T h e Pr a i r i e S a g eWinter 2013

Welcome, Kristofer Johnson!We are delighted to welcome Kristofer Johnson as the new director of Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. His background in botany, landscape architecture, and land planning provides a great set of skills for our important work.

Kristofer states, “I am thrilled to be joining Spring Creek Prairie and look forward to meeting all of the dedicated people involved in its success. I am very excited to further engage the community to be involved with SCP and to build on your previous accomplishments. Thank you in advance for your assistance as we continue our efforts for tallgrass prairie conservation.”

Kristofer and his wife, Dori Johnson, moved back to Kristofer’s hometown of Lincoln from Salt Lake City, Utah. Dori works in the University of Nebraska’s Office of Research and Economic Development.

If you would like to receive The Prairie Sage by e-mail, notify us at scp@audubon.org or call 402/797-2301.

The Center for Great Plains Studies at the University of Nebraska has named Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center as one of the top 50 ecotourism sites in the Great Plains. To obtain the list, specialists were asked to identify the sites that offered the “best, most powerful environmental experience and/or the ones that are ecologically the most important.”

The CGPS listed Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary, along with the Crane Trust, among the top 10 ecotourism sites in the region, for their conservation and education missions regarding the Platte River and the sandhill crane migration.

Volunteer DayOur October Volunteer Day was a great success. We were thrilled to have 24 people participate in the two-hour work day (photo below). Volunteers collected prairie plant seeds to be replanted next spring. They also cut down invasive trees in the prairie uplands. (See related prairie management story on page 5.) The trees were treated to prevent their regrowth.

Another Volunteer Day will be scheduled for next spring. For information about this or any other upcoming volunteer event, contact Chris Thody at cthody@audubon.org or call us at 402/797-2301. You can also check our Web site for events at www.springcreekprairie.org. Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers!

This project was made possible by a TogetherGreen Innovation Grant provided through an alliance between National Audubon Society and Toyota.

Audubon Centers Among Top Sites

2 The Prairie Sage

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Looking for a Place toHost an Event?

Remember Spring Creek Prairie when planning business meetings, wedding and anniversary receptions, and other get-togethers.

Greetings! I am thrilled to introduce myself as Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center’s new director. I am originally from Lincoln and now after being away for nearly 20 years, I am excited to be back among friends, family, and familiar surroundings. More importantly, I have the pleasure of working at this incredible place on education programs and habitat projects that represent a positive impact on our community.

I come here with a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of Wyoming where I concentrated on broader plant ecology and landscape processes. I then pursued a graduate degree in landscape architecture from the University of Illinois, which added a layer of design and land use policy to my environmental education. Throughout my professional career, I have focused on large-scale planning projects that strike a balance between the interests

of private and public clients with preservation of environmental integrity. I believe this background, coupled with my operations management experience and a strong interest in working with students of all ages to understand the landscape in novel ways, will lead to a very successful future.

Now that you know a little about me, I would love to know more about all of you. As donors, volunteers, and supporters of Spring Creek Prairie, you are critically important to our efforts. I invite you to call me directly or come out to the Center to meet in person. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the future of tallgrass prairie education and conservation with you. Thank you for your generosity and hard work.

Best regards,

Kristofer Johnson, Director

Five years and nearly 6,600 fourth grade students, each spending more than three hours investigating, exploring, and reflecting in tallgrass prairie, have moved the mission of Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center forward in exponential ways.

This year, the nearly 1,400 students that visited between the end of August and the middle of October marveled at the colors of the season, at the adaptations of the prairie plants to the drought, and at the diversity of invertebrates they captured using sweep nets. A jeweler’s loupe, a new tool added this year, allowed students to experience and appreciate a variety of plants up close and personal.

Thanks to all the folks that helped make these very positive outcomes possible.

They are volunteer Discovery Leaders Sue Block, Emilie Ellingson, Ingrid Kirst, Gracie Morris, Jane Reinkordt, Dana Schmidt, Patty Spitzer, and Ruthie Stearns, and staff persons Ben Mullarkey, Amy Plettner, Kevin Poague, and Chris Thody.

Finally, thanks to the volunteers who helped staff our building during tours: Bill and Trudy Adams, Bill Edwards, Edith Meints, and Rob Wikel.

The teacher evaluations and thank-you letters from students we received indicate the prairie is on its way to an even better conservation future. Here are a few quotes from the teacher evaluations:

“Very science-oriented. Kids were investigating, recording and measuring, making conjectures — simply fabulous! I’ve taught a long time and have been on dozens of field trips. This is by far the best one…Thank You!”

“Well done by professionals. Absolutely perfect.”

“The most valuable aspect of this field trip was the hands-on experience for students — real life. Thanks for your hard work in keeping our tallgrass prairie ecosystem protected!”

Five Years of Prairie Immersionby Deb Hauswald, Education Coordinator

Hello Prairie Folks!

I am so pleased to introduce our new director, Kristofer Johnson. He comes to us with all kinds of experience and enthusiasm to help take our prairie conservation efforts to a new level.

Thanks to all of you who helped with a busy fall season! Please stop in and say “hi” when you visit.

Sincerely,

Executive Director, Audubon Nebraska

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Groundhog TalesSaturday, February 2 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Start the celebration of the groundhog with a short introduction to groundhog facts and folklore followed by a hike to the most promising places on the prairie where one may grace us with an appearance (or not!). Hot chocolate will be served at the Center afterward.$5/person. Register by Feb. 1.

Warming Up to Winter BugsSaturday, February 9 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

Using magnifiers, microscopes, and mindful techniques, adult/child teams will probe through leaf litter and rotten logs to discover a variety of spineless wonders wiling away the winter. Activities include a short hike and an indoor investigation session. This program is appropriate for grades K through 6 and designed for adult/child teams of 2 or 3. $6/adult and $4/child 12 and under. Register by Feb. 8.

Writing Shapes and Patterns in NatureSaturday, February 16 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Learn new ways of looking at and understanding the natural world. Using a jeweler’s loupe with indoor and outdoor activities, participants will learn to recognize and identify the basic shapes and patterns that reoccur in nature, and see how this knowledge can help make sense of what may seem like a chaotic system. Later, participants will use analogy and other easy, playful techniques to record their impressions.

Local author Amy Plettner will co-facilitate this program designed for ages 10 and older. All materials and hot beverages will be provided. $15/person. Register by Feb. 15.

ProgramsDetails at www.springcreekprairie.org.

Register by e-mail (scp@audubon.org) or 402/797-2301. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Class sizes limited. Payment collected on day of program; checks and credit cards accepted.

www.springcreekprairie.org

In Search of a Season: A Spring Treasure HuntSaturday, March 23 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noonSunday, March 24 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Starting every 20 minutes, teams of two to ten participants will be outfitted with a treasure map and clues to search for hidden treasure chests along the trail. At each chest they will use observation skills and special equipment to investigate the sights and sounds of the prairie, and discover the subtle and sometimes elusive treasures of spring. $15/team. Each team must have at least one adult. Teams must preregister for a scheduled starting time by March 22.

Make an Apple BasketSaturday, April 27 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Back by popular demand, local artist and basket weaver Judy Hart will facilitate a hands-on apple basket weaving workshop. The apple basket pattern uses spoke construction featuring a double bottom, continuous weave and a 12” round white oak swing handle with ears. The basket measures 12 inches in diameter and 7 inches in height.

The workshop will be fun and informative for beginners and veteran basket weavers alike. All supplies will be provided, but participants should bring their own 3-5 gallon bucket, pruners or plant clippers if available, and their own lunch — coffee and tea will be provided. Pre-registration is required for this popular class. $50/person.

Once Upon A Prairie Wind Kite FlySunday, April 28 1:00-4:00 p.m.

The wide-open expanse of Spring Creek Prairie makes for a perfect place to fly kites, and all ages

are welcome to come out and try their skills. People can make a simple kite from provided recycled materials, purchase kites from The Brand (a Crete-based flag and wind toy business), or bring their own special kite to fly.

Reduced admission of $2/person for the afternoon. No reservations are needed.

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Great Backyard Bird Count Bird Walk

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual nationwide four-day bird survey (www.birdsource.org/gbbc). Take part this year on Friday, Feb. 15, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Spring Creek Prairie. An experienced guide will lead a tour along the trails to count every bird seen. Birders from beginners to experts are welcome. Extra binoculars and field guides will be available. The bird walk is free; no registration is needed.

Groundhog Day at the JOYO

The Nebraska Bugeaters Groundhog Club will hold their annual Groundhog

Day celebration at the JOYO Theatre (in Havelock) again this year on Saturday, February 2. A good crowd is anticipated for the showing of the family-friendly movie Groundhog Day (of course). Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. Movie will follow the door prize give-aways at 7:30.

While there is no charge for admission, your donations and participation in door prize drawings are encouraged with all proceeds going to Punxutawney Phil’s summer home — Spring Creek Prairie! Phil will be in attendance so bring your cameras!

For information, contact Bryan Block at bksgblock@yahoo.com.

Crete Prairie Club News

The Crete Prairie Club is in full swing this fall. The weather has been very cooperative, and Club participants had a great time finding their “Special Place” in the prairie. They visit their places once a month and photograph, videotape, and journal about them.

Club members will take part in many activities over the next year, including clearing trees, learning animal tracking skills, exploring for critters in the pond and prairie, and more.

Space is available for more people, and we welcome anyone fourth grade and older. No Club fees are charged, and free transportation is available through Doane College.

If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Chris Thody at 402-797-2301 for more information.

Needs List

Cordless vacuumSpotting scopeParabolic microphoneBench grinderSmall digital cameraConcrete floor in machine shedChain saw chaps/helmetGift cards from local businesses

selling sporting goods, home improvement items, arts and crafts, office supplies, etc.

ULtimate

Wish List

$5 million endowmentBarrier-free improved trailsBridge to complete trail network

Downy woodpecker

On September 29, members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska came together with Spring Creek Prairie staff and volunteers to dedicate the new living willow blind along the pond just south of the visitor center. This blind was designed and built by members of the Ponca Youth Summer Camp.

Steve Laravie, tribal member and descendant of Chief Standing Bear, spoke of tribal history and the importance of connecting the youth to the land. He and other tribal members performed a Ponca blessing drum song and the blind was officially named Wajinga Ti, meaning “House of Birds” in the Ponca language.

The project cleared willows from an area of wetland and used the remaining living willows along with the cleared branches for the construction. This viewing blind is open to the public all year round and will allow visitors to be concealed while looking out over the pond and wetland. It will undergo yearly maintenance as it continues to grow and fill in.

Dedication of Wajinga Ti:Ponca Youth Wildlife Viewing Blind

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Thank You!Spring Creek Prairie would not be the same without all of the creative generosity of the people in our community. We rely both on financial support and on gifts of time, energy, expertise, and resources. All of these non-cash and in-kind gifts help us fulfill our mission. Listed below is a fantastic group of people and businesses who help make our prairie “GO!”

* Trudy Adams for organizing a trail ride for local horse riders.* Earl May Seed and Nursery for a donation of habitat management tools and trees for the windbreak.* Board member Bill Edwards for recycling our old copier and printer.* Keith Larsen and 55+ for advertising.* Dave Krenk for his help arranging music for our events.* Pat and Julie Mullarkey of Pat’s Electric for providing labor and electrical wiring expertise for our equipment shed.* Bob Parish for his donation of protective chaps.* Rachel Simpson for contributing honey for our gift shop.* Herschel Talley for donating much needed tools and equipment.* The Unitarian Church of Lincoln for hosting SCPAC at “Share the Plate Sunday.”* The too-numerous-to-mention volunteers who assisted with Twilight on the Tallgrass.

The 43rd annual Rivers and Wildlife Celebration, celebrating the amazing sandhill crane migration through central Nebraska, will be held March 21-24, in Kearney, Neb. Details at nebraskacranefestival.org.

See Rowe Sanctuary’s Web site for information on crane viewing opportunities from their Platte River blinds: rowe.audubon.org. One of the great wildlife spectacles on Earth is right in our backyard. Don’t miss it!

The beautiful autumn prairie greeted 189 guests as they enjoyed gathering to dine outdoors at one long table for the 5th annual Tastes in the Tallgrass fund-raiser in September. Participants share a common goal of supporting Spring Creek Prairie in its mission to help protect the continent’s most threatened ecosystem, the tallgrass prairie. The event brought in a gross of over $34,000.

The prairie displayed its resiliency on this special Sunday. Even in a dry year, the 808-acre prairie was in its colorful fall splendor with russets, greens, and yellows providing an incredible backdrop for the evening’s proceedings, reminding everyone how beautiful fall is in Nebraska.

Setting the tone of the evening was music by Jim and the Prairie Terrys (Jim Pipher, Terry Keefe, and Terry Schmitt). Guests were served appetizers from Tastefully Yours, wine provided by Meier’s Cork and Bottle, and local beer from Empyrean Ales. They walked the trails, socialized with friends, and learned about the work being done to save tallgrass prairie and to educate the next generation who will care for our beautiful native places.

Ringing the dinner bell was Emilie Ellingson, who co-chaired the planning committee with fellow Spring Creek Prairie Board Member Barb Wright-Chollet (Emilie, left, and Barb in photo below). After guests took their places at the table for dinner, board member Sam Seever emceed the event and introduced Marian Langan, Audubon Nebraska Executive Director; Christie Dionisopoulos, Board Chair; and Deb Hauswald, Spring Creek Prairie’s Education Coordinator; who each briefly addressed the guests.

Generous local artists, craftspeople, restaurants, and property owners donated for an auction and raffle: William H. Browne, Ervin Dixon, Cindy Doné, Cliff Hollestelle, Keith Jacobshagen, Gail Kendall, Lazlos, Sydney Lynch, Deborah Murphy, John Nollendorfs, Sam and Natalie Olson, The Oven, Bruce Wendorff, and Mary Zicafoose. Fielding the bids was auctioneer and Spring Creek Prairie Board Member Bruce Wright.

More kudos go to Mary Strand for taking lovely photos of the evening, and to Joel Grenemeier of The Photo Shoppe for producing follow-up materials. Finally, we thank the

following for their in-kind donations: Judy and Terry Dougherty, Allison and Gary Petersen, and Trixie and Dave Schmidt.

A Delicious and Successful Fund-Raiserby Matt Harvey, Development Director

The Cranes are Coming!

6 The Prairie Sage

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center Donors

Prairie RootsCommunity Fund

Gifts received from August 11 through December 2, 2012.

$100-$499Mary AndreiKatie AsplundMargee Bartle and Terry WittlerPat and Ellen BeansMargaret and John Stevens

BerryChris and Judy BeutlerHoward and Susan BraschBob and Lana BrowneJohn Carlini and Shari SchwartzRon and Karen CaseJay Conrad and David Clark

Deb and Mohamed DahabTom and Deanne DamkrogerWilliam EngebretsenG. Steven FerrisGene and Dorrie GageSteve GageDaniel and Stacy GarrettDick and Gay GloverMarynelle Greene and Ned

SharpJeff and Ann HagamanChris and Ron HarrisJohn HemmerJim and Tina HilleLinda Hillegass and Jim McKeeFrank and Elizabeth HilsabeckJames Jarzabek and Teresa MeyerTim JohnsonIngrid Kirst and Jeff EplerDavid Kroeger

Max and Lillie LarsenKeith Larsen and Barbara

NieveenJennifer Lesoing-LucsRobert and Linda LichtenbergJim and Kathleen McKenzieMike and Sandi McNiffKen and Judy MeierEdith MeintsArnold and Agnes MendenhallRandy and Jane MoodyCindy and William MorrisGracie and Dave MorrisMary and Bob NefskyGreg Newport and Shelley StallCynthia NunneleeKevan and Cathie NyeMichael and Kristin OstromDave Palm and Alice HennemanDon and Joanne Pepperl

Prairie Heritage$10,000 and aboveJulie Schroeder

Prairie Star$5,000-$9,999Anonymous (1)Lauren DavisKatherine and Richard Endacott Mitzi Fox Margery NicolsonAllison and Gary PetersenLisa and Tom Smith

Prairie Sky$2,500-$4,999Anonymous (1)Lana and Lon FlagtwetCurt and Carolyn McConnellLinda RoosCindy and Dana Rose

Prairie Wind$1,000-$2,499Robin and Rod BatesLinda BrownBob and Candy CampbellDonald M. CampbellDoug and Mary CampbellJanet ColemanJames and Ginger Dager

Gerry and Kit DimonChristie and Pete DionisopoulosMike Farrell and Lynne IrelandTed and Marlene ForkeJudy and Jeff GreenwaldCarr HeaneyJohn and Karen JanovyBarb and Bruce JohnsonJohn and Hani KenefickCampbell McConnellDavid Murphy and Marian

LanganMary and Jim PipherJulie and Gale PokornyNeal RatzlaffJudye and Joe RuffoSteve and Claudia RussellKeith and Sherry SchaferTrixie and Dave SchmidtAmy ScottDan SemradRich and Karen Vierk

Prairie Spirit$500-$999Becky and Gale BreedCecil and Loree BykerkJohn and Karen CampbellGinna and Rich ClaussenJudy and Terry DoughertyJudy and Don Dworak

Emilie and Dave EllingsonJohn and Jane EllsworthLorraine Ford and Sean

BarnawellAllen FreyeSusan and Vernon GarwoodMatt and Amy HarrisJudy and Matt HarveyDeb HauswaldJames HruskaGreg and Sheri HurlbutDee and Mark HutchinsTom and Kathy JaudzemisHod and Willa KosmanDave Michael and Kevin PoagueJim and Patty NeidDiane OldfatherRon and Judy ParksDaniel and Sondra PetersenAmy PlettnerErnest and Audrey RousekKevin and Tiffany SanderMarcus J. and Pamela H. SnowBill and Autumn TaddickenSue and Tom TallmanBruce and Judy WendorffGreg and Dina WingfieldBruce and Judy WrightBarb Wright-Chollet and Ray

CholletArt and Chris Zygielbaum

The Tallgrass Prairie Society is a group of individual contributors whose generous annual support of $500 or more honors our natural and cultural prairie history. We are grateful for their vision and their gifts. We hope that you will consider joining them. You can

help make tallgrass prairie not only our history, but our legacy.

Continued on page 7

Please consider joining these generous donors to ensure survival of this special prairie. You can help. Thank you for being part of our mission!

Organizational Support

$10,000 and aboveAbel FoundationCooper FoundationDillon FoundationElizabeth Rubendall

Foundation J. A. Woollam FoundationLincoln Community

FoundationPegler Family FoundationRogers FoundationMichael and Gail Yanney

$1,000-$9,999Ameritas Charitable

FoundationAssurity Life InsuranceAvedaDesign DataDolezal Family FoundationDonlan FoundationGR’s FoundationHerbert and Marian Weston

FoundationKinder Porter Scott Family

FoundationMosby Lincoln FoundationNorris Public Power DistrictPinnacle Bank, CreteUnion Bank and Trust

CompanyVillage of Denton

$100-$999Duffy’sFirst State BankLower Platte South NRDMills SqueegeeNebraska Book CompanyOlsson Family FoundationStock Seed FarmsUnitarian ChurchWachiska Audubon Society

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Daily Admission

SCPAC Members FREE Adults $4 Seniors (60+) $3 Students $3 Ages 6-17 $3 Ages 5 and under FREE Tuesdays FREE

National Audubon Society members receive $1 off admission.

Membership Levels

$35 - Individual $60 - FamilySCPAC members receive:• Unlimited free admission to education

building.• Unlimited access to walking trails.• 10% off gift shop purchases.• Invites to special programs/events.Member levels include a one-year membership to National Audubon Society and a full year of Audubon magazine.

Discover Nebraska’s Grass Roots

MembershipIndividual ($35) ____ Family ($60) ____ Date: __________________

I want to support the conservation and education programs at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center with an additional donation of:$500 ____ $250 ____ $100 ____ $50 ____ $20 ____

Total gift: $_______ (Check payable to Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center)

Card # (MC/Visa) _____________________________________ Exp. date ______

Name _________________________ Address _____________________________

City _________________________________________ State _____ Zip ________

Phone __________________ E-mail (optional) _____________________________

¤ I do not want my name to be acknowledged in print materials. ¤ I do not want the National Audubon Society to add my name to its membership

list it sends to carefully selected organizations whose mailings I might find of interest.

Send completed form to Spring Creek Prairie, PO Box 117, Denton, NE 68339

Admission/Membership

Reynold and Jill PetersonJohn PollackEric and Julie RasgorshekLaurie Richards and Dan

WorthNoyes RogersSue and Ron SamsonDan and Judi ScullyJulie and Sam SeeverRuthelen SittlerCarrie Smith and Lansi

SirimanodhamScott and Nancy StuckeyCarol and Art ThompsonToni Thorson and Steve

EgglandJim and Geraldine Van EttenRobert and Deborah WigtonRick and Susie WindleDavid Woll and Paula YungeMichael and Gail YanneyTom and Patti YaussiMonte and Sherri Zysset

$35-$99Brad and LuAnne AndersonMary and Fred AndersonMary Ann BartonJennifer BecwarFred BellumPatrice BergerBob BoyceDave and Ann CatlinBarbara DayKent DeitemeyerBarbara DiBernard and Judith

GibsonJohn DietrichRobert DillerAlice DittmanMatt and Susan DwyerBill and Diane EdwardsDorene EisentragerMike and Susan EllsburyMichelle EllwangerGregg FooteGeorge Gauger

Larry GreggJohn GuenzelTwyla and Tom HansenKlaus and Gisela HartmannMarlene HaskellEileen Hebets-StorzMichael and Kathryn HigginsJane HoodMartha and Robert KaulJim and Mary KingRuth LionbergerTom LynchSydney Lynch and Craig RoperHedda MathesonBrad and Mary MoserMarjorie MossLanny NissenJohn and Joyce NormanDennis and Jessica PateHarvey and Susan PerlmanAlan PetersonHelen RaikesAnn Rawley

Jane and Peter ReinkordtCarol and Roger RieflerBrooks RowndWes and Maxine SimeRobert and Nancy SorensenSara StephensonMary and James StrandCynthia TrainorRex WaltonJoleen WidmanNancy WilliamsonNancy WilsonDavid Wishart and Sarah

Disbrow

The support and recognition of all our donors is important to us. Space limitations require gift recognition to begin at the $35 membership level. Please let us know of any missing names so corrections can be made in the next issue.

THINK OF YOUR BEQUEST TO AUDUBON AS AN INVESTMENT. HERE IS ONE OF THE DIVIDENDS:

Please support our conservation work with a bequest in your will, or naming Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center as a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets.

We suggest the following wording:“I bequeath $_________ (or _________% of my residuary estate) to Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, a program of the National Audubon Society, a not-for-profit environmental conservation organization, with its principal offices located in New York, NY.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center at scp@audubon.org or call Matt Harvey, Development Director, 402/797-2301.

8 The Prairie Sage

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center11700 SW 100th StreetP.O. Box 117Denton, NE 68339402/797-2301 (-2304/fax)scp@audubon.orghttp://springcreekprairie.audubon.org

Open: Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat.-Sun. 1-5 All year, except major holidays Admission charge; Tuesdays free

Director: Kristofer JohnsonEducation Coordinator: Deb HauswaldDevelopment Director: Matt HarveyHabitat Program Manager: Ben MullarkeyOperations Manager/Important Bird Areas

Coordinator: Kevin PoagueProject Coordinator: Chris ThodyCaretaker: Amy PlettnerAudubon Neb. Ex. Dir: Marian Langan

Stewardship Advisory Board

Christie Dionisopoulos - ChairLana Flagtwet - Chair-ElectDan Semrad - Secretary

Ginna Claussen Arnold MendenhallJudy Dougherty Allison PetersenBill Edwards Eric RasgorshekEmilie Ellingson Cindy RoseMichael Farrell Judye RuffoSteve Gage Steve RussellJeff Hagaman Keith SchaferMatt Harris Sam Seever Greg Hurlbut Scott StuckeyJohn Janovy Bruce WrightCurt McConnell Barb Wright-Chollet

11700 SW 100th Street PO Box 117Denton, NE 68339

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit 1147Lincoln, NE

Printed on recycled paper

We appreciate the publication support provided by:A to Z Printing8230 Cody Drive, Lincoln, NE 68512402/477-0815•www.atozprint.com

February2 Groundhog Tales2 GoundhoG day showing (JOYO Theatre)9 Warming Up to Winter Bugs15 Great Backyard Bird Count Walk16 Writing Shapes and Patterns in Nature

March21-24 Rivers and Wildlife Celebration (Kearney)23 In search of a Season: A Spring Treasure Hunt24 In search of a Season: A Spring Treasure Hunt

April27 Make an Apple Basket28 Once Upon a Prairie Wind Kite Fly

Calendar

Connecting People with Nature