Everywhere you look, our natural world is full of wonderful wildlife! Check out ways local organizations are helping protect and conserve wildlife species right here in Omaha, Nebraska.
Coral restoration at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
” For us to have some type of impact on coral here in Omaha, Nebraska, is a big deal to us. It’s a natural fit for us to be part of this work. Collaborating with your fellow coral nerds on what coral need and working together to make this happen, has been great.” — Dr. Mitch Carl, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Work to restore the Florida Coral Reef Bank is happening right here in Omaha! Dr. Mitch Carl at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is one of many experts from across the country working on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project. Currently, the zoo holds 100 colonies of coral and plans to double these colonies within the next year. The zoo’s team houses coral to act as future breeding stock and meets weekly with other program locations to share coral care tips. The team also studies coral medicine and develops diagnostic tools to expand knowledge of medications used to support coral health.
Read more about coral restoration.
Mitch Carl and Lindsey Condray conducting field work to restore coral.
Bat research at University of Nebraska at Omaha
“Bats in the Midwest are invaluable because they consume a large number of agricultural pests. Our research aims to understand how restored native grassland patches among farmlands and urban developments might attract bats and provide overall better habitats for their long-term viability.” — Dr. Han Li, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom teamed up with the National Wildlife Federation to fund seven conservation research grants at colleges and universities across the country. One of those projects is right here in Omaha. Dr. Han Li and his students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha are conducting research in the greater Omaha area focused on grassland bat foraging ecology.
Learn more about the grant programs and included projects.
Dr. Han Li setting up bat monitoring equipment.
The RiverFront: NWF certified wildlife habitat
“It’s a great way to celebrate regional diversity. A wildlife habitat garden in Arizona will look very different from one in Nebraska, and both will differ from one in Oregon. It can be done on large rural property, an average suburban backyard or even in containers on a patio or urban rooftop. If you plant native plants, you help wildlife.” —David Mizejewski, naturalist, National Wildlife Federation
There’s an easy way each of us can help wildlife, starting right in our own backyards: planting a wildlife habitat garden using pollinator friendly and native plants. After your visit to The Durham, go check out the sculpture garden at The RiverFront to see one of these pollinator friendly gardens in action — it’s recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Get easy steps to build your own wildlife garden.
The entire RiverFront is a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat.
Discovering Nature with Fontenelle Forest
“Any community, large or small, rural or urban, is full of opportunities to explore nature. Find a greenspace, whether it be at a nature center, a city park, or in your own backyard, and sit down. Be a “nature detective”, looking for signs of the wild around you. It could be a small ant, a dandelion, or a seed. Look up and watch for birds perching or flying overhead. Listen for birdsong or the sounds of the wind rustling through the trees. Smell the earth. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and take in the calm that nature provides anywhere.” —Denise Lewis, Fontenelle Forest
You don’t have to go far to explore nature and observe wildlife. At Fontenelle Forest and other local nature centers, green spaces are a valuable community resource that provide a place in our community where people can escape and recharge. From exploring trails to observing flora and fauna to using an identification app for various wildlife, insects and plants, getting out in nature is a great way for all ages to stay active and stay connected to the world that surrounds us.
Discover nature in the Omaha community at Fontenelle Forest.
