PONCA – Two more introduction courses along with weekend afternoon activities will highlight Ponca State Park events.
According to a release, the Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 events will begin with introduction to Archery on Saturday and introduction to slingshot on Sunday.
All equipment is provided. Visitors can meet and pay at the Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex between 9 – 11 a.m. Cost is $1 per six arrows for archery on Saturday and $1 for 30 rocks on Sunday for the introduction to slingshot.
Moving into Saturday afternoon from 1 – 2 p.m., visitors will take a short (roughly one-mile) walk along the banks of the Missouri River exploring flows, sandbars, backwaters, vegetation and evidence of fish and wildlife during the ‘A Meandering River’ session. Parkgoers will discuss the history of the Missouri River and its importance to the region and nation. Meet in the Backwaters parking lot for this free event to explore the dynamic changes and manipulations that have occurred in history.
Close out Saturday by joining a Ponca State Park naturalist to learn about enjoying the outdoors responsibly from 3 – 3:45 p.m. during a ‘Leave No Trace’ session. The group will discuss the seven principles and play a game to explore the impacts we have on nature. Meet behind the Resource and Education Center for this free event.
Also, entering the weekend on Friday, an introduction to tomahawk will be held again from 9 – 11 a.m. for those eight years of age and older with adult supervision. Cost is $1 per six throws.
The ‘Campfire Cooking’ session from 1 – 1:45 p.m. will answer the questions of what does it take to cook over an open fire and have you ever heard of a pie-iron? Participants will learn fire safety and tools of the trade before cooking their very own snack. Pre-register and pay at the Resource and Education Center from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. before meeting at the west shelter at 1 p.m. Cost is $3 per kit.
Close out Friday by building your own bird feeder. Visitors will learn about some of the common backyard bids which can be found at Ponca State Park. Pre-register and pay at the Resource and Education Center between 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and meet behind the Resource and Education Center as cost is $1 per kit to create a pinecone and peanut butter feeder to take home.
Other upcoming activities include Family Trivia Night on Friday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m.; Full Moon Hike on Tuesday, June 14 at 9 p.m. and Pollinator Week between June 20 – 26.
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.
