Catch these education events in July

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in July.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Here are some opportunities:

Flock to Birds of a Feather on July 1

Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A different birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area. On July 1, the topic will be Birding by Ear. When you are not able to see a bird, hearing its call is the next best thing. Participants will practice identifying birds by their calls.

Schramm hosts Little Saplings on July 2

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2025 series, which occurs the first Wednesday of the month, returns July 2 with the theme Life in a Pond at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $5 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Wise and Wild is July 8 at James Family Conservatory

Wise and Wild is a free program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 2:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On July 8, the topic will be Turtles of Nebraska. Learn about the turtle species found in Nebraska and their adaptations, then walk down to Owen Marina to look for turtles.

Kayak Cleanup at Holmes Lake on July 8

Wildlife and people need clean and healthy spaces to live and enjoy. Join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor educators July 8 at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake for a night of service – removing trash from the lake while kayaking.

Trash bags and gloves will be provided as leaders and volunteers clean up trash from 6-8 p.m.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own kayaks, but a limited number of kayaks will be available on a first-come basis. Registration is required.

For more information, including where to meet, and to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Treehouse Classroom offering three programs

The new Treehouse Classroom is open at Schramm Park State Recreation Area and three fun programs for all ages are scheduled.

Nature Zines is at 6 p.m. July 9 and 28. Zines are mini magazines that can be shared to bring joy and spread a positive message about nature. Create Zines and plan on how to share them.

Nature Poetry Workshop, at 3 p.m. July 21, is a beginner poetry-writing program led by a naturalist who will guide writers through different forms of nature poetry inspired by the park’s beauty.  

All About Bullfrogs is at 10 a.m. July 29. Learn about bullfrogs, make art inspired by them and grab a net and try to catch some in Canyon Ponds.

‘Science of’ heat survival scheduled in July

Animals have developed incredible strategies to survive the challenges of extreme temperatures. Discover how Nebraska’s wildlife beat the heat July 10 as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.

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.gov for registration links.

Two Rivers SRA’s Outdoor Learning program continues

A new education series, Outdoor Learning, continues in July at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. All events are held from 8 a.m.-noon at the pavilion east of the Caboose Park, unless otherwise noted.

July 12 – Frog Frenzy: Learn about Nebraska’s frogs, their habitats, adaptations and more. Meet at the Lake No. 4 parking lot.

July 19 – Cicadas: Discover the world of these buzzing bugs, from underground hideouts to sky-high serenades.

July 26 – Critter Clues: Be a wildlife detective and uncover clues left behind in the wild as you observe tracks, fur, scat and more.

Train to become a Nebraska Master Naturalist

Nebraska Master Naturalist is offering its Complete Training course July 13-19 at Niobrara Valley Preserve near Johnstown.

This training provides the required 60 hours of classroom content and field activities that allows people to achieve “Certified Nebraska Master Naturalist” status after participating in the full week of training.

The training combines coursework, hands-on field trips and volunteer opportunities. The program is perfect for anyone eager to make a positive impact on their local environment.

For more information or to register, see the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Direct any questions to jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov.

Schramm After Dark: Moth Night is July 26

Join educators from UNL Extension and Nebraska Game and Parks at Schramm After Dark: Moth Night, a moth lighting bioblitz at Schramm Park State Recreation Area on July 26.

This free event will take place from 8:30-10:30 p.m. at the park shelter next to Pond A. Vehicles with park permits may park next to the shelter, otherwise no permit is needed to park at Schramm Education Center.

Participants who bring a flashlight can search for moths at the light trap and learn about moths and Nebraska’s other nocturnal insects.

Direct questions to Jen Ruyle at 402-332-5022 or Jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov.