PONCA – As Mother’s Day approaches this Sunday, so does the International Migratory Bird Day as Ponca State Park officials invite you to explore the limited educational and recreational programming during your visit.
According to a release from Ponca State Park, sign-ups start at 8 a.m. the day of the pogrom and close 30 minutes prior to the program start time.
International Migratory Bird Day started in 1993 and is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in May. This is a chance for conservationists, natural resource agencies, families and individuals to celebrate birds and bird migration.
On Saturday, May 8, from 11 until 11:45 a.m. plan on building a backyard feeder. Learn about migration and some of the common backyard birds you can find around Ponca State Park. Pre-register at the Resource and Education Center as the cost is $2 per kit and recommended for ages four and up.
Then from 1 until 1:45 p.m. discover some of the numerous birds that migrate through or spend the summer at Ponca State Park during ‘Birds in the Bushes’. Join a park naturalist for a short half mile hike on a level trail in search of these birds along the wooded bluffs, grassland and riverfront. Make sure to bring your own binoculars and you can also pre-register at the Resource and Education Center for this free event.
Participants will also get a chance to see furs, skulls, artifacts and more during Saturday’s ‘Critter Corner’ between 2 – 2:45 p.m. Pre-register at the Resource and Education Center for this free event.
Saturday’s take & go activity will be nature prints with cost being $1 per kit which can be purchased as the Resource and Education Center.
Ponca bingo, scavenger hunts and passports are also available while visitors are encouraged to take the Oak Trail during a self-guided hike and search for sasquatch.
Also, Ponca State Park will be holding their Mother’s Day picnic on Sunday, May 9. In the past it has been an indoor buffet, but this year the group is changing it to an outdoor picnic.
Picnic baskets are being put together that include a tablecloth, broasted chicken, cheesy potatoes, a vegetable, a dinner roll and a dessert for just $10 per person. Maps will be provided listing scenic picnicking areas within Ponca State Park. Reserve your order and pickup time by calling 402-755-2284.
Ponca State Park officials ask you to please recreate responsibly as their ability to keep this area open for your continued use is dependent upon your compliance with social spacing and group size recommendations.
Visit outdoornebraska.gov/healthinfo or like Ponca State Park NE on Facebook for more information.