Wildlife

Nebraska Outdoor Calendar

Family Nature Club: Nature Detectives

During this month's session we will explore how we can find out what animals have visited an area, all without laying eyes on them! We will learn about animal tracks and other signs, and sharpen our observation skills as we search for any clues that point to what animals are visiting our neighborhood. Registration is […]

Science of…Keystone Species

Virtual Event Virtual Event

Prairie dogs, bison, beavers, alligators, and wolves. These creatures really don’t have that much in common with each other, except for the fact that they are all keystone species. Keystone species are organisms that have basically hold the rest of the ecosystem together. In this Science of we will be looking closely at different keystone […]

FREE

Winter Family Nature Club

Because a prairie winter won’t stop us, it just adds to the adventure.

FREE!

Wildcat Tales: Groundhogs

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area 210615 NE-71, Gering, NE

Come along and learn the history of this fun holiday and it’s animal ambassador. Each Wildcat Tales program will include a lesson plan, story, and hands-on activity specifically targeted for early learners ages 2-6 years. The preschool programs will meet at the Nature Center at 10am. Each month is a different program topic! A valid Nebraska […]

Wildcat Hills Homeschool Program-Rough Reptiles

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area 210615 NE-71, Gering, NE

Bumpy, lumpy and warty reptiles. Encounter local reptiles of western Nebraska and learn amazing adaptations of this often misunderstood group of animals. This monthly homeschool program will meet at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering NE.  These programs will be conducted rain or shine, so be prepared for the unpredictable Nebraska weather! A […]

Science of…Prairie Chickens

Virtual Event Virtual Event

No other animal represents Nebraska’s prairies better than the Prairie Chicken, I mean, hello, look at their name! Prairie chickens are known for their memorable performances where they dance, call and try to impress females with their vigor at their booming grounds, or leks. These birds are members of the grouse family and never disappoint […]

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Science of…Darters & Minnows

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You’ve heard of Crappies, Bluegill, Catfish, Pike & Walleye, but what about the fun-sized fish lurking just below the surface that you don’t catch? Nebraska is home to around 80 species of native fish, many of those being small minnows and darters. Even though they are small, they may be some of the most fascinating […]

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Science of…Dragonflies & Damselflies

Virtual Event Virtual Event

Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata, which means “toothed ones”. This order includes some of the most ancient and beautiful insects that have ever roamed the earth, as well as some of the largest flying invertebrates ever to have lived. These are also some of the most popular insects due to them being […]

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Science of…Ungulates

Virtual Event Virtual Event

You may never have heard the word ungulate, but odds are you have seen many of them, even here in Nebraska. To boil it down ungulates are large mammals with hooves. They then use the hoofed tips to support their body weight while standing or moving. There could be odd-toed and even-toed ungulates. But, what’s […]

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