Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in July.
Don't forget to purchase a Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
July offerings are:
Snails the theme for Little Saplings on July 1
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 2026 series, which occurs on the first Wednesday of the month, continues July 1 at 9 and 10 a.m. The topic will be Snails. 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 entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.
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.
The themes this month are: July 7, Beginner Birding; July 14, Bird Mist-Netting; July 21, Summer Nesting; and July 28, Feathers, Forms and Functions.
Register at the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Discover 'Science of' Fireflies
Fireflies light up Nebraska summer nights, but there's a lot more to these glowing insects than meets the eye.
On July 9, this virtual program will explore the biology, behavior, and life cycle of fireflies, including how and why they produce light, how they communicate, and their role in local ecosystems.
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.
BOW going birding at Holmes Lake
The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program will host Birding and Brownies at 6:30 p.m. July 12 at Holmes Lake in Lincoln.
Birding can be done just about anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. A pair of binoculars and an identification guide is all you need to get started.
This event, open to women ages 16 and up, will allow participants to learn birding skills, meet birder friends and spend relaxing time outdoors. Stay at the end for a sweet treat.
Registration is required and can be completed at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. The cost is $10.
Nebraska Master Naturalist training in July
The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program is looking for individuals who seek to deepen their understanding and relationship with the state's ecosystems and wildlife.
Complete training is being offered to become a Nebraska Master Naturalist on July 12-18 at the Niobrara Valley Preserve near Johnstown.
Nebraska Master Naturalist is a statewide program of certified volunteer naturalists. Certification training combines engaging classroom content with hands-on outdoor field experience. Participants will be guided by conservation experts in an immersive experience in conservation practices and Nebraska ecology.
Certified Master Naturalists contribute to Nebraska conservation needs across the state through volunteer efforts in environmental education and interpretation, habitat stewardship, community science, and outdoor skills and recreation.
Space is limited in the training. See the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register or find more information.
Send questions to jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov.
Bumble Bee Atlas Field Days scheduled
Participate in a Bumble Bee Atlas field day at Conservation Blueprint north of St. Paul at 10 a.m. July 18 and help collect and identify bees.
In-person training events are a great way to learn how to use an insect net, collect data according to project methods, practice identifying and photographing bees, and meet fellow participants.
Boots or close-toed shoes, long pants, sunscreen, and tick prevention are recommended.
Registration is required and can be completed at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov, where more information is available.
Kayak cleanup scheduled at Wildwood Lake
Join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor educators and partners July 21 for a night of kayaking and cleaning up aquatic habitat at Wildwood Lake Wildlife Management Area while kayaking.
Meet at the boat ramp on the east side of the lake at 6 p.m. Safety and basic instruction will be given at the start of the event. Trash bags and gloves will be provided for participants.
A limited number of loaner kayaks are available.
Registration is required and can be completed at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov, where more information is available.
Send any questions to grace.gaard@nebraska.gov.
Schramm After Dark: Moth Lighting
In celebration of National Moth Week, Nebraska Game and Parks educators will lead moth lighting at Schramm Park State Recreation Area on July 25.
Bring a flashlight, search for moths at the light trap, document the species you find and learn about moths and other nocturnal insects in Nebraska.
This is a free program that will be held at the park shelter next to Pond A. Meet in the parking lot of the Schramm Education Center at 8:30 p.m. and walk about five minutes along a paved trail to the park shelter. A Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit is required to park next to the park shelter. It is not required in the Schramm Education Center parking lot.
Direct any questions to Outdoor Education Specialist Jen Ruyle at 402-332-5022 or Jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov.