OSMP 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!

Dog Poop - The Music Video featuring Jeff Kagan - Hilarious! (streaming video, 3 minutes)

Follow this link to learn more about the OSMP and the Arts program

---

February

 

Bald Eagles in Your Backyard
Thu Feb 4         7 - 8:30 pm
Did you know that there are bald eagles living right here in Boulder County? Join Ranger Erin O'Leary for a beautiful slideshow at the REI store in Boulder to learn all about these amazing birds of prey. See how bald eagles live, raise their young, and how you can help protect them. Bring the whole family!  REI is located at 1789 28th St. in Boulder.

 

Fall in Love with the History of Marshall Mesa
Sat Feb 13    9:30-12:00
On this valentines weekend, join Ranger Naturalist Kelly Idema for a scenic walking tour of this historic mining town. During a moderate 3-mile hike we will explore the amazing geology that directly influenced the creation of this tough, gritty, settlement in the mid 1800's.  We will look at numerous remaining landmarks of a not-so-distant past, as well as the personal stories of those who were tough enough to make a living here. Leave the present behind for a few hours and explore the geologic and historic past of the Marshall Mesa area. Meet at Marshall Mesa trailhead.

 

In Search of Elusive Visitors: Animal Tracking Basics
Wed Feb 24    7– 8:30 pm
Most of us don’t spot a lot of wild animals while out hiking, but if we hone our observation skills, we can learn to read the tracks that were left behind, what animal made them and what it was doing. Learn tracking basics with naturalist Betty Naughton. Find out how to identify tracks of local animals and practice track ID. Meet at the REI Community Room (1789 28th St Boulder).

 

Nature for Kids & Parents
Sun. Feb. 28      1 - 2:30 pm
Learn more about wildlife and their habitats by tracking.  Animal tracking takes  a lot of practice, but the better you get at it, the more exciting it feels!  Take an adventure and learn the basics for tracking with Early Childhood Educator, Debora Martin/Volunteer Naturalist. Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (Google Map Quest -1903 Lehigh Street in Boulder, where Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect) for an easy hike on South Fork Shanahan Ridge Trail. Ages 6 and up.

---

March

Ghosts in the Night: The Wild Cats of Colorado
Fri  March 12     7 – 8:30  pm
Want to know more about Colorado’s cats: the mountain lion, bobcat, and the recently reintroduced lynx? How dangerous are mountain lions? What’s the difference between a bobcat and a lynx? Why don’t we see them more? Find out about the cats with naturalist Betty Naughton. Meet at the REI Community Room (1789 28th St Boulder). 

Wings of Spring
Sat, March 13     7:30 - 10 am
When spring springs, thousands of water birds leave their southern homes for the breeding grounds of the north. Many stop over at Sawhill Ponds. Join Dave Sutherland for this early morning hike to spy on migrating waterfowl. Birders of all abilities welcome. Meet at Sawhill Ponds, 0.6 miles north of Valmont on 75th St. Bring gloves and binoculars.

Sex, Lies and Rattlesnakes
Tue March 30     7 - 8 pm
Biologists consider rattlesnakes to be model organisms; organisms that when studied extensively can offer insight into the workings of other creatures and larger concepts. Featuring radiotelemetry and PIT tag technology based data and information on an extensively studied population of prairie rattlesnakes in Aurora, CO, this presentation will reveal sexually disparate behaviors, dispel common myths, and foster appreciation for a creature many are loathe to encounter on the trail. Please note that due to presentation content, this talk is rated PG-13. Meet at the REI Community Room (1789 28th St Boulder). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Last Updated on Thursday, 04 February 2010 13:26