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Event Series Event Series: Seniors Understanding Nature

Seniors Understanding Nature 2023

October 10, 2023 @ 10:00 am

An image of the sun shining through tree branches overlayed by an orange banner displaying the words "Seniors Understanding Nature" underscored by the Fontenelle Forest logo. The lower left corner of the image displays the words "Presented by AARP Nebraska."

SUN IS HELD ON THE 2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 10:00 TO 11:00 A.M. SEE THE LIST OF SPECIFIC DATES AND TOPICS BELOW.

Join us for our Seniors Understanding Nature (SUN) lecture series at the Nature Center! Each lecture will cover a different topic (listed below). Snacks and coffee are available before the presentation. This program is for adults ages 55 and up who enjoy learning about the natural world.

Date: Dates listed below
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
Minimum Capacity: 10
Maximum Capacity: 200
program fee: This event is free for members or with daily admission. View daily admission prices here.
No registration is required.

 

Seniors Understanding Nature is sponsored by AARP Nebraska.

AARP Nebraska logo

 

January 10:
The Fascinating Flora of Fontenelle Forest

Want to know which plants are the rarest in the Fontenelle Forest oak uplands? Which plants can be found there in each growing season? Drew Granville will share the answers to these questions with us. Drew surveys areas of the Fontenelle properties, identifying important species and collecting data for their conservation. We’ll also learn about the extensive restoration work that is being done on the Fontenelle properties and their effect on improving plant communities.

 

February 14:
Crazy Courtship Rituals of Birds

It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. So, what’s a guy gotta do to get a girl – if he’s a bird anyway? Bob Wells, master naturalist, past president of the Audubon Society, and long-term volunteer with the raptor program at Fontenelle Forest, will share with us some of the crazy ways birds attract mates. Bob will bring to light some unusual behaviors birds exhibit to make their intentions known.

 

March 14:
The Original Trading Post – Stories of the People Involved

Learn little-known stories about significant people involved in the fur trade and the trading post from 1820-1840. Who were they and what roles did they play in the history of the area? Personalities and characters featured: Lucien Fontenelle and his wife Meumbane, Joshua Pilcher, Big Elk, Prince Maximilian of Wied, and more.

 

April 11:
Butterfly Observations Over the Years

Joanne Langabee and Holly Hofreiter have been doing research for Lauritzen Gardens and Fontenelle Forest for several years. They will talk about their experiences, common butterflies of our area and how to ID them by behavior and markings. They’ll also share research data which shows the fluctuation of butterfly populations, and they will discuss what can contribute to these changes. You’ll also learn how you can help to increase butterfly numbers in your yard.

 

May 9:
What’s the Buzz About Bees?

Do you know why honeybees are so important? Ever wonder what would happen if their numbers suddenly declined? Bob Cook, a local beekeeper and member of the Omaha Bee Club will enlighten us on these very important topics. We’ll learn about what commercial beekeeping is all about and the challenges commercial beekeepers face. Bob will share how each of us can help the honeybee.

 

September 12:
Born to Be Wild: Intro to Baby Wildlife

What’s cuter than baby animals? What’s more challenging than raising them? Only their parents would know. Animal parents of different wildlife species have very different ideas about parenting. In this program Lauren Salick, from Nebraska Wildlife Rehab will dive into natural strategies of several animals and how they care for their young. Come join us and learn all about animal families, what to do if we see a baby animal and when it is appropriate to intervene.

 

October 10:
Unbe-leaf-able: Tree ID 101

Be”leaf” it or not, you can identify trees when they don’t have leaves! Learning how to identify trees in every season can be a great way to make being outside and in nature more fun and meaningful. And with such knowledge, you can greatly impress your friends and family. Justin Everton, from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, will share tips on identifying some of the commonly encountered trees in Nebraska and provide us with the foundation for further building our tree identification skills.

 

November 14:
Sandhill Cranes: Nebraska’s Ancient Migrators

Each year a world-class spectacle graces the heartland of Central Nebraska as over 500,000 thousand lesser sandhill cranes along with millions of ducks and geese take temporary residence on Nebraska’s marshlands, ponds, lakes, and rivers bound for their northland breeding grounds. These impressive cranes will spend four to six weeks along the Central Platte River Valley during their spring migration providing the opportunity for thousands of visitors to witness this magical event. Join Ron Cisar as he explores the biology and ecology of this ancient bird that has been part of our midwestern fauna for thousands of years.

 

December 12:
Grit ‘n’ Gumption

Journey back in time as our speaker, Cherrie Beam-Callaway, reenacts stories of the life of a woman homesteading in Nebraska. In her role as Mariah Monahan, Cherrie will tell captivating stories depicting life in Nebraska from 1860 to 1895. Hear how women dealt with tornados, schooling, and childbirth. Hear about children becoming lost in the prairie, lack of women in the country, the endless monotonous labor, and the need for music to liven their lives.

 

 



Questions?
Call 402-731-3140. 
interested in upcoming events at the Forest? Click Below to see Our full calendar.

See the full calendar 

Details

Date:
October 10, 2023
Time:
10:00 am
Series:
Event Categories:
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Venue

Fontenelle Forest
1111 Bellevue Blvd North
Bellevue, NE 68005 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
4027313140

Fontenelle Forest is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit.

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