PONCA – A trio of introduction courses will take over each morning at Ponca State Park leading into afternoon activities.
According to a release, pellet rifles will be the topic Friday morning from 9 – 11 a.m. for those eight and older with adult supervision, introduction to shotgun will be on Saturday also from 9 – 11 a.m. for those 12 and older with adult supervision as slingshot will be highlighted on Sunday also from 9 – 11 a.m. for those age five and older with adult supervision.
All equipment is provided. Meet at the pay at the Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex as cost is $1 for four clips for pellet rifles; $7 for a box of 25 shells for shotgun and $1 for 30 rocks for slingshot courses.
Other events taking place on Friday will be ‘Soap Carving’ from 1 – 2:15 p.m. and ‘Alphabet Hike’ between 3 – 3:45 p.m.
Carving is one of our oldest crafts as this ancient task can help facilitate an understanding of the form and function of animals, plants and simple objects by visualizing and finding its form in the simplest of objects. Join a Ponca State Park naturalist during ‘Soap Carving’ in this carving world of creativity, relaxation, fun and satisfaction as well as more than 11,000 years of tradition. Carve a small animal, plant or summer object in a bar of soap and take it home with you.
Pre-register and pay for the ‘Soap Carving’ event at the Resource and Education Center form 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. then meet behind the center at 3 p.m. as cost is $2 per kit.
Close out Friday by taking a hike along the Education Trail. Participants will use their senses to find things that start with each letter of the alphabet. The event is recommended for those age 4 – 8 with adult supervision. Meet behind the Resource and Education Center for this free event.
Saturday afternoon events will highlight ‘Critter Corner’ from 1 – 1:45 p.m. and ‘Owl Pellets’ between 3 – 3:45 p.m.
Join a park naturalist to learn about Nebraska’s wildlife. Participants will get a chance to see furs, skulls, artifacts and more including hearing about how animals adapt to their environment. Meet in the display wing for this free event which will include a chance to meet some of the resident critters at Ponca State Park.
Lean how owls swallow their prey whole and then regurgitate the un-digestible material, being the owl pellet. Attendees will be given an owl pellet to investigate, dissect and ID. Pre-register and pay at the Resource and Education Center from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and meet behind the Center later in the day as cost is $2 per kit.
Other events include a Forest Critter Hunt (Bloodroot Trail Self-guided Hike) to find the 10 hidden wildlife statues along the trail; Bingos/Scavenger Hunts/Passports; Search for Sasquatch; Ponca Packs; Old Oak Trail Self-guided Hike and Fishing Tackle Loaner Program.
For details on all current activities going on at Ponca State Park, like Ponca State Park NE on Facebook or call 402-755-2284 with any questions.
