Educators at the Nebraska Park and Play Commission have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in July. A vehicle parking entry permit is required, except at the Schramm Education Center. Here are some opportunities:
‘The Science of’ Virtual Webinar Series Returns in July
The Nebraska Park and Play Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns in July.
Every Thursday at 3:00 pm Central Time, Parks and Games educators will discuss some of the science behind common things related to nature and animals. The schedule of topics: July 6 – Mountain Lions; July 14 – Animal Communication; July 20 – Clouds.
The one-hour webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. Check the calendar event entries at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for registration links.
The webinars will be recorded and posted on the Nebraska Parks and Games Educational YouTube channel.
Contact [email protected] for more information. Check out the events on the Game and Parks Facebook page and the Nebraska Project WILD Facebook page.
Snakes of Nebraska is July 29-30 at Schramm
The Schramm Education Center near Gretna will host the annual Snakes of Nebraska event July 29-30.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln herpetologist Dennis Ferraro and his lab will lead a live snake encounter featuring most of Nebraska’s 29 snake species. The live snake exhibits will be set up open house style in the Schramm Education Center classroom and will be available both days from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This event is free. Education Center admission fees will apply for those who also visit the Education Center in addition to the event. Use the classroom entrance on the left side of the building.
Contact Jen Ruyle at [email protected] or 402-332-5022 for more information.
Schramm Park SRA will host Nature Journaling
Learn to write a nature journal at 9 am on July 29 at Schramm Park State Recreation Area.
Join Nebraska teacher naturalist, writer and educator Jeff Lacey on a hike designed to help naturalists of all ages and skill levels write and draw in or about the woods in a nature journal.
Meet at the park shelter with a green roof by the first pond as you enter the park. Resources will be provided.
Discover the relationship between dark skies and wildlife
Come to Camp Snake River at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area on July 21 and investigate the relationship between dark skies and wildlife.
Discover the fantastic world of nocturnal insects and celebrate Merritt Reservoir’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park.
At 8 pm in the Nebraska Star Party tent on the viewing field, night lighting equipment will be used for this project.
Yoga in nature July 14 in Schramm
See how yoga and nature intertwine when Nebraska Game and Parks offers a Yoga in Nature class on July 14 at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna.
The free class, which starts at 9 am, is designed for everyone, from beginners to experts. Come learn, play and sweat it out in a supportive environment. All bodies are welcome. The nature themed class will incorporate certain poses to match the theme.
Registration is required. Some yoga mats will be available.
For more information and to register, visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov. Email [email protected] if you have questions.
Mud Pie Mornings ready for Schramm
Get ready to get dirty for Mud Pie Mornings at Schramm Park State Recreation Area on July 24.
Meet at 9 a.m. at the side entrance of the Schramm Education Center, then go on a scavenger hunt. Next, naturalists and participants will try a mud pie recipe, while learning about the composition of the soil.
Two Rivers SRA Nature Programs July 15
Two Rivers State Recreation Area will host nature programs from 12:30 to 2 pm on July 15.
Join the naturalists at the picnic shelter just north of the lakeside campground. Discover footprints, skins, skulls and more to explore. Meet a live animal and learn about some of Nebraska’s favorite species that can be found in the SRA.
Mahoney SP will host stargazing on July 28
The Nebraska Star Party group will sponsor a Star Gazing Party for the public at sunset on July 28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Powerful telescopes will be set up near the park’s golf shack for glimpses of the night sky. Bring camping chairs or blankets. This event is free and viewing equipment will be provided. Rain dates are the following day or the following Saturday.
Pre-party naturalist programs, featuring astronomy-related activities, will take place at the picnic area in front of the Owen Marina from 3-4:30 p.m.
Wildcat Hills will host bioblitz from July 21-22
Join natural resource experts and volunteers July 21-22 as they discover the biodiversity of Wildcat Hills during a bioblitz, where they will find and identify as many species as possible.
The bioblitz begins on July 21 with a walk at 7:30 pm and continues with a session on moths at 8:30. The next day has the following schedule: 8 am – Census of reptiles and amphibians; 9 am – Study of birds; 10 am – Wild plants and flowers; 11 am – Insect survey.
Meeting at the Nature Center. Contact the Wildcat Hills Nature Center for more information at 308-436-3777.