Catch these Game and Parks education events in June
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in June.
Don’t forget to purchase a Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
June offerings are:
Junior Bluebird Program at Ponca State Park
Students in grades 4 through 6 are invited to attend the Junior Bluebird Program at Ponca State Park from 10-11 a.m. June 2, 9, 16 and 23.
Learn why bluebirds matter to our environment, explore habitats, monitor bluebird boxes, and help record observations. Participants can build a bluebird box and get their own copy of “Get to Know Bluebirds.”
The cost is $15 for all sessions. Registration is required. Call 402-755-2284 or email [email protected].
Stars, Strolls & Smores at Skyview Lake
Go on an exciting nature walk during a full moon at 7:30 p.m. June 3 at Norfolk’s Skyview Lake.
This family-oriented activity introduces participants to the cultural and natural history of area trails, lakes and natural resources.
Each Moon Walk, which averages a mile, starts with a short introduction to the night’s program before a hike to a designated area, where hikers will enjoy presentations. The evening wraps up with free smores.
Visit the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.
Discover ‘Science of’ the Platte River
The Platte River is one of Nebraska’s most important waterways, supporting wildlife, people, and ecosystems.
On June 4, the popular “Science of” virtual webinar series will explore the river’s unique shallow channels, sandbars and seasonal flows. It also will look into how they create critical habitat for species like migratory birds, fish and amphibians.
In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.
The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.govfor registration links.
Prairie Pines will host wildflower workshop
Celebrate Nebraska Wildflower Week at a free workshop discovering the beauty of native wildflowers at 6 p.m. June 5 at Prairie Pines Nature Preserve just east of Lincoln.
Participants will learn about native wildflower and pollinator species while making their own wildflower seed bombs, designing tote bags with flower pounding and capturing wildflower silhouettes on bandanas with cyanotyping.
Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Participants must be 18. Direct any questions to [email protected].
Effects of Climate Change on Species and Ecosystems
Rick Schneider will present the webinar Effects of Climate Change on Species and Ecosystems at 12:30 p.m. June 15.
This presentation will discuss how climate change is impacting species and ecosystems, both directly and by exacerbating non-climate stressors. Conservation strategies to address this issue also will be discussed.
This webinar is part of the Master Naturalist Mondays webinar series. Nebraska Master Naturalist is a statewide volunteer conservation program that recruits, trains, manages, and provides resources for its members.
For more information, see the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov or email [email protected].
James Family Conservatory to host Wise and Wild
Wise and Wild is a program for those ages 18 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 10 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
On June 16, the theme for this free event will be Wildflowers and Watercolors. Learn about wildflowers while creating a watercolor artwork, which you will complete as you explore our gardens and prairie.
Pollinators, Plants, & Prairie Pines
Discover the vital role that bees, butterflies and other pollinators play in our ecosystem through interactive activities during Pollinators, Plants, & Prairie Pines.
At 10 a.m. June 20 at Prairie Pines Nature Preserve in Lincoln, participants can partake in plant art, build butterfly feeders and go on a pollinator scavenger hunt.
Learn how you can make a difference in your own backyard and help protect these essential animals.
Bumble Bee Atlas Field Days scheduled
Participate in Bumble Bee Atlas field days and help collect and identify bees. Field days are scheduled for 9 a.m. June 20 at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center near Denton and 10 a.m. June 28 at Ponca State Park.
In-person training events are a great way to learn how to use an insect net, collect data according to project methods, practice identifying and photographing bees, and meet fellow participants.
Registration is required and can be completed at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov, where more information is available.