70 Nebraskaland • June 2020
MIXED BAG
In response to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines,
the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is committed
to helping the public by providing resources, lesson plans,
toolkits and activity guides that still get students outside
in a fun and educational way. For instance, parents and
educators who would like more structure may download
free conservation lesson plans, PowerPoints and videos
on a variety of topics, including birds, pollinators, prairies,
habitats, life cycles, plants and much more.
If you are looking at taking a more hands-on approach by
getting into the field, then try a Citizen Science project.
Here, you can engage in nature and help scientists from your
own backyard. Look for current Nebraska-based projects,
including searching for spotted skunks, participating in
regal fritillary and monarch butterfly surveys, or tracking
and conserving bumblebees throughout the state with the
Nebraska Bumblebee Atlas. There are also many national
projects to choose from, such as Project FeederWatch,
Budburst and Journey North.
While you're spending time outside, I'm sure you or your
kids have had some questions about nature. Well, send those
questions to our Wild What's Up email address and get a
response back from one of our naturalists. If you don't have
a question, but still would like to gain some knowledge,
check out the Wild What's Up videos posted about nature
questions that have come in already. These hilarious videos
are a great way for gaining knowledge and having a laugh.
Another great resource we have is our Watchable Wildlife
Guides. If you are looking for less structure and just some
information about species that live in your backyard or in
your area, check out the many different regional guides.
Here, find information on mammals, birds, insects, plants,
reptiles and amphibians. These guides are free and available
for download to aid in your exploration of Nebraska's
diversity. Not only do they provide species information, they
also provide information on the region and tips for wildlife
viewing.
Lastly, check out the new Pinterest page for Game and
Parks. Here you will find fun crafty outdoor education ideas
for kids and families. This page will encourage children's love
of nature as well as stimulate their creative side.
All of these outdoor education ideas can be found at
OutdoorNebraska.gov/onlineeducation.
Monica Macoubrie is an outdoor educator for the Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION IN YOUR OWN HOME
By Monica Macoubrie
Many videos are available on the website.
Project WILD Facebook page from Wild What's Up.
Nebraska Game and Parks Citizen Science page.
Many videos are available on the website
Project WILD Facebook page from Wild What's Up
Nebraska Game and Parks Citizen Science page
Nebraska Game and Parks Pinterest page. Nebraska Game and Parks Pinterest page
