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Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in March.
Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
See Mahoney, Platte River nature centers in March
Curious weekend adventurers can visit nature centers at Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks in March.
Mahoney’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The Platte River State Park Nature Center will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 15 and March 29.
Mahoney naturalists will have nature-related activities and a few live animals to share. Platte River’s nature center has a classic, nature-nook feel with lots of things to learn about with one of our naturalists.
Flock to Birds of a Feather on March 4
Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
A different birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area, which may include a hike.
On March 4, the topic for this free program for all ages will be Beginner Birding. Learn about ways to connect with other birders and discover tools that will advance your birding skills.
Little Saplings presents Animal Detectives on March 5
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 2025 series, which occurs the first Wednesday of the month, continues March 5 with the theme Animal Detectives at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $4 per child and $5 per adult.
See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.
Nebraska Big Butterfly Count subject of Nebraska Master Naturalist webinar
The Master Naturalist Mondays virtual webinar series continues at 12:30 p.m. Central on March 10 with Nebraska Big Butterfly Count.
Presenter Joanne Langabee, a Nebraska Master Naturalist, will discuss the training required for the Nebraska Big Butterfly Count, a community science project, and why it is important to survey the state’s butterflies.
Nebraska Master Naturalist is a statewide volunteer conservation program. The program recruits, trains, manages, and provides resources for volunteer naturalist members.
For more information, to register, or find previously recorded webinars in the series, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Schramm to host Poets & Pondering
All ages are invited to Poets & Pondering at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna.
Meet in front of the Historic Hatch House at 10 a.m. March 10 or 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. March 18 or March 21. The program lasts 1½ to 2 hours.
Wander about the Canyon Pond habitat as we use dip nets to see what creatures are coming to life and listen for frogs and birds. Participants also will be guided through writing different forms of nature poetry inspired by the park’s beauty.
Wise and Wild is March 11 at James Family Conservatory
Wise and Wild is a free program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 2:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
On March 11, the topic will be Listening for Frogs. Learn common frog calls, then go on a hike to listen for them.
Wildcat Tales preschool program is March 11
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program March 11.
The program Interesting Insects will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain Time. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.
For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wildcat Hills to host Powerful Pollinators homeschool program
Come learn how tiny creatures can have big impacts during the homeschool program Powerful Pollinators on March 13 at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.
The free homeschool program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain Time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Topics change each month.
For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Naturalist Know-How is March 14 at Mahoney
A naturalist shares his or her love of nature with others through educational programs and outdoor experiences at Naturalist Know-How from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 14 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Nature Center.
Learn what it is like to be a naturalist. This program is for all ages and is open-house style, so you can come and go throughout the morning or afternoon.
Stations will include these: Conduct a health check on a turtle; make and record scientific observations; meet an animal ambassador and learn how we design a habitat and enrichment activities to care for them; and learn about birds and managing a birding area.
Homeschool Hikes set for March 19-20 at Schramm
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 at 9 a.m. March 19 and 1 p.m. March 20. This month's theme is Red-winged Blackbirds.
Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.
Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
‘Science of’ virtual webinar series returns in March
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns March 20 with the theme Kangaroo Rats.
In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central Time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.
The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.
Webinar series focuses on naturalist opportunities at Homestead
Join Homestead National Historical Park and Nebraska Master Naturalist for a two-day virtual webinar series March 25 and 27.
Get an in-depth look at interpretation and education from the National Park Service. Grow interpretive skills and connect with volunteer opportunities.
The theme March 25 is Interpreting in National Parks – Past, Present and How to Get Involved as a Nebraska Master Naturalist. The theme March 27 is Interpretation Opportunities at Homestead National Historical Park for Nebraska Master Naturalists. Each session begins at 6 p.m Central Time.
See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links or more information.