Catch these Game and Parks education events in January

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in January. Here are some opportunities:

James Family Conservatory and Nature Center grand opening Jan. 1

Take a sneak peek at the new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park with its grand opening from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 1. Walk through the conservatory, see the working greenhouse and then explore activities in the nature center.

Starting Jan. 5, the facility will be open Fridays and Saturdays only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Jan. 13 when it closes at noon.

Little Saplings program presents Squirrels on Jan. 3

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 2024 series, which occurs the first Wednesday of the month, begins Jan. 3 with the theme Squirrels 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.

‘The Science of …’ virtual webinar series continues

Nebraska Game and Parks’ virtual webinar series “The Science of …” continues in January. Every Thursday at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators will discuss the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The topics are: Jan. 11 – Corvids; Jan. 18 – Flying squirrels; Jan. 25 – Smell. Corvids are stout-billed perching birds, including crows, ravens, jays and magpies.

The webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for registration links.

Contact monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov for more information.

Wildcat Tales preschool program is Jan. 16

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Jan. 16.

The program Purrrfect Wildcats 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.

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 Hills to host Purrrfect Wildcats homeschool program

Come learn about the wild cats that call the Wildcat Hills home during the homeschool program Purrrfect Wildcats on Jan. 18 at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

The homeschool program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Topics change each month.

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.