14 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2018
Junior Explorer
Program
By Justin Haag
Children have long enjoyed exploring nature at Wildcat
Hills State Recreation Area, whether by hiking the trails
of the 1,000-plus-acre park or by viewing the interactive
displays of its Nature Center. Now there is a new program to
make their exploration at the Panhandle park official.
This spring, the Nature Center began awarding badges and
certificates to children who complete its new Junior Explorer
program.
Amanda Filipi, the outdoor education specialist who is
based at the Nature Center, worked with members of the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's communications
division to create, design and print a 16-page full-color
book with activities for children ages 4 and up. In addition
to traditional activities, such as a word search and maze, the
program has activities that require children to find and study
natural features, such as animal tracks and plants.
A Watchable Wildlife Grant, made possible by donations
to the state's Wildlife Conservation Fund, funded the project.
"Here at the Wildcat Hills we're always looking for ways
to help kids gain an appreciation for nature and the region's
history," she said. "We're sure the kids will enjoy completing
the activities and getting a little recognition for it. We're
excited to get it started."
Filipi said the activities are intended to relate specifically
to the Wildcat Hills, highlighting the region's history,
wildlife, paleontology, flora and geology. For instance,
there is content devoted to topics such as bighorn sheep, the
ancient fossils that have been unearthed nearby, the park's
Great Depression-era stone shelters and the rare-to-Nebraska
mountain mahogany tree.
"And, we have a section on the bees. Here at the Wildcat
Hills we always have to have something for the bees since
we have an active bee hive at the building," she said.
Filipi said this is the first Junior Explorer Program at a
Game and Parks Commission attraction, but hopes to see it
added to other parks in coming years.
The Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area is located 10
miles south of Gering along Nebraska Highway 71. The
books are available at the Nature Center's front desk.
■
The new book and badge created for the Junior Explorer
Program at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center helps children
explore the park.
PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
