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View upcoming programs and events at Fontenelle Forest.
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Programs & Events at Fontenelle Forest






Bridget Hanson

Marketing and Communications Assistant

bhanson@fontenelleforest.org | 402-731-3140








September Programs and Events at Fontenelle Forest

Below are the events and programs happening in September at Fontenelle Forest. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional details about any of these events.













September Birding Walk >>
September 2 | 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. 

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue 


Join us bright and early this September as we search the skies and trees for a variety of birds. During this time of year, some Warblers such as the Tennessee Warbler and Wilson’s Warbler participate in the fall migration. We will be on the lookout for these lovely songbirds as we stroll the trails of Fontenelle Forest. Event is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 


Fontenelle Trading Post: Speaker Series >>
September 7 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Learn about the fascinating history of the Fontenelle Trading Post! This Speaker Series is designed to complement the Nebraska’s Deep Roots exhibit currently on display in the Baright Gallery.  


Sam Wilson, Furbearer Program Manager from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will speak on the importance of beavers in the fur trade 200 years ago. Beavers have a long and complex history with humans, the environment, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Join us for a deep dive into the vital role beavers fill and how these large rodents have changed the world. This event is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.  

















Family Fun Fridays >>
September 8 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly evening learning about Nebraska’s native animals. Each month’s session will focus on different types of animals and the habitats they call home. Meet some of our educational raptors and critters up close, plus enjoy activities and crafts.

Our September event will feature ornate box turtles. Event is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 








We Dig History >>
September 9 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

What is archeology? What does it mean to excavate? How does history affect me today? Uncover the answers to these questions and more through an immersive archeological adventure at Fontenelle Forest! Participants will check out the Trading Post bicentennial exhibit, participate in a mock archeological dig, and go on a guided hike with a Naturalist Educator. Join us and discover the fascinating history of our Forest with the young scientist in your life.

This event is good for pre-K through 4th grade, families and those who are kids at heart. This event is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.  







Family Butterfly Walk >>
September 10 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Neale Woods Nature Reserve | 14323 Edith Marie Ave | Omaha

Bring the family and go in search of beautiful butterflies at Neale Woods Nature Reserve! 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 attempt to catch and release. Event is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 










Seniors Understanding Nature >>
September 12 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. 
1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue


Join us for our Seniors Understanding Nature (SUN) lecture series at the Nature Center! This program is for adults ages 55 and up who enjoy learning about the natural world.

At September's program Lauren Salick, from Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, will dive into natural strategies of several animals and how they care for their young. Come join us and learn all about animal families, what to do if you see a baby animal and when it is appropriate to intervene. This event is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.










Sunset Hike >>
September 15 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. 

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Are you ready to get outdoors after a busy work week? Grab your coworkers 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. Event is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 





Land Stewardship Volunteer Work Day >>
June 3 | 8:30 - 11:00 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. 


Raptor Talk >>
September 16 | 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. Our September program will feature Turkey Vultures! This event is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.  





Fall Equinox Hike >>
September 23 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Camp Wa-Kon-Da | 402 Forest Dr. | Bellevue

Join us for the beginning of autumn at our Fall Equinox Hike at Camp Wa-Kon-Da! The fall equinox is a unique time of year when the sun is above the equator, so day and night are equal in length. Learn more about this phenomenon as well as fall fauna and flora during a guided hike.

The hike will be about an hour and a half in length over moderate terrain. After the hike, we will meet at the bonfire to make s’mores. Event is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 












Fontenelle Forest at Union Omaha >>

September 23 | 7:00 p.m.

Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Papillion, NE 68046


Join us at Union Omaha's September 23 match at Werner Park! Get cool Fontenelle Forest swag and meet the team's educational ambassador, Orion the Great Horned Owl.


Watch Union Omaha's social media for more details! >>    












Full Moon Hike >>
September 29 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue


Have you ever hiked under a full moon? Or wondered what forest life comes out after dark? Come find out on our guided full moon hike!


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. Event is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount. 


Critter Talk >>
September 30 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

Meet some of Fontenelle Forest’s educational critters up close! Animal Care Specialist, Patrick Conner, will be on Dennis Plaza providing information about some of the reptiles and amphibians that call Fontenelle Forest home. In the event of rain, this program will be moved to the Great Hall inside the Nature Center. Our September event will feature ornate box turtles! This event is free for members or with daily admission for non-members.





Active Military Families Get in Free >>
May 20 through September 4, 2023

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue

In appreciation for your service, Fontenelle Forest is offering all active military and up to five family members receive FREE daily admission to Fontenelle Forest from May 20 to Sept. 4, in partnership with the 2023 Blue Star Museum Program.
The program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.

Active military members must check in at Visitor Services with a valid active military ID during normal business hours (see hours at FontenelleForest.org/Visit). Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.





Summer Hours >>
Memorial Day through Labor Day 

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue


There's just a few more weeks to enjoy Summer Hours! Our extended Nature Center hours run through Sept. 4 (Labor Day).

Whether you’re a member or purchase daily admission, your next trip to the Forest just got a little bit longer and more fun!

Summer Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.





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. 














Support Fontenelle Forest at Feather Our Nest

October 6 | 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

1111 Bellevue Blvd. North | Bellevue


Join us on Friday, October 6, at the Nature Center for Fontenelle Forest's largest annual benefit. Guests will experience an evening of elevated experiences, guided encounters, a silent auction and more! 

Sponsorships are also available!



Purchase Tickets or Become a Sponsor

See our full calendar of events!

View the Calendar

About Fontenelle Forest

Founded in 1913, Fontenelle Forest is a private nonprofit organization. Our mission is to provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. We want to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world through conservation, education and recreation. Fontenelle Forest is one of Nebraska's oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest private nature centers in the nation. With the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue and Neale Woods Nature Reserve in Omaha, Fontenelle Forest encompasses over 2,100 acres of forest, prairie, wetlands and Native American historical sites along the Missouri River.  

   

The Raptor Woodland Refuge, located at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, provides visitors with an opportunity to observe many species of birds of prey in a unique, tree-top environment. Fontenelle Forest is a leader in raptor conservation education.




See Past News

(402) 731-3140  •   FontenelleForest.org

1111 Bellevue Boulevard North

Bellevue, Nebraska 68005


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