Catch these Game and Parks education events in June

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in June. Here are some opportunities:

Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night is June 13 in Omaha

Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night at 7 p.m. June 13 at the Bull Moose in Omaha.

Nature is cool, so there is no shortage of topics questions could cover. Get your teams of no more than five players and be ready to compete for prizes. Registration is not required.

These events are for adults only and are free to attend with a purchase from the Bull Moose, 3548 Center St.

For more information and or questions, email monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov.

‘Science of’ virtual webinar series returns in June

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

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 topic on June 15 will be prehistoric creatures.

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 webinar schedule of topics: June 15 – Prehistoric creatures; June 22 – Pollinators; June 29 – Aquatic plants.

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.

Little Saplings program presents Dandelions

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 2023 series continues June 7 with the theme Dandelions at 9 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program and includes admission to the Education Center after the program.

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

Homeschool Hike set for June 21-22 at Schramm Park SRA

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike to learn about pollinators at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. June 21 and 2 p.m. June 22.

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

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult per program. This includes admission to the Schramm Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free.

This program is recommended for ages 5 and up. Participants should dress in season-appropriate layers and wear closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Hats and water bottles are recommended.

Chadron State Park hosting Celebrate Wildflower Week

Celebrate Wildflower Week with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum on June 8 at Chadron State Park.

A Wildflower Plant Talk begins at 6:30 p.m. Mountain time at the Central Group Complex Meeting Room, featuring Horticulture Specialist Lucinda Mays and NSA Horticulture Program Coordinator Bob Henrickson.

At 7:30 p.m., there will be a Sunset Wildflower Hike, meeting at the Central Group Complex before traveling to the Pinecone Shelter for the hour hike.

Wildflower Outing at Wildcat Hills on June 9

Celebrate Nebraska Wildflower week with a Wildflower Outing at the Wildcat Hills at 7 p.m. June 9.

Uncover many of the flowers in bloom at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and discover key characteristics for identifying. Bring water and hiking shoes for this mile-long hike over uneven terrain. The hike meets at the Nature Center.

Pollinator Party hosted by Schramm Education Center

To celebrate Nebraska Pollinator Week, the Schramm Education Center will host a Pollinator Party on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

See live honeybees, bumblebees, and other live insects at this family event. Help survey the Schramm prairie for insects and plants in a prairie bioblitz. There will be crafts, games, a plant sale, food and much more.

Participation in the event is free, but regular admission costs will apply for any visitors wishing to explore the Education Center. A state park vehicle permit is not required in the Schramm Education Center parking lot.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information. Direct questions to Outdoor Education Specialist Jen Ruyle at 402-332-5022 or Jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov.

Ash Hollow SHP Bioblitz set for June 17

Enjoy learning from Nebraska biologists while finding and identifying as many species of plants and animals as possible at the Ash Hollow State Historical Park Bioblitz on June 17.

All necessary materials will be provided for the sessions, which run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dress for the weather. Lunch and dinner will not be provided.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for a schedule. For more information, email meghan.manary@nebraska.gov.

Mahoney SP to host star gazing June 23

The Nebraska Star Party group will sponsor a Star Gazing Party for the public at dusk June 23 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.

Two Rivers SRA nature programs June 17

Two Rivers State Recreation Area will host nature programs 10 a.m.-noon and 12:30-2 p.m. June 17.

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.

Mud Pie Mornings set for Schramm

Prepare to get dirty for Mud Pie Mornings at Schramm Park State Recreation Area on June 2 and 29.

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.

Summer programs scheduled at Venture Parks

Venture Park programs for the public are scheduled at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, Platte River SP, Eugene T. Mahoney SP and Louisville SRA from June 1-Aug. 15.

Topics include reptiles, wildflowers, mammals, birding and more. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact Kelly Ekue at kelly.ekue@nebraska.gov or 402-332-5022.

Schramm Park SRA to host Nature Journaling

Learn nature journaling at 9 a.m. June 17 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.