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❄️ December: ❄️
the Friday of months!
The holiday season is here and we can't wait to celebrate with you at your favorite county parks! This month we hope that you enjoy special moments with family and friends, make time to reflect on the past year, and remember:
"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake,
it is necessary to stand out in the cold." — Aristotle
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Today's Giving Tuesday!
Support local conservation efforts by making a gift today.
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Your gift:
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Provides field trip scholarships for every school in the county,
- Funds important land management projects & park improvements, and
- Expands environmental education programming and offerings
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There are several ways to support exceptional opportunities to explore and recreate in Pottawattamie County. Take your pick below!
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Mt. Crescent's Instructor Job Fair is Saturday
Join the coolest team in town by applying for an open position today.
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Mt. Crescent Ski Area Lodge | Saturday, December 3rd | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Instructors needed | | |
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Are you outgoing, passionate about teaching ski and snowboarding skills, and certified? Then join our fabulous crew of instructors for the 2022-2023 season!
Applicants will need to bring a photo ID and social security card. Applicants must be 18 years or older, friendly, outgoing, patient, and love the outdoors and teaching. A PSIA and AASI certification is preferred.
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Don't miss Mt. Crescent's crazy Cyber Week deals! | |
The Science Behind Snowmaking | We asked Pottawattamie Conservation's Site Manager for Mt. Crescent, Chris Andrew, what goes into snowmaking, what makes for the best snowmaking weather, and what you can expect this season. Get the scoop below! | | | |
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It's time for another Full Moon Hike 🌝
Join us on December 7th for fun at the park after dark.
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Join us for this Full Moon Hike, explore the night with your senses, and learn what it takes for the creatures of the night to survive.
- Hitchcock Nature Center
- Wednesday, December 7th
- 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- $5 per person
- Ages 5+
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Tips for an Eco-Friendly & Meaningful Holiday Season: Gift-Giving | Looking for ways to cut back this year, or simply interested in learning how you can make your holiday season more special for you or your family? Pottawattamie Conservation has your back. To help you enjoy this holiday season as much as possible, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you focus on the things that really matter: our relationships with ourselves, others, and the world around us. | | | |
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🎁 New! Gift a Park Membership 🎁
Perfect for the nature lover in your life.
Gain access to 5 Pottawattamie County parks year-round, with added benefits.
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Little Tike Hikes are officially done for the season! Join us next April for our 2023 Little Tike Hike series.
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Fireside Sundays 🔥☕
Hitchcock Nature Center | Sundays in December| 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Grab a hot chocolate on us at the lodge gallery while enjoying views of the wintry Loess Hills and warming up by the fire for a spell.
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"Magic Hour" Film Showing & Mt. Crescent Ski Patrol Fundraiser
Alamo Drafthouse - La Vista | Wednesday, November 30th | 7:00 p.m.
$15 (Proceeds benefit the ski patrol)| Ages 18+
GET TICKETS
Join our local ski/ride community for “Magic Hour," Teton Gravity Research's latest ski and snowboard film. "Magic Hour" is brought to you by Mt. Crescent Ski Patrol and all proceeds benefit the patrol. Each ticket holder will also receive a complimentary Mt. Crescent Ski Area weekday night skiing pass.
Happy Hour with vendor promos located in the Sunshine Lounge's restaurant side starting at 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Raffle to follow the film's conclusion.
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Mt. Crescent Instructor Job Fair
Mt. Crescent Ski Area | Saturday, December 3rd | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Ages 18+ | PSIA & AASI certification preferred
LEARN MORE
The Mt. Crescent Ski Area team is looking to hire several instructors who will be teaching this year's programming including our Development Program, private lessons, and more. Put in your application and interview on the spot during our Instructor Job Fair.
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A Land Ethic Workshop: Winter Survival Secrets
The last class of the year!
Hitchcock Nature Center | Saturday, December 3rd | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
$15 per person | Ages 14+
REGISTER BY THURSDAY AT 11:59 P.M.
Program participants will enjoy a full morning of instruction & learning led by celebrated educator Ron Cisar, including:
- An exploration of winter adaptations of area animals
- Tips & tricks for effective winter bird feeding
- A wrap-up discussion of our programming year
- A reading & discussion of Aldo Leopold's essay "Home Range"
- Jane Goodall’s Ten Trusts
- December Nature Calendar (phenology)
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Full Moon Hike Back by popular demand!
Hitchcock Nature Center | Wednesday, December 7th | 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
$5 per person | Ages 5+ due to dark, uneven terrain
REGISTER TODAY
Join us for this Full Moon Hike, explore the night with your senses and learn what it takes for the creatures of the night to survive.
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The Hitchcock Experience Endurance Run
Hitchcock Nature Center | Saturday, December 10th to Sunday, December 11th
LEARN MORE
Hitchcock Nature Center is proud to host another amazing Hitchcock Experience Endurance Run, presented by the Greater Omaha Area Trail-Runnerz. Runners will descend upon the park on December 10th and 11th to take part in either a half marathon, 101K, 50-mile, or 100-mile endurance run through the picturesque Loess Hills.
Trails and facilities at Hitchcock Nature Center will be open to the public for the duration of this event. Visitors are welcome to cheer runners on as they cross the finish line or tackle another hill. We do ask that anyone enjoying our trails please move to the side to give approaching racers the right of way. Thank you for understanding.
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Annual Winter Solstice Night Hike
Hitchcock Nature Center | Wednesday, December 21st | 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Free with $5/vehicle park entry or annual membership| Ages 16+
LEARN MORE
Join an enthusiastic group of walkers and seasonal revelers as we hike out Fox Run Ridge to celebrate the longest night and the return of the Sun. At the cliff's edge, there will be a small celebratory ceremony to welcome in the new year. Led by Dustin Clayton.
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New Year's Eve Hike
Hitchcock Nature Center | Saturday, December 31st | 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
$5 per person | All ages
REGISTER TODAY
Avoid the crowds and loud parties, leave the TV behind, and ring in the New Year with a rejuvenating hike and views of Omaha's fireworks display.
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On the Horizon: January
- Summer Camp registration will open for members in mid-January, so keep an eye out for updates and sign-up links.
- We also plan to host several "Learn To: Snowshoe" programs depending on weather and snowfall, so get ready to suit up and join us!
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Subscribe to the UNleashCB Bulletin to keep up-to-date with upcoming events in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County. Every Thursday, you'll receive a list of events happening that week, from concerts to family-friendly activities to community events and more! | | | | | |
