Natural Selections

Nature Hikes and Programs

Natural Selections is our ongoing series of educational programs on topics including ecology, wildlife, local history, night hikes, children’s  programs, plus many more. All programs are free and open to the public. Please do not bring dogs.

Do you want Natural Selections sent to you by e-mail? Join our mailing list! Follow this link to subscribe. In the drop-down menu, choose "Natural Selections." You will automatically receive notice whenever a new nature hike schedule comes out. 

Teachers, scout troops and community groups can obtain free individual programs from Open Space and Mountain Parks naturalists. Follow this link to learn more.

Do you have questions about the plants, animals, rocks, or history of Open Space & Mountain Parks?   Ask Coyote Bob!

July

Meadow Music:  Nature Hikes and Songs
Mondays in July:   5:30 - 7 pm
July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27       Children and parents can join OSMP's Jeff Kagan and Mark Wesson for an evening of children's music and nature. We'll take a short hike on the McClintock Trail (moderate steepness) to meet our animal friend of the week. The hike will be followed by 45 minutes of nature music for kids on Chautauqua Green. Music will be appropriate for children ages 3-8 but all ages are welcome! Feel free to bring a blanket and a picnic dinner. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Collage as an Expression of Nature FULL
Sat July 11       9 am - noon
Join us for this easy hike and workshop to explore the beautiful sights, colors, shapes and textures of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks.  Join naturalists Jane Larson and Debbie Matlock and walk the land for inspiration and explore the art of collage making.  Space is limited - PROGRAM IS FULL.  

Hiking as a Family
Tue July 14       9 - 11:30 am
Load up the family and get to the mountains!  Lisa Dierauf, Volunteer Coordinator and naturalist Jennelle Freestone will share their ideas on the importance of getting kids outdoors. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and be prepared for a hike up the McClintock trail. See what they have in their "bag of tricks" to encourage kids to soak up the natural world.

Walking with Grasshoppers
Sat July 25    9 - 11 am
Grasshoppers and their cousins are much maligned and at best ignored, but you can't help running into them as you hike along the trails of the Boulder area.  What are they? What is their role in the circle of life?  What can they tell us about climate change? Join volunteer naturalist Leonard Sitongia and University of Colorado researcher Dr. Cesar R. Nufio for a light hike into the lives of grasshoppers.  Call 303-441-3440 for reservation and location, space is limited to 15.  We will hike for less than 2 miles.

Bobolink Trailhead Chautauqua Ranger Cottage Cherryvale OSMP administration building Cottonwood Trailhead Crown Rock Doudy Draw Trailhead Eagle TrailheadEnchanted Mesa - McClintock Flagstaff SummitFlatirons Vista Trailhead Foothills Trailhead Foothills Nature CenterGreenbelt Plateau Gregory Canyon Left Hand Trailhead Marshall Mesa Trailhead NCAR N. Teller Farms Trailhead Realization Point Sanitas Trailhead Boulder Valley Ranch - Sage Trailheadpikestaff Settlers Park/Red Rocks Sawhill Ponds  Sombrero Marsh South Boulder Creek West South Mesa Trailhead Teller Farms Wonderland Lake