Pioneers Park Nature Center Programs

February - May 2012

Programs FOR EVERYONE

Poetry on the Priairie
Think of a hot drink in a warm room with a beautiful view of prairie and pond. Now think about sharing nature poetry - your own, or a favorite of yours by another poet. Join us! No registration necessary.
Date: Sunday, January 22 | Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $5 suggested donation

Geology Day
Learn about fossils, minerals, rocks and gemstones through displays and demonstrations by members of the Lincoln Gem and Mineral Club. They can also help you identify your own specimens during this drop-in program.
Date: Sunday, February 12 | Time: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Chet Ager Building | Fee: Donation

Grand Re-Opening of the Chet Ager Building, Great Backyard Bird Count
Join us for a celebration of the foundation stabilization and remodeling of the Chet Ager Building! Help us count the birds that come to our feeders as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. There will be crafts for the kids and refreshments for all.
Date: Saturday, February 18 | Time: 10:00 a.m.-noon
Location: Chet Ager Building | Fee: Free

Walk with the Stars
Hike under the brilliant stars of the Winter Hexagon, learn to find them in the night sky. Listen to their stories as you warm up with hot cocoa. We might even hear the sounds of the nocturnal animals around us. The program is suitable for those six years old and up. It will be cancelled if the sky is cloudy. Register by February 22.
Dates: Friday, February 24 | Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $8/person, $15/family (2-4 people)

Scavenger Hunt
Come and explore! Find new ways to learn about the Nature Center trails and exhibits by particpating in our first ever Nature Center Scavenger Hunt! This fun activity for children, teens and adults will help you to hone your observational skills finding treasures that are "hidden" in plain sight. We will provide a Scavenger Hunt List and Trail Map; you identify the location where the "treasure" is found. The challenge is to find all the items on the list in 2 hours. Prizes will be awarded for individuals who complete the list in the alloted time! Register by March 28.
Date: Saturday, March 31 | Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $8/person, $15/family (2-4 people)

Nature's Market
Participate in a live auction and bid on your favorie of the birdhouses, functional or decorative, that have been created by local artists. Two rain barrels painted by artist Albert Maxey will be raffled. Stroll down the trails and visit vendors of unique, nature-related crafts. Munch on luscious treats and have a cup of coffee. There will be crafts for the children and entertainment by the String Beans. It will be a great day at the Nature Center! Sponsored by the Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center, proceeds support scholarships to Nature Center programming.
Date: Saturday, April 21 | Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Mother's Day Breakfast and Birdwalk
Treat your mother to a unique Mother's Day early morning birdwalk followed by a breakfast of rolls, fruit, and a beverage. Binoculars will be provided for those who do not have their own. Register by May 9.
Date: Sunday, May 13 | Time: 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Chet Ager Building | Fee: $10/person

Backyard Composting
Learn how to compost in your backyard through a training session provided by UNL Extension and the City Recycling Office at the Nature Center's backyard composting demonstration area. Two lucky participants will receive a free soil thermometer or plastic compost bin. No registration necessary.
Dates: Saturdays, May 12 and June 9 | Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Composting Demonstration Area | Fee: Free

Programs FOR YOUTH

Nature Center Preschool
Where Kids Explore Enrollment for the 2012-13 season begins February 1
Open house: Tuesday January 17, 10:00-11:00 a.m. or 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Or call Sueann at 402-441-8669 for an appointment

Kid's Bird EnCOUNTer Day
Celebrate the Great Backyard Bird Count! Sponsored by the Lincoln City Libraries, Wachiska Audubon and Wild Bird Habitat Stores, there will be hands-on and multimedia activities for children preschool to 5th grade and a chance to meet birds of Raptor Recovery Nebraska and Pioneers Park Nature Center. Partners for the event include Community Crops, Pioneers Park Nature Center and Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center.
Date: Saturday, February 18 | Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Gere and Eiseley Libraries | Fee: Free

Nature's Poetry - Unearthed!
Here is an opportunity for youth ages 9 to 13 explore nature (and nature poetry) with a writer's eye, collect impressions, and construct some poems both in a group and individually. Participants will also have a chance to share their work and get constructive feedback. The sessions will build on each other but it is okay to come to just one. A snack will be provided. Register by February 15.
Dates: Saturdays, February 18 and February 25 | Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $5/session

Woodpecker Pizza Party - Grades K-2
It's going to be a rap-tapping good party! Join the fun discovering the special things that allow woodpeckers to drum out a beat, dig holes in trees and slurp yummy insects from bark. We'll go for a walk, looking and listening for these beautiful birds and then make a suet pizza to attract them to your backyard. Register by February 29.
Date: Saturday, March 3 | Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Chet Ager Building | Fee: $8/child

2012 Nature Explorers Camp: Mad Scientists - Ages 6-12
Be a science sleuth! Set out test plots, collect evidence and piece together a complete picture. This will be a week of messy, hands-on science activities - and a little gardening. Early drop-off (7:30 a.m.) and/or late pick-up (5:30 p.m.) only $10 extra for the whole week. $25 non-refundable fee due with registration, rest of payment due March 5. Call 402-441-7895 for more information.
Dates: March 12-16, Monday-Friday
Time: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., extended hours available | Fee: $160/child

Hand in Hand: Spring Song - Ages 2½ to 3½ with accompanying adult.
New buds, woodland flowers, the calls of birds and frogs, nest building: explore these marvels of spring with your little one through hikes, games, and stories. Dress for the weather, as we will be spending a portion of each class outside. A snack will be provided.
Dates: Eight Mondays; March 19-May 14, no class April 9 | Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Prairie Building Goldenrod Classroom | Fee: $65/8 week session

Camp Discovery - Ages 3-6
Outdoor exploration, crafts, puppets, nature games, snacks and story time. Registration begins March 1st.
Days: Monday-Thursday | Time: 9:00-11:30a
Fee: $65/week

Green and Growing: June 4-7
Goin’ on a Nature Hunt: June 11-14
Horns and Antlers: June 18-21
Polliwogs, Nymphs and Worms: June 25-28 OR July 9-12

Wilderness Nature Camp - Ages 6-12
Six fun weeks in June and July with different themes each week. Build forts, run through meadows, walk through creeks, explore the woods, meet new friends; these are weekly activities at WNC! This camp engages 6-12 year olds outside, where nature comes first. Look for Xtreme Action Camp, when those 9-12 have the chance to paddle and climb, Bike Camp, and a chance to get hands in the dirt in the Nature Center's new children's garden. Call 402-441-7895 for a brochure and registration form.
Days: Monday-Friday | Time: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., extended hours available
Fee: $160-170/week, save $10 if registered by May 1st. Scholarship applications available.
Location: Wilderness Park (Nature Center the final week)

Junior Counselor Leadership Camp - Ages 13-17.
Develop and practice leadership skills, make new friends, and increase confidence! The week will focus on team building, nature appreciation and stewardship, and great camp activities. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their new skills during a week of hands-on, in-service training with younger campers. This program requires a special application due by May 1st, and an interview.
Days: Monday-Friday | Time: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Fee: $100

Camp Across Lincoln - Ages 6-9
July 25-29, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Five fun places in one terrific week: Lincoln Children's Museum, Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln Children's Zoo, University of Nebraska State Museum, and finally, a day in the wetlands at Pioneers Park Nature Center. Call 402-477-4000 to register.

Birthday Parties
Reptiles Rock, Insect Investigations, Nature's Scavenger Hunt, Amazing Birds, Marvelous Mammals or Grow in the Garden. Choose the theme that will make for an exciting birthday celebration. Available Saturdays, 10a-noon and 2-4p Saturdays and Sundays, there is time for a nature hike/activity and your birthday festivities. We provide the space, program, a favor bag for each child and a special gift for the guest of honor. You provide the refreshments. Call 402-441-7895 for reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Available facilities:
Birthday House: $75 for up to 10 children and 3 adults; $7 each additional child, maximum of 15 children
Auditorium: $100 for up to 10 children and 5 adults; $7 each additional child, $3 each additional adult

SPECIALLY FOR SCOUTS

Scout Hikes
One hour naturalist-led hikes are available. Call 402-441-7895.
Fee: $3/scout; minimum of 10

Badgework
The Nature Center rotates scheduled badges and try-its. Upon request, staff will work with leaders for other badge programming with the following fee schedule:
2 hours or less: $7/scout; minimum of 10
2.5-3 hours: $10/scout; minimum of 10

Naturalist Activity Badge for Webelos
Learn to identify the poisonous plants and animals of our area, search for the animals of our region, investigate food chains, bird flyways and the inportance of wetlands! Nature Center staff will help you complete activities #4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Register by May 2.
Date: Saturday, May 5 | Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $10/scout

Junior Naturalist Series for Daisy, Brownie and Junior Scouts
Inspired by the "It's Your Planet, Love It" journey, go on an amazing ourtdoor adventure designed to help you learn more about nature and appreciate the crucial role it plays on our planet. A six month series, sign up for one day to all six. Fee includes instructor, supplies, snacks and recognition. Come dressed for the weather, we'll be outside for at least part of the time! Register through the Girl Scouts at girlscoutsnebraska.org at least two weeks before the program. Find registration information on page 9 of the 2011/12 Program Book.Register two weeks prior to each date.
Dates: Saturdays, March 17, April 14, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18
Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $15/scout
Location: Prairie Building Goldenrod Classroom

March 17:Spring Explosion
We'll invesitgate the signs of spring: calling chorus frogs, migrating birds, mammals shedding their coats and antlers, budding trees.
April 14: More Than Just Feathers
What should this be?
May 19: Grow in the Garden
We'll spend a morning in the Nature Center's new Children's Garden planting, weeding, watering and mulching.
June 16: Grub in the Mud
Explore Nature Center ponds and stream. Wear clothes and shoes that can get muddy and bring a change - we'll get wet!
July 21: Is Something Bugging You?
Investigate the little critters that wear their skeletons on the outside and the important place they have in our world.
August 18: Portrait of a Prairie
Sit in the tall grass. Listen to the sound of the wind, the busy buzz of insects. Understand what makes the prairie live.

Programs FOR ADULTS

Friends Annual Meeting
All are invited to the Friends annual meeting. Dr. DeAnn Currin, Principal of Sheridan Elementary School, will speak about the importance of bringing school students to the Nature Center. Find out more about the Friends and enjoy refreshments and good conversation.
Date: Saturday, January 28 | Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: Free

Primitive Pine Needle Baskets
Learn how to make coil baskets. Each person will begin a pine needle basket to finish at home. Recommended for those 14 and older. Register by January 25
Date: Saturday, January 28 | Time: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $10/person

Sandhill Crane Trip
Experience one of our planet's most spectacular wildlife migrations. Visit the Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, travel rural roads to see the cranes foraging and dancing in the fields, then watch and listen to them return to the Platte River at sunset from a Rowe Sanctuary blind. The fee includes van transportation, dinner and blind costs. Must have the ability to walk uneven trails in low light with a guide. Registration and payment required by February 20 for blind reservations.
Date: Thursday, March 22 | Time: noon-11:00 p.m.
Fee: $75/person

Eating Wild
Get acquainted with several spring wild plants that are good to eat. After some introductory information we'll hike out on a gathering expedition and return for some tasty treats. Recipes included. Register by April 4.
Date: Saturday, April 7 | Time: 10:00 a.m.-noon
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $10/person

Women's Wellness
A morning just for you! Practice gentle yoga, enjoy an outdoor meditative walk and get some ideas for healthful eating; all ingredients for a more balanced life. Register by April 25.
Date: Saturday, April 28 | Time: 9:30 a.m.-noon
Location: Prairie Building | Fee: $25/person