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Featured August Programs
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Below are the programs happening in August at Fontenelle Forest. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional details about any of these events.
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Yoga at the Forest >>
Sundays | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Discover tranquility amidst the trees during Yoga at the Forest each Sunday!
Each Vinyasa-style yoga class will incorporate a blend of mindful movement and breath work, all guided by experienced instructors.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, our inclusive classes cater to all levels, fostering a supportive community where everyone can thrive.
Session will take place at the Nature Center, either outside on the lower plaza or inside the Forest Room. |
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Raptor Talk >>
August 4 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Join us in the Raptor Woodland Refuge to learn about some of our resident birds of prey and what makes each species unique. Ell Kinsey, raptor care specialist, will talk about what makes each species unique.
This event is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.
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Pathways Through Nature >>
August 8 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Journey into a deeper appreciation of nature with Fontenelle Forest’s new series, Pathways Through Nature! Bring your partner or some friends to this program, and embrace your inner naturalist as you explore a different topic at each session.
Each of the six sessions will include an educational presentation and an activity.
This event is $10 for members or $18 for non-members. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Family Butterfly Walk >>
August 10 | 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
14323 Edith Marie Ave. | Omaha
Bring the family and go in search of beautiful butterflies at Neale Woods!
This will be a guided walk at an easy pace on trails with easy to moderate terrain led by long-time volunteer and nature enthusiast, Bob Fuchs. We will explore areas where butterflies are likely to be found and will try to catch and release some.
This event is $5 for members and $15 + daily admission for non-members. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Critter Talk >>
August 10 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Get ready for a wild time with Patrick Conner, Fontenelle Forest’s animal care specialist! Join us in the Nature Center’s Great Hall to get up close and personal with some of our amazing education animals. From slithery snakes to ornate box turtles, we’ll feature a different species each month.
Do you have burning questions or want to snap a selfie with our scaly friends? Bring it on, Patrick will answer all of your questions about these critters!
Free for members or with daily admission for non-members (sales tax included). Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Introduction to Birding>>
August 11 | 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Do you enjoy watching birds in your backyard? Are you someone who wants to develop your birding interest into an active recreational hobby? Then sign up for Introduction to Birding!
This program will include a brief talk covering topics such as what makes Fontenelle Forest one of the top birding sites in Nebraska, some tips on finding small, fast-moving birds with binoculars, and a visual primer on species we are most likely to see in our given season. Please bring binoculars for the hiking portion; binoculars will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Finally, we will end the program with an introduction to some digital tools you can use on your smartphone!
This event is $10 for members and $18 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Perseids Meteor Shower Viewing >>
August 12 | 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
14323 Edith Marie Ave. | Omaha
Come experience the thrill of watching the Perseids Meteor shower. This annual meteor shower is renowned for producing some of the brightest shooting stars. Our event will begin with a brief evening hike on dirt-packed trails through the prairie and forest. Then as night falls, we will stargaze together and watch for shooting stars while learning about meteor showers and general astronomy from our seasoned volunteer, Bob Fuchs.
This event is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Red Cross Blood Drive >>
August 16 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Have you ever wondered what lives beneath the surface of Child’s Hollow Pond? Come find out for yourself and explore Child’s Hollow pond in a whole new way. This program will teach you the basics of pond dip-netting which we will use to capture aquatic macroinvertebrates.
This program will be held at our main nature center location. Our naturalist guide and volunteer biologist will lead you on an easy to moderate hike down to Child’s Hollow Pond. There, they will teach you the practice of dip-netting and help you to identify the aquatic macroinvertebrates that you catch.
This event is $10 for members and $18 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Full Moon Hike >>
August 16 | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Have you ever hiked under a full moon? Or wondered what comes out after dark in the Forest? Find out on our guided Full Moon Hikes!
Hikes will begin no later than 30 minutes after the event start time, so be sure to arrive on time. All hikes will include an educational discussion of the nocturnal animals around the Forest and a brief talk into the lore of full moons. The event will include a bonfire and s’mores.
This event is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Land Stewardship Volunteer Work Day >>
August 17 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Locations vary
The volunteer Land Stewardship crew meets on select Saturday mornings to work on various projects. Anyone is welcome to join, even if it’s just one time. Bring the family and get some hard work done with us. Projects, start time, and location will be announced via email blast 10 days prior to the workday.
TO RECEIVE MORE INFO AND SIGN UP: If you are interested in volunteering, click here to sign up. You will be registered to receive the email blast announcing the details of our next workday (announced 10 days prior to the workday).
YOU MUST REGISTER for the specific time/location for which you want to volunteer. Details and registration links will be sent to you 10 days prior to the workday.
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Sunset Hike>>
August 23 | 7:00 - 8-:30 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Are you ready to get outside after the work week? Grab your friends, coworkers or significant other and come wind down during our Sunset Hike! This hike will explore the gravel and dirt trails near the Nature Center then head to the third loop of the Boardwalk to watch the sunset over the Missouri River.
This program will include an hour and a half naturalist-guided hike though easy to moderate terrain of the Forest. Trekking poles will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Participants will be let in at the front gate and will meet outside on Dennis Plaza (behind the Nature Center)
This event is $10 for members and $18 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Stargazing Events at Neale Woods >>
August 24 | 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
14323 Edith Marie Ave. | Omaha
Can you find Canis Major in the night sky? What about Orion? Gemini?
Forget the Big Dipper and head out to Neale Woods Nature Reserve to enjoy some constellations!
We are partnering with the Omaha Astronomical Society to bring you four Stargazing Events that include a brief night hike followed by viewing constellations and stars with scopes.
Please feel free to bring a lawn chair to sit while stargazing. Please be prepared to carry your lawn chair(s) to our stargazing location.
This event is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Habitat Hikes >>
August 25 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Explore Nebraska’s prairies, wetlands and forests at Fontenelle Forest’s Habitat Hikes! Join our naturalist educators on a guided hike through these different habitats and learn about each of these unique ecosystems!
Habitat Hikes will be held monthly, as we visit different locations and discover habitat changes each season. June's hike will take place at Neale Woods Nature Reserve.
This event is free for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount.
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Fontenelle Trading Post Exhibit: Nebraska's Deep Roots >>
April 2023 to December 2024
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue
Fontenelle Forest is celebrating the 200-year anniversary of the Fontenelle Trading Post with a history exhibit located in the Baright Gallery. This experience tells the story of how the Fontenelle Trading Post came to be and what a trading post during the 1800’s may have looked like.
The Nebraska’s Deep Roots exhibit will be open daily at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. This exhibit is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.
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