Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in August. Here are some opportunities:
Nature Nerd Night to feature Ecological Superheroes on Aug. 16
Keystone species are animals that play a major role in their environment’s web of life. Often their existence helps support dozens of other species. Nebraska examples include prairie dogs, bison and beavers.
Join the virtual webinar Ecological Superheroes on Aug. 16 and learn more about how keystone species help living communities thrive. The free event starts at 7 p.m. Central time.
Registration is required through the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov. Participants may submit questions to be answered during the webinar while registering. For more information, contact monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov or follow the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or Nebraska Wildlife Education on Facebook.
Those unable to attend can view the recorded webinar on the Nebraska Game and Parks YouTube Education Channel. The Nebraska Nature Nerd Night series takes places on the third Tuesday of every month.
‘Science of’ virtual webinar series continues in August
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series continues in August. The topics for the 3 p.m. Central time webinars will be raptors on Aug. 4 and night sky ecology on Aug. 11.
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 webinars will be recorded and posted to the Nebraska Game and Parks YouTube Education Channel.
Contact monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov for more information or check out the events on Game and Parks’ Facebook page and the Nebraska Project WILD Facebook page.
Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night scheduled for Aug. 23 in Lincoln
Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night at Code Beer in Lincoln at 7 p.m. Aug. 23.
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. This event is for adults only. The event is free to attend with a purchase from the host brewery.
For more information and or questions, email monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov.
Kayaking Clean Up at Lake Zorinsky set for Aug. 11
Join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor educators in Omaha for Kayaking Clean Up at Lake Zorinsky on Aug. 11.
Trash bags and gloves will be provided for anyone interested in helping clean up trash while on the water during this night of service and kayaking. A limited number of kayaks will be available for those ages 12 and up who have no experience.
Meet at 6 p.m. in the parking lot east of 168th Street on the north side of the lake at the Zorinsky Lake Trailhead.
The event is free but registration is required. See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for registration links.
For more information, contact Grace Gaard at grace.gaard@nebraska.gov.
Virtual webinar to look at lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic
Evidence points to the many benefits associated with spending time in nature. Join a free, virtual webinar Aug. 10 that will explore the role of outdoor activity in driving improved mental well-being for youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Brent Jackson, a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, will give the presentation at 12:30 p.m. Central time.
This webinar is part of the Conservation Education Lunch & Learn Series. This series dives into the science behind educational efforts and practices by learning from experts on a variety of scientific and educational topics.
To register, or get more information on the series, see the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.
Try Birding by Kayak at Oliver Reservoir on Aug. 20
Join the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to gain a new perspective on birds – from the water. In the Birding by Kayak event at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 20, paddlers/birders will discover the incredible birds that visit Oliver Reservoir near Kimball.
This free event will begin with an introduction to kayaking. Paddlers must be at least 10 years of age. Kayaks, life jackets and binoculars will be provided.
Registration is required by Aug. 15 and is limited to eight people. To register, go to Facebook and search for Birding By Kayak – Oliver Reservoir.
For more information, contact Delanie Bruce at delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org.
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