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 email? Join our mailing list! Follow this link to subscribe. In the drop-down menu, scroll down to Open Space and choose Natural Selections You will receive a weekly notice about upcoming programs. We will not share your email address.

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

Great resources and ideas for families to Connect Kids to Nature - visit the web page or  download the brochure .

Download the April 2013 and the May 2013 Natural Selections schedules (PDF format)

May 

Walk in the Wild  – Learn & Conserve – National Kids to Parks Day
Sat. May 18,            8 am – 12 pm
OSMP is partnering with Environment for the Americas and other local organizations and business in Boulder to present a one-of-a-kind nature event. We’ll have education stations along a trail that teach participants of all ages about birds, how to use binoculars, insects, plants, and much more. Activities are interactive, and the day’s special events will include a raptor demonstration and guided bird walks. Get involved in conservation by purchasing the wildflowers, willows, and cottonwoods that provide food & shelter for our local birds and other wildlife. Pre-registration encouraged at  http://walk.birdday.org/site/PageServer. Walden Ponds is located on 75th Street, about 1 mile north of Valmont Road – there is a large road sign. Call

Environment for the Americas with any questions: 303-499-1950.

Roll and Stroll Bird-watching  –  National Kids to Parks Day
Sat. May 18,  9 - 11 am
Boulder Audubon birders team up with OSMP naturalist Topher Downham to provide this fun bird-watching experience to people who use walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, or those who appreciate a slower pace.  Bring hats, sunscreen, water, snacks, an assistant if you need one, and binoculars if you have them, though some will be available to share.  Extra wheelchairs will be available for assistance or just to experience “rolling!” Bird-watching begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Sawhill Ponds parking lot, located on the west side of 75th Street, 0.6 mile north of Valmont Road.  Follow this link to a map.

 Hiking As A Family  –  National Kids to Parks Day
Sat May 18,             10 – 11:30 am
Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day and Boulder Community Day by loading up the family to hit the trails. Naturalists Jennelle Freeston and Debora Martin will share fun, kid-oriented nature games and ideas on the importance of getting kids outdoors this summer and beyond. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and be prepared for an easy hike around the trails. See what is in their “bag of tricks” to encourage kids to soak up the natural world.

 Fishin’ Fun!  – National Kids to Parks Day
Sat May 18,             2 – 4 pm  
Join ranger naturalist Arian Hampel for a two-hour fishing excursion. We will explore fishing techniques, equipment to use, and places to go on OSMP lands to catch bass, sunfish, bluegill and carp. Limited equipment provided, but feel free to bring your own.  Kids will have a better time if their equipment is sized for them. And—when teaching a youngster to fish, it is best to leave your own equipment at home. If you are 16 or over, bring your fishing license. Limit: 24 people. Please register online using this link: http://kidsfishing.eventbrite.com Meeting location will be provided when you register.

Saturn’s Rings  – National Kids to Parks Day
Sat May 18          9 – 11 pm
The rings and moons of Saturn through a telescope: guaranteed to blow you away! Spend a clear night exploring the planet Saturn and a young waxing moon, as well as other deep-sky jewels. Naturalist Dave Sutherland welcomes first timers and repeat pilgrims who wish to glimpse the rings once again. Meet at Boulder Valley Ranch - Sage Trailhead, north of Boulder. Program will be canceled if there is 50% cloud cover or more at the starting time.

Magicians of the Mountain Parks – a magic show for the whole family
Sun. May 19,           11:00 – 11:45 am 
Come meet some of the astonishing magicians who live in our wild backyard - the rabbit, the skunk, the weasel and more. Magician Paul Norton and Naturalist Lynne Sullivan will reveal the amazing survival strategies of our wild neighbors. Join us at the Sunrise Amphitheater on Flagstaff Mountain for this stationary nature magic show. In the case of very cold or snowy weather, it will be held in the Ranger Cottage at Chautauqua. Call 720 564-2058 the day of the program for the location. Click on this link for a map to the amphitheater.

Springtime in the Rockies:
Explore Boulder's incredible Open Space and Mountain Parks landscape through photography
Tue. May 21, 8:30 – 11:30 am
Spend the morning with Boulder's own Christopher Brown, renowned landscape photographer. Explore philosophy, aesthetics, technique and your personal relationship with the land in pursuit of your personal vision. Any skill level may participate, but the instruction will be geared towards those who know how to operate their camera. Space is limited; please use this online link to register: http://chrisbrown2013.eventbrite.com Location information will be given at registration.

Visit to the Flagstaff Fire
 Sun. May 26,            9 am – 4 pm
The Flagstaff Fire started last June 26 on the west side of Bear Peak. The fire scorched approximately 300 acres and was put out following several days of intensive fire fighting. After extensive repairs, the Bear Peak West Ridge trail is now open, providing an unparalleled opportunity to visit the burn area and learn about the fire. Join OSMP naturalist Dave Sutherland for a strenuous all-day hike through the burned forest to the summit of Bear Peak. Space is limited to 15 and reservations are required. The meeting location is provided when you register. Approximately 7.5 miles, 2500’ elevation gain. Follow this link to sign up online: http://flagstaff-fire5-26.eventbrite.com
 

Sketching New Life
Tue. May 28, 5 -8 pm
Join Guest Artist Elizabeth Jenny on this easy stroll looking for signs of spring and new life.  Through sketching, we will gain a more intimate connection with this time of year. No art experience necessary.  This program is geared toward adults.  Space is limited; please use this link to register online: http://elizabethjenny2013.eventbrite.com Location information will be given at registration.

Sawhill PondsBoulder Valley Ranch - Sage TrailheadChautauqua Ranger CottageFlagstaff SummitSouth Boulder Creek WestBobolinkDoudy DrawFoothills TrailheadGregory CanyonMarshall MesaRealization PointNCAR Wonderland LakeartsLehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge Lefthand Trailhead South Mesa Trailhead

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 May 2013 13:46