Seniors Understanding Nature: The Fascinating Flora of Fontenelle Forest
Join us for our Seniors Understanding Nature (SUN) lecture series at the Nature Center! Each lecture will cover a different topic (listed below). Snacks and coffee are available before the presentation. This program is for adults ages 55 and up who enjoy learning about the natural world.
DATE: Dates listed below
TIME: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
MINIMUM CAPACITY: 10
MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 200
PROGRAM FEE: This event is free for members or with daily admission. View daily admission prices here.
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Seniors Understanding Nature is sponsored by AARP Nebraska.
January 10:
The Fascinating Flora of Fontenelle Forest
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Want to know which plants are the rarest in the Fontenelle Forest oak uplands? Which plants can be found there in each growing season? Drew Granville will share the answers to these questions with us. Drew surveys areas of the Fontenelle properties, identifying important species and collecting data for their conservation. We’ll also learn about the extensive restoration work that is being done on the Fontenelle properties and their effect on improving plant communities.
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February 14:
Crazy Courtship Rituals of Birds
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It’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. So, what’s a guy gotta do to get a girl – if he’s a bird anyway? Bob Wells, master naturalist, past president of the Audubon Society, and long-term volunteer with the raptor program at Fontenelle Forest, will share with us some of the crazy ways birds attract mates. Bob will bring to light some unusual behaviors birds exhibit to make their intentions known. o oak savanna to prairie, Fontenelle Forest properties require intensive maintenance and restoration.
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March 14:
The Original Trading Post – Stories of the People Involved
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Learn little-known stories about significant people involved in the fur trade and the trading post from 1820-1840. Who were they and what roles did they play in the history of the area? Personalities and characters featured: Lucien Fontenelle and his wife Meumbane, Joshua Pilcher, Big Elk, Prince Maximilian of Wied, and more.
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April 11:
Butterfly Observations Over the Years
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Joanne Langabee and Holly Hofreiter have been doing research for Lauritzen Gardens and Fontenelle Forest for several years. They will talk about their experiences, common butterflies of our area and how to ID them by behavior and markings. They’ll also share research data which shows the fluctuation of butterfly populations, and they will discuss what can contribute to these changes. You’ll also learn how you can help to increase butterfly numbers in your yard.
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May 9:
WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT BEES?
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Do you know why honeybees are so important? Ever wonder what would happen if their numbers suddenly declined? Bob Cook, a local beekeeper and member of the Omaha Bee Club will enlighten us on these very important topics. We’ll learn about what commercial beekeeping is all about and the challenges commercial beekeepers face. Bob will share how each of us can help the honeybee.
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