Catch these Game and Parks education events in May
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in May. Here are some opportunities:
Explore a Saline Wetland
Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Platte Basin Timelapse and Lower Platte South Natural Resources District for a fun evening of exploration at Marsh Wren Saline Wetland north of Lincoln on May 1.
This program is about investigating the unique characteristics of a saline wetland on foot with shorts stops with information from wetland experts. The event also aims to celebrate wetlands month, Nebraska Bird Month and Amphibian Week.
The event is free, but space is limited, so registration is required. It will begin at 6 p.m. in the parking area south of 40th Street and Arbor Road.
For more information, or to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Direct any questions to [email protected].
Amphibians focus of Schramm event
Discover the fascinating world of Nebraska amphibians with state herpetologist Dennis Ferraro on May 3 at the Schramm Education Center to kick off National Amphibian Week.
- Learn about Nebraska amphibians and ways to conserve them in a lecture-style presentation in the Schramm Education Center Classroom and view live frogs, toads and salamanders.
- Learn and practice catching and identifying frogs outdoors at a pond.
- An optional evening frog-calling class may be planned.
This class, which begins at 2 p.m., is recommended for ages 8 and up due to the lecture activity. Participants should dress for the weather forecast and wear closed-toed shoes that can get dirty.
The event is free but registration is required and limited to 25 participants. Go to the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov or email [email protected] to sign up.
Training offered for Big Butterfly Count
Anyone who loves butterflies and is interested in conservation and science is invited to join Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count Training Workshop. The free training is at 1 p.m. Central time May 3 at the Crane Trust Nature Center at Wood River.
Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count is a community science project designed to collect statewide data to better understand butterfly diversity across Nebraska. Learn about community science, how to identify eastern/central Nebraska butterfly species and how to contribute to Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count. Participants will receive project resources, guidance, and support from community science project leaders.
Volunteers are needed to conduct a survey at least once every other week from May 1 through Sept. 30.
For more information, or to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Participate in Big Butterfly Count Workshop
Get involved with conservation and science by participating in Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count Training Workshop at 1 p.m. May 10 at the Schramm Education Center.
Participants in this workshop must have attended the virtual trainings on April 8 and 10. They will learn how to identify butterflies and contribute to Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count, a community science project to collect statewide data to better understand butterfly diversity across the state.
The workshop is free but space is limited. See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register and find more information. For questions, contact [email protected].
Little Saplings features oak trees May 14
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 2025 series, which typically occurs the first Wednesday of the month, this month will take place May 14 with the theme oak trees at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $5 per child and $5 per adult.
See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.
Six Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights scheduled
Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts five Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights on May 14.
Get your teams of no more than five players and be ready to compete for prizes. Registration is not required. These events are for adults only and are free to attend with a purchase from the host brewery.
The Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights, which begin at 7 p.m. local time, are at:
- Scottsbluff – Flyover Brewing Company
- Lincoln – Code Beer Company
- Hastings – First Street Brewing
- Omaha – Scriptown Brewing
- Ashland – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Carl’s at Mahoney (park entry permit required)
- Ponca – Cedar Hills Bar & Grill
For more information and or questions, email monica.macoubrie@
‘Science of’ lady beetles scheduled in May
Discover the fascinating world of lady beetles May 15 as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.
In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.
The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.
Homeschool Hikes set for May 21 at Schramm
Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. May 21. This month's theme is oak trees.
Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.
Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Participate in Bioblitz at Weeping Water
Learn from Nebraska wildlife biologists and experts, discovering and identifying as many plants and animals as possible while contributing to scientific research May 24 at the Weeping Water Bioblitz.
Seasoned naturalists, beginner wildlife enthusiasts, students and families looking for a fun outdoor activity are invited to attend this free event, which runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Day Memorial Park. All materials are provided.
For a schedule and more information, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Direct any questions to [email protected].
Butterfly survey training at Schramm
Become a community scientist and help conserve Nebraska’s rare, at-risk butterflies. Training for the Monarch and Regal Fritillary Survey will be from 1-5 p.m. May 31 at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna.
The survey is a community science project where volunteers help biologists document monarch and regal fritillary butterflies in Nebraska.
The training will open with a presentation, followed by a mock survey. During this extensive training, participants will learn how to walk an assigned transect, count butterflies, and assess habitat features. Bring water, snacks, notebook, and a hat for the brief field portion.
For more information or to register, see the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Two Rivers Herp Hike is May 31
Join Nebraska Game and Parks for a guided hike searching for reptiles and amphibians at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. This Herp Hike is at 10 a.m. May 31.
Expect a slow-paced hike with stops for observing herps and other wildlife. There will be hands-on learning about native species and their habitats, herping tips, fun facts, and great photo opportunities.
This event is free and open to all ages and experience levels. Meet at the park office.