Catch these Game and Parks education events in January

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in January.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Zoology for Beginners hosted by Mahoney SP

Explore Zoology for Beginners at the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Jan. 3. One-hour sessions will begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This free program will introduce animal classification, physical and behavioral animal adaptations and how naturalists care for Nebraska Game and Parks’ Ambassador Animals. Meet some live animals and participate in animal-related activities.

Cold Days Warm Hearts at Mahoney SP on Jan. 11

Celebrate Cold Days Warm Hearts at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s Owen Marina on Jan. 11.

From, 1 to 4 p.m., if conditions allow, try some ice fishing on Baright Lake. Instruction and gear will be provided.

Winter crafts will be available for purchase and park naturalists will provide free nature programs. Food also will be available for purchase.

Wildcat Hills preschool program is Jan. 14

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host its monthly preschool program Jan. 14 with Wiggly Worms.

The program will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain Time. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

The program is free, but a vehicle park entry permit is required. For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Homeschool Hikes set for Jan. 15-16 at Schramm

Homeschool families for ages 5 and up are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Jan. 15 and 1 p.m. Jan. 16. This month's theme is Bald Eagles.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Wildcat Hills homeschool program is Jan. 16

The Wildcat Hills homeschool program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain Time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Learn the role worms play in our soil environments as the theme Jan. 16 is Wiggling Worms.

Certified staff lead various programs that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations, and western Nebraska habitats. Activities focus hands-on learning and observations, targeted to your students’ learning.

For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Schramm to host Fly-Tying for Beginners

Watch the Cornhusker Fly-Fishers tie flies at the Schramm Education Center classroom from 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 18 and learn to tie your own.

Fly tying is the art of attaching various materials, such as feathers, thread, metal, beads to a hook, with the goal of imitating an insect or other small pretty items of fish. The fly is cast with a rod and is meant to mimic the activity of the prey. Admission to the center is not required.