Program areas at Fontenelle Forest
Educational programs - Fontenelle Forest's educational and nature-related activities are designed to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world. Over 13,300 children and adults took part in environmental educational programs in 2023 including school programs, summer camps, and family programs. Traveling programs bring hands-on, natural science education to students and adults in the local community, while field-trip programs provide both an indoor and outdoor educational component on-site at Fontenelle Forest. School programs are tied into the state's natural science curriculum requirements.
Nature centers - for over a century, Fontenelle Forest has provided a place for the community to learn about the natural environment and to experience the wild of nature. Fontenelle Forest staff and volunteers engage members, visitors, and guests through conservation, education, outdoor recreation, and historical preservation of the association's properties. Fontenelle Forest nature center in bellevue and neale woods nature reserve in omaha provide places for the community to explore the natural world through interpretive exhibits, a mile-long accessible boardwalk, and 24 miles of hiking trails.
Natural resources/conservation - Fontenelle Forest is one of Nebraska's oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest private nature centers in the nation. The Forest encompasses over 2,100 acres of Forest, prairie, wetlands, and native american historical sites along the Missouri river in two locations. As stewards of the land, Fontenelle is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of our local habitats providing valuable green space for people and wildlife. Fontenelle is engaged in restoring oak woodland property, studying and treating invasive plants, enhancing recreational opportunities within our borders, and creating public awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits and importance of sustaining a healthy and resilient ecosystem.
Raptor outreach - the Forest's raptor outreach and education program generates public support for raptor conservation through education, displays, and special events utilizing live (non-releasable) raptors as ambassadors for their kind. Over 11,800 children and adults participated in public and outreach programming in 2023.