Educators at the Nebraska Park and Play Commission have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in December. Here are some opportunities:
Little Saplings Early Childhood Program Presents Winter Woodpeckers
Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna.
The 2022 series concludes on December 7 with the theme of Winter Woodpeckers at 9 am. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.
See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.
Homeschool Hike scheduled for December 21 at Schramm Park SRA
Homeschooling families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program on December 21.
This nature exploration program designed for homeschooling families takes place at 9 am As an educator leads the walk, participants ask questions, draw, observe and make discoveries in nature.
Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register.
Wildcat Hills will host Oh Deer homeschool program
Find out about the types of deer that can be found in the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and some of their adaptations during the Wildcat Hills Oh Deer Homeschooling Program on December 8th.
This program meets at 10 am Mountain Time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.
The program is free, but a vehicle parking entry permit is required. For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wildcat Tales Preschool is December 13th.
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the Wildcat Tales monthly preschool program on December 13.
The Winter Wonderland program, which will explore the ways animals prepare for winter, will meet at the Nature Center at 10 am Mountain Time. There will be a lesson plan, story, and hands-on activity specifically geared toward children ages 2-6.
The program is free, but a vehicle parking entry permit is required. For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Get outdoors with Winter Family Nature Club
Outdoor adventure doesn’t end when winter rolls around. Bring the family to the Winter Family Nature Club at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area in Stanton County on December 17th.
This free event, starting at 1 pm, will allow families to explore nature and practice outdoor skills to keep mind and body strong through connecting with nature and playing outside. This event will also take place on January 14, February 11, and March 11.
Registration is required and can be completed at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Science communication 101 webinar topic
Join a free virtual webinar on key strategies and methods for communicating science in a way that is relevant and meaningful to the public at 12:30 pm CT on December 14.
The discussion will be led by Shawna Richter-Ryerson of the Nebraska Park and Play Commission.
This webinar is part of the Conservation Education Lunch and Learn series, which dives into the science behind educational efforts and practices by learning from experts on a variety of scientific and educational topics. Please direct questions to [email protected].
Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov to register and learn more.
Schramm to Host Christmas Bird Count for Kids
Get the family outdoors and help contribute to science by participating in the Christmas Bird Count for Kids at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna from 10 am to noon on December 29.
Schramm’s naturalists will lead birding excursions to the Platte River in the woods and view an indoor feeder so you can choose your own adventure. Make bird crafts and help count the results so they can be shared with Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count Project.
General admission to the educational center is required to participate in the event. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for youth and seniors, and children 3 and under are free. A park permit is not required in the school parking lot.
Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.