Pioneers Park Nature Center Programs

April-August 2012

Programs FOR EVERYONE

Nature's Market
Celebrate Spring! It’s going to be an exciting day filled with lots of activities. Visit food, jewelry, plant and craft booths. Purchase raffle tickets for two rain barrels painted by artist Albert Maxey. Participate in a novel silent auction that will include Nature Center experiences such as a campfire ot birthday party, a hayrack ride, or a tea party in Heritage School as well as items such as elk antlers. Bid on the 25 artistic bird houses during a live auction at 11:00 a.m. After a month in area businesses, all the houses will be on display at the Nature Center beginning April 7. Enjoy entertainment by the String Beans at noon. Children can participate in creating a work of recycled art and make one to take home. This will be a day of fun for all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center, all proceeds support scholarships to Nature Center programming.
Date: Saturday, April 21 | Time: 9:00-2:00 p.m.

Lincoln Earth Day is Sunday, April 22
Join in the celebration!

7:30 a.m. check in: Fun Run at Wilderness Park for children and adults
Noon-5:00 p.m.: Festival at Antelope Park - Farmer's Market, Activities, Talks and more
5:30 p.m.: Native Plant Information Session and Seed Planting at the Nature Center
7:00 p.m.: Celebration at the Rococo Theatre

Go to lincolnearthday.org to find details about happenings throughout the day and get involved in the fun!

Bird Identificaion 101
Birding is the fastest growing form of outdoor recreation in the US and is popular all over the world. This class will provide participants with some basic identification and acquaint them with the tools available to enhance their birding experience. The class, led by Dave Titterington of the Wild Bird Habitat Stores, will conclude with a morning bird walk through the Nature Center to try out your skills and a bird banding demonstration on April 28.
Date: Saturdays, April 28 and May 5 | Time: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Prairie Building Auditorium | Fee: $20/2 sessions

Bird Banding Demonstrations
This is your opportunity to see up close some of the migratory birds that pass through our area as well as our year round residents. Join a licensed bird bander to watch the banding process and to learn about this nation-wide research project. In case of rain or excessive heat, banding will be cancelled. Bird Banding Station. No registration necessary.
Dates: Saturdays, April 28 and May 19 | Time: 9:00 a.m.-noon
Location: Bird Banding Station | Fee: Donations

Poetry on the Prairie
Looking out over prairie and pond, take some time out to share poetry – your own or that of other poets you treasure, or just come to listen. If the weather cooperates, we will spend much of the time outdoors. No registration necessary.
Date: Saturday, April 29 | Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $5 suggested donation

Backyard Composting
Learn how to compost in your back yard through a training session provided by UNL Extension and the City Recycling Office at the Nature Center's backyard composting demonstration area. Two lucky participants will receive a free soil thermometer or plastic compost bin. The program is approximately one hour long. No registration necessary.
Date: Saturdays, May 12 and June 9 | Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Composting Demonstration Area | Fee: Free

Mother's Day Breakfast and Birdwalk
Treat your mother to a unique Mother's Day early morning birdwalk followed by a breakfast of rolls, fruit, and a beverage. Binoculars will be provided for those who do not have their own. Register by May 9.
Date: Sunday, May 13 | Time: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Chet Ager Building | Fee: $10/person

School Houses and Log Cabins
As part of the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Homestead Act, explore a one room school house and the oldest surviving log cabin in the Lincoln area. You’ll have the chance to make a button buzz saw and a simple rag doll. To top off the day, try your hand at a bison chip throwing contest. Hours: 10 am to 1:30 pm, bison chip throwing contest at 1:30. While you’re at the Nature Center, take a walk in the prairie, experience bird banding demonstrations from 9-12 and check out the bison and other exhibit animals.
Date: Saturday, May 19 | Time: 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: Heritage School and Hudson Cabin | Fee: Donation

Becoming an Outdoor Family: Backyard Camping
Presented in cooperation with Nebraska Game and Parks, this program will involve the entire family in setting up a campsite, fire building, outdoor cooking, games, and exploring nature under the stars. Call 402.441.7895 for a registration form. Register by June 9
Date: Saturday, June 16 | Time: 4:45-8:00 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $5/person, includes supper and activity supplies

Froggy Went A-Huntin'
Let’s hunt frogs, tadpoles and a lot of exotic looking little critters that make their home in our pond or stream. We’ll take a good look before letting them go. Wear old clothes and shoes and bring insect repellant. Register by June 20
Date: Friday, June 22 | Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Chet Ager Building | Fee: $8/person, $15/family

Rock and Mineral Grinding Party
What are some of the various gems and minerals found in the Great Plains? How are gemstones prepared for jewelry? Processes from the “b” stone through cutting, polishing, and finishing will be demonstrated by members of the Lincoln Gem and Mineral Club during this free drop-in program.
Date: Saturday, July 7 | Time: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chet Ager Building | Fee: Donation

Butterfly Count
Spend a morning with the butterflies! Take part in the 36th annual butterfly count sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). We’ll begin at the Nature Center with an informative hour-long introductory presentation. Participants will then disperse to the count areas: Pioneers Park Nature Center, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, and Nine-Mile Prairie. No need to be an expert, an experienced person will accompany each group. The count involves walking about 2 hours and covering 2 to 3 miles. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee includes the payment required by the NABA for each participant. Register by July 11.
Date: Saturday, July 14 | Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $5/person

Family Nature Night
Let’s see if we can spot some crepuscular animals on our trails, then sing and tell stories around the campfire while enjoying s’mores. Register by August 1
Date: Friday, August 3 | Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $15/family

Programs FOR YOUTH

Nature Center Preschool
Where Kids Explore Tues/Thurs Sessions, 9:00-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Wed/Fri Sessions, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
PreK: Mon/Wed/Fri, 9:00-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:00 p.m.

Plant, Reap and Eat: a Child's Garden Club
Be a part of the first year of the Nature Center’s Children’s Garden! Learn skills from an experienced gardener. Each meeting will include weeding, watering and at least one of the following: planting, harvesting or preparing a garden-fresh snack. Ages 6-10. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 24th at 3:00 p.m. (LPS early out). Then the club will meet periodically on Thursdays from May 31 to August 2, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. There will be a $10 fee to join. If you come to 4 of the 6 meetings you will receive a gift. Join by calling 402-441-7895.
Dates: April 24, May 31, June 14, 28, July 12, August 2
Location: Nature Center Children's Garden

Animal Antics: Summer Drop-in Program
Offered each Wednesday in June, July 11 & 18 and August 1, 10:00-11:00 a.m., these programs will start off from the Prairie Building. Each week we’ll explore one or more of the animals that live at the Nature Center. Groups of six or more are asked to pre-register. Children’s groups must be supervised: one adult/six children.
Fee: $5/session

June 6: Songbirds
June 13: Bison, Elk and Deer
June 20: Bald Eagle, Wild Turkey and Vultures
June 27: Snakes and Turtles
July 4: No Animal Antics
July 11: Owls, Hawk and Falcons
July 18: Amphibians
July 25: No Animal Antics
August 1: Insects and Spiders

Camp Discovery - Ages 3-6
Outdoor exploration, crafts, puppets, nature games, snacks and story time. Registration begins March 1st. Ages 3-6, Monday-Thursday, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Days: Monday-Thursday | Time: 9:00-11:30a
Location: Prairie Building Big Bluestem Classroom (and the trails!) | Fee: $65/week

June 4-7: Green and Growing - New Openings!
June 11-14: Goin' on a Nature Hunt
June 18-21: Horns and Antlers - FULL, taking a waiting list
June 25-28: Polliwogs, Nymphs and Worms - FULL, taking a waiting list
July 9-13: Polliwogs, Nymphs and Worms - FULL, taking a waiting list

Wilderness Nature Camp - Ages 6-12
Build forts, run through meadows, wade through creeks, explore the woods, meet new friends; these are weekly activities at WNC! This camp engages 6-12 year olds outside, where nature comes first. Look for Extreme Camp, when those 9-13 will have the chance to paddle and climb, Bike Camp, and a chance to get hands in the dirt in the Nature Center’s new children’s garden. Six great weeks, M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Extended hours available for an extra fee. $160/week. Scholarships available. Call 402-441-7895 for a brochure and registration form.
Days: Monday-Friday | Time: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., extended hours available
Fee: $160-170/week, save $10 if registered by May 1st. Scholarship applications available.
Location: Wilderness Park (Nature Center the final week)

Junior Counselor Leadership Camp - Ages 13-17.
Develop and practice leadership skills, make new friends, and increase confidence! The week will focus on team building, nature appreciation and stewardship, and great camp activities. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their new skills during a week of hands-on, in-service training with younger campers. This program requires a special application due by May 1st, and an interview.
Days: Monday-Friday | Time: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Fee: $100

Camp Across Lincoln - Ages 6-9
July 25-29, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Five fun places in one terrific week: Lincoln Children's Museum, Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln Children's Zoo, University of Nebraska State Museum, and finally, a day in the wetlands at Pioneers Park Nature Center. Play water games. Go creeking. Explore wetlands for a day of soaking wet fun. Wear clothes and old shoes you can get wet . Bring an extra set of clothes to change into. We’ll hike the trails, find frogs & snails, and cheer on a turtle race. What will you find in your insect net? Register at lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

Nature's Poetry - Unearthed!
Here is an opportunity for youth ages 9 to 13 to explore nature (and nature poetry) with a writer’s eye, collect impressions, and construct a poem. Participants will also have a chance to share their work and get constructive feedback. A snack will be provided. Register by June 25.
Date: Thursday, June 28 | Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $5

Birthday Parties
Reptiles Rock, Insect Investigations, Nature's Scavenger Hunt, Amazing Birds, Marvelous Mammals or Grow in the Garden. Choose the theme that will make for an exciting birthday celebration. Available Saturdays, 10a-noon and 2-4p Saturdays and Sundays, there is time for a nature hike/activity and your birthday festivities. We provide the space, program, a favor bag for each child and a special gift for the guest of honor. You provide the refreshments. Call 402-441-7895 for reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Available facilities:
Birthday House: $75 for up to 10 children and 3 adults; $7 each additional child, maximum of 15 children
Auditorium: $100 for up to 10 children and 5 adults; $7 each additional child, $3 each additional adult

SPECIALLY FOR SCOUTS

Scout Hikes
One hour naturalist-led hikes are available. Call 402-441-7895.
Fee: $3/scout; minimum of 10

Badgework
The Nature Center rotates scheduled badges and try-its. Upon request, staff will work with leaders for other badge programming with the following fee schedule:
2 hours or less: $7/scout; minimum of 10
2.5-3 hours: $10/scout; minimum of 10

Naturalist Activity Badge for Webelos
Learn to identify the poisonous plants and animals of our area, search for the animals of our region, investigate food chains, bird flyways and the inportance of wetlands! Nature Center staff will help you complete activities #4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Register by May 2.
Date: Saturday, May 5 | Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $10/scout

Junior Naturalist Series for Daisy, Brownie and Junior Scouts
Inspired by the "It's Your Planet, Love It" journey, go on an amazing ourtdoor adventure designed to help you learn more about nature and appreciate the crucial role it plays on our planet. A six month series, sign up for one day to all six. Fee includes instructor, supplies, snacks and recognition. Come dressed for the weather, we'll be outside for at least part of the time! Register through the Girl Scouts at girlscoutsnebraska.org at least two weeks before the program. Find registration information on page 9 of the 2011/12 Program Book.Register two weeks prior to each date.
Dates: Saturdays, April 14, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18
Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $15/scout
Location: Prairie Building Goldenrod Classroom

April 14: More Than Just Feathers
What should this be?
May 19: Grow in the Garden
We'll spend a morning in the Nature Center's new Children's Garden planting, weeding, watering and mulching.
June 16: Grub in the Mud
Explore Nature Center ponds and stream. Wear clothes and shoes that can get muddy and bring a change - we'll get wet!
July 21: Is Something Bugging You?
Investigate the little critters that wear their skeletons on the outside and the important place they have in our world.
August 18: Portrait of a Prairie
Sit in the tall grass. Listen to the sound of the wind, the busy buzz of insects. Understand what makes the prairie live.

Programs FOR ADULTS

Yogo and Your Wellness
Spring is a great time to relax and connect with nature. Enjoy yoga with Melanie and also learn about nutrition, organic foods and a change of diet. Take a meditative nature walk. Enjoy an herbal tea and snack as we finish up with questions and answers. Register by April 25
Date: Saturday, April 28 | Time: 9:30 a.m.-noon
Location: Prairie Building Auditorium | Fee: $25/person

An Herbal Affair
Ideas for refreshing entertaining. We will make infused syrups to create aromatic beverages and explore savory snacks, all using herbs. Recipes and tastes included.
Date: Saturday, August 4 | Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $10/person

Hyde Memorial Observatory
Open Saturdays in Holmes Lake Park; November-March, 7-10 p.m.; April-October, 8 – 1 p.m.
Gaze at the night sky through two powerful telescopes, enjoy two programs about astronomy or space exploration that change monthly, and interact with knowledgeable volunteers. More information at hydeobservatory.info.

Prairie Astronomy Club
You are invited to the monthly meetings of this enthusiastic group of amateur astronomers on the last Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at Hyde Observatory. More information at prairieastronomyclub.org.