Events

New Year's Day Hike

Every January 1 - 1 PM - Charles L. Whitney Education Center

2206 N M RD, Marquette, NE

Start the New Year off right with some fresh air and exercise while hiking the hills of Gjerloff Prairie near Marquette, Nebraska. Weather dictates the length of the hike, but the scenery is beautiful regardless of the weather.

Annual Meeting

January 20, 2024 - 1 pm - Charles L. Whitney Education Center

2206 N M RD, Marquette, NE

Our annual meeting of members gives us a chance to review the successes of the previous year and plan for the future.

Join us in person or via Zoom.

Guided Prairie Hikes

Our guided prairie hikes occur throughout the year. These leisurely trail hikes offer plenty of time for discussion and observation and take place at Gjerloff Prairie and Bader Park.

February 24, 2024 - Waterfowl Migration Hike at Bader Park, Chapman, NE, 7am

Winter Explore Days

Winter Explore Days activities/hikes are geared toward families who would like to get outdoors and explore during the winter. Hikers and families with kids of all ages are welcome!

February 3, 2024 - Winter Explore Days at Gjerloff Prairie, 2206 N M Road, Marquette, NE, 10am
March 9, 2024 - Winter Explore Days at Bader Park, Chapman, NE, 10am

Gjerloff Prairie Saturday Series

Charles L. Whitney Education Center

2206 N M RD, Marquette, NE

Join us on Saturdays in May and June for casual conversation and a relaxed hike at Gjerloff Prairie. Hikes start at 9:30am with coffee and refreshments after. Covering a variety of topics including plant identification, prairie restoration and Platte River ecology.

May 4, 2024 - 9:30am - Jane Marie - a textile artist's perspective of prairie plants and nature.
May 11, 2024 - 9:30am - Ethan Freese - Platte Basin Timelapse projects and their connection to prairie.
May 18, 2024 - 9:30am - Katie Lamke - Introduction to Bumble Bee Atlas and searching for queen bumble bees on prairie plants.
May 25, 2024 - No Hike - Memorial Day Weekend
June 1, 2024 - Gjerloff Prairie Fun Run/Walk - 9am

Gjerloff Prairie Fun Run/Walk

June 1, 2024 - Check in 8:30am, Runners 9am, walkers 9:05am

Charles L. Whitney Education Center - 2206 N M RD, Marquette, NE

Walk or run a 5K or 10K on the trails at Gjerloff Prairie and enjoy incredible views of the Platte River and beautiful spring flowers. The course is a mowed trail through the prairie with steep hills and rugged terrain. We run and walk for fun, so no awards are given.

Register for the Fun Run on TicketLeap!

Youth Naturalist Program

June 17-20, 2024

The Youth Naturalist Program for 6th through 9th graders is modeled after SOAR (Summer Orientation About Rivers) but with a more advanced curriculum for a smaller group. Campers get a hands-on look at Nebraska's natural environment.

Registration and information about YNP will be posted on this website in early March.

Young Nebraska Ecologists

June 24-27, 2024

Young Nebraska Ecologists is for 9th through 12th graders and is an extension of SOAR and the Youth Naturalist Program. YNE is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about Nebraska ecosystems and participate in outdoor recreation activities like backpacking.

Registration and information about YNE will be posted on this website in early March.

SOAR

July 8-11 & July 15-18, 2024

SOAR (Summer Orientation About Rivers), our award-winning day camp for third- through sixth-graders, gets kids out in nature to learn and better appreciate where we live. Two sessions are offered each July.

Registration for SOAR 2024 will be available on this website on April 1, 2024.