fontenelle forest's leaflet newsletter - may / june 2015

Nature Discovery Summer Camps begin June 1stVisit fontenelleforest.org/camps to register!

LEAFLETThe Newsletter of Fontenelle Forest

May and June 2015

2May and June 2015

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

MAY JUNE

Friday Night (Twi)LightsMay Campfire Program

Conservation Hike

Hike All Trails in a Day!Family Sundays in the ForestOmaha Walking Club

Junior NaturalistsWildlife Hike

Family Sundays in the Forest

Seniors Understanding Nature (S.U.N.)

Movie Night: The City DarkConstellation Night Hike

Migratory Bird HikesPlant HikeCanoe the Great Marsh

Raptors... Live!Family Sundays in the Forest

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club

Friday Night (Twi)Lights

Dirt Time: A Tracking AdventureHistory Hike

Yoga in the ForestFamily Sundays in the Forest

Canoe the Great Marsh

Canoe The Great Marsh

CicadaFest Begins!BioBlitz 2015Expeditionary WalkOmaha Walking ClubCanoe the Great Marsh

Canoe The Great Marsh

Bird Club

June Campfire Program

Conservation HikeCanoe the Great Marsh

Family Sundays in the Forest

Canoe the Great MarshWetlands Night Hike

Great Big Muddy MeetupWildlife Hike

Great Big Muddy Meetup

Fontenelle Forest Photo Club

Friday Night (Twi)Lights

Plant HikeCanoe the Great Marsh

Family Sundays in the ForestCanoe the Great Marsh

Canoe the Great Marsh

Members only: Insect Club

Dirt Time: A Tracking AdventureCanoe the Great Marsh

AT A GLANCE

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Mud Pies meets Monday - Thursday morning until May 21 for children ages 5 and younger.

Wild Summer Days meets Wednesday and Friday mornings beginning June 3 for children ages 11 and younger.

May and June 20153

Programs are listed in chronological order

PROGRAMS

FOR CLASSES REQUIRING REGISTRATION - GO TO FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG

Friday Night (Twi)LightsEveryone needs a breather! Disconnect from your work week and connect with the great outdoors right here in the Forest. This evening hike will be a relaxing and energizing start to your weekend. Note: please wear appropriate shoes; bug spray is recommended and water bottles encour-aged.

May Campfire Program:Home on the RangeAh, the comforts of home! But just what do homes look like? Join us in stories and songs about the various homes found in Fontenelle Forest, and throughout history in this area. Bring a blanket to sit on and a cup for lemonade after the program.

Family Sundays in the Forest:Migrating MothersIn honor of two great things, mothers and migratory birds, come visit the forest and learn about the amazing journeys that birds take to migrate. Touch and see bird arti-facts that will help you discover how these birds make their incredible journeys.

May 16:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.WLCLeader: Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen

May 17:00p.m.-8:00p.m.CBLeader(s): Michelle Foss

Family Sundays in the Forest:Dipping in the WetlandsJoin us at the Wetlands Learning Center to learn which macroinvertebrates can be found in the pond. Using nets and strain-ers we will discover the amazing world that thrives in the water. Dragonfly larva, Crawling Water beetles and snails, oh my! This hands-on afternoon will give you a whole new perspective on what-s in the water!

May 31:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Dianne Guinnand Ingrid Johnson

May 101:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader(s): Jayne Hutton

Conservation Hike:Birds of Fontenelle ForestJoin us for a hike focused on our feathered friends. We’ll look for those birds back in the area for the season, and discuss how Fontenelle works to keep their populations thriving and provide excellent habitat.

May 210:00a.m.FFNC

JUST FOR CHILDREN

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 - ThursdayEnds May 219:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.FFNCLeader(s): Kate Murphy

Wild Summer Days Wild Summer Days is back! Each week a different topic will be explored through centers, animal visitors, walks and outdoor play. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Check the calendar at fontenellefor-est.org to learn the weekly topic. This pro-gram is for children ages 11 and younger.

Wednesday & FridayBegins June 3 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.FFNCLeader(s): Kate Murphyand Lindsay Cooley

Hike All Trails in a Day!Join us to hike all the trails at Fontenelle Forest in one day. You will definitely get your exercise for the day as we will hike nearly 20 miles, but we will also get to see the forest in a new light. We will get to hike by the Great Marsh, Hidden Lake, 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 37:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.FFNCLeader(s): Seth Keithand Adam Erickson

Wildlife Hike: Busy BeaversBeavers have a huge impact on the ecosystem around them, both positively and negatively. Come discover where the beavers are constantly at work and where they live, plus take a short hike to view the trees they’ve been chewing.

May 910:00a.m. WLC

Junior NaturalistsCome join other 6th-8th grade students and learn more about our natural world! For information on monthly topics or to register for this month’s activity, please email Lindsay Cooley at [email protected].

May 910:00a.m. - 11:30a.m.WLCLeader(s): Lindsay Cooley

Omaha Walking ClubHomecoming Wetlands Walk. Visit oma-hawalkingclub.org for more information on the Walking Club.

May 37:00p.m.WLC

4May and June 2015


Dirt Time: A Tracking AdventureLearning to track animals requires many hours in the field, often on your hands and knees, studying animal signs up close. This is the dirt time, literally time to look and dig and track in the dirt. Come prepared for the weather and the great possibility of muddy boots...the more mud, the easier it is to find tracks!

May 2310:00a.m.WLCLeader(s): Wanda Pendleyand Seth Keith

S.U.N. (Seniors Understanding Nature): Living a Sustainable LifeDaniel Lawse, from the Verdis Group, and Seth Keith, Fontenelle Forest Educa-tor, will team up to show us all how we can reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainable lives. We’ll learn how our actions benefit us and the natural environ-ment.

May 129:45a.m. - 11:00a.m.FFNC

Canoe the Great MarshEver wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Come down to the wetlands for a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat – you may even glimpse a beaver, snapping turtle or other wetland creature as you explore. For ages 10 & up. Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.

Movie Night: The City DarkWe’ve teamed up with Green Bellevue to present a showing of The City Dark: A search for night on a planet that never sleeps. The film explores the effects of city light pollution on living creatures, includ-ing migratory birds. Popcorn, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Admission is free for all.

May 157:00p.m.FFNC

Migratory Bird HikesIn celebration of International Migra-tory Bird Month, join us for two morning hikes in search of migratory birds with Rick Schmid, Fontenelle Forest’s resident ornithologist. May is peak migratory bird season in the Forest with many species to see! The 8:30 a.m. hike will visit Child’s Hollow via dirt trails. The 10:30 a.m. hike will follow the Riverview Boardwalk. Bin-oculars are recommended for both hikes.

May 168:30a.m. - 10:00a.m.and10:30a.m. - 11:00a.m.FFNCLeader(s): Rick Schmid

Constellation Night HikeWe will go for a moderate evening hike until it gets dark enough to see night sky constellations and planets, if the weather is clear. Meet in parking lot and bring binoculars if desired to try to look for deep sky objects.

May 158:00p.m. - 9:30p.m.Neale WoodsLeader(s): Bob Fuchs

May 162:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Grace Noecker

Plant Hike: Wetlands PlantsCome discover the plants that face flood-ing and wet conditions year-round and learn why some species thrive and some don’t survive. Be prepared for muddy trails and lots of fun!

May 1610:00a.m.WLCLeader(s): Kathy Fischer

Fontenelle Forest Photo ClubVisit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org for more information on the Photo Club and the topic of this month’s meeting.

May 217:00p.m.FFNC

Family Sundays in the Forest: Tools That Made HistoryDo you ever wonder what life was like for people living in this area hundreds, or even thousands of years ago? Get a glimpse into the history of this area through the tools that were used. Dustin will demonstrate how stone tools were produced and used by people living here in prehistoric times.

May 171:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader(s): Dustin Clayton

History HikeGo back in time with us as we hike a beautiful trail that highlights events from the past 900 years. For a glimpse into the history of this area, this trail can’t be beat.

May 231:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader(s): Eric Scholar

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.

May 2410:00a.m. - 11:30a.m.FFNCLeader(s): Julie McKeone


May 226:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.WLCLeader: Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen

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 179:45a.m. - 10:45a.m.FFNCLeader(s): Denise Lewis

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Canoe the Great MarshEver wanted to paddle across the Great Marsh? Come down to the wetlands for a canoeing adventure! This is a great way to get a different view of our marsh habitat – you may even glimpse a beaver, snapping turtle or other wetland creature as you explore. For ages 10 & up.Cost: $5 for members / $12 for non-members. Registration is required.




BioBlitz 2015Come 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!

May 306:00a.m. - 11:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Rick Schmid


June 36:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Grace Noecker

Bird ClubThis is the club’s annual potluck and meet-ing to elect officers for the coming year. The club will provide fried chicken, bever-ages, paper plates and plastic wear. Please bring your favorite dish to share, and bring your binocular as you never know what will pop up in the trees! Bird Club is for Fontenelle Forest members only.

June 46:00p.m.CBLeader(s): Rick Schmid


May 3010:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Grace Noecker

Family Sundays in the Forest: Hike the Southern ForestCome experience Fontenelle’s “hidden” gems on this hike in our southern for-est. We’ll take lesser-used trails, such as Mormon Hollow, History, and Prairie, and discover all the birds, flowers, and wildlife they have to offer. Bring binoculars if you have them. All ages are welcome, although this hike will take a full 2 hours.

May 241:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.Camp WakondaLeader(s): Bob Fuchs

Expeditionary WalkWhen a fifth Saturday occurs in a month, a group will take a short walk along Stream Trail to view and record seasonal changes. Bring a camera! Each 5th Saturday, we’ll note plant and animal activity (especially the beavers). Please dress for the weather.

May 3010:00a.m.WLCLeader(s): Kate Murphy

Omaha Walking ClubFontenelle Forest Cicada Walk. Visit oma-hawalkingclub.org for more information on the Walking Club.

May 3010:00a.m.FFNC

The last time Brood IV made an appear-ance at Fontenelle Forest, the year was 1998. Titanic, Saving Private Ryan, and Mulan were the reigning films and Brandy and Monica ruled the pop charts. Join us as we celebrate this once every 17 year event with a week of special happenings, lectures, and hikes. Check out our website for up to date information on all the of-ferings. Members – watch your email for a pop-up party the day the emergence begins.

May 30 - June 7Visit fontenelleforest.orgfor updates and programschedules!

CicadaFest 2015 - They’re coming!

6May and June 2015


Great Big Muddy Meetup:Omaha Missouri River Clean UpFontenelle Forest and Missouri River Re-lief will be partnering to clean a mile long trash deposit on the Missouri River. Boats will ferry volunteers to the river banks to pick up trash along the river banks. Other volunteers, including youth groups, will pick up trash along trails and parking lots. Volunteers will receive a free boat ride, t-shirt, trash bags, gloves, lunch and reusable water bottle. River cleanups are a great way to foster good stewardship of the local Riv-er system. Please wear weather and work appropriate clothes, including sturdy shoes or boots. No flip-flops or open-toed shoes allowed on boats. Sunscreen and bug spray recommended. Ages 10 and over with an adult to go on boats, participants will be asked to sign a Volunteer Waiver.

Registration is required through Missouri River Relief at http://www.riverrelief.org/sign-up/ For more information please con-tact Seth Keith at [email protected] or 402-731-3140 Volunteers contact Kareen Hickman at [email protected] Location: Lake Manawa State Park - Missouri River boat ramp - Council Bluffs, IA

June 139:00 a.m. - 12:00p.m.FFNC

Great Big Muddy Meetup:Learn About The Mighty MissouriCome learn all about our local Missouri river watershed through hands on immer-sive experience. Join us for activities in-cluding Missouri river boat rides provided by Missouri River Relief. Canoeing and kayaking on the Great Marsh in partner-ship with UNO Venture Center. Hikes to the teaching pond to catch and release fish in seine nets, dip for macro invertebrates, and do water quality analysis. Participate in water games or arts and crafts. Be sure to check out the educational booths and displays from Backwoods, Sierra Club, Green Bellevue, and a variety of other lo-cal vendors and partners. Visit our website for more information the week of the event.

June 1412:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m.WLC

Wildlife Hike:Frogs & Tadpoles in the WetlandsCome discover the world of frogs and toads - where they love to hide, what they eat, and more! Bug spray and water bottles are recommended for this great summer hike.

June 1310:00a.m.WLCLeader(s): Mic Burtand Jeff Voss

Wetlands Night HikeDusk at the wetlands is anything but quiet! Come take an exciting hike and find out what creatures are out and about on a summer night.

June 107:30p.m. - 9:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Eric Scholar




June 610:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Grace Noecker

Conservation Hike: Forest FloraJoin us for a morning hike focused on flora conservation. We will be looking at early prairie and forest blooms as we discuss how our conservation department promotes native forbes.

June 610:00a.m.FFNCLeader(s): Matt Miller

Family Sundays in the Forest: Dipping in the WetlandsJoin us at the Wetlands Learning Center to learn which macroinvertebrates can be found in the pond. Using nets and strain-ers we will discover the amazing world that thrives in the water. Dragonfly larva, Crawling Water beetles and snails, oh my!

June 71:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Dianne Guinnand Ingrid Johnson

June Campfire Program:Nature Dads - Parenting at the ForestWe will take a closer look at parenting in Fontenelle Forest. How do owl parenting styles differ from, say, snakes? Wild ani-mals grow up quickly, so come compare the moms and dads of the forest! Bring a blanket to sit on and a cup for lemonade after the program.

June 57:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.CBLeader(s): Michelle Foss

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Family Sundays in the Forest:Fabulous FathersOn this day of celebrating the fathers in our lives, we will discover some of the “fathers” of Fontenelle Forest as well. Join us to learn about Fontenelle’s founding “fathers”, the oldest trees in the forest, and all the fatherly animals found here.

June 211:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.FFNCLeader(s): Jayne Hutton

Dirt Time: A Tracking AdventureLearning to track animals requires many hours in the field, often on your hands and knees, studying animal signs up close. This is the dirt time, literally time to look and dig and track in the dirt. It is only through this regular dirt time that we can hone our skills as trackers, and this is our opportunity to get together with others who are interested in learning more about the animals who call this forest home. All are welcome, and no prior experience tracking is needed. Come prepared for the weather...the more mud and snow, the easier it is to find tracks!

June 2710:00a.m.WLCLeader(s): Wanda Pendleyand Seth Keith

Plant Hike: Edible Forest PlantsHave you ever wondered which forest plants are edible? Come join us as we discover several edible plant species and learn how to identify them.

June 2010:00a.m.WLCLeader(s): Eric Scholar


June 196:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.WLCLeader: Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen


June 2010:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.WLCLeader(s): Grace Noecker







Fontenelle Forest Photo ClubVisit fontenelleforestphotoclub.org for more information on the Photo Club and the topic of this month’s meeting.

June 187:00p.m.Bellevue University

Insect ClubThe educational program at this meet-ing will be presented by Babs and Loren Padelford on the topic of Flies. Insect Club is for Fontenelle Forest members only.

June 257:00p.m.FFNCLeader(s): Rick Schmid

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Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

1111 Bellevue Boulevard North, Bellevue, NE 68005

• Hours: Open daily, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Closed December 25 & January 1

• Trails open dawn to dusk for FF members. Non-mem-

bers admitted before close have trail access until dusk

Admission: Fontenelle Forest members FreeOne Day Membership $7 Adult | $6 Senior (62+)| $5 Child (2-17)

Neale Woods14323 Edith Marie Avenue, Omaha, NE 68112

• Trails open year round, dawn to dusk

• Nature center CLOSED for renovation

Admission:Fontenelle Forest members FreeOne Day Membership $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 newsletter - may / june 2015

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