Catch these Game and Parks education events in August

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

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:

Schramm to host Mud Pie Making

Prepare to get messy Aug. 5 at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna. At 10 a.m., make a mud pie at the Outdoor Classroom after going on a hike to seek out the ingredients.

Participants can squish through the mud pie recipe while learning about soil and the animals that use mud.

Connect to natural world at Creature Comforts workshop

Join Nebraska Game and Parks and Papillion Public Library for Creature Comforts: Crafting Homes for Wild Neighbors at 6 p.m. Aug. 6.

In this free workshop, families will create a butterfly feeder to place in their backyard. Participants also will receive information on attracting pollinators to their yard and identifying species. Supplies will be provided.

The workshop will be at the Papillion Public Library, 222 N. Jefferson St.

Space is limited, so registration is required. See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to sign up. Email monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov with questions.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on Aug. 6

Get ready to go birding by participating in the new Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new 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 Aug. 6, the topic for this free, bird-related program for all ages will be the ruby-throated hummingbird. Learn about resident hummingbirds and how to attract them.

Wise and Wild is Aug. 6 at James Family Conservatory

Wise and Wild is a program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 3 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On Aug. 6, the topic for this free event will be Forest Hike and Tree Identification. Hike the forest and learn about trees with the help of a naturalist.

Little Saplings presents Froggy Fun on Aug. 7

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 2024 series, which occurs the first Wednesday of the month, continues Aug. 7 with the theme Froggy Fun at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult.

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

Explore Nature at Nightfall at Platte River SP

Platte River State Park will host Nature at Nightfall from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 9.

This evening celebration of nature is a chance to meet live animals, view the night sky, go on a night hike, observe bat netting science, discover moths, find pond critters and more.

At arrival, look for park staff handing out program maps with a list of activities.

Three SRAs to host Goin’ Bullfrogging

Learn about bullfrogs and then go out and try to catch some. Goin’ Bullfrogging is a program that will provide that opportunity from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 16 at Memphis State Recreation Area, Aug. 17 at Two Rivers SRA, and Aug. 18 at Louisville SRA.

The program will begin with an informational session about bullfrog biology, regulations, catching methods and more. Then participants and instructors will head out to the water’s edge to catch frogs.

A Nebraska fishing permit is required for ages 16 and older.

Registration is required through the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Call 402-332-5022 for more information.

Homeschool Hikes set for Aug. 21-22 at Schramm

Homeschool 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 at 9 a.m. Aug. 21 and 1 p.m. Aug. 22. This month’s theme is Dung Beetles.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Nature Printing workshop Aug. 22 in Omaha

Have you ever wanted to create prints using the natural items found outside your door? Join Nebraska Game and Parks educators for a Nature Printing workshop at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 as they lead participants through two printing methods.

In this workshop, educators will use the power of the sun to capture plant silhouettes through cyanotype printing on paper. Participants also will design a nature-themed bandana or tea towel using rubber stamps that you will get to carve by hand.

The event, for ages 18 and up, will be at Dry Spokes, 1901 Leavenworth St., Omaha.

Registration is required through the calendar event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Direct questions to Grace Gaard at grace.gaard@nebraska.gov.

Snakes of Nebraska event returns to Schramm

The Schramm Education Center will host its annual Snakes of Nebraska event from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 24-25.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln herpetologist Dennis Ferraro and his lab will lead a live snake encounter, set up open-house style in the Schramm Education Center classroom, featuring most of Nebraska’s 29 snake species. Visitors may ask questions and see venomous snakes up close at this free event.

Schramm Education Center admission fees will apply for anyone visiting the Education Center in addition to the event. A state park vehicle permit is not required in the Education Center parking lot.

Email jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov with questions or call 402-332-5022.