fontenelle forest's leaflet - may / june 2016

Canoe the Great Marsh returns June 1!

Inside this issue:

Meet our new Director New summer hours

Omaha Gives! is May 25

2May and June 2016

Greetings Fontenelle Forest Members and Friends! I have some wonderful news to share with you! On behalf of the Fontenelle Forest Board and staff, I am delighted to announce that the Board of Directors recently approved the appointment of Merica Whitehall as the Forest’s new Executive Director.

Merica (whose first name rhymes with Theresa) is an Omaha native and fifth generation Nebraskan. She was educated in the Omaha Public Schools and graduated from UNO. Merica cur-rently serves as Executive Director of the Nature Consortium, a grassroots, community-based organization in Seattle, Washing-ton. The Nature Consortium’s mission is to connect people, arts, and nature. Merica Whitehall’s background includes over twenty years of nonprofit leadership, both on a local and state-wide level, as well as experience as an adjunct professor of non-profit management at Seattle University. Merica will begin her new Executive Director role at the Forest on June 13th. I encour-age each of you to introduce yourself to Merica when you see her at Fontenelle Forest. Congrats to Merica!

I am also pleased to inform you that Fontenelle Forest’s April 22nd Feather Our Nest fundraiser was a great success! Achieve-ment of the event’s financial goals was the result of a great team effort on the part of the Forest Guild, Board, Friends, staff and the Community. More than 420 people attended the evening gala and participated in the silent auction, banquet and live auction. My hat’s off to all who helped to make our annual Feather Our Nest fundraiser a triumph!

Plans are underway to celebrate the grand opening of our new Raptor Woodland Refuge exhibit which will open soon. This one-of-a-kind outdoor live animal display will showcase more than twenty non-releasable birds of prey. (Exhibit grand opening details will be announced on the Forest website.)

Finally, this summer I hope you’ll take advantage of the many opportunities afforded by the Forest to experience and enjoy thequiet wild of nature. See you on the trails!

- Tad Leeper, Interim Executive Director

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ready - Set - Give!

New summer hours!

Summer camps begin June 6

Omaha Gives! is Wednesday, May 25th! Schedule your donation for the big day now at:

omahagives24.org Our members play an essential role in everything that we do. In 2015, Fontenelle Forest provided environmental education opportunities for over 40,000 school children, rescued over 500 raptors throughout the state, began an important plan to restore our centuries-old oak savannas, and provided an opportunity to visit the quiet wild to over 100,000 people. Help us make 2016 (and beyond) even better!

Don’t forget to register for Nature Discovery summer day camps!

fontenelleforest.org/camps We have amazing opportunities from children of all ages, includ-ing new camps for toddlers and ages 12-14. Space is limited so register soon!

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be open extended hours for the summer season on weekdays beginning this Memorial Day! Nature Center Summer hours (May 30th thru September 5)

8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Take advantage of the long summer evenings by exploring the Forest after a long day of work or sharing the outdoors with a guest! All trails will still be open from dawn to dusk. Member fobs will be needed to access Nature Center trails after 7:00 p.m. on week-nights and 5:00 p.m. on weekends.

May and June 20163

Programs are listed in chronological order

PROGRAMS

May Campfire Program: Forest Mothers and BabiesJoin us for a celebration of Mother’s Day as we explore the many mothers of the forest. Learn about the unique mother and offspring relationships that can we find outside our doors and enjoy stories honoring our own mothers, including Mother Nature! Grab a buddy and bring a blanket, and don’t forget to bring a cup for hot cocoa (or lemonade – depending upon the weather!).

May 6 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.CBLeader: Tracy Van Zee

Family Sundays in the Forest: PollinatorsWhat’s all this buzz about the peril of pol-linators? They say that for every 3 bites of food we eat we should thank a pollinator. Who are these guys and where are they at Fontenelle Forest and your backyard? Learn how you can help them including Citizen Scientist Projects. All moms get a free packet of flower seeds. Free elder-berry plant for each family. Kids will enjoy pretending to be a pollinator in a tasty model. Let’s enjoy helping the pollinators help us!

May 8 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeaders: Chris Robie

Teen Naturalist Training: Pond DippingCome out to the Wetlands and explore with the Teen Naturalist Trainees. We will hike along the stream, check out the beaver activity, look for birds on the Great Marsh, and dip for macro-invertebrates in the pond. This is for teens from 13 to 19. You need to dress for the weather and be prepared to get damp and muddy. Questions? Contact Jamie Vann at [email protected]

May 7 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m.WLCLeaders: Jamie Vann

Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. - rain or shine!

Yoga in the ForestJoin us for an hour-long vinyasa style yoga class, surrounded by nature, designed to de-stress and relax you. This class is acces-sible 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 medi-tative walk will follow the class, ending with tea for those who can stay.

Every Sunday morning 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m.FFNCLeader: Julie Mckeone

MUD PIES

YOGA IN THE FOREST

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 in-teractive stations within “Habitat Hollow”.Check the calendar at fontenelleforest.org to learn the weekly topic. This program is for children ages 5 and younger.

Monday - ThursdayUntil May 199:30a.m.-11:30a.m. FFNCLeader: Lindsay Cooley

Mud Pies in the Afternoon Unable to attend Mud Pies in the morn-ing? Drop by the Nature Center on Thurs-day afternoons to explore nature activities with your child. One adult is required for every two children. This program is for children ages 5 and younger.

Every ThursdayUntil May 1912:30p.m.-2:00p.m. FFNCLeader: Kate Murphy

Wild Summer Days Every child should experience the magic of holding a snail or smelling a wildflower, and learning alongside a special adult in their life. This summer, connect your child to the natural world by experiencing it together! Come to Wild Summer Days, a drop-in program for adults and children ages 11 to infant, for hands-on learning and technology-free play indoors and out. Due to the types of activities offered and the amazing benefits of adult-child interac-tion in nature play, one adult is required to accompany every two children. Drop in and play with us, and experience the wild of Fontenelle Forest this summer!

Wednesdays and FridaysBeginning June 19:30a.m.-11:30a.m. FFNCLeader: Lindsay Cooley

For ages 5 and younger.

WILD SUMMER DAYSFor ages 11 and younger.

Bird ClubPlease note: The Bird Club’s May meet-ing has been rescheduled to Wed May 4. Rick Schmid will present on difficult bird identifications during spring migration.

Members OnlyMay 4 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Rick Schmid

4May and June 2016

Wetlands into the Uplands HikeThis moderately-paced hike will explore two different environments within the forest. We’ll start on the flat terrain of the wetlands and cross over into the hilly, sometimes steep, uplands. Recommended for those 10 years and older. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water, bug spray and a hat.

May 14 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.WLCLeader: Lisa Cuevas- Jorgensen

Hike All Trails (On the Nature Center side of Fontenelle Forest)Join us to hike one half of the trails at Fontenelle Forest in one day. You will definitely get your exercise for the day as we will hike nearly 12 miles, but we will also get to see the forest in a new light. We will get to hike through Handsome Hol-low, and all of the hills and ravines of the beautiful forest in the spring season. Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch you can eat on the trail. This will be a strenuous day of hiking, so come prepared and do some pre-hiking to get ready. Feel free to join us for the entire day or hike as far as you can and then head back.

May 15 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeaders: Heidi Seals & Adam Erickson

Home School Science Discoveries: Beginning BotanyFor May, Home School Science Discover-ies will learn how plants reproduce. After dissecting a lily, we’ll visit the prairie to watch pollinators. Then the students will be challenged to hunt for plants that reproduce without making seeds. Snack is included. This program is limited to 12 students ages 5 - 11 and registration is required. There is a $5.00 materials fee per student.

May 16 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m.CBLeader: Kate Murphy

Fontenelle Forest Photography ClubFor May, the Photography Club will be participating in a wetlands photo shoot. For more information, visit fontenellefor-estphotoclub.org.

Members Only May 19 7:00 p.m.WLC

Raptors... Live!This is your opportunity to come visit us and meet our amazing raptors! See and learn about these fascinating owl, hawk, and falcon wildlife ambassadors; photo-graphs are encouraged.

May 21 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.FFNCLeader: Kathy Fischer

Family Sundays in the Forest: Dipping in the WetlandsHave you ever wondered what is surviving under the water in our local ponds, rivers and lakes? Come out and help us discover the macroinvertebrates that are found in our “Dipping Pond” down at our wetlands. We’ll have a fun afternoon with dipping equipment and identification charts to help us I.D. these creatures and learn about their importance in this ecosystem.

May 29 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.WLCLeader: Dianne Guinn

Family Sundays in the Forest: All About BeaversDrop by to learn about beavers, intrigu-ing animals with flat tails and lustrous fur. Although sometimes considered pests, they create rich, watery habitat for fish, turtles, frogs, birds and ducks. Come find out where to spot them in Fontenelle For-est, too!

May 22 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeaders: Ingrid Johnson & Bonnie Newman

Edible Plant HikeCurious about foraging for your own food? Whether for survival or just for fun, dif-ferentiating between edible and harmful plants is an important skill. Come learn ex-amples of edible plants and how to identify them so that you can forage in your own backyard or neighborhood.

May 21 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m.WLCLeader: Eric Scholar

Canoe the Great MarshHave you ever wanted to see Fontenelle Forest in a totally different way? Join us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wildlife! From Beavers to Owls and everything in between, this program is great for both beginners and experienced Canoers! For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.

June 1 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.WLCLeader: Nick Sauvageau

Seniors Understanding Nature: Courage to ContinueCherrie Beam Calloway from Nebraska Humanities will present part two of the story of Nebraska settler, Mariah Moni-han, and her experiences from 1870 to 1885. Her dramatic presentation is based on historical facts.

May 10 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m.FFNCLeader: Catherine Kuper

Little Stars AstronomyDo you know a preschool-aged child who’d love to learn what’s up in the sky? This new program series is geared towards kids ages 3-5 and focuses on a different astronomy topic once a month from Janu-ary through May. Drop in anytime to learn through hands-on experiments, games, and going outside. Adults must accompany children.

May 28 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.FFNCLeaders: Ann Cole & Mary Lou Alfieri

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

May and June 20165

Bird ClubThis is the club’s annual pot luck dinner and business meeting for election of officers for the next year.

Members OnlyJune 2 6:00p.m.CBLeader: Rick Schmid

FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION - GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

June Campfire Program: Radical ReptilesAs the warmer weather arrives, the reptiles of the forest are stirring! Come enjoy an evening with family and friends as we explore the radical world of reptiles. Enjoy stories, learn fun facts, and even meet a couple of live reptile guests. Bring a blan-ket or a lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful weather. Don’t forget to bring a mug for some lemonade!

June 3 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.CBLeader: Tracy Van Zee

Family Sundays in the Forest: Dragonfly MigrationDragonflies are the source of countless myths and stories, and this beautiful insect is so fun to observe each summer. But what happens to them the rest of the year? Come find out more about these winged legends and their migration habits as you pass through the building on your way to the rest of the Forest.

June 121:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Kathy Heithoff

Family Sundays in the Forest: June BugsJune is a great month for bugs, and Fon-tenelle Forest is full of them! Whether beautiful or less than cute, bugs are fasci-nating and have more effect on us humans than we often realize. Come out for a hike or just to stick around the building and learn just how crazy these creatures can be on your way out or in.

June 5 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Jayne Hutton

Pollinator Program and HikePollinators are the key to success for many plants all over the globe, and humans’ lives depend on them in many ways. Come learn how pollinators benefit us and find out what we can do to help them con-tinue their important work. We’ll start off indoors for a presentation and then move outside for a hike to catch pollinators in action. All participants should bring water. Bug spray is encouraged, but if you are interested in touching any insects, please avoid spraying hands.

June 11 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Eric Scholar

Constellation Observation Come up to Neale Woods and search the sky! We’ll meet at 8:30 pm and walk for a while til sunset, after which we’ll look for constellations. Bring a pair of binoculars if you desire to find deep sky objects! Program will be cancelled if the sky is overcast.

June 3 8:00p.m. - 9:30p.m.Neale WoodsLeader: Bob Fuchs

Raptors... Live!This is your opportunity to come visit us and meet our amazing raptors! See and learn about these fascinating owl, hawk, and falcon wildlife ambassadors; photo-graphs are encouraged.

June 12 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Kathy Fischer




June 11 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.WLCLeader: Nick Sauvageau

Home School Science Discoveries: A Bug’s LifeJoin us on a quest to survey the insect life under logs, in the air, water and trees at Fontenelle Forest. Meet some special insects up close, make insect models, and enjoy a buggy snack. Snack is included. This program is limited to 12 students ages 5 - 11 and registration is required. There is a $5.00 materials fee per student.

June 13 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m.FFNCLeader: Kate Murphy

BioBlitz 2016Come help us identify the living organ-isms that make up Fontenelle Forest. The BioBlitz is a citizen science project which provides an opportunity for those inter-ested in learning more about what lives in Fontenelle Forest to team up with experts as they identify the organisms that call the Forest home. Visit fontenelleforest.org the week of the event for more information!

June 4 6:00a.m. - 11:00p.m.FFNCLeaders: Jamie Vann & Rick Schmid

6May and June 2016

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE FOR FF MEMBERS OR WITH GENERAL ADMISSION UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

International Mud DayJoin us to celebrate “International Mud Day.” Make mud seed balls. Paint with mud. But best of all play in the mud!!!You can bring a picnic supper for your family to enjoy on the plaza.

June 29 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Kate MurphyInsect Club

Dr. Ted Burk will present on identifica-tion of local butterflies and the annual butterfly count sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association. Dr. Burk is a Professor of Biology at Creighton Uni-versity where he teaches several classes, including entomology.

Members OnlyJune 23 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Rick Schmid

Returning to Nature: Part 1Join us for an evening with David Muska of Ondatra Adventures. This presentation will introduce the tools and information necessary to creating meaning relationships with nature as individuals, families and community members. Join us on March 26th for the Community Workshop as well! Registration is required and all ages are welcome. This program is free for members or with daily admission.

June 24 6:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m.FFNCLeader: David Muska

Returning to Nature: Part 2This day of exploration will provide op-portunities to put into practice the skills and tools presented at last night’s pre-sentation. Bring a lunch and a sense of adventure as we head out into the Forest to uncover the tales of the natural world. Registration is required and all ages are welcome. This workshop is $5 for mem-bers or $12 for non-members.

June 25 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.FFNCLeader: David Muska







Wetlands into the Uplands HikeThis moderately-paced hike will explore two different environments within the forest. We’ll start on the flat terrain of the wetlands and cross over into the hilly, sometimes steep, uplands. Recommended for those 10 years and older. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water, bug spray and a hat. Meet at the Wetlands Learning Center.

June 18 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.WLCLeader: Lisa Cuevas- Jorgensen

Family Sundays in the Forest: Dipping in the WetlandsHave you ever wondered what is surviving under the water in our local ponds, rivers and lakes? Come out and help us discover the macroinvertebrates that are found in our “Dipping Pond” down at our wetlands. We’ll have a fun afternoon with dipping equipment and identification charts to help us I.D. these creatures and learn about their importance in this ecosystem.

June 26 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.WLCLeader: Dianne Guinn



Fontenelle Forest Photography ClubFor June, the topic and location will be an-nounced soon. For more information, visit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org.

Members Only June 16 7:00 p.m.TBD

May and June 20167

FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION - GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

May JuneYoga in the Forest

Members Only: Bird Club

Campfire Program: Forest Mothers & Babies Teen Naturalist Training Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: Pollinators

Seniors Understanding Nature: Courage to Continue

Wetlands into the Uplands Hike

Yoga in the ForestHike All Trails (Nature Center side)

Home School Science Discoveries*

Fontenelle Forest Photography Club

Raptors... Live!Edible Plant Hike Yoga in the ForestFamly Sundays: All About Beavers

Little Stars Astronomy Yoga in the ForestFamily Sundays: Dipping in the Wetlands

Canoe the Great Marsh*

Members Only: Bird Club

Campfire Program: Radical Reptiles Constellation Observation at Neale Woods

BioBlitz 2016

Yoga in the ForestFamily Sundays: June Bugs


Canoe the Great Marsh* Pollinator Program and Hike Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: Dragonfly Migration Raptors... Live!

Home School Science Discoveries*


Fontenelle Forest Photography Club Canoe the Great Marsh* Wetlands into the Uplands Hike Yoga in the Forest

Members Only: Insect Club

Returning to Nature: Part 1*

Canoe the Great Marsh*Returning to Nature: Part 2*

Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: Dipping in the Wetlands

International Mud Day Canoe the Great Marsh*

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Mud Pies meets Monday - Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. until May 19. Mud Pies is for children 5 and under. Mud Pies in the Afternoon meets on Thursday af-ternoons from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. until May 19. Mud Pies is for children 5 and under. Wild Summer Days meets Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. beginningJune 1. WSD is for children 11 and under. * denotes program that requires registration

1111 Bellevue Blvd. NorthBellevue, NE 68005

www.fontenelleforest.org

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center1111 Bellevue Boulevard North, Bellevue, NE 68005 • Hours: Open daily, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Summer Weekday Hours: 8:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. (Summer hours run M-F from May 30 - September 5)

• Trails open dawn to dusk for FF members. Non-members admitted before close have trail access until dusk

Admission: Fontenelle Forest members: FreeOne Day Admission: $7 Adult | $6 Senior (62+)| $5 Child (2-17) Visit Fontenelleforest.org for the latest information Neale Woods

14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha, NE 68112• Trails open year round, dawn to dusk• Nature center CLOSED for renovation

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

Phone: 402.731.3140 Email: [email protected] Web: fontenelleforest.org Find us on:

General Information

fontenelle forest's leaflet - may / june 2016

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