26 Nebraskaland • July 2019
of monthly educational events each with a different theme
targeted to the general population.
Nature on Display
Perhaps one of the greatest attributes of Wildcat Hills is
that visitors are never certain what they might see. Whether
one is hiking more than three miles of trails, or taking in an
unrivaled view of the valley on one of the nature center's
observation decks situated above the pines, the park is a
visual treat.
A road along the park's summit links visitors to trails
coursing through evergreen-studded ridges and canyons that
feature mountain mahogany and other western plant species.
The park attracts a lot of wildlife, and it has become
recognized as a premier bird-watching site. Well-stocked
feeders near the center's dark tinted windows allow visitors
to observe the wide variety of avian species, such as red
crossbills and pine siskins, from the comforts of indoors. In
fall, park visitors get an up-close view of feathered species
at a bird-banding station operated by the Bird Conservancy
of the Rockies.
An active indoor honeybee hive with transparent walls
allows the busy insects to come and go while giving observers
special insight to their work.
Wild turkeys, deer, bobcat and coyotes frequent the park,
The 27-foot replica ponderosa pine spans two fl oors, making even the indoors seem suitable for exploration.
Live displays, such as this active bee hive on the Nature Center's
garden level, enhance learning opportunities.
