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 pdf download the brochure .

Download the June 2013 Natural Selections schedules (PDF format)

May

Visit to the Flagstaff Fire Sorry, program is full
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 the program has filled. The meeting location is provided when you register. Approximately 7.5 miles, 2500’ elevation gain.

Sketching New Life Sorry, program is full
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 and the program has filled. Location information will be given at registration.

June

Meadow Music: 9 summer 2013 performances:
Mondays, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
June 3, 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 22
Aug 5, 12
Meadow Music programs are our most popular (and very fun) education and outreach events. Children and parents join OSMP’s Jeff Kagan, Paige Doughty, Mark Wesson and other guest artists for evenings of children’s music and nature education. The evening consists of a short, kid-friendly hike on the McClintock Trail followed by 45 minutes of nature music for kids on the Chautauqua Green. Best for kids ages 2-8. Meadow Music is free! Bring a picnic, bring a blanket, rain or shine.

Firescape Nature Journaling
Sat. June 1, 9 am – Noon
Join artist Damaris Methner and naturalist Dave Sutherland on this moderate hike into a previously burned area. Participants will explore the area and do nature journaling to depict the experience of greeting the burned landscape, and explore how the landscape is transforming and healing through the seasons. Participants will create a "Firescape Journal” and will also learn about the science of fire ecology. A follow-up program will be offered in September to revisit this area in autumn. The program is free, but space is limited and reservations are required – follow this link to reserve a space http://journal6-1.eventbrite.com. Meeting location will be provided when you register.

Jungle Birds of Boulder
Sun. June 2, 7:30 – 10:30 am
Sat. June 15, 7:30 – 10:30 am
Why fly to Belize or Costa Rica when their birds will come to us? Join naturalist Dave Sutherland for an easy hike into a local birding hot-spot to search for colorful migratory song birds newly arrived from the steamy jungles south of the border. Birdwatchers of all abilities welcome. Bring binoculars and books, (we will use Birds of Costa Rica in the field) and meet at the neighborhood access point to Bear Canyon trail – do a map search for 1520 Bear Mountain Drive in Boulder. Parking is available along the street.

Saturn’s Rings – Telescope Program
Fri. June 7, 9 – 11 pm
The rings and moons of Saturn through a telescope: guaranteed to blow you away! Spend a clear, crisp night exploring the planet Saturn as well as other deep-sky wonders of the spring sky. 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.

Re-Wilding Minds: Nature as Our Guide to Mental Health
Sat. June 8, 9 – 11:30 am
Nature has much to teach us about navigating more gracefully through our moods and the ups and downs of life. Wild lands and animals provide an excellent role model for a healthier relationship with our own thinking minds. Join Margot Smit, Life Coach, and Naturalist Lynne Sullivan in guided observational exercises as we link ecosystem health and mental health. Recommended for adults. Note: This program involves more sitting than hiking. Come dressed to sit comfortably on the ground in sun or shade. Space is limited; please use this link to register online: http://rewild.eventbrite.com Location information will be given at registration.

Newcomers’ Hike to a Flatiron!
Wed. June 12, 5:30 – 8 pm
Are you new to Boulder? Get a crash course in OSMP 101 with naturalist Jennelle Freeston. Enjoy an introduction to the area’s biology, geology and history while hiking up to touch the Second Flatiron. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for this moderately strenuous hike. 2.5 miles, 700’ elevation gain.

Gardening with Native Flowers
Thu. June 13, 6 – 8 pm
Natives are gorgeous additions to any garden. They need virtually no water or care, and support our local ecology. Naturalist and gardener Dave Sutherland will share information and growing tips so you can enjoy Boulder’s wildflowers in your own yard. Be prepared to receive handouts, free native plant seeds and some free plants to take home – bring a few plastic pots or a bucket! Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Rhythms of Life- Share Your Musical Spirit
Tue. June 18, 7 - 8:30 pm
Join us for an interactive drum and rhythm circle to connect with nature, music, and friends on OSMP. We will develop the circle and experience it as a metaphor for the Circle of Life. Many drums and instruments will be provided. We also invite you to bring your own, including flutes, didgeridoos, and more. Please also bring chairs to help us create a sound circle. Jon Crowder of Peak Rhythms will lead and facilitate the program. No experience necessary. Space is limited; please use this link to register online: http://drums2013.eventbrite.com Location information will be given at registration.

Visit to the Flagstaff Fire
Sat. June 22, 9 am – 4 pm
The Flagstaff Fire started on June 26- almost one year ago - 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, some trails are 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. Approximately 7.5 miles, 2600’ elevation gain. Space is limited to 15 and reservations are required – follow this link to sign up online: http://flagstaff-fire6-22.eventbrite.com

Nature for Kids & Parents: Wildlife Water Safari
Sat. June 29 9:30-11:30 am
We will be going on a safari to look for wild animals and places they might get water. We'll provide the Wildlife Water Safari Field Notebook for drawing clues. Pack your safari gear and we will discover water sources for local wildlife and create a field notebook on our adventure! Meet Debora Martin, Early Childhood Educator/Volunteer Naturalist at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (do a map search for 1903 Lehigh Street in Boulder, where Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect) for an easy hike. Parking is available along the street. Ages 6 and up.

Coming up . . .

Art Inspired by the Land – Art Show Opening Reception
Fri. July 26, 5 –7 pm
Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Department is excited to announce that we will host an art show in late summer at the Boulder Public Library Canyon Gallery (1001 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder). This show will celebrate art created by the community and inspired by OSMP lands. Please join us for appetizers, quartet music from the Boulder Philharmonic, and beautifully inspiring community art celebrating your protected lands and wildlife. This reception is free and open to the public. The art show will run from July 20 – August 29 during normal library hours.

Graphic - painting

Sawhill Ponds Boulder Valley Ranch - Sage Trailhead Chautauqua Ranger Cottage Flagstaff Summit South Boulder Creek West Bobolink Doudy Draw Foothills Trailhead Gregory Canyon Marshall Mesa Realization Point NCAR Wonderland Lake arts Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge Lefthand Trailhead South Mesa Trailhead

Last Updated on Friday, 24 May 2013 07:15