From the Leaflet – March and April 2016
Spring is almost here! With warmer weather comes a lot of exciting programming, from the return of Fairy Faire to the another year of the Nebraska Science Festival at the Forest. Here the featured events and programs requiring registration for March and April.
View the March / April Leaflet here.
Featured events
Fairy Faire
Saturday, March 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Nature Center
Do you want to dress up and meet some forest fairies? The Fairy Faire is returning to Fontenelle Forest. 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.
Nebraska Science Festival
Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17 at the Nature Center
We’re excited to be a part of the Nebraska Science Festival for the third straight year! Join us as we celebrate spring with raptor programs, wildflower walks, a look at the history of Raptor Recovery Nebraska, guided exploration hikes, and more. Admission is discounted with a NeSciFest ticket for non-members.
Feather Our Nest
Friday, April 22 starting at 6:00 p.m. at Hilton Omaha
Feather Our Nest is our annual fundraising gala presented by the Fontenelle Forest Guild. The proceeds of this benefit event open a door into the natural world for the youth of our community. Over 40,000 children explore the wonders of Fontenelle Forest each year. These experiences are priceless to the many inner-city kids who never have a chance to walk in the woods, wade through prairie grasses, or see animals in the wild. For 2016, Feather Our Nest celebrates the upcoming Raptor Woodland Refuge exhibit. This one-of-a-kind experience featuring non-releasable birds of prey in a forest-like setting will be opening soon. Visit fontenelleforest.org/feather to purchase tickets to this exciting event.
Programs requiring registration
Home School Science Discoveries: Geology Basics
Monday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Camp Brewster
Learn about the geology of Camp Brewster. After making models of minerals and changing them to rocks, the group will walk the geology trail searching for glacial till and glacial erratics. They’ll discover loess soil and maybe uncover a “kinchen”. Each participant will take home a rock and a mineral. 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. – Sold Out
Cancelled – Returning to Nature, Part 1
Friday, March 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nature Center
Join 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. – Click here to register.
Cancelled – Returning to Nature, Part 2
Saturday, March 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Nature Center
This day of exploration will provide opportunities to put into practice the skills and tools presented at last night’s presentation. 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 members or $12 for non-members. – Click here to register.
Home School Science Discoveries: Birding in the Wetlands *2nd session added!*
Monday, April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Wetlands Learning Center and Monday, April 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Wetlands Learning Center
Bring your binoculars for a peek at migrating birds in the wetlands. (Binoculars will be available to borrow.) Examine a sandhill crane taxidermy mount to learn about the great migration of the sandhill crane. The group will walk to the bird blind along the “Great Marsh” trying to spot other migrants, especially water fowl. A “bird” 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. – Morning session: Sold Out / Afternoon session: Click here to register.
Members Only: Nature Explorers
Saturday, April 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Wetlands Learning Center
April showers bring wildflowers! Explorers will go on a scavenger hunt to find wildflowers. We will head in doors and learn about pollinators. For children ages 5-11, snacks provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration required. Space is limited. – Click here to register.