Monarchs and Pesticides: Understanding the Risks, Creating High-Quality Habitat
Pesticides are a hidden hazard in many monarch conservation efforts, whether in working lands, parks, backyards, or monarch overwintering groves. Residues in milkweed and nectar plants can degrade habitat quality and put monarchs at risk. This webinar will unpack the latest science on pesticide contamination in habitat and explore how these chemicals affect butterflies directly and indirectly. Join Emily May, Agricultural Conservation Lead with the Xerces Pesticide Reduction Program, to discuss practical steps land managers, farmers, and gardeners can take to reduce exposure and support the creation of high-quality habitat for monarchs. Registration Required.
Event by Xerces Society
Pollinator Garden Tour
Join us for an evening tour that highlights the essential connection between plants and pollinators. As you ride the tram and walk through highlighted gardens, you'll learn how certain flowers and plantings are designed to attract and support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Plant records specialist Trent Erickson will share insights into how plant choices, bloom times, and garden design all contribute to increased pollinator activity. Registration and Fee Required.
Event by Lauritzen Gardens
Guided Hikes Summer Series 3: Research Discovery Hike
Join Conservation Nebraska and Prairie Pines for our Guided Hike Summer Series! As the summer winds down and students prepare to return to school, it is the perfect time to learn about some of the research occurring onsite at Prairie Pines. This month will feature a slightly longer hike as we venture out to the research plots north of the Welcome Center. Registration Required
Event by Conservation Nebraska and Prairie Pines
Land Stewardship Series: Soft Trail Planning & Development
This course focuses on the principles of designing sustainable soft trails in natural landscapes. Learn how to plan, layout, and build trails that minimize environmental impact while providing access for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Topics include trail alignment, erosion control, and long-term maintenance strategies, with an emphasis on creating trails that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Registration and Fee Required.
Event by Golden Hills RC&D
The State of the Bees
How are U.S. bee species faring in light of the major threats they are facing? What more do we need to know to protect them? There are over 3,600 species of bees in the United States, but we only know the conservation status of about 20% of those species. This makes it difficult to make decisions about how to prioritize bee conservation. Join Saff Killingsworth, Xerces Endangered Species Conservation Biologist and State of the Bees Initiative, to discuss how conservation biologists decide which bees are imperiled and which bees are safe, highlight some interesting bees of conservation concern, and talk about the Xerces Society’s effort to understand the conservation status of all U.S. bee species. Registration Required.
Event by Xerces Society
Bitter Nectar, Toxic Pollen: Pollinators and Plant Chemicals
Bees and other pollinators visit flowers to forage for their food. Floral nectar supplies carbohydrates, and for bees, pollen is a critical protein source necessary to producing offspring. But pollinators also encounter a range of plant chemicals at flowers, some of them potent toxins like nicotine and cardiac glycosides. Why do flowers invest pollinator rewards with chemicals that might poison them? And how do pollinators cope with these chemicals? In this talk, Leif Richardson, Xerces Endangered Species Conservation Biologist, will dive into the fascinating world of plant chemical ecology, and share how these chemicals can both harm and heal their consumers. Registration Required.
Event by Xerces Society
Milkweed and Cookies: Native Plant Giveaway and Vendor Fair
Our 3rd Annual native plant garden giveaway, vendor fair, and speaker presentation event is scheduled. Sign-up to reserve one of three native plants gardens: Sun, Ground Cover, or Shade. Registration and Refundable Fee Required for Garden Giveaway.
Event by Pollinator Alliance of the Heartland
Master Naturalist Mondays: Native Plants for Native Pollinators
Join Pollinator Alliance of the Heartland’s very own Cathy Prettyman as she discusses native plant species and how they are crucial for our pollinators. Registration Required.
Event by Nebraska Master Naturalist
Schramm After Dark: Moth Night
In celebration of National Moth Week (July 19-27), educators from UNL Extension and Nebraska Game and Parks will lead a moth lighting bioblitz at Schramm Park State Recreation Area. Bring a flashlight, search for moths at the light trap, and learn about moths and other nocturnal insects in Nebraska. We will use the iNaturalist app to document the species we encounter and collect data about nocturnal insects in the park. Data collected during this event will contribute to the Biodiversity in Nebraska State Parks initiative. **Collection of insects at this event is not permitted
Event by Nebraska Wildlife Education and Schramm Education Center
National Moth Week Survey: Community Science Day
Join us in celebrating National Moth Week with a night of community science! Did you know that there are over 1300 species of moths in Nebraska? How much do you really know about them and their role in nature? During this exciting event, we will learn about the importance of moths in our ecosystem, set up moth survey sites, and collect data for the National Moth Week database. If you’re interested in learning more about the nocturnal critters in the world around us and participating in hands-on research, we encourage you to join in the fun! We encourage participants to bring their own headlamps; we will have a limited number of flashlights and lanterns available. Registration and Fee Required.
Event by Fontenelle Forest
Rooted in Fire: Sustaining Nebraska’s Prairie and Grasslands
Dr. David Wedin, the Director of the Center for Grassland Studies and Professor of the School of Natural Resources for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He will offer expert perspectives on maintaining Nebraska's prairie and grasslands, emphasizing the fundamental role of fire in this process. Registration Required.
Event by Conservation Nebraska
Wild Plant Party
Join us for the party as we celebrate the plants of the Great Plains and welcome nature back to the city! Shop native plants with popups from local growers, and our very own collection from Mulhall’s Farms. Enjoy food, beverages, local popups, activities, and the chance to meet experts from the Great Plains native plant community.
Event by Mulhall’s
Pollinator Workshop
Join us as we continue the celebration of National Pollinator Week (June 16–22, 2025) with this interactive, family-friendly event. Whether you're a gardener, educator, land manager, or simply passionate about pollinators, there’s something here for you. Registration Required.
Event by Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
All About Natives
In this talk, Ian will walk us through the vital role native plants play in supporting pollinators – from bees to butterflies and beyond – and how thoughtful plant choices can make a big difference. You’ll learn about pollinator-friendly habitat, basic landscape planning, and a few standout Great Plains natives to try at home. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to do more for local ecosystems, this is a great place to start.
Event by Mulhall’s
Bird-friendly Backyard Tour
Birds, bees and butterflies love to visit these amazing backyards. And you will, too! See what makes these four backyards Omaha’s top hotspots for wildlife. Homeowner-naturalists will share their experience and tips to help you create a nature preserve in your own yard. See the possibilities! Make sure to stop by the home of Roger and Cathy Carroll - they have over 60 species of native plants in their yard!
Event by Audubon Society of Omaha
2025 Platte River Prairies Public Field Day
It's time again for the annual Platte River Prairies Field Day. This event is free to the public and a great chance to explore prairies and learn about ecology and conservation. The field day runs from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. but you can come and go as you like. We will offer a variety of options during the day, starting with an early morning bird hike and then a chance to see prairie mice and other small mammals up close and learn about their lives. Following that, there will be hikes featuring prairie ecology, prairie invertebrates, and prairie restoration, along with a chance to harvest some seeds to help with an active restoration project. Registration Required.
Event by The Nature Conservancy
Critters in the Garden Landscape: Friend? Foe? Or somewhere in between?
You planted a garden, and the bugs came to feast! But who are these fascinating creatures creeping, crawling, and flying through your landscape? Join Jody as she takes you on an enlightening journey from the soil to the treetops, uncovering the diverse world of arthropods in your garden. Discover intriguing facts about the familiar faces and hidden heroes of the insect world, and learn why we should appreciate, not fear, their presence. Embrace the balance of nature and find harmony with the incredible critters that share your garden space. Registration Required.
Event by Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties
Land Stewardship Series: Equipment Operations
Learn the basics of operating essential equipment for effective land management. This hands-on course covers the use of machinery like Bobcats for shearing, grinding, and mulching; Bush Hogs for mowing and shrub removal; brush cutters; and other tools. Gain practical skills for maintaining and restoring landscapes safely and efficiently. Registration and Fee Required.
Event by Golden Hills RC&D
Guided Hike Summer Series 2: Prairie Appreciation Hike
Prairie Pines is known for its unique habitat formed from its historical use as a pine tree farm, but it isn't called "Prairie" Pines for nothing! For our July hike, we will focus on the prairie trails as we learn about some of the flora and fauna who call the prairie their home. Registration Required.
Event by Conservation Nebraska and Prairie Pines