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Outdoor
N otes Training for butterfly event to be held
LINCOLN — People can train to participate in Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count with free workshops in April.
Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count is a community science project designed to collect statewide data to better understand butterfly diversity across Nebraska.
Only those who attend both virtual trainings, from 6-8 p.m. April 7 and 9, may participate in the in-person field day at 6 p.m. April 22 at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna.
During the virtual workshops, participants will learn about community science, how to identify eastern/central Nebraska butterfly species, and how they can contribute to Nebraska’s Big Butterfly Count. Participants will receive project resources, guidance and support from community science project leaders.
The field day is a hands-on survey training, building on what was covered online. Participants will receive project resources, walk through a mock survey and receive further direction on data collection and submission.
Send questions to [email protected] or [email protected].
For more information, or to register, visit the April 7 and 22 calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska. gov.
Game and Parks events planned for April
LINCOLN — Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in April.
Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
The April offerings are:
Flock to Birds of a Feather at Mahoney
Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at 10 a.m. on two Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
A different birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area, which may include a hike.
On April 7, the topic for this free program for all ages will be Feathers, Forms and Functions.
Consider how the form of a bird relates to the functions they do to survive and thrive in the wild. On April 21, Raptors is the theme. Discover the differences between hawks, eagles, owls and more.
Register at the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Discover ‘Science of’ ferns
Explore ferns and learn how they survive in diverse habitats and their fascinating history dating millions of years as the popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.
On April 9, learn how ferns may seem like quiet, leafy plants, but their life cycle and adaptations are full of scientific wonder.
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 hour-long webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each.
See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.
James Family Conservatory to host Wise and Wild
Wise and Wild is a program for those aged 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 10 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Mahoney’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
On April 14, the topic for this free event will be Bird Mist-Netting.
Observe the process of mist-netting, a tool used to catch and band birds for research. Get up close and learn about local bird species.
A variety of nature-related topics will be shared in this free program for all ages.
