Upcoming Events
NACEE's mission is to to facilitate and promote conservation and environment education for all Nebraska. ONEof the ways NACEE aims to achieve this is to advertise upcoming events, workshops, and conferences dealing with conservation and environment education. The following are some of the great things going on in Nebraska. If you would like to advertise your event or workshop, please contact Lindsay Rogers at lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov .
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Workshops
Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children
Thursday, June 2
6:30-8:30pm
Location: Pioneers Park Nature Center, Lincoln, NE
Cost: FREE
To register, e-mail Naomi Alhadeff at ngpc.lincoln.projectwild@nebraska.gov
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Energizing the Future
June 6-9
Location: Peru State College
A four-day workshop for high school and middle school teachers in Nebraska which focuses on future energy challenges and how you can incorporate related issues into your class discussion. Tours and guest speakers will present facts and give you a first-hand look at nuclear, fossil, and alternative energy operations.
Cost: FREE for the first 25 registrants
Contact: www.nppd.com/EnergyEducation/
Plant ID and Prairie Management Tour
June 9
8:30am to 4:00pm
Location: Eastern Wheeler County
This tour will be covering a wide variety of different topics including Sandhills prairie and wet meadow management, along with grazing management and exotic plant control. The tour will also feature a plant ID tour.
Contact: Ryan Lodge or www.nebraskapf.com/LandownerTours.aspx
Earth Partnership Workshop
June 13-17
Location: Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Omaha
School or district teams comprised of 2-4 teachers and support staff are trained to facilitate the ecological restoration process within their classrooms, leading up to a school yard native plant landscaping project.
Contact: Christine Jacobsen, cjacobsen@papionrd.org
Documenting Children's Learning with Nature & Supporting the Visual-Spatial Learner
June 18
9:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Child Saving Institute, Omaha
Cost: $30 per workshop
Registration form available at www.natureexplore.org
Contact: Tara Hild at 402-467-6112 ext. 101
Legacy Education and Environmental Discovery (LEED)
June 21-23
Location: Niobrara State Park, Niobrara
Cost: FREE!
Legacy Education and Environmental Discovery (LEED), is an exciting three day-two night introduction to Environmental Education. Participants will work closely with natural resource professionals, and will leave with an expanded view of the importance of nature in our lives. They will be provided with the tools to integrate their experiences into the classroom.
Contact: Jamie Bachmann, ngpc.norfolk.projectwild@nebraska.gov
Project Learning Tree & Project WET
July 8
9am – 3pm
Location: ESU #6, Milford
Cost: Free, lunch included
Register On-line: www.esu6.org, click "Event Registration"
Contact: Cara Small, 402-761-3341, csmall@esu6.org
Growing Up WILD & PLT's Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood
July 9
9am – 1pm (MST)
Location: Wildcat Hills Nature Center, south of Gering
Cost: Free, $20 refundable deposit. Participants must bring a lunch.
Contact: Amanda Filipi, 308-436-3777, amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov
PLT's Secondary Module: Places We Live & Focus on Risk
July 14
1pm – 5pm
Location: Keim Hall on UNL East Campus, Lincoln
Cost: Free, $20 refundable deposit required
Contact: Jennifer Swerczek, 402-472-7765, jswerczek2@unl.edu
PLT's Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood
July 21
6:15 – 8:45 p.m.
Location: Tecumseh
Cost: Free
Contact: Jennifer Swerzek, 402-472-7765, jswerczek2@unl.edu
Growing Up WILD & PLT's Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood
July 27
9am – 3pm
Location: Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Omaha
Cost: Free
Contact: Heather Guthridge, 402-315-1777, hguthridge@papionrd.org
Project BEAK
August 2
9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lake McCaunaughy Interpretive Center
Cost: FREE
Contact: Lindsay Rogers, lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov
Using Your Outdoor Classroom & the Wonders of Nature
August 8
9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Lied Lodge and Conference Center, Nebraska City
$60 (includes lunch)
Contact: www.natureexplore.org or contact Tara Hild at 402-467-6112 ext. 101
Project BEAK
August 9
9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Ponca State Park, Ponca
Cost: FREE
Contact: Lindsay Rogers, lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov
Outdoor Skills Workshop
September 16-18
Location: Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering
Become certified in Hunter's education, learn outdoor survival skills, wilderness first aid, backcountry cooking. Register by Aug 26. Must be 11+ years to register.
Cost: $35/person
Contact: 308-436-3777 or ngpc.wildcat.hills@nebraska.gov.
Fall into Forests! Focus on Forests and Forests of the World Project Learning Tree's Secondary Environmental Education Program
September 22
1pm – 5pm
Location: Lied Lodge, Nebraska City
Cost: Free
Contact: Jennifer Swerczek, 402-472-7765, jswerczek2@unl.edu
Becoming an Outdoor Woman
September 30 – October 2
Location: State 4-H Camp, Halsey
This workshop is designed for anyone 18 years of age or older to learn the outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful in a variety of outdoor pursuits.
Contact: Peggy Kapeller, peggy.kappeller@nebraska.gov
Discover a Watershed: The Missouri River
October 13 and 14
Location: Ponca State Park, Ponca
Cost: Free, lodging and meals included. $20 refundable deposit required. Must register by September 13
Contact: Jennifer Swerczek, 402-472-7765, jswerczek2@unl.edu
Camps
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
Ages: preK-8th grade
Week-long day camps available throughout June, July, and into August.
Contact: www.fontenelleforest.org
Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo
Ages: 5-12
One to five day camps available throughout the summer.
Contact: www.omahazoo.com, click on Education, then Group and Family Fun
Outdoor Skills Camps
Ages: 11-15
Website: www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/programs/education/summer_camps.asp
Kids between 11-15 explore outdoor skills including: rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, archery, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and camping.
Contact: Aaron Hershberger, (402) 471-6144, aaron.hershberger@nebraska.gov
June 13-17, 2011
Location: State 4-H Camp, Halsey, NE
July 10-15, 2011
Location: Eastern 4-H Camp, Gretna, NE
Shooting Skills Camp
June 20-24
Location: South Central 4-H Camp, Alma
Kids between 11-15 explore outdoor skills including: rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery.
Contact: Aaron Hershberger, (402) 471-6144, aaron.hershberger@nebraska.gov
Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center Summer Camp
July 11-14
8:30am - 4:30pm
Location: Nature Center, Alda
The camp includes a blend of nature activities with traditional 4-H offerings such as archery and team-building exercises. Add a dash of art and science and stir. Space is limited, parents are encouraged to sign up soon!
Cost: $115 per child
Contact: NNVC at 308 382-1820
Events
Saturday Early Bird Walk and Brunch
Saturday, June 4
8:30-11:30am
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
Explore our habitats in search of spring birds. After the walk, enjoy a light brunch. Extra binoculars and field guides provided. $12/person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register by June 3.
Contact: SCPAC, (402) 797-2301, scp@audubon.org
Wildflowers of the Prairie - Botanical Illustration Workshop
Saturday, June 11
10:00am-2:30pm
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
Celebrate Nebraska Wildflower Week class with Karina Helm and create your own botanical illustration featuring native wildflowers found at Spring Creek.
Cost: $60 All materials provided, all skill levels.
Contact: SCPAC, (402) 797-2301, scp@audubon.org
Firefly Picnic
Saturday, June 11
7:30-9:30pm
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
Pack a "light" snack and bring a blanket to enjoy a beautiful prairie sunset. Later, explore to discover the magic of firefly habits and habitats. $6/adult-child team. Extra team members $2 each. This program is for children 3-8 years accompanied by an adult. Sign up by June 9.
Contact: SCPAC, (402) 797-2301, scp@audubon.org
Weekend Wildflower Walk
Sunday, June 12
3:00-4:00pm
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
As part of Nebraska Wildflower Week, an afternoon walk will be led by botanist Kay Kottas. See native plants up close and get ideas on home landscaping projects. $6/adult, $4/children 12 and under. Appropriate for ages 8+.
Contact: SCPAC, (402) 797-2301, scp@audubon.org
NABA Butterfly Count
Saturday, July 9
9:00am-12:30pm
Location: Pioneers Park Nature Center, Lincoln
This Butterfly Count will begin with an hour-long slide show. Then, groups will disperse to the three count areas. No need to be an expert, an experienced person will accompany each group. $5/adults $2/child under 12. To register, contact Pioneers Park Nature Center, 402/441-7895, before July 7.
Contact: SCPAC, (402) 797-2301, scp@audubon.org
Prairie Bird Walk
Saturday, July 16
8:00-10:30am
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
Birders from all over the region have made SCPAC a must-see destination to observe grassland birds. We'll venture out into the prairie in hopes of seeing Henslow's sparrows, field sparrows, and bobolinks. $6/person.
Contact: SCPAC, (402) 797-2301, scp@audubon.org
Frogs, Toads, and Turtles
Saturday, July 23
9:00am
Location: Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering
Hop on over and learn about the amphibians and reptiles of the Wildcat Hills. See live animals and learn about their special adaptations for survival! FREE Program!
Contact: Amanda, 308-436-3777 or amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov
Keeping an Illustrated Field Journal
Saturday, July 23
10:00am-1:00 pm
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
Karina Helm will teach field-adapted color sketching methods to quickly illustrate plants, animals, & landscapes. Use pencil, pen, and watercolor techniques. $45/person. All materials provided, including sketchbook with watercolor and graphite papers. All skill levels welcome.
Contact: SCPAC, (402) 797-2301, scp@audubon.org
Fantastic Fossils!
Saturday, July 23
11:00am
Location: Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering
Discover the mystery behind the Wildcat Hills and the
Fossil Freeway! Become a paleontologist for a day and uncover your own hidden treasure to take home!
Cost: $2/person.
Contact: Amanda, 308-436-3777 or amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov
Nature Nightwatch
Saturday, August 6
9:00 pm-midnight
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
Venture out into Spring Creek Prairie's special habitats and await nighttime visitors. We'll use techniques to attract insects and try-out a special underwater light to see what's going on in the pond. $10/adult, $7/children 12 and under. Recommended for children at least 8 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: SCPAC, (402) 797-2301, scp@audubon.org
Birds of the Wildcat Hills
Saturday, August 13
9:00 am
Location: Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering
Come along on a bird hike, where we will explore the birds that call the Wildcat Hills home. Learn about field marks, bird songs, and much, much more! This program is great for birders of all levels! Complete your very own craft to help the birds in your backyard. Meet at the Nature Center. Cost $2/person
Contact: Amanda, 308-436-3777 or amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov
Raptors
Saturday, August 13
11:00 am
Location: Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering
Learn about the birds of prey found in western Nebraska. We will talk about their special adaptations, field marks, and behaviors. This program is FREE! Meet at the Nature Center.
Contact: Amanda, 308-436-3777 or amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov
World O! Water
August 20
Noon – 4pm
Location: Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Omaha
A family festival focused on water quality issues and education about water. Games, speakers, free food, canoe rides, demonstrations, animal shows, scout badge work, and booths
Cost: Free
Contact: www.worldowater.com
Missouri River Outdoor EXPO
September 17-18
Location: Ponca State Park, Ponca
A weekend filled with amazing outdoor activities including fishing, archery, hiking and dutch oven cooking.
Cost: FREE
Contact: Ponca State Park, (402) 755-2284
Fall Festival!
Saturday, October 29
1:30 pm
Location: Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering
Come join us for wonderful Fall Festival! Take part in the pumpkin roll competitions, pumpkin carving contest, fall crafts and much more! The pumpkin roll contest will begin at 1:30 pm with a cost of $2/pumpkin. Pumpkin carving contest will begin at 2:30pm with a cost of $3/pumpkin. Prizes awarded for the different age brackets in each contest. All ages welcome!
Contact: Amanda, 308-436-3777 or amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov
On-Going Programs
Lincoln Safari
Lincoln, NE
Running throughout 2010, the Lincoln Safari encourages participants to get out and explore the nature areas throughout the Lincoln-area. Register for free at any Lincoln Public Library.
For more information, visit: www.lincolnsafari.org
Conferences
Imagination Conversation in Nebraska
June 13
Location: Lied Lodge and Conference Center, Nebraska City
Participate with panelists to discuss the ways imagination and creativity has been inspired by a connection to nature. We will also discuss ways schools might be able to foster imagination in the classroom with more connections to the natural world.
Contact: Lana Gilson, lgilson@arbordayfarm.org, 402-873-8709
Nebraska Alliance for Conservation & Environment Education Annual Conference
September 22-24
Location: Lied Lodge and Conference Center, Nebraska City, NE
Contact: Lindsay Rogers, lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov
Download Registration Form
Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science
September 29 – October 1
Location: Camp Calvin Crest, Fremont, NE
Contact: www.neacadsci.org/nats
North American Association of Environmental Education
October 12-15, 2011
Location: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
Contact: www.naaee.org/conference
Watchable Wildlife Regional Conference
October 25
Location: Lied Lodge and Conference Center, Nebraska City
Contact: www.watchablewildlife.org