Fontenelle Forest

[Brad]

We don't have a Fontenelle Forest thread???

Turk’s cap lily found blooming in Fontenelle Forest for first time since 1975, but its stay is short

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The last time a Turk’s cap lily was observed in Fontenelle Forest, disco was in flower.

And judging the 4½-foot-tall plant by its blaze orange and leopard-spotted bloom, the Turk’s cap could fit nicely into any ’70s decor.

For the first time since 1975, a Turk’s cap lily was discovered blooming just off a trail in the Bellevue forest. But seekers of rare flowers in the forest will have to wait until next year to get a look at this one: the bloom is off the lily.

[Coyote]

Fontenelle Forest's $1.6 million aerial adventure park to feature ziplines, take climbers up 50 feet

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[nativeomahan]

FYI, Fontenelle Forest has its own photographers club. They are hosting a photo exhibit at the nature center building come late May. Some of you may be interested in the club.

[Coyote]

An inside look at Fontenelle Forest's 5-acre, $1.6 million aerial adventure park, open now

The $1.6 million aerial adventure park, which features ziplines, suspended bridges and other challenges, officially opened Wednesday. At a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday, several dozen people were among the first to get a bird's-eye view of the forest.

[Coyote]

[Coyote]

Four Seasons at Fontenelle Forest

[Coyote]

Wetlands at Nebraska's Fontenelle Forest impacted by wildfire



As a result, all of the wetlands property at the forest are closed "at this time," according to Fontenelle Forest.

[Coyote]

Fontenelle Forest: 2022 Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Award Winner



Congratulations to Fontenelle Forest, winner of the 2022 Omaha Metropolitan Area (OMA) Tourism Award for Best Attraction in Sarpy County in Nebraska.

[NovakOmaha]

Such an underrated and underappreciated gem.

[Coyote]

New additions at Fontenelle Forest's TreeRush Adventure Park



New additions at Fontenelle Forest's TreeRush Adventure Park

[nativeomahan]

We love being members of the Forest. We only visit a few times a year but it is always a nice, relaxing time when we do. We always hike down to the river. It’s quite a hike back up the hills.

[ChadJK]

We used to be members, but we were only making it out there once or twice per year. So, for us, it was more cost effective to just pay admission each time. Though, it is amusing to ask for an admissions fee to a forested area. It seems like the only time you need to pay to get into Fontenelle Forest is when you enter it via the Nature Center. If you just stroll in from Camp Gifford Road or one of the adjoining housing developments you can access the forest and all of its trails for free.

[Coyote]

Can you find Canes Venatici in the night sky? What about Virgo? Centaurus? Crux?

Forget the Big Dipper, and head out to Neale Woods on May 27th to enjoy some Spring constellations during a night of stargazing! This warm evening will feature a brief night hike to start, then learning constellations and stargazing!

This event will run from 8:30-10:30 PM, please make sure to dress appropriately for the weather! Please bring a folding chair to sit on while stargazing, and be ready to hike a short distance (with your chair) to our constellation viewing area on easy-to-moderate terrain.

DATE: May 27
TIME: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

[Coyote]

Adult Raptorology



Fontenelle Forest
Sep. 6, Tue at 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Play fun raptor-related games, see birds of prey up close and learn about these amazing predators of the sky.

Do you know which raptors prefer to live in the forest canopy, wetlands, prairies or even in suburban areas?
Our popular Adult Raptorology program is kicking off in March with a focus on raptors and each of their unique habitats!
Play fun raptor-related games, see birds of prey up close and learn about these amazing predators of the sky. This adults-only program (ages 18 +) is designed for the "big kids" who want to have fun while learning about raptors.
Register now: https://tinyurl.com/5xae9k4m

[Coyote]

SUNSET HIKE


Aug 26 at 6:30PM - Oct 14 at 8:00PM
Fontenelle Forest
1111 Bellevue Boulevard North

Grab your hiking shoes and find out during our Sunset Hike!
Join us as we look for butterflies at Camp Brewster! The hike will mostly stay by the prairie trails. Keep your eyes open for Monarchs, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Common Buckeyes, and much more!
This guided hike will be led by longtime volunteer Eric Scholar. This program is perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge of the butterflies found at Fontenelle Forest!

This event runs on:
Aug 26, 2022, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Sep 16, 2022, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Oct 14, 2022, 6:30pm to 8:00pm

[Coyote]

SUMMER BUTTERFLY WALK



Sat 10th, at 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Camp Brewster, Fontenelle Forest

Join us as we look for butterflies at Camp Brewster!

The hike will mostly stay by the prairie trails. Keep your eyes open for Monarchs, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Common Buckeyes, and much more!
This guided hike will be led by longtime volunteer Eric Scholar. This program is perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge of the butterflies found at Fontenelle Forest!

[Coyote]

Fontenelle Forest’s Acorn Acres to close for renovations

A popular play area in an Omaha forest will undergo some major renovations. Starting Monday, Sept. 19, the Acorn Acres child’s play area in Fontenelle Forest will close. Fontenelle Forest says the one-acre play area will be closed for several months for the renovations. Organizers say Acorn Acres will be a “completely reimagined, nature-inspired playscape for children and families to engage with the outdoors.” Acorn Acres will reopen in mid-2023 when the renovation is complete. “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to reinvent this space,” said Matt Darling, Executive Director of Fontenelle Forest. “Our goal is to offer new and engaging ways for parents to spend time with their kids in nature, have fun while also learning about the natural world, and maybe even get a bit dirty.”

According to Fontenelle Forest, the reimagined space will incorporate a nature-inspired experience. Instead of having conventional playground equipment, Acorn Acres will have trees, rocks, logs and other nature-inspired objects for children to have experiences with. Organizers say it will be a different experience compared to a regular play area. “It’s important to note this will not be a playground or splash pad,” Darling added. “It is essential for Acorn Acres to remain a complimentary experience to walking through the Forest itself. Additionally, inclusivity is a big focus for this project - we want children of all ages and abilities be able to explore Acorn Acres with their families and experience the outdoors in whatever way works for them.” During the renovation, Fontenelle Forest recommends families try out Habitat Hollow - an indoor, nature-based area for children.

[Coyote]

FAMILY ADVENTURE DAY
Oct. 8th, Sat at 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Camp Wa-kon-da
402 Forest Drive



Bring the family and join us for a fun and exciting day of archery, hiking, and campfire building at Camp Wa-Kon-Da!

Take aim and perfect your shot with a brief Archery 101 course (for ages 8+)
Compete in family-friendly games
Work on your campfire-building skills and celebrate success with a delicious s’more
Join a naturalist and explore the Forest on a guided hike
Learn the rich history of Fontenelle Forest
Camp Wa-Kon-Da features miles of trails on a variety of terrain. Climb up to the ridgetops or explore deep in the hollows. This camp has a rich history of human civilization, from the Nebraska Phase people to explorers like Lewis and Clark!
Signed liability waiver required to participate in archery.
DATE: October 8LOCATION: 9:00 to 11:00 AMLOCATION: Camp Wa-Kon-DaMINIMUM CAPACITY: 5MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 25PROGRAM FEE:Members: $8 ages 4-7, $14 ages 8+Non-members: $12 ages 4-7, $18 ages 8+

[Coyote]

Feather Our Nest 2022
Oct. 6th, Thu at 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Fontenelle Forest



Celebrate and support Fontenelle Forest's environmental stewardship and education programs in a unique setting – our “backyard!”

Join us for a relaxing night of cocktails, seasonal offerings, silent auction bidding, and mission moments at our annual event, Feather Our Nest! We are thrilled to welcome dedicated supporters and longtime members, Ann and Dennis Christiansen, as our Honorary Chairs.
Feather Our Nest is the perfect way to celebrate and support our environmental stewardship and education programs in a unique setting – our “backyard!”
Date: Thursday, October 6th, 2022Time: 6pm – 9pm
Location: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N.
For additional information, to purchase tickets, to make a gift, and to view current sponsors please visit https://tinyurl.com/dexfzbf6

[Coyote]

Trick or Treat With the Animals
Oct. 22nd, Sat at 10:00AM - 3:00PM
700 Camp Gifford Rd
Bellevue



Trick or Treat

Bring out your ghosts, goblins, princesses, and superheros for a day of non scary trick or treating at Gifford Farm's Trick or Treat With the Animals!

There will be guest groups, food & snack vendors, hayrides, and pony rides at the farm!
Event by reservation only! Make your reservation by clicking on the link below.
Admission: $5 each trick or treater. Accompanying adults are free.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/cz5byCCcozy3pQ2eA

[Coyote]

Hiking trails to close at Fontenelle Forest for prescribed burn
All hiking trails will be closed at Fontenelle Forest on Monday for a prescribed burn.

BELLEVUE, Neb. (WOWT) - All hiking trails will be closed at Fontenelle Forest on Monday for a prescribed burn. According to Fontenelle Forest, a prescribed burn is planned for Monday, Nov. 28. Due to the burn, all hiking trails and the Raptor Woodland Refuge will close at 12 p.m. Monday. The burn, pending acceptable weather and permits, is expected to start at 1:30 p.m. The burn is for oak woodland restoration. Fire will be applied to roughly 50 acres of upland woods adjacent to the Forest Nature Center.

[Coyote]

Do Space and Fontenelle Forest create an innovative experience for youth

BELLEVUE, Neb. (KMTV) — Do Space and Fontenelle Forest teamed up, on Saturday, to create an innovative experience for young tech and nature lovers combining the best of both worlds. The fun day of activities included virtual reality, rock climbing, finch robots that move and sing like a real finch, demos of 3-D printers and a wind tunnel for participants. “Really just interacting with people that might not have ever been to Fontenelle Forest,” said the Director of Programs for Fontenelle Forest, Denise Lewis. “It’s fun to showcase what we do here, they can walk the trails today, walk to the raptor refuge and see 17 birds of prey including two bald eagles. They can go downstairs and check out our habitat hollow with snakes and turtles.”

[Coyote]

Fontenelle Forest continues repairs to extensive damage from 2019 Heartland flood



New developments are underway at Fontenelle Forest to repair the remains of significant damage from its 2019 flood and recent wildfires -- especially to its boardwalk and floodplains. The sight of the muddy trails won’t be a surprise. “We have areas that have high water now that we didn’t have before and we have areas where there’s less water than we had before,” said Michelle Foss with Fontenelle Forest. In the 2019 flood, the majority of the forest’s floodplains were underwater and bringing in new invasive species. Foss said they had to wait a year after the flood to make repairs, but even then they had leftover water.

“We made some repairs to our observation line at our great marsh, we had to rebuild our boardwalk that is down our Fontenelle Forest floodplain, and we had to rebuild our footbridge that connects our trails,” Foss said. In 2022, the forest experienced a wildfire that scorched its trees and branches. Since then, they’re considering prescribed burning to help with brush clearance. As for floods, they expect more to come in the future. “Instead of trying to fight the flooding, we’re going to work with it,” Foss said. The forest is also looking to control any new invasive species brought in by the flood by expanding its habitat restoration efforts.

[Coyote]

EARTH DAY CONSERVATION HIKE
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
Sat, Apr 22 6:00pm



Spend the evening of Earth Day immersed in the natural beauty of the Forest while learning about why conservation of the oak savanna and native Nebraska species are so important.

Activities of this program will include a trail mix snack station (peanut-free), an artifact table related to species in the Forest, and a naturalist-guided hike.

[Coyote]

Fontenelle Forest begins prescribed burns in woodlands Tuesday
The burns happen about every three years, and so far, around 52 acres got torched as part of managing the plants and trees there



BELLEVUE, Neb. — Fire crews at Fontenelle Forest are cleaning up after a prescribed burn at the upland woods sent smoke billowing into the air Tuesday. The burns happen about every three years, and so far, around 52 acres got torched as part of managing the plants and trees there. Afterward, the air still strongly smelled of smoke, with crackling wood sounding all over the landscape. It starts with a single flame that grows into something splendorous and fearsome with every flicker. Fontenelle Forest’s wildland firefighting crew started their prescribed burning efforts at around 1:30 p.m. “This is a unique opportunity, again, one that comes once every three years that allows people to see it. They see the before, they see the during, and they can see the after,” said Matt Darling, the Fontenelle Forest executive director.

[Coyote]

Fontenelle Forest's 'Great Marsh' is completely dried up



BELLEVUE, Neb. — One of Fontenelle Forest's most popular spots, located in the forest's flood plain, is completely dry. Typically, the Great Marsh has one or two feet of water in it but now the entire area is dried up. Director of resource stewardship Michelle Foss lists a few reasons for the marsh being dried up. For starters, Foss said the drought plays a big role because they're seeing less runoff from the hills. Beavers in the area have also played a big impact in reducing the streamflow to the marsh.

[Coyote]

Fontenelle Forest highlights raptor bird program that rehabilitates the endangered species



BELLEVUE, Neb. — Fontenelle Forest invited curious learners inside on Saturday to teach them about raptor birds. The day also marks how they put an age to the birds. Every raptor in its care turns another year older in January. Fontenelle Forest said, the birds they have in their care all needed some sort of rehabilitation. The goal is to release them back into the wild, but for some, that's not an option.

[Coyote]

Experience a wooded wonderland in Bellevue



BELLEVUE, Neb. (KOLN) - You can get in touch with the great outdoors during a hike at Fontenelle Forest, which is a nature preserve filled with plenty of history. We visited with Fontenelle Forest Executive Director Tyler Irvine about this natural attraction that’s surrounded by an urban landscape. “We are located right here in Bellevue, Nebraska, along the riverfront,” Irvine said. “We have about 2,100 acres total, 24 miles of trails, and we actually date back to 1913. That’s when we were first incorporated. We are one of the oldest conservation organizations in the state.”