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Stinky! Gross! Icky! Fun! Join us this month as we learn about the disgusting – yet fascinating – behaviors and adaptations of some of Nebraska’s wild animals.

Nature’s Yucky will be outside the entire time. Please dress comfortably for the weather and bring snacks/water as needed.

Register by April 4: https://bit.ly/fncnaturesyucky

Family Nature Club is intended for children and their grownups. Each family group will receive an Exploration Kit to use during the series to investigate the nature around them and to complete challenges at home between sessions.

Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to the Nebraska Education program here: https://www.birdconservancy.org/donate/

All are welcome. Our community of practice is to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds, beliefs, colors and creeds to join in, benefit from and contribute to our mission. We strive for inclusivity of all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other status.

Eat eclairs while learning about the upcoming April 8th Total Solar Eclipse!
The National Park Service published an excellent Junior Eclipse Explorer book and special badge to help young people understand what an eclipse is and how to view it. Rangers at Agate Fossil Beds will help young visitors complete this book through fun activities. They will say the pledge together and earn a badge (while supplies last). Then, telescopes will be available to check out close-ups of the moon and stars visible in the sky at that time.
Bring red flashlights to preserve night vision. Red cellophane and rubber bands will be available in the visitor center to cover visitor flashlights as needed. ASL interpreter available.

Schedule:
6:45pm - Visitor Center Re-opens
7:00pm - Eclairs Served
7:15pm - Jr Ranger Program Begins
8:00 - 9:00pm - Telescope Viewing

• • Date: 4/13/2024
  • Time: 9 am- 1 pm
  • Location: Bev’s Bunkhouse, The Nature Conservancy, Whitney Preserve south of Hot Springs, SD 
  • Cost: Family Rate (2 adults, 1-3 children under 18)- $45, Individual- $20, Children Under 12- $10
• Register Here 

In this course, participants will learn how to develop a naturalist mindset. We will practice our observation skills and curiosity to learn more about the world around us!  Using our senses we will learn how to navigate using cues from nature, and we will study tracks and signs animals leave behind to learn how to answer these questions:

What animal has left this track?

Why was this animal here: was it hunting, frightened, or at ease?

For many local animals, how to tell if it was a male or female?

Is it pregnant, or injured?

Does it have a large set of antlers or horns?

And more.

This program will begin in the classroom at Whitney Preserve and then we will take to the field to expand our knowledge (weather permitting). Please dress accordingly, and bring a notebook/pen.

Who can come? 

This is open to anyone! Families are encouraged, ages 5 and up are recommended. This is open to all skills levels -beginners welcome!  Please leave pets at home.

What to expect

Parking and getting to the event: We will meet at Bev’s Bunkhouse at Whitney Preserve. Directions can be found here. The first portion of the class will take place inside, then we will head outside!

Admission: Payment online is recommended. You may  drop payment off at our office at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, 26611 US Hwy 385, Hot Springs, SD. We also will accept cash and checks on the day of the event. If you prefer to pay in person please choose invoice when when completing your registration under the payment portion.  

Amenities: Restrooms are available at the Bunkhouse

If you need to request any accommodation(s) for the program, please do so in the health concerns portion of registration. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of all of our participants so everyone can enjoy the program with us. Questions? Please contact Andrea bhpf@blackhillsparks.org

Join Park Ranger Eric Grunwald at the monument visitor center at 9am. From the visitor center we will take the Summit Shuttle to an area on the west side of Mitchell Pass to hike to the old picnic grounds. This scenic area was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and was an immediate hit with local visitors as soon as it opened. Unfortunately, the popularity of the picnic grounds soon led to its closing. Come walk and learn the cautionary tale of what happens to our public lands when we "love them to death". 

This off-trail hike is approximately 2 miles in length. Participants should be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces. Registration is required, as space is limited. Register by calling Scotts Bluff National Monument at 308-436-9700.

Explore and share the fascinating world of wildlife, plants, forests, and ecosystems using fun, hands-on educational activities. This workshop is designed to provide K12 formal and non-formal educators with an introduction to environmental education; experience the necessary skills to integrate Project WILD, WET, South Dakota Game, Fish &Parks Aquatic Invasive Species, and Project Learning Tree (PLT) environmental activities within a classroom, homeschool classroom, or youth program. Anyone who works with children, including teachers, homeschoolers, informal educators, and scout leaders, is welcome.

• When ~ April 26-28, 2024 / Registration closes Friday, April 12, 2024.
• Where ~ Custer State Park / Peter Norbeck Outdoor Learning Center
• Cost ~ $100 / Participant (Meals Included ~ B, L, and D - Saturday, April 27 / B on Sunday, April 28) / Resource Materials
• Academic Credit ~ USD / $40 (One Credit Hour ~ Graduate or Under-Graduate) / 15 CEUs

For more information or to register, please email bradley.block@usda.gov or call (605) 673-9239
Note: Registration closes Friday, April 12, 2024.

City Nature Challenge: Mini-BioBlitz
Friday, April 26, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Scotts Bluff National Monument - Gering, NE
Become part of a nationwide group of community scientists! Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and Scotts Bluff National Monument educators, plus conservation professionals from the Scotts Bluff County area will be investigating the nature found just outside of Gering and Scottsbluff. Join us for an evening discovering the birds, plants, insects and more that live at the Scotts Bluff National Monument!
Each 30 minute focus session will document species within its specific focus area:
5:30 p.m. - Bird Walk
6:00 p.m. - Insect Walk
6:30 p.m. - Plant Walk
Learn what it means to be a community scientist, get some tips on how to collect and record your observations using the app iNaturalist, and start collecting data on the spot! Then, spend the weekend exploring your backyard, local park, or favorite hiking trail within Scotts Bluff County and make as many observations as you can! Encourage some friendly competition with friends and family as you explore and observe the unique nature found in Scotts Bluff County.

Check out the CITY NATURE CHALLENGE WEBSITE for more information and a full schedule of events around Nebraska