Catch these Game and Parks education events in November

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in November.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Little Saplings program at Schramm

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2024 series, which occurs the first Wednesday of the month, continues Nov. 6 with the theme Bison at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

‘The Science of …’ virtual webinar series continues

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s virtual webinar series “The Science of …” returns in November. On Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central Time, Game and Parks educators will discuss the science behind common things regarding nature and animals. The topics: Nov. 7 – Bobcats; Nov. 14 – Orb Weavers; Nov. 21 – Hawks.

The webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links. Contact monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov for more information.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on Nov. 12

Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A different birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area, which may include a hike.

On Nov. 12, the topic for this free, bird-related program for all ages will be Birding by Ear.

James Family Conservatory to host Wise and Wild

Wise and Wild is a program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 3 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On Nov. 12, the topic for this free event will be Get into the Greenhouse. Explore the greenhouse and design a simple winter plant arrangement for your home.

Wildcat Hills preschool program is Nov. 12

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host its monthly preschool program Nov. 12 with Terrific Turkeys.

The program will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain Time. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wildcat Hills homeschool program is Nov. 14

The Wildcat Hills homeschool program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain Time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. The theme Nov. 14 is Terrific Turkeys. Explore turkey behavior and their unique call.

Certified staff lead various programs that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations, and habitats found only in western Nebraska. Activities focus hands-on learning and observations, targeted to your students’ learning.

For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-K Herpetology Days coming to Mahoney SP

It is never too early to begin appreciating reptiles and amphibians. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s Pre-K Herpetology Days, young ones may meet an animal ambassador, create animal art and more.

This program at 10 a.m. Nov. 14 and 21 at the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center, is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.

The theme will be Frogs and Salamanders on Nov. 14 and Turtles and Snakes on Nov. 21.

Urban wildlife subject of Nebraska Master Naturalist webinar

The Master Naturalist Mondays virtual webinar series continues at 12:30 p.m. Central Time Nov. 18 with Urban Wildlife.

Presenter Dr. Gabrielle Tegeder, adjunct professor of geology and geography at University of Nebraska Omaha, will discuss the kinds of urban wildlife people encounter in eastern Nebraska, why it is there and what people can do to live with wildlife.

Nebraska Master Naturalist is a statewide volunteer conservation program. This free webinar series hosts a variety of presenters and subject matter. It allows Nebraska Master Naturalist to connect to its conservation motivations and inspirations and its naturalist community across the state.

For more information, to register, or find previously recorded webinars in the series, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Email any questions to jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov.

Homeschool Hikes set for Nov. 20-21 at Schramm

Homeschool families for ages 5 and up are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Nov. 20 and 1 p.m. Nov. 21. This month's theme is Deer.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Schramm to host Fly-Tying for Beginners

The Schramm Education Center near Gretna will host Fly-Tying for Beginners at 10 a.m. Nov. 23.

Learn to tie fishing flies using materials such as feathers, thread, metal and beads. These are tied to a hook with the goal of imitating an insect or other small prey item of fish. Tie dry flies, which float on the surface, or wet flies, which sink just below the surface.