Recent Prescribed Fire: Smoke and flame may be visible around the Nature Center. Staff is actively monitoring this area.
Recent Prescribed Fire: Smoke and flame may be visible around the Nature Center. Staff is actively monitoring this area.

Mudpies is a structured program for children ages 3-5 that encourages exploration of nature and interaction between a child and their caregiver. Each week, a natural science topic is explored through crafts, outdoor exploration, songs, stories, hikes and more!

Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Forest

Looking for a unique setting in which to have fun with your child while learning about the natural world?

Mudpies is a structured program for children ages 3-5 that encourages exploration of nature and interaction between a child and their caregiver. Each week, a natural science theme is explored through crafts, outdoor exploration, songs, stories, hikes and more! Each session will feature a different craft or activity, along with storytime and a guided hike. Come discover the joy of sharing nature with your child!

This program is for children ages 3-5 accompanied by a caregiver.


When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Where: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, Habitat Hollow, *New*  Mudpies Education Room (Lower Level)

Member price: $7 per child. Members must sign in to receive discount. Non-member price: $7 per child + daily admission for each accompanying adult(s).

Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to 15 students.

Registration is available by individual session – OR – you can also sign up for a full month of Mudpies at a time (a new feature this year)!   

Mudpies will run following the Bellevue Public Schools calendar and will not run during the summer.

Please see our most recent COVID-19 guidelines here

 

April Schedule

Tuesday, April 4

Theme: Rabbits, Session 1

Why do rabbits hop instead of walk? Why are their ears so big? How can they wiggles their noses so easily? Join us as we learn about what makes rabbits unique!

Thursday, April 6

Theme: Rabbits, Session 2

How do rabbits find food in the Forest? Are rabbits wild animals or pets? Where do rabbits sleep at night? Find the answers to the questions and more at Mudpies!

Tuesday, April 11

Theme: Trees, Session 1

Come explore trees from the inside-out! Today we’ll learn about what lies beneath the bark of a tree and the critters that make their homes there!

Thursday, April 13

Theme: Trees, Session 2

Join us as we explore what grows on and around a tree, from bark to leaves to lichen!

Tuesday, April 18

Theme: Earth Day, Session 1

Come celebrate Earth Day at the Forest! We’ll talk about Earth Day and how YOU can help save the earth!

Thursday, April 20

Theme: Earth Day, Session 2

How do we help save the earth at Fontenelle Forest? Come learn about land stewardship and how we take care of the land here at the Forest!

Tuesday, April 25

Theme: Eyesight, Session 1

What can eyeballs tell you about what an animal likes to eat? Join us as we explore the eyesight between predator and prey animals!

Thursday, April 27

Theme: Eyesight, Session 2

Do all animals see they same as us? Join us as we see through various animals’ eyes and explore animal vision, from insects to owls!

Register for April Classes

 

May Schedule

Tuesday, May 2

Theme: Wildflowers, Session 1

Where do plants come from? How do they start their life cycle? Come learn about wildflowers and their seeds, as well as the pollinators that help them survive!

Thursday, May 4

Theme: Wildflowers, Session 2

Join us for a flower dissection and learn about the parts of wildflowers! From roots to flower, we’ll discuss flower parts and the pollinators that love them!

Tuesday, May 9 

Theme: Snails, Session 1

From storing nuts in a tree, caching food under bark, to eating more to fatten up, we’ll learn about all the different ways that animals get ready for winter!

Thursday, May 11

Theme: Snails, Session 2

Where do snails live? What do they eat? Where do we find them in the Forest? Explore snails in the Forest with us today!

Tuesday, May 16

Theme: Fungus, Session 1

Is a fungus the same thing as a mushroom? Are they plants? Animals? Something in between? Come join us as we learn about the fantastic world of fungus!

Thursday, May 18

Theme: Fungus, Session 2

Where do you find fungus? We’ll look for mushrooms, fungus, and more and talk about their role in the Forest!

Tuesday, May 23

Theme: Happy Summer!

Come join us for our summer sendoff! We’ll have an end-of-the-year party, make mud pies, and enjoy the beautiful summer weather together!

Register for May Classes

Note: Mudpies follows the Bellevue Public Schools calendar and will not run during the summer.


QUESTIONS? CALL 402-731-3140.
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Fontenelle Forest is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit.

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