Children Enjoy Old West Nature Day at Valentine

Sounds of many kids having fun outdoors were obvious amidst the mighty oaks at Valentine City Park during Sunday afternoon, October 9th. Youngsters were appreciating the activities at Old West Nature Day. By walking from place to place, they could learn something about outdoor activities, and more subtly, some bit of historic lore.

A skill any of them could experience was archery, where Kim Martin, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was readily helpful. Most of the youngsters she helped had never before shot a bow, but were given the essentials for getting an arrow set, how to stand to aim at the apple target, and very importantly, how to do it safely. There was an obvious thrill by the archer when an arrow hit the paper apple target. Having six girls rapt in their attention, watching their friend shooting the bow as they awaited their turn, indicated the value to them of having this opportunity. One girl kept shooting because of her enjoyment, and repeatedly did so because there was no one else in line!

Similar experiences happened elsewhere beneath the colorful, autumn oaks where the winds of the season were slight and temperatures were quite nicely warm.

During this afternoon, some people walked about shaking and continuing to shake small jars they held. Why? Their arm-action was required to make themselves a sample of butter. They got the ingredients and then had to do the work to get something tasty to take home.

To create their own candle, many kids slowly dipped a short length of string into some hot wax. Their creation, once finished, was hung to cool, then retrieved later, once it was solid.

Next to the Girl Scout cabin was a dutch-oven cooking a unique batch of sweet chili made with bison meat. Anyone interested could taste a bit of the simmering food.

Close to Minnechaduza creek, Robin Roth, of Valentine, did a great job of showing the proper technique for throwing a tomahawk at a wood target. He conveyed a vital step for success, which was – well anyone with an interest will just have to get the answer from him. An adjacent tent featured his distinctive skins of plains mammals.

Acoustical music by the Roger Monroe family wafted among the arboreal setting during the afternoon event, as they created a musical theme. Near the seats where the musicians played, a tepee conveyed an essence of tribal history. Tin-stamping was another activity of the day, with a star usually made.

Westward at the Mill Pond, the National Park Service provided canoes that visitors could use to paddle around the choppy water, which was significant but not enough to be unsafe. A National Park Service ranger was on the scene to help get a watercraft afloat, and in some instances accompany someone.

Locally involved, and essential participants, were the sponsor the Niobrara Council, as well as the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as help by staff of the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District.

Obvious during the day were efforts by volunteers, assisting and participating to accommodate the vivid interests of so many children. It was obvious, from my perspective for a while as a volunteer at the “archery range”, that the Old West Nature Day was once again a success due to community effort.

Issued in the Valentine Midland News.

Bird Coloring Contest Held by Niobrara Council

The Niobrara Council recently announced the winners of their first ever bird coloring contest, held in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count, in mid-February.

There were 86 entries, said Michelle Garwood, representing the council staff. The species selected for Preschool was the Red-headed Woodpecker; the American Robin and Wood Thrush for Kindergarten to 2nd grade, and the male and female American Goldfinch for grades 3-5. These species were "selected because they live in the area. And then selected by grade level based on the technical difficulty of the coloring sheets as well as the difficulty of research (i.e. K-2 had two species to identify, older kids had to realize that male and female had different colors in their species)."

"Schools represented were Valentine (public and Zion Lutheran) and Springview as well as home school students," Garwood said. "It was open to all children in the Niobrara National Scenic River area (including the communities of Ainsworth and Bassett)."

Winning pictures of the American Goldfinch. All images courtesy of the Niobrara Council.

A kickoff for the contest was held during an open house at the Council offices, during the annual Valentine Bull Bash.

There were 86 entries, said Michelle Garwood, representing the council staff. The species selected for Preschool was the Red-headed Woodpecker; the American Robin and Wood Thrush for Kindergarten to 2nd grade, and the male and female American Goldfinch for grades 3-5. Each sheet included the birds' scientific name and seasonal range.

These species were "selected because they live in the area. And then selected by grade level based on the technical difficulty of the coloring sheets as well as the difficulty of research (i.e., K-2 had two species to identify, older kids had to realize that male and female had different colors in their species)."

"Schools represented were Valentine (public and Zion Lutheran) and Springview as well as home school students," Garwood said. "It was open to all children in the Niobrara National Scenic River area (including the communities of Ainsworth and Bassett)."

A kickoff for the contest was held during an open house at the Council offices, during the annual Valentine Bull Bash.

Winners were:

Preschool: Rylee Ward - 1st Place

Grades K-2: Raden Orton - 1st Place, Alyssa Schubauer - 2nd Place, Baillee Palmer - 3rd Place

Grades 3-5: Brandon Mundorf - 1st Place, Summer Mayhew - 2nd Place, Jenna Cox - 3rd Place

Judges — Niobrara Council staff — looked "closely at the accuracy of the bird markings and colors and then at neatness and attention to detail," when making their selections, Gardwood said. "First place winners received a ribbon, certificate and bird feeder with seed."

Winning pictures of the American Robin and Wood Thrush.

Picture of goldfinch, by winner Alexandra Taylor, Grade 12.

Pictures were returned to the entrants, Garwood said.