Catch these Game and Parks education events in July

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in July. A vehicle park entry permit is required, expect at the Schramm Education Center. Here are some opportunities:

‘Science of’ virtual webinar series returns in July

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns in July.

Every Thursday at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators will discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals. The schedule of topics: July 6 – Mountain lions; July 14 – Animal communication; July 20– Clouds.

The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for registration links.

The webinars will be recorded and posted to the Nebraska Game and Parks YouTube Education Channel.

Contact monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov for more information. Check out the events on Game and Parks’ Facebook page and the Nebraska Project WILD Facebook page.

Snakes of Nebraska is July 29-30 at Schramm

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.-4:30 p.m.

This event is free. Education Center admission fees will apply for those also visiting the Education Center in addition to the event. Use the classroom entrance on the left side of the building.

Contact Jen Ruyle at jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov or 402-332-5022 for more information.

Schramm Park SRA to host Nature Journaling

Learn nature journaling at 9 a.m. July 29 at Schramm Park State Recreation Area.

Join Nebraska Master Naturalist, writer and educator Jeff Lacey on a hike designed to help naturalists of all ages and ability levels write and sketch in or about the forest 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 relationship between dark skies, wildlife

Come to the Snake River Campground at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area on July 21 and investigate the relationship between dark skies and wildlife.

Discover the fantastic world of nighttime insects and celebrate Merritt Reservoir’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park.

At 8 p.m. at the Nebraska Star Party Tent on the observing field, night lighting equipment will be used for this project.

Yoga in Nature July 14 at Schramm

See how yoga and nature are woven together as Nebraska Game and Parks offers a Yoga in Nature class July 14 at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The free class, which begins at 9 a.m., is designed for everyone from beginners to experts. Come to learn, play and break a sweat in a supportive environment. All bodies are welcome. The nature-themed class will incorporate certain poses will coincide with 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 monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov with questions.

Mud Pie Mornings set for Schramm

Prepare to get dirty for Mud Pie Mornings at Schramm Park State Recreation Area on July 24.

Meet at 9 a.m. by the Schramm Education Center side entrance, then go on an ingredient-seeking hike.  Next, naturalists and participants will squish through a mud-pie recipe, all while learning about soil composition.

Two Rivers SRA nature programs July 15

Two Rivers State Recreation Area will host nature programs 12:30-2 p.m. July 15.

Join naturalists at the picnic shelter just north of lakeside campground. Discover tracks, pelts, skulls and more things to explore. Meet a live animal and learn about some of favorite Nebraska species that can be found at the SRA.

Mahoney SP to host star gazing July 28

The Nebraska Star Party group will sponsor a Star Gazing Party for the public at dusk July 28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Powerful telescopes will be set up near the park’s golf shack for a glimpse of the night sky. Bring camp chairs or blankets. This event is free and viewing equipment will be provided. Rain dates are the next day or following Saturday.

Pre-party naturalist programs, with astronomy-related activities, will be held at the picnic area in front of Owen Marina from 3-4:30 p.m.

Wildcat Hills hosting bioblitz July 21-22

Join natural resource experts and volunteers July 21-22 as they discover the biodiversity of the Wildcat Hills during a bioblitz, where they will find and identify as many species as possible.

The bioblitz begins July 21 with a 7:30 p.m. hike and continues with a session on moths at 8:30. The next day has the following schedule: 8 a.m. – Reptile and amphibian survey; 9 a.m. – Bird survey; 10 a.m. – Plants and wildflowers; 11 a.m. – Insect survey.

Meet at the Nature Center. Contact the Wildcat Hills Nature Center for more information at 308-436-3777.