The Pioneers Park Nature Center is inviting families to get outside this summer with a series of hands-on programs focused on Nebraska’s wildlife and natural landscapes. The lineup begins Saturday, July 11, with the annual Butterfly Count.
The Nature Center has participated in the North American Butterfly Association’s nationwide survey for more than 18 years, helping collect data used to monitor butterfly populations. Participants will learn how to identify local butterfly species before joining naturalists on the trails to count butterflies. The program runs from 9 a.m. to noon and costs six dollars per person.
No experience is required. Young children and their caregivers can also take part in the Hand in Hand Summer Series. The 45-minute outdoor programs, designed for children ages two-and-a-half to 7, feature nature-based activities that encourage exploration and discovery. Sessions are scheduled for July 17 and July 31. Advance registration is required, and the cost is five dollars per child.
Later in the month, the Nature Center will host a free Mothing Night on July 23 as part of Nebraska Moth Week. Families can join a guided evening walk to learn about moths and other nocturnal wildlife while exploring the prairie after dark.
The Nature Center says the programs are designed to promote environmental education and help visitors of all ages build a deeper appreciation for Nebraska’s natural landscapes. For more information and registration click here.