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Parks & Recreation - Nature Center

General Information -
Outdoor Education Programs

Pioneers Park Nature Center

A leader in nature exploration and education for 42 years offering outdoor experiences, as well as puppet and live animal programs for the classroom.

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Pioneers Park Nature Center is a city-owned resource that offers the opportunity for outdoor observation, learning, and fun. The facility includes 668 acres of prairie, woodlands, ponds, stream, and wetlands; indoor and outdoor native animal exhibits; and two interpretive buildings.

The Nature Center offers an engaging selection of hands-on outdoor and outreach experiences for students, designed to enhance the classroom curriculum and support Nebraska Science Standards.

Our trained teacher/naturalists strive to develop awareness, appreciation, and curiosity about our unique Nebraska natural heritage by involving students in programs that are fun, concept oriented, and that allow ample opportunity for personal discovery.

Our staff looks forward to sharing the wonders of nature with you and your students both at the Nature Center and in your classroom.

General Information

Scheduling:

  • To reserve a time for any of our programs, call 441-7895.
  • All programs must be booked at least two weeks in advance. The Nature Center’s calendar for
        spring and fall fills up quickly, so to avoid disappointment, many schools make their reservations
        several months in advance.
  • If any members of a group have special needs, please let us know when you schedule your
        program.

    • Confirmation:

  • An informational letter and confirmation form will be sent to you. Please read these
        carefully and notify us of any discrepancies and/or changes in your plans.
  • Return the form with your specific requests to help us serve you better.

    • Nebraska Science Standards and LPS Curriculum Objectives met by each program can be sent upon request. They are also listed on the Nature Center website: lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: nature) Programs designed to specifically support a particular LPS curriculum are indicated with the grade level.

    Cancellations:

  • If weather is inclement, indoor experiences will be presented supporting the requested
        concepts.
  • The Nature Center will cancel outdoor programs only under extreme weather conditions.

    • Discipline is the responsibility of teachers and chaperones.

    Nametags are a great help in maximizing interaction.

    PROGRAM FEES

    Program

    Lincoln Schools

    Out of Town Schools

    1 ½ hr outdoor hikes

    Free

    $2/student, $20 minimum no charge for adults

    All Day Hikes

    $3/student

    $4/student

    Wild Puppets

    Free

    Not Available

    Traveling Naturalist

    $35/program

    Not Available

    Natural Resources & Greenways