Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in December. Here are some opportunities:
Little Saplings early childhood program presents Winter Woodpeckers
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 2022 series concludes Dec. 7 with the theme Winter Woodpeckers at 9 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.
See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.
Homeschool Hike set for Dec. 21 at Schramm Park SRA
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 Dec. 21.
This nature exploration program geared for homeschool families takes place at 9 a.m. While an educator leads the hike, participants ask questions, draw, observe and make discoveries in nature.
Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to register.
Wildcat Hills to host Oh Deer homeschool program
Discover the types of deer that can be found at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and some of their adaptations during the Wildcat Hills Homeschool Program Oh Deer on Dec. 8.
This program meets at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.
The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wildcat Tales preschool program is Dec. 13
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Dec. 13.
The program Winter Wonderland, which will explore ways animals prepare for winter, will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. There will be a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.
The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Get outdoors with Winter Family Nature Club
Outdoor adventure doesn’t end when winter arrives. Bring the family to Winter Family Nature Club at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area in Stanton County on Dec. 17.
This free event, which begins at 1 p.m., will empower families to explore nature and practice outdoor skills to keep the mind and body strong through connection to nature and outdoor play. This event also will be held Jan. 14, Feb. 11 and March 11.
Registration is required and can be completed at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov. Questions can be directed to jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov.
Science Communication 101 topic of webinar
Join a free, virtual webinar discussion about key strategies and methods of communicating science in a way that is relevant and meaningful to audiences at 12:30 p.m. Central time Dec. 14.
The discussion will be led by Shawna Richter-Ryerson of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
This webinar is part of the Conservation Education Lunch and Learn Series, which dives into the science behind educational efforts and practices by learning from experts on a variety of science and educational topics. Direct questions to amber.schiltz@nebraska.gov.
Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for registration and more information.
Schramm to host Christmas Bird Count for Kids
Get the family outdoors and help contribute to science by participating in the Christmas Bird Count for Kids at Schramm Education Center near Gretna from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 29.
Schramm naturalists will lead bird hikes down to the Platte River, in the forest, and an indoor feeder watch so you can choose your own adventure. Make bird crafts and help tally the results so they can be shared with the annual Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count Project.
General admission to the education center is required to participate in the event. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for youth and seniors, and ages 3 and under are free. A park permit is not required in the education center parking lot.
Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for more information.
The post Catch these Game and Parks education events in December appeared first on Nebraskaland Magazine.
