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 lindsayannrogers@yahoo.com.
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Workshops
PLT: EE and Growing Up WILD
June 22
9am-3pm
Location: Chalco Hills Rec. Area, Omaha, NE
Become trained in two of the newest early childhood environmental curriculum guides and receive your own copy!
Fee: $30
Contact: Heather Guthridge at hguthridge@papionrd.org or (402) 315-1777
Learning with Nature & We Dig Dirt
June 26, 2010
9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Early Childhood Center at First Covenant Church Omaha, NE
Fee: $40
Contact: Tara Hild, tarah@dimensionsfoundation.org, (402) 467-6112, www.natureexplore.org
Managing Your Native Tallgrass Acres
June 27, 2010
2:00 – 4:00pm
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton, NE
Acreage owners with native acres have a unique set of circumstances for home landscape management. This program will cover techniques for assessing health and diversity in your prairie and options for managing prairie remnants. Participants are encouraged to e-mail specific questions and concerns to us before the class meets. Habitat Program Manager Gordon Warrick will also be present during the program. Class is appropriate for ages 18 years and older. Register by June 26.
Fee: $20/person
Contact: Spring Creek (402) 797-2301 or scp@audubon.org
Project Food, Land, and People
July 8 and 9, 2010
Location: South Platte NRD, Sidney
Food, Land and People helps Pre K-12th grade educators and students better understand the interrelationships among agriculture, the environment and people through lessons in math, science, health, consumer education, social studies, geography and more. Classroom instruction and field trips included. A 55-lesson HANDS-ON curriculum will be provided. Full tuition scholarships available from the South Platte NRD for the first 20 registered. Graduate level credit available from Chadron State College.
Contact: Kim Elder at kelder@esu13.org or (308) 254-4677, Don Ogle at dogle@spnrd.org or (308) 254-2377.
Identifying Plants of Nebraska
July 11, 2010
2:00 - 4:00pm
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton, NE
Come learn how to make a simple plant press and techniques for pressing and identifying plants. Participants will receive tools to get started. Participants are encouraged to bring a plant that they may need help identifying. Appropriate for ages 12+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register by July 9.
Fee: $20/person
Contact: Spring Creek (402) 797-2301 or scp@audubon.org
Earth Partnership Training
July 12-16, 2010
Location: Papio-Missouri River NRD, Omaha, NE.
Contact: Christine Jacobsen, (402) 315-1713 or cjacobsen@papionrd.org
Information about this program can be found on-line at www.uwarboretum.org/eps
Keeping an Illustrated Field Journal
July 24, 2010
10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton, NE
Learn a range of field-adapted color sketching techniques to quickly illustrate the plants, animals, and landscapes that surround you. We will use pencil, pen, and watercolor techniques to capture the prairie’s beauty. All materials will be provided, includes personal sketchbook with watercolor and graphite papers. We will be outside, dress for the weather.
Fee: $45/person
Contact: Spring Creek (402) 797-2301 or scp@audubon.org
Dig, Plant, GROW!
August 3rd and 5th
6:00 - 8:30pm
Location: East Campus UNL
A Project Learning Tree Advanced Workshop for Elementary School Educators all about plants! You will gain useful plant knowledge and activities that you can put to use in the classroom or outside and learn! Topics will include: Soil/Compost, Propagation, Flowers/Seeds, Plant ID.
Participants must attend both sessions. This workshop is appropriate for newcomers to PLT and those previously trained in PLT. PLT preK-8 curriculum guides will be given to newcomers. LPS will provide 3.5 professional development hours for attending this workshop.
FREE: $20 refundable deposit.
Contact: Christina Hoyt at choyt2@unl.edu or call (402) 472-5049
Growing Up WILD
August 5, 2010
6:30 – 8:30pm
Location: Prairie Loft Center, Hastings, NE
Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education activity guide that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore the world around them. Through a wide range of activities, Growing Up WILD provides a foundations for engaging children in nature while also building social and cognitive skills.
Contact: Lindsay Rogers at (402) 471-5581 or lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov
Project WILD Refresher Course
October 28, 2010
5:30 – 8:00pm
Location: Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, Gretna, NE
This short course is designed for people who have been trained in Project WILD, but would like a quick refresher course. We will go over several activities and help re-engage you in Project WILD. Bring your Project WILD book.
Contact: Lindsay Rogers at (402) 471-5581 or lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov
PLT/WET/WILD/LEP Workshop
Nov. 30, Dec. 2, & 7th
9:30am-12:15pm
Location: Creighton University
Fee: $40
Contact: Christine Jacobsen, cjacobsen@papionrd.org, or (402) 315-1713
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
Events
Wild Wednesdays
June 23: Junior Nature Detectives
9:30 – 11:30am
Location: Neale Woods Nature Center, Omaha, NE
During this parent child class, you will explore indoor and outdoor discovery centers using various learning styles that engage your children in nature. An educator-led outdoor portion is offered during each program. Snacks are provided. Ages 5 and younger.
Fee: $2 per member child / $3 per non-member child, One accompanying adult is free; each additional non-member adult is $3.
Contact: Sara Krug, (402) 468-4124 or skrug@huntel.net
Flatwater Folk Festival
Friday June 25, 5-11pm
Saturday June 26, 11am-11pm
Location: Prairie Loft Center, Hastings, NE
Live acoustic music on two stages, kids’ activities Saturday, family dance in the barn, guitar raffle, music jams & workshops, beer garden, food, art, and much more!
Contact: Prairie Loft at www.paririeloft.org.
Carp-O-Rama
June 26, 2010
8am-1pm
Location: Pawnee Lake, Lincoln, NE
Come learn the basics of carp fishing, and how to prepare your carp delicacy once you have caught it! Stay for a great meal! A fun event for the whole family. No experience necessary, Nebraska State Fishing license required for all ages 16 and over.
Contact: Larry Pape larry.pape@nebraska.gov
BioBlitz
June 26-27, 2010
noon-noon (24 hours)
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton, NE
A BioBlitz is a 24-hour biologic survey of all life in a designated area. It’s a special opportunity for children and adults to join biologists on research expeditions out on the landscape. No previous experience is required and participants can be involved in the event for as much or as little time as their schedules afford. If you are planning to attend, please let us know. Mark your calendars and join us for a great day to see just how diverse prairies really are.
Fee: FREE
Contact: Spring Creek (402) 797-2301 or scp@audubon.org
Great American Backyard Campout
June 26, 2010
all night!
Location: your backyard, local park, state park.
Join the Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 26, in your backyard, parks, campgrounds or even your balcony! No site is too big or too small to spend a night sleeping under the stars.
Contact: online.nwf.org/site/PageNavigator/gabc_2010_home
Wild Wednesdays
June 30: Turtle Tales
9:30 – 11:30am
Location: Neale Woods Nature Center, Omaha, NE
During this parent child class, you will explore indoor and outdoor discovery centers using various learning styles that engage your children in nature. An educator-led outdoor portion is offered during each program. Snacks are provided. Ages 5 and younger.
Fee: $2 per member child / $3 per non-member child, One accompanying adult is free; each additional non-member adult is $3.
Contact: Sara Krug, (402) 468-4124 or skrug@huntel.net
Nebraska Natural Legacy Project Input Session
July 8, 2010
6:00 – 8:00pm
Location: American Legion Hall, Thedford, NE
The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project is a wildlife action plan that seeks to secure wildlife through partner collaboration across the state. Partners are proactively conserving habitat to keep common species common and securing those species in greatest need of conservation. The Natural Legacy Project is being updated this year, and your input is needed.
Contact: Kristal Stoner, (402) 471-5444 or Kristal.stoner@nebraska.gov
Flat River Treasure Hunt
July 11, 2010
4:00pm
Location: Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon
Join us for the Flat River Treasure Hunt and explore the subtle and sometime elusive treasures found on the Platte River by using a treasure map, clues and your own observation skills. This is an excellent activity for families, clubs, anyone who just enjoys being outdoors. This event is appropriate for all ages, but groups must have at least one adult.
Contact: Rowe Sanctuary at (308) 468-5282 or www.rowesanctuary.org
Carp-O-Rama
July 17, 2010
8am-1pm
Location: Harlan Reservoir
Come learn the basics of carp fishing, and how to prepare your carp delicacy once you have caught it! Stay for a great meal! A fun event for the whole family. No experience necessary, Nebraska State Fishing license required for all ages 16 and over.
Contact: Larry Pape larry.pape@nebraska.gov
NABA Butterfly Count
July 17, 2010
9:00am – noon
Location: Pioneers Park Nature Center, Lincoln, NE
Take part in the 35th annual butterfly count sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association. All participants will begin with an informative hour-long slide show in the Prairie Building at Pioneers Park Nature Center. From there, groups will disperse with count leaders. A butterfly expert will accompany each group. Register by July 16.
Fee: $5/adult, $2/child 12 and under
Contact: Pioneers Park Nature Center at (402) 441-7895
Nature Art for Children
August 7, 2010
Noon - 2:00pm
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton, NE
Come draw and paint the plants and animals of the prairie. We will draw in the classroom and outside, collecting live insects and plants to view up close. Come explore the prairie with a pencil and paintbrush. All materials will be provided.
Fee: $20/child
Contact: Spring Creek (402) 797-2301 or scp@audubon.org
Nature Nightwatch
August 7, 2010
9:00pm – midnight
Location: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton, NE
Stay up late and experience nature at night. Venture out into Spring Creek Prairie’s special habitat to sit quietly and await nighttime visitors as they go about their nocturnal activities. We’ll also use techniques called “sugaring” and “the old white sheet trick” to attract insects for the purpose of investigation, and try-out a special underwater light to see what’s going on in the pond after the sun goes down. Guaranteed to be a night to remember! Bring your own camp chairs. Recommended for children at least 8 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: $10/adult, $7/child 12 and under.
Contact: Spring Creek (402) 797-2301 or scp@audubon.org
Dragonfly and Damselfly Count
August 14, 2010
9:30 - 11:30am
Adult dragonflies and damselflies are showy and beautiful. Take part in a citizen science program that will help establish a baseline count of these amazing insects for future monitoring. The program, led by Gordon Warrick, will begin with a half-hour introductory slide show. Participants are encouraged to wear sunscreen and a hat and bring water. Those who wish may bring a lunch and join Gordon for the final tally and observations after the count. Recommended for children 8 and older; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: $5/adult, $3/child under 12.
Contact: Spring Creek (402) 797-2301 or scp@audubon.org
Twilight on the Tallgrass
September 18, 2010
5:00 - 10:00pm
The 2010 theme for Spring Creek’s annual prairie festival celebrating the autumn prairie is “A Trail in Time,” marking the 150th anniversary of the Nebraska City-Fort Kearny Cutoff trail. Trails will be open that evening for people to interact with biologists, researchers, artists, authors, and other personnel who derive inspiration and expertise from the prairie. No reservations needed.
Fee: suggestion donation: $5/adult, children 12 and under free.
Contact: Spring Creek (402) 797-2301 or scp@audubon.org
World O! Water Festival
September 19th
12-4pm
Location: Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Omaha
World O! Water is a free annual event, aimed at educating the public about water conservation, quality and recreation. Come learn what you can do to ensure this invaluable resource is here for us to enjoy now and for future generations. World O! Water activities include: Demonstrations, science experiments, games, canoeing, and face painting.
Fee: FREE
Contact: (402)-444-3908 or www.worldowater.com.
Missouri River Outdoor EXPO
September 17, 18 & 19; public days on Saturday & Sunday
Location: Ponca State Park
Nebraska's largest outdoor classroom will provide students the opportunity to participate in numerous hands-on adventures.
Contact: Julia Plugge, (402) 471-6009 or julia.plugge@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
Nebraska Alliance for Conservation & Environment Education Annual Conference
September 9-11, 2010
Location: Camp Carol Joy Holling, Ashland, NE
Contact: Lindsay Rogers, lindsayannrogers@yahoo.com
Download the conference schedule and registration packet here.
Register with your PayPal account here.
Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science
September 23-25, 2010
Location: Camp Calvin Crest, Fremont, NE
Contact: www.neacadsci.org/nats/Conferences/index.htm
North American Association of Environmental Education
September 29 – October 2, 2010
Location: Buffalo, NY
Contact: www.naaee.org/conference
Aquatic Resources Education Association
October 3-8, 2010
Location: Double Tree Hotel, Omaha
Contact: www.areanet.org
Watchable Wildlife Conference
October 5-7, 2010
Location: Holiday Inn Convention Center, Kearney, NE
Contact: www.watchablewildlife.org
National Association of Interpretation
November 16 – 20, 2010
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Contact: www.interpnet.com/conferences