Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Bremer Sanctuary in Hillsboro will be hosting four nature events in September, October and November so be sure to save the dates.

Tony Rothering, a licensed bird bander from the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders, will be capturing and banding birds from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 17. Participants will receive an up-close view of birds while learning about the scientific process of banding and how the data is used to study topics such as bird population dynamics and the impact of habitat change on the diversity and density of bird species. “Be a Bander,” a children’s program where kids can extract plush birds from a mist net and learn the process of banding will be offered at 10 and 11 a.m. The banding program is continuous, so arrive anytime between 8 and 12 and bring a lawn chair.

The annual Owl Prowl and wiener roast will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. The fire pit will be ready at 4 p.m. so bring your own hot dogs, buns, drinks and a dish or two to share. The Tree House Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will provide an informative program featuring two or three owls on display beginning at 5 p.m., and will release a rehabilitated owl at the sanctuary—release time is 6 p.m. Beginning at dusk (approximately 6:15-6:30), owl calls will be broadcast throughout the west prairie in an attempt to lure a response/sighting. Educational displays will be set up for viewing and door prizes will be awarded. Bring your own lawn chairs and bug spray.

The final open house for 2022 will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16, 1 to 3 p.m. The open house event is designed to inform folks about what is done at the sanctuary. The barn will be open for viewing the educational displays while volunteers will be available to answer questions. A brief hike and /or wagon ride (at 1:30 and 2:30) on a trail near the barn will inform attendees about the trails, fields, projects and Bremer history. Newcomers are welcome as well as old friends. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag of bird food for use in the feeders over the winter months.

Their annual meeting and potluck is Sunday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. This year’s guest speakers are beekeepers Danny and Ellen Riemann from Riemann’s Hemp & Honey. The program will feature a presentation on honey bees, honey extraction and products made from beeswax. Products will be available for purchase. The program begins at 5 p.m., Bremer meeting at 5:50 and potluck at 6 p.m. Bring your own drink, table service and a dish or two to share.

Bremer Sanctuary is located one-half mile north of the Montgomery County Courthouse off North Road (194 Bremer Lane, Hillsboro). Follow the signs to the barn. All events listed are free and open to the public, but donations are greatly appreciated.