fontenelle forest's leaflet - july / august 2016

RAPTOR WOODLAND

REFUGEGrand Opening: July 16

Members Preview: July 15

See page 2 for more information

2July and August 2016

Hello Everyone! It’s been three weeks since I relocated back home to the Metro area and two weeks since I started working as the executive director at the Forest. Not much time has passed but the experience I’ve had here so far has been rich and invigo-rating.

My time thus far has been spent meeting and greeting the won-derful staff, volunteers, and community that enjoys and supports the work of Fontenelle Forest. Several deer and wild turkey have visited the window inviting me to come out and walk in the woods as I sit busy at my computer. Office visitors have included three baby Short-Eared Owls, a Western Screech Owl, and a baby Cooper’s Hawk. It’s so nice to be able to tell you that every introduction and new experience I’ve had at the Forest has been full or warmth and welcome. I’m told that this is just the nature of Fontenelle Forest.

I feel quite fortunate to have come to this place because the sense of connection and well-being that I am experiencing is something I am thrilled to be able to share with you! Of course, you get it. You are on the Forest’s mailing list and I hope you are a regular visitor to our piece of paradise along the Missouri River. But sadly, there are still too many people in our community that have found themselves stuck in the concrete prairie.

As I’ve met new people and made new friends, I’m consistently asked what brought me back to Omaha after living in Seattle for 20 years. Excitedly, I tell them, I came back to work at Fon-tenelle Forest. And consistently, I hear the same refrain. “Oh, I went there when I was a kid.”

It’s not difficult to understand when people reply in this man-ner. The Forest proudly provides nature education and outdoor experiences for close to 40,000 school children throughout our community each year. However, the importance and necessity of

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Raptor Woodland Refuge Grand Opening

areas. And so each time I am quick to reply, “Fontenelle For-est isn’t just for kids.” Experiences that connect us to the natural world are important for our happiness, health and well-being.

In 2015, a group of Stanford University researchers published a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The study highlights the vital role access to nature provides to people that live in cities. Researchers reported that the rate of urbanization throughout the world is increasing at an alarming rate. This growth is accompanied by a decrease in the access and exposure that people have to nature and an increase in the levels of anxiety and depression people experience. The research also revealed that people who went on a 90-min walk through a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination and showed reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness compared with those who walked through an urban environment. These results suggest that accessible natu-ral areas may be vital for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world.

In Jeremy Coles’ article “How Nature is Good for Our Health and Happiness” he cites another study that reveals how children exposed to the natural world show increases in self-esteem; learn how to take healthy risks; are able to unleash their creativity; and, experience the benefits of exercise, play, and discovery.

It has been said that “happiness is as a butterfly which, when pur-sued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” Fontenelle Forest’s mission is to provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. We want to inspire current and future genera-tions to care for the natural world. It is my pleasure as executive director to invite you to share in the warmth, the welcome, and the well-being that is here for you at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.

Merica Whitehall, Executive Directorexposure to nature in our lives never ends and there are real health consequences to being isolated in urban

Are you ready to explore Raptor Woodland Refuge? Our latest addition to the Nature Center will open in July and provide a great opportunity to observe many species of birds of prey in a unique outdoor setting. Observe a raptor, learn more about Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery, and traverse our suspended walkways high above the forest floor!

Fontenelle Forest Members Sneak Preview Friday, July 15th from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Drop by the Nature Center for a special members-only viewing of the brand new Raptor Woodland Refuge! This is your chance to see the Refuge before the public opening on the 16th. Enjoy light snacks and enter a raptor-related raffle giveaway. Raptor Woodland Refuge is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. year round beginning on Saturday, June 16th. Follow us on Facebook / Twitter or check fontenelleforest.org for updates on the open-ing weekend.

July and August 20163

Programs are listed in chronological order

PROGRAMS

Minks & Ferrets Are MustelidsWhat on earth is a mustelid? Stop by to find out about these smelly carnivores’ life histories, and learn which live in Nebraska – even in Fontenelle Forest! You may even experience a living mustelid up close.

July 2 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.FFNCLeader: Karen Wagoner

A Hike Through HistoryDid 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. Please note – this hike meets at Camp Wakonda. Water is not available at the trailhead; please bring along any water you will need.

July 9 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.Camp WakondaLeaders: Eric Scholar

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 morningEXCEPT JULY 3 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m.FFNCLeader: Julie Mckeone

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 - ThursdayReturns August 159:30a.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 ThursdayReturns August 1812:30p.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 FridaysThrough July 299:30a.m.-11:30a.m. FFNCLeader: Lindsay Cooley

For ages 5 and younger.

WILD SUMMER DAYSFor ages 11 and younger.

MUD PIES

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 / $14.50 for non-members. Registration is required.

July 9 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.WLCLeader: Grace Gaard

Teen Naturalist TraineesThe mission of Fontenelle Forest’s Teen Naturalist Trainee program is to engage teens in learning, leadership, and service within the natural world. For July, the TNTs will practice fire building skills and techniques, then enjoy s’mores!

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. There are also a variety of great opportunities to volunteer at Fontenelle Forest.

If you are a teen who would be interested in joining the Teen Naturalist Trainees please e-mail Jamie Vann ([email protected]) for more information on our next meeting and an application.

July 2 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m.WLCLeader: Jamie Vann


Write in the ForestExplore 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 cooper-ate, an inside walk-and-write activity will be held.

July 30 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Jeff Lacey

Family Sundays in the Forest: Let’s See the Beavers!Beavers are one of nature’s most power-ful landscape transformers, and evidence of their activity can be seen with just a short walk in Fontenelle Forest’s wetlands. Come meet in front of the Wetlands Learning Center and take a guided walk on some beautiful floodplain trails. Trails are fairly wide and level, able to accommo-date rugged strollers. Please note – water is not available at the trailhead; please bring along any water you will need. A portapo-tty is available.

July 10 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.WLCLeaders: Bonnie Newman & Ingrid Johnson

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


July 30 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.WLCLeaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau


August 6 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.WLCLeaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

Sunrise CanoeingIf 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.

July 23 5:30a.m. - 7:30a.m.WLCLeaders: Grace Gaard & Nick SauvageauNeale Woods Evening Hike

End your work day with a beautiful eve-ning hike up at Neale Woods! You’ll ex-perience a little prairie, a little forest, and lots of beautiful views on this great guided hike. Meet in the parking lot. Please note – water is not available; please bring along any water you will need. A portapotty is available.

July 13 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.Neale WoodsLeader: Kelly Propst

Full Moon CanoeingEver 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 non-members. Registration is required.

July 19 8:00p.m. - 10:00p.m.WLCLeaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

Raptor Woodland Refuge - Members Sneak Preview

Drop by the Nature Center for a special members-only view-ing of the brand new Raptor Woodland Refuge! This is your chance to see the Refuge before the public opening on the 16th. Enjoy light snacks and enter a raptor-related raffle giveaway.

July 15 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Raptor Woodland Refuge - Grand Opening WeekendJuly 16 and 17 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION - GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

Family Sundays in the Forest: 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.

August 14 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Kathy Fischer

Wetlands Evening HikeAn evening in the wetlands is the perfect time and place for encountering wildlife, from beavers to frogs to owls to bats. End your work day the good way and join us for this wonderful guided hike. Meet in front of the Wetlands Learning Center. Please note – water is not available; please bring along any water you will need. A portapotty is available.

August 10 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.WLCLeader: Kelly Propst


August 10 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.WLCLeaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

Sunrise CanoeingIf 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.


Full Moon CanoeingEver 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 non-members. Registration is required.


NAI Certified Interpretive Guide WorkshopThe nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) program is de-signed for anyone in the interpretive field. Whether you’re a new hire, a professional looking to refresh your skills, or begin-ning a second career, this course will aid you in improving your presentation and communication techniques. The course combines both the theoretical foundations of the profession with practical strategies in delivering quality interpretive program-ming to visitors.

For more information, contact Debra Beck at [email protected] or call (402) 731-3140. To register, visit NAI at interpnet.com and look for the Certifica-tion Training Calendar.

August 22 - 26 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.Camp BrewsterLeaders: Debra Beck Cost: See interpnet.com

Teen Naturalist TraineesThe mission of Fontenelle Forest’s Teen Naturalist Trainee program is to engage teens in learning, leadership, and service within the natural world. For August, the TNTs will review their canoe skills and practice canoeing in the Great Marsh!

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. There are also a variety of great opportunities to volunteer at Fontenelle Forest.

If you are a teen who would be interested in joining the Teen Naturalist Trainees please e-mail Jamie Vann ([email protected]) for more information on our next meeting and an application.

August 6 1:00p.m. - 2:30p.m.WLCLeader: Jamie Vann

Prairie Wildflower HikeLate summer is prime time for brilliant wildflowers! Make your way through the prairie on this guided walk and learn to identify the wildflowers you see. Whether you are an avid botanist or just love color-ful blooms, you’ll be delighted by this great hike.

August 13 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.Camp BrewsterLeader: Eric Scholar

Snakes Up CloseSnakes are a crucial part of Fontenelle Forest’s ecosystem, even though they might not qualify as the cuddliest animal out there. Stop by to learn more about snakes and find out what makes them amazing!

August 20 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Lisa Cuevas- Jorgensen


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

Upcoming programs at Fontenelle Forest

SAVE THE DATE



Canoe the Great MarshJoin us in the wetlands as we explore the great marsh and its amazing array of wild-life! 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 10 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.WLCLeaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

Family Sundays in the Forest: Animal EncountersFontenelle Forest is home to hundreds of species of living things, and today you have the chance to experience some animal spe-cies up close! Stop by to meet an animal ambassador and learn how its adaptations would help it survive in the wild.

August 28 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Bob Fuchs

Members Only: Insect ClubFor August, Dr. Jonathan Larson from UNL will present on the Emerald Ash Borer, which has unfortunately now ar-rived in our area.

August 25 7:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Rick Schmid

Home School Science Discoveries: Fish TalesFor 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 non-members.

September 5 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.OR 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m.WLCLeader: Kate Murphy


September 6 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.WLCLeaders: Grace Gaard & Nick Sauvageau

September Campfire Program: Mighty MigratorsCooler fall weather gives many animals the itch to get moving – moving to warmer lo-cations 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 blan-ket, a buddy, and a cup for lemonade.

September 9 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.CBLeaders: Tracy Van Zee & Tad Leeper

Seniors Understanding Nature: International Travelogues - West Africa and New ZealandFollow conservation photographer Alex Wiles on his journey to photograph wild-life 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 13 9:45a.m. - 11:00a.m.FFNCLeaders: Tracy Van Zee & Alex Wiles

Family Sundays in the Forest: Those Crazy ReptilesWhat makes a reptile? What role do they play in ecosystems? Why do they get such a bad rap? Stop by to find out the answers to these questions, add your opinions, and bring your own questions too.

August 21 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader: Suzanne Hasiak




FOR PROGRAMS REQUIRING REGISTRATION - GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

July AugustMinks and Ferrets Are Mustelids Teen Naturalist Trainees

A Hike Through History Canoe the Great Marsh* Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: Let’s See the Beavers! Evening Hike

Raptor Woodland Refuge Members Preview

Canoe the Great Marsh*Raptor Woodland Refuge Grand Opening

Yoga in the Forest

Full Moon Canoeing*

Sunrise Canoeing*

Yoga in the Forest

Canoe the Great Marsh*Write in the Forest

Yoga in the Forest

Canoe the Great Marsh*Teen Naturalist Trainees Yoga in the Forest

Canoe the Great Marsh*Evening Hike

Sunrise Canoeing* Prairie Wildflower Hike

Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: Raptors... Live!

Full Moon Canoeing*

Snakes Up Close Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: Those Crazy Reptiles

NAI Certified Interpretive Guide Workshop

Canoe the Great Marsh*

Members Only: Insect Club

Canoe the Great Marsh*

Yoga in the Forest Family Sundays: Animal Encounters

AT A GLANCE

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Wild Summer Days meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. until July 29. WSD is for children 11 and under.

Mud Pies meets Monday - Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. starting August 15. Mud Pies is for children 5 and under. Mud Pies in the Afternoon meets on Thursday afternoons from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. starting August 18. Mud Pies is for children 5 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) Raptor Woodland Refuge: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily starting 7/16

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

Admission: Fontenelle Forest members: FreeOne Day Admission: $9.50 Adult | $8.50 Senior (62+)| $7.50 Child (2-17) Visit Fontenelleforest.org for the latest information Neale Woods14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha, NE 68112• Trails open year round, sunrise to sunset• Nature center is currently closed

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 - july / august 2016

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