interested in educational experiences and still others are interested in entertainment and active recreation.

With this in mind, our team has been thinking of new ways for nature lovers with diverse interests to deepen their experience of enjoyment at the region’s largest nonprofit nature center. Fontenelle

Forest wants to create new ways to engage new sectors of our community consisting of people with less familiarity exploring nature. In broadening the opportunities we offer to learn about and experience nature, Fontenelle Forest is contributing to greater mission impact and greater organizational sustainability and relevance.

In the future, you can expect the programs and experiences Fontenelle Forest provides to continue to relate, link, and support our visitor’s experiences and nature interests. And, in addition to being a place for learning about nature, we also want to be integral in promoting healthy lifestyles and engaging nature-based recreation and leisure.

Fontenelle Forest is a one-of-a-kind organization regionally. Moving forward we will seek to magnify and enhance the exceptional assets of Fontenelle Forest properties and its appeal as an attraction, point of interest, and source of community pride.

Cheers!

Merica Whitehall, Executive Director Winter 2018 FONTENELLE FOREST | 3

Upcoming Highlights

A New Year at the Forest 2018 brings a fresh start with a raptor birthday party, summer camp registrations, and Fairy Faire!

RAPTOR BIRD-DAY CELEBRATION

FAIRY FAIRE CELEBRATES SPRING

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

Did you know that all of our education and display birds of prey celebrate their birthdays at the start of each year? Join us from 1-3 p.m. as we wish all of our amazing birds of prey a happy birthday with snacks, live raptor presentations, photos, and more. As always, photos and questions are encouraged.

Don’t forget to explore Raptor Woodland Refuge and meet the new residents from 2017.

Do you want to dress up and meet some forest fairies? The Fairy Faire is returning to Fontenelle Forest on March 24th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 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!

4 | FONTENELLE FOREST Winter 2018

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION BEGINS 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 2018 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!

Forest News

An amazing end to an unforgettable year A look back at some of the highlights from the last three months TRICK OR TREAT IN THE FOREST October brought the return of Trick or Treat in the Forest! We had near-perfect weather for the event and there were a lot of amazing costumes to be seen.

Attendees enjoyed a science show by the Nebraska Extension Office, trick-or-treating on the Boardwalk, crafts, and more.

GIVING TUESDAY We celebrated a great year on Giving Tuesday by looking back at all of our successes and thanking all of our amazing supporters that help make everything we do possible. If you’d like to start the new year off with a donation, visit us online at fontenelleforest.org/giving or stop by the nature center.

WINTER WONDERLAND Did you visit Santa’s home in Acorn

TRICK OR TREAT IN THE FOREST HALLOWEEN FUN FOR ALL AGES

GIVING TUESDAY

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

Acres or make Gingerbread Houses? The Nature Center was all dressed up for the holidays thanks to the support of our “Trail of Lights” sponsors: Beardmore Chevrolet and Subaru, Bellevue Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Creighton University, D.A. Davidson, Fontenelle Forest Board, Fontenelle Forest Guild, Koley Jessen, Med Express, Patricia Catering, and Werner Enterprises.

WINTER WONDERLAND

GOING WILD WITH GINGERBREAD

Winter 2018 FONTENELLE FOREST | 5

6 | FONTENELLE FOREST Winter 2018

Raptor Recovery

Free Flight With 2017 nearing its end, we have already received 615 raptor patients, making this a very busy year indeed.

The past eleven months have been busy, of course, at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center (RRC) with the usual activities. Still, some surprises have come along this year.

When we went to clean out the Kestrel box on the front of the main barn back in March, there was a Barn Owl sitting above it. We immediately opened all the windows in the barn that had been closed for the winter, and set up a nest box inside in the loft. The owl quickly took advantage of the open barn, and perched high in the loft.

About a week later, there were two owls in the loft! They did nest in our barn, joining Screech Owls and American Kestrels as raptor species nesting on this special property.

Several eagles regained their freedom this fall, rewarding us for spending the time and effort on these birds with difficult injuries. “Bolt,� the Bald Eagle with a severe burn on its head, was the most famous of these birds. His unique story gained international attention. A young Golden Eagle was released at the Blue Creek Ranch near Oshkosh after suffering poisoning in a prairie dog town; and another young Golden Eagle we believe suffered a snakebite was successfully released near Scottsbluff.

Our owls that serve as foster mothers were busy with babes, as usual. Moopitz and Uhura had their share of Great Horned Owl youngsters; Luna took on the Barred Owl babes, and Winslow fostered the tiny Screech Owl nestlings.

Phantom, the 16-year old Barn Owl who resided mid-state. Both birds were featured in many educational programs over the years, and will be missed.

Northern raptor species began showing up early this fall; 2 Peregrine Falcons, 2 Short-eared Owls, 11 Sharp-shinned Hawks (an unusually large number), 4 Snowy Owls, and a Northern Goshawk.

The Goshawk was only the fourth one that we have received at the RRC in over 40 years of raptor rescue!

There was also an unusual visitor- a southern bird that came north! This young Black Vulture was a first for us. He was found down in Lincoln after a rain around the time that Hurricane Harvey hit Texas. With no apparent injury, the Black Vulture hung out with Turkey Vultures until we could send him south. He was released south of Oklahoma City where other Black Vultures reside, and at last report is doing very well!

This fall was mild in general, and many birds were found because people are outdoors enjoying the unseasonal weather. Weather does have a huge impact on our admissions; be it warm weather, cold temperature or storms and blizzards, everything affects the wildlife. We will be here to help them when they need it.

- Betsy Finch, Manager of Raptor Rehabiliation Black Vulture photograph courtesy of Michael Forsberg

Unfortunately, the season was not without sadness. Ariel, a red-phase Eastern Screech Owl, passed away. She was 11 years old. We also lost Winter 2018 FONTENELLE FOREST | 7

Stewardship

Good news on the trails!

Highlights and achievements from a successful year As another year at Fontenelle Forest comes to a close, we look back at a year of many successes for the Land Stewardship team.

We’re also excited to announce that Fontenelle Forest has received a matching grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation to help restore our most popular trails!

• Volunteers continue to play a big role in everything that we do. In 2017, a dedicated corps of stewardship volunteers and ten college interns devoted 3,306 hours to Fontenelle Forest assisting us with trail repair, trail maintenance, invasive species control, landscaping, picking up trash, mapping our flora and fauna, putting in firebreaks, and assisting us with many other stewardship projects.

Using donations raised from members and visitors this year we were able to successfully apply for a dollar for dollar Peter Kiewit Foundation matching grant of $28,500. The matching grant allows us to double the impact of the gifts sent in by Fontenelle Forest visitors to help restore, repair, and maintain our trails.

• The Stewardship team does more than just work outside – We educate our community about the importance of conservation in a variety of ways. In the past year, we have planned and implemented many successful outreach events including a Native Plant Sale, our annual BioBlitz citizenscience event, the Pheasants Forever Habitat Tour, and a Missouri River Flood Plain Clean-Up Day with our friends at Missouri River Relief.

• We continued to work on our comprehensive restoration plans throughout 2017, including treating 831 acres with prescribed fire, a 60% increase from the year before. Tree thinning, mowing, hack and squirt, brush-cutting, and invasive species removal actions were applied to 102 acres in 2017. All of this leads to a much healthier landscape with greater diversity.

8 | FONTENELLE FOREST Winter 2018

This 2018 project will have numerous benefits to our operations and natural environment. It will improve habitats for at-risk flora and fauna species that require oak woodlands and prairies to flourish and survive.

We’ll also see reduced soil erosion in woodlands and riparian areas in addition to increasing groundwater quantity and quality. Targeting areas that have been identified as being in the most need of repair due to degrading will increase our capacity to support education and outreach opportunities on hiking trails. Restored trails will better support increased recreational use by birders, hikers, nature enthusiasts, students, and all residents and visitors to the Omaha Metro seeking adventure and escape in a natural environment.

The Stewardship staff and volunteers hope you enjoy the trails, open views, fascinating wildlife and abundant peace while visiting Fontenelle Forest.

- Jeanine Lackey, Director of Research and Stewardship

FLOODPLAIN Photographs by Alex Wiles On display in the Baright Gallery beginning January 6th The Missouri River is the longest river in North America. For centuries, we have relied upon the water and species within it for survival, and recent decades have seen its ecology drastically change due to influences of human development.

Natural functions such as seasonal flooding have been mitigated by dams and channelization, enabling introduced species to take hold in this changed environment.

My original concept for Floodplain originated at Fontenelle Forest’s own wetlands. For the past four years I have been following and photographing a population of American toads that reside there, and during this time I came to appreciate the overwhelming biodiversity hidden away under its water. As a photographer, it quickly became apparent that the water clarity in Nebraska was not necessarily conducive to photographing the species that live in it. Thus came about the idea of using a white background to provide a glimpse into the world of the Missouri River floodplain. This technique, known as high-key photography, has been around for

A CLEAR VIEW OF LIFE IN THE BIG MUDDY

a long time, and it has been heavily utilized for scientific purposes. It was my goal to take this method and produce something artistic and beautiful, giving due recognition to the charismatic aquatic life that people rarely see.

2018 is a notable year to begin this exhibit, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Enacted by congress in 1968, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act aims to protect certain rivers in the United States with ecological, cultural, and recreational value. The National System currently protects over 12,734 miles of river, including 98 miles of protection for the Missouri River. Following its exhibition at Fontenelle Forest, the Floodplain gallery will travel to other nature centers and museums along the Missouri River, inspiring people to care for this intricate source of life. I can think of no better place to introduce this exhibit than the place that it all started.

About the photographer: Alex Wiles is a conservation photographer, presenter, and environmental educator based out of Omaha, Nebraska. His interest in conservation initiatives takes him around the world where he documents the challenges faced by wildlife and the work of those who wish to protect it.

Winter 2018 FONTENELLE FOREST | 9

Education

Looking Back and Moving Forward With the crisp, cool air this morning and the shorter daylight lingering, the quiet in the Forest gives us a moment to pause and reflect on all that we have undertaken and accomplished this past year.

Our education staff works tirelessly to bring highquality, engaging programs to people of all ages, all year round. We often joke in our department that there is no bad weather, only poor clothing choices.

Ice, snow, below-freezing temperatures, heat, mosquitoes, ticks…the only thing that keeps us from heading outside with visitors is lightning, and those days are few and far between. Here are just a few highlights of our year in the education world.

• This year, we engaged over 50,000 people in formal education programs. This does not include the over 150 programs that our Teacher Naturalist and Teen Naturalist Trainees provided to the public in 2017.

• We opened a new digital interpretive exhibit in the Baright Gallery in January of 2017, allowing our visitors to dive into the history of Fontenelle Forest, learn more about our amazing birds of prey and get a “birds-eye-view” of the property and trails of this nature center, all in an interactive, digital format.

• Our Seniors Understanding Nature programs saw more than 6,000 elder Americans this year, and are continually rated by senior living facilities as one of the best in the metro area.

• Our naturalists and educators were highly involved in planning and producing this year’s Fairy Faire, programs surrounding the Total Solar Eclipse, and the extremely popular Holiday at Hogwarts events for the public.

10 | FONTENELLE FOREST Winter 2018

• Naturalists attended and presented at the regional conference for the National Association of Interpretation, the national Staff Enrichment Week of The Nature Conservancy, along with attending the Nature Explore / Outdoor Classroom Project Leadership Institute.

• Our programs for school age children continue to thrive, bringing natural science programs to over 40,000 pre-K- 8th grade students this year.

This includes field trips to the Forest and in-theclassroom programs, both during the school day and in afterschool programming. In addition to these school programs, we have started offering once-a-month Homeschool Science programs that are wildly popular, our Summer Day Camp programs that saw a growth in attendance this year, and over 400 raptor programs.

We like to say that every day is an adventure for our educators here at Fontenelle Forest, and we never know what wildly amazing thing is going to catch someone’s eye at just the right moment and pull them a little deeper into their experience with us.

Our staff has the opportunity to inspire a sense of wonder, of amazement and of interconnectedness to our visitors, young and old. We can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store for the stories that will unfold through experiences in the natural world.

- Elizabeth Chalen, Director of Education

Summer Day Camps Are you already dreaming of summer? So are we!

These winter months offer the chance to reflect, recharge, give thanks, and plan for the future.

Fontenelle Forest Naturalists and Educators are always grateful for opportunities to share meaningful experiences in nature, and one of our favorite ways to do that is through summer camps. Right now, we are busy developing an entire summer’s worth of adventures for 2018.

Registration begins February 1st!

Summer camps allow for more sustained, immersive connections with the natural world and each other. Children are engaged in science-based learning through play, led by one of our year-round professional educators.

Along with STEAM-based activities, campers are afforded time to explore, build community, cultivate independence, and develop leadership skills. Our staff is committed to providing your child with high-quality, positive experiences, and the growth that we often notice among campers in just one week’s time is inspiring.

With access to forests, prairies, and wetlands, there are countless opportunities in Fontenelle Forest to foster a lifelong curiosity, appreciation, and love of the natural world. Whether your child is interested in outdoor recreation, nurturing animals, or simply making friends during a memorable summer, our camps offer something for everyone.

We are excited for the coming year, and can’t wait to see you this summer!

For more information and to register, visit

fontenelleforest.org/camps beginning Thursday, February 1st!

Winter 2018 FONTENELLE FOREST | 11

SAVE THE DATE

FEATHER OUR NEST Saturday, April 14 from 6-9 p.m.

Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District Honorary chairs: Rick and Carol Russell Join the Fontenelle Forest Guild at our largest fundraising event of the year - Feather Our Nest!

Come celebrate and support our education, conservation, and recreational programs. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music, bid on a silent auction item perfect for you, or choose to experience one of our unique live auction packages. Your presence helps ensure that each year more than 40,000 children visit the Forest, 600 raptors will be rescued and rehabilitated, 2,000 acres of natural land will be preserved and over 100,000 people just like you can continue to enjoy the quiet wild that Fontenelle Forest brings to our community. Join us April 14, 2018 from 6-9pm at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District.

The Fontenelle Forest Guild is a volunteer support organization that was established in 1969 to promote the advancement and growth of Fontenelle Forest. The Guild is dedicated to protecting and preserving all Fontenelle Forest properties and to supporting and promoting their educational activities and programs. For more information about the Fontenelle Forest Guild and how you can become a member, visit fontenelleforest.org/guild.

12 | FONTENELLE FOREST Winter 2018

Meet Ryan Leichenauer, our new Director of Development and Marketing

Land Stewardship Volunteer Opportunities

Soon after moving to Nebraska around four years ago, I became an avid visitor to Fontenelle Forest and a big fan of the excellent programming the organization provides to the public. I am thrilled to now be a part of the team and privileged to help fulfill our mission.

Fontenelle Forest’s success is based in our community-centered approach. With that spirit, I hope to have the chance to talk to as many of our members as possible to learn first-hand what you enjoy about Fontenelle Forest and why you support the organization. I encourage you to reach out to me or stop to say “hello” if you see me around the Forest.

Our future is very bright and I’m excited to see what we are able to accomplish together.

Volunteer Seeding Day to be announced soon!

The stewardship staff, in partnership with Audubon Society of Omaha and Prairie Plains Resource Institute, is in the midst of a prairie restoration project at Neale Woods along Hilltop Trail. The nonnative brome grass has been killed and now we are ready to re-seed the hilltop with native grass and flowers. When our native seed arrives from Aurora, Nebraska, we will organize the work day. Seeding will take approximately two hours and then the work day will end with a bonfire and hot dog roast with s’mores.

Check our social media posts and emails to receive the final date of the Volunteer Seeding Day. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photo: Standing: Jan Knight, Suzzane Hasiak, Trish Wakefield, Den Hynes. Sitting or kneeling: Heidi Swanson, Christine Orr, Teresa Mentzer, Brooke Whiting. Not shown: Rebecca Chandler.

Nine naturalists, including several Fontenelle Forest educators and volunteers, completed a CIG (Certified Interpretive Guide) workshop in September.

This workshop allows for National Association of Interpretation approved certification of guides for nature centers, museums, national parks, and more.

The workshop instructor, Debra Beck, is a Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT) and full time Naturalist for Fontenelle Forest.

The volunteer Land Stewardship crew meets on selected Saturdays mornings to work on various projects. Lunch and camaraderie are provided!

Upcoming dates January 13, February 3, April 14, May 5 Interested in joining our volunteer Land Stewardship crew? Contact Josh Preister at jpreister@ fontenelleforest.org or give us a call at 402-731-3140.

Thank you for all of your help and support.

Winter 2018 FONTENELLE FOREST | 13

Regular Programming 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 1:00 PM 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.

Home School Science Discoveries Fontenelle Forest’s Homeschool Science Discovery program introduces students to a different natural science topic each month. The content is matched to the Next Generation Science Standards and focuses on interaction and inquiry. This program is the perfect way for children to connect with nature at an early age. Registration is required.

Space is limited so register early.

Mondays Thursdays

9:30 - 11:30 AM Ages 5 & younger Returns on Jan 8

Most Sunday Afternoons 1:00 - 3:00 PM

First Monday & Tuesday of Each Month

For ages 5 - 11 Morning and afternoon sessions available Returns in Feb. Check our website for times and details

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.

2nd Tuesday of Each Month 9:45 - 11:30 AM

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 for all levels, 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.

14 | FONTENELLE FOREST Winter 2018

Sunday Mornings

9:00 - 10:30 AM & Wednesday

Evenings

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Calendar Highlights January 3

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM AT CAMP BREWSTER

Off Trail Exploration Camp Get the kids outside and engaged over winter break with this day camp. We’ll learn about staying safe on the trails, explore the Forest, and create ephemeral art together. For ages 5 to 14. $75 for members / $100 for non-members.

January 13 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

Floodplain Artist Reception Join us for a special opportunity to meet Alex Wiles, the photographer behind the Floodplain exhibit in the Baright Gallery. Learn more about his efforts to give a clearer view to the life of the Big Muddy River. Questions are encouraged!

Photo Exhibition opens January 6th

Short January 14 Interview 8:00 AM AT THE NATURE CENTER

Land Steward Volunteer Day The volunteer Land Stewardship crew meets on selected Saturdays mornings to work on various projects.

Interested in joining our land volunteer crew? Contact Josh Preister at jpreister@fontenelleforest.org or give us a call at 402-731-3140.

Short January 15 TIME TBA: Interview Check our website for times and details

January 27 February 24 March 31 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM AT THE WETLANDS LEARNING CENTER

MLK Jr. Day Of Service On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, millions of Americans will honor Dr. King’s legacy by coming together for a national day of service and dialogue. We’ll have volunteer opportunities at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods for you to lend a hand in our community to help preserve the quiet wild.

Dirt Time: A Tracking Adventure Fontenelle Forest

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.

Short January 14 Interview 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

January 20 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

Short February 3 8:00 AM Interview AT THE NATURE CENTER

Dream Catcher Workshop Do you have special ones you want to protect from harm and bad dreams?

Learn the basics of making your own Dream Catcher. Everything you need will be provided, but if you have a charm or beads you would like to add bring them. Registration is required. $10 per person.

Raptor Bird-Day Party 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. $3 per person for members / $13 per person for non-members.

Land Steward Volunteer Day The volunteer Land Stewardship crew meets on selected Saturdays mornings to work on various projects.

Interested in joining our land volunteer crew? Contact Josh Preister at jpreister@fontenelleforest.org or give us a call at 402-731-3140.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 1 VISIT FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG/camps Read more about summer camps on Page 4.

Winter 2018 FONTENELLE FOREST | 15

Calendar Highlights February 10 & March 10 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM AT THE WETLANDS LEARNING CENTER

February 17 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

Winter Night Hikes Join us on a night hike in the Wetlands.

We will be attempting to find out what animals are stirring on cold winter nights, contradicting the poem! We will try to identify any animals we observe and what they are doing. If we are lucky, we might get the chance to see winter survival in action.

Winter Tree Identification Walk This ever-popular program is back!

Even without their leaves, tree species are distinguishable… you just have to know what to look for. Come learn how to identify trees in winter from an expert! Dress for the weather and possible snowy, hilly terrain. For ages 16 and up.

Begins March 10

Bird Identification Class

March 24

Fairy Faire

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

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 Klaphake at ckavian@cox.net to register.

Do you want to dress up and meet some Forest fairies? 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. $5 per person for members / $15 per person for non-members.

Short February 11 Interview 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

February 24 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

March 17 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM AT THE NATURE CENTER

March 31

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM AT THE WETLANDS LEARNING CENTER

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!

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Fontenelle Forest volunteers... Save the date for our annual celebration of the amazing work you do every day here at the Forest! We’ll enjoy lunch and celebrate all of the great things you have accomplished (and will accomplish in 2018).

Audubon and the Missouri River The Audubon Society of Omaha (ASO) and Fontenelle Forest have again partnered to sponsor a special speaker.

This year we are excited to invite Rick Wright to share what he has learned of John James Audubon’s adventures along the Missouri River. This is a free event.

Kestrel Day We’re partnering with the Nebraska Master Naturalists to celebrate the smallest falcon in North America - the American Kestrel. Build a kestrel box, meet a live educational kestrel, learn more about these dynamic birds of prey, and more. Members only. $20 per family. Space is limited so register early!

FOR COMPLETE PROGRAM LISTINGS, VISIT FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG Please note: The Nature Center will be closed on January 1st.

Happy New Year from all of us at Fontenelle Forest!

16 | FONTENELLE FOREST Winter 2018