Pioneers Park Nature Center turns 50 in 2013!

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

Learn how to compost in your back yard, UNL Extension and the City Recycling Office will host a workshop at the Nature Center's backyard composting demonstration area. Two lucky participants will receive a free soil thermometer or plastic compost bin. 

Enjoy a casual evening on the prairie, watching the sunset, sipping beverages and listening to folk bluegrass. Sponsored by Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, this event will have unlimited coffee and tea, performances by Blue Boat Pilots and local poets. Advanced tickets recommended and are available at the Nature Center and Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso.

Let's hunt frogs, tadpoles and a lot of exotic looking little critters that make their home in our pond or stream.  We'll take a good look before letting them go. Wear old clothes and shoes and bring insect repellant. 

Summer is here! Come smell the beauty and learn about herbs and their uses. Betsy Williams, herbal expert of Andover, Massachusetts will be leading workshops on "Making the Ordinary Extraordinary" and "Flavor and Fragrance: Planting a Container Herb Garden".  Other workshops will include: Eastern Mediterranean cooking and Fairy Houses.  Samples and vendors will also be onsite for the special day. Space is limited for workshops so register early to reserve your spot.

Presented in cooperation with Nebraska Game and Parks, this program will involve the entire family in setting up a campsite, fire building, outdoor cooking, and games. 

What are some of the various gems and minerals found in the Great Plains?  How are gemstones prepared for jewelry?  Processes from the "rough" stone through cutting, polishing, and finishing will be demonstrated by members of the Lincoln Gem and Mineral Club during this free drop-in program.

Take part in the annual butterfly count sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association (NABA).  We'll begin with an hour-long introductory slide show.  Participants will then disperse to the count areas: Pioneers Park Nature Center, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, and Nine-Mile Prairie.  No need to be an expert, an experienced person will accompany each group.  The count involves walking about 2 hours and covering 2 to 3 miles.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Let's see if we can spot some crepuscular animals on our trails, then sing and tell stories around the campfire while enjoying s'mores.

ANIMAL ANTICS: SUMMER DROP-IN PROGRAM

Offered on Wednesdays from June 5th -26th, July 10th - 24th, 10:00-11:00 a.m., these programs will start off from the Prairie Building.  Each week we'll explore one or more of the animals that live at the Nature Center.  Groups of six or more are asked to pre-register.  Children's groups must be supervised: one adult for every six children.  Fee: $3/child

June 5: Songbirds

June 12:  Bison, Elk & Deer

June 19: Snakes and Turtles

June 26: Bald Eagle or Wild Turkey?

July 10: Owls, Hawks & Falcons

July 17: Amphibians

July  24: Insects and Spiders

PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH 

Birthday Parties @ The Nature Center!

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.  There is time for a nature hike/activity and your birthday activities.  We provide the space, program, a favor bag for each child and a special gift for the guest of honor.  You provide the refreshments. Facilities available:

Birthday House, $75 for 10 children and 3 adults, $7 each additional child, 15 maximum. 

Auditorium, $100 for up to 10 children and 5 adults, $7 each additional child, $3 each additional adult.

Call 402-441-7895 for reservations at least two weeks in advance.

Specially For Scouts

Scout Hikes

One hour naturalist-led hikes are available.

Fee: $3/scout/minimum 10

2013 Spring/Summer Junior Naturalist Series "It's Your Planet, Love It"

This series of programs is targeted at Brownies but all levels of Girl Scouts are welcome to attend. 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. Fee $15/scout.

Days: Sundays | Time:  1-3:30p  

Location: Prairie Building  

Fee: $15/scout

May 19 Nature's Recyclers

June 16 Water Wonders

July 21   Exploring Turtles

Aug 18  Tree-rific!

Badgework

Upon request, staff will work with leaders for Naturalist or Forester badge programming with the following fee schedule:

- 2 hours or less: $7/scout/minimum 10