SUN: Seniors Understanding Nature
Once a month a group of senior citizens gather at Fontenelle Forest for conversation and learning. Some of those who attend have been coming to this program for several years and return every month for another new experience. The SUN (Seniors Understanding Nature) program was created in 2002 by one of our naturalists and continues as one of our most vibrant programs.
Fontenelle Forest believes in lifelong learning that encourages on-going connections with nature, is personally satisfying, connects people with others, and recalls memories of past experiences. SUN fulfills all of these qualities by offering a wide variety of topics. Some of the past programming has included information about animals and plants common to Nebraska, environmental events like wetlands flooding, historical information about people who lived in or moved through the area, and photographic travel excursions to many interesting places around the world.
Programs typically involve a presentation in our indoor Forest Room by an experienced and knowledgeable presenter. They might include education animals and even professional storytellers. SUN happens on the second Tuesday of every month (Sept – May) from 9:45-11:00 AM. Snacks and coffee are available beforehand and an optional walk is offered following the presentation. We get great comments from those who come to SUN programs such as, “I have enjoyed all of the SUN programs I’ve attended. Diverse topics and speakers contribute to pleasing everyone at one time or another. Another example of “ you are never too old to learn.”
Upcoming SUN Schedule:
January 12, 2016 – Save the Oaks: An Oak woodland and Restoration Project
Jeanine Lackey, Fontenelle Forest’s Director of Research & Stewardship, will talk about the project underway to restore oak savanna woodland using controlled burns.
February 09, 2016 – The Stories along Our History Trail
Den Hynes, one of our own Teacher Naturalists, will present a program about our History Trail including the Fontenelle Trading Post and the ancient people who once lived here.
March 8, 2016 – Pollinators: Who are They and Why Should We Care?
Jennifer Hopwood, Pollinator Conservation Specialist from the Xerces Society will talk about the impact of pollinators in our region and what you can do to encourage pollinators in your own yard.
April 12, 2016 – Raptor Woodland Refuge: Up Close and Personal
Join us this month for a tour of our state-of- the- art raptor exhibit.. Learn what went into making this beautiful facility and then join a guided tour to meet the residents of the refuge.
May 10, 2016 – Courage to Continue
Cherrie Beam Calloway, from Nebraska Humanities will present part two of the story of Nebraska settler, Mariah Monihan, and her experiences from 1870 to 1885. Her dramatic presentation is based on historical facts.