Catch these Game and Parks education events in November

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in November.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on Nov. 4

Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A birding topic is introduced in each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area.

On Nov. 4, the topic for the free, bird-related program for all ages will be what birds eat. Participants will discover the diets of common birds in the area then make their own suet cookie or recycled bird feeder to take home for bird feeding.

Schramm hosts Little Saplings on Nov. 5

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 occurs on the first Wednesday of the month, continues Nov. 5 at 9 and 10 a.m. The topic will be rocks. The program 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.

James Family Conservatory to host Wise and Wild

Wise and Wild is a program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 3 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On Nov. 11, the topic for this free event will be what birds eat. Discover the diets of common birds in the area, then make a suet cookie or recycled bird feeder to take home for bird feeding.

Discover ‘Science of’ pronghorns

Explore the world of pronghorns in Nebraska as Nebraska Game and Parks’ popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.

On Nov. 13, learn about the fastest land animal in North America, its unique adaptations and keen eyesight.

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.

Wildcat Hills homeschool program will focus on turkeys

Discover wild turkeys and celebrate the season with activities about gratitude and nature Nov. 13 during the homeschool program at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

The free program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations and habitats found only in western Nebraska.

For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-K Herpetology Days coming to Mahoney SP

It is never too early to begin appreciating reptiles and amphibians. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s Pre-K Herpetology Days, young ones may meet an animal ambassador, create animal art and more.

This program, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center, is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.

Wildcat Hills preschool program is Nov. 18

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Nov. 18 with the theme turkeys and thankfulness.

The program 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.

For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Homeschool Hikes set for Nov. 19-20 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. Nov. 19 and 1 p.m. Nov. 20. This month's theme is Dutch oven cooking.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

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.

Schramm to host Fly-Tying for Beginners

The Schramm Education Center near Gretna and the Cornhusker Fly Fishers will host Fly-Tying for Beginners at 10 a.m. Nov. 22.

Learn to tie fishing flies using materials such as feathers, thread, metal and beads. These are tied to a hook with the goal of imitating an insect or other small prey item of fish. Tie dry flies, which float on the surface, or wet flies, which sink just below the surface.