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 receive a weekly notice about upcoming programs. We will not share your email address.

Download the latest 2012 Natural Selection schedule as a PDF file.

 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!

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

Watch a video about Natural Selections hikes!

May

May 19 is National Get Kids to Parks Day!

Join the city of Boulder's OSMP Department on one or more of our activities, and help get kids outdoors to experience nature in their parks.

Fishin’ Fun!  – National Get Kids to Parks Day!
Sat May 19, 9 – 11 am  
Join Ranger 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. Program is wheelchair and kid-friendly. It's an obvious "tip", but kids will have a much 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. This program is geared towards kids to help and encourage them to build an appreciation for the outdoors and responsible fishing. If you do choose to fish with your child do not forget to have your current Fishing License with you. This program will be limited to 24 people; call 303-441-3440 for the location and to make your reservations. 

Walk on the Wild Side – National Kids to Parks Day!
Sat May 19, 9 am – 1 pm
OSMP is partnering with Environment for the Americas and other local organizations and businesses in Boulder to raise money for conservation! Join this Walk-a-Thon at Walden Ponds, one of Boulder's most important wetland habitats and home to hundreds of local and migratory birds.  Enjoy family-friendly activities, munch on yummy snacks, win prizes and much more! Choose from a 1K or a 3K walk. Stop at fun, interactive education stations along the route and learn about - and spot! - birds with our Nature Guides. Walk on the Wild Side is a great way to get kids outdoors to parks, learn about nature, and support local wildlife habitat conservation. The proceeds raised from this Walk-a-Thon will help support conservation of Boulder's habitats for wild birds. To register, join a walking team, or sponsor walkers, please web search “walk on the wild side Boulder.” Walden Ponds are located on 75th Street, about 1/2 mile north of Valmont Road – there is a large road sign.

Hiking As A Family  –  National Kids to Parks Day!
Sat May 19, 12:30 – 2 pm
Load up the family and hit the trails! Naturalist / Early Childhood Educator Debora Martin will share 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 her “bag of tricks” to encourage kids to soak up the natural world.

Saturn’s Rings  – National Kids to Parks Day!
Sat May 19     9 – 11 pm
The rings and moons of Saturn through a telescope: guaranteed to blow you away! Spend a clear night exploring the planets Saturn and Mars, 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 (click here for a map), north of Boulder. Program will be canceled if there is 50% cloud cover or more at the starting time.

Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Department is also hosting events at the East Boulder Community Center to Get Kids to Parks. Click here for details!

Or join Parks and Recreation and Open Space and Mountain Parks for Community Clean Up Activities - follow this link to learn more.

Flowers, Frogs, and Furry Things  – Story Hour and Kid's Hike
Sun May 20, 1 – 2 pm
1 - 1:30 pm  Story Time
1:30 - 2:00 pm  Five Senses Detective Hike
It's story time with naturalist Ellen Orleans at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.  Your children are invited to join the fun with animal noises, sound effects and other shared experiences as we read illustrated, nature-themed children's books.  Afterwards, we'll head out for a kid-friendly "Five Senses Detective Hike." Geared towards 2 to 6-year-olds. Please bring water, hats, and sun-screen.

Springtime in the Rockies:
Explore Boulder's Landscape through Photography
Wed May 23, 4 – 7 pm Program Full
Spend an afternoon 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.  Sorry, this program has filled. 

Tropical Birds of Boulder
Sat May 26,   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 – map search 1520 Bear Mountain Drive in Boulder. Parking is available along the street.

Meadow Music
Mon May 28, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon June 4, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon June 11, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon June 25, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon July 2, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon July 16, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon July 23, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon Aug 6, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon Aug 13, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
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. Bring a picnic, bring a blanket, rain or shine. Meadow Music is free!

June

June is Walk and Bike month in Boulder! OSMP is offering a many programs to celebrate. For more fun cycling and hiking activities, visit the Go Boulder! web site - follow this link.

Abstracts in Nature through Photography
Sat June 2,  8 – 11 am
Join guest photographer Doug Goodin on this moderate hike and explore techniques for sculpting photographs, chipping away what you do not need, to reveal the essence and beauty of the natural world.  This workshop is geared for all levels of photographers, but you will need to know how to operate your own camera.  Participants will have the option to visit Doug at his home studio prior to the workshop. Space is limited and reservations are required, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 303-413-7657.  Location information will be given at registration. To see a magnificent collection of Doug's photos on OSMP, please follow this link to our photo gallery.

Wagons Ho!  Mountain Bike Tour
Sat June 2,      8 – 10:30 am
“Anyone can love the mountains, it takes heart and understanding to love the prairie.”
As part of Boulder’s Walk & Bike Month, join ranger naturalist Dave Gustafson for a bike tour of the prairie. Learn about prairie wildlife, fossils, grasses and human history. Participants will ride six moderately strenuous miles on single track and crusher fine trails. Bring your mountain bike, water and helmet (required). No pets please. Meet at the Lefthand Trailhead (four miles north of Boulder on U.S. 36 to Neva Road, then east a half mile to the trailhead). Call (303) 413-7645 for questions.

Gardening with Native Flowers
Sat June 2,      2:30 – 4:30 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.

Think Like an Animal: Tracks and Scat
Sun June 3,     10 am –  12 pm
Join ranger naturalist Brian Litwin to learn tracking basics such as studying animal prints, reading track patterns and identifying scat. Use these skills to figure out what an animal has been doing. Meet at South Boulder Creek WestTrailhead (off Highway 93 south of Boulder, - click here for a map) for an easy hike.  

Wildflowers of Goshawk Ridge
Sun June 3, 8 am – 12 pm
Fri June 8, 4 – 8 pm
The Goshawk Ridge trail winds through one of the most beautiful and pristine parts of OSMP. Its pine forests and lush, wet meadows are thick with wildflowers and a haven for wildlife. Explore this new trail with naturalist Dave Sutherland. Due to sensitivity of the habitat, space is limited to 15. Please call 303-441-3440 for reservation and meeting point.  4 miles, 700’ elevation gain.

Up! Down! Explore All Around! – Story Hour and Kid's Hike
Sun June 3, 1 – 2 pm
1 - 1:30 pm:  Story time
1:30 - 2:00 pm: "Four Directions" Hike
Nature is a wide, wide world. Join us for story hour exploring the big outdoors with naturalist Ellen Orleans at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Afterwards, we'll head out for a kid-friendly "Four Directions" hike that encourages joyful observation of the world around us." Geared towards 2 to 6-year-olds. Please bring water, hats, and sun-screen.

Meadow Music
Mon June 4, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon June 11, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon June 25, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon July 2, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon July 16, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon July 23, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon Aug 6, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
Mon Aug 13, 5:30 – 6:45 pm
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. Bring a picnic, bring a blanket, rain or shine. Meadow Music is free! Meet at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Geology - Just the Story!
Wed June 6, 6 – 8:30 pm
Boulder’s rocks tell stories that include dinosaurs, swamps, oceans, glaciers and ancient mountain ranges now vanished. If you think geology is fascinating but too technical, this is the program for you! Travel back in time with volunteer naturalist Bev Halwa for an easy hike into Boulder’s past. Meet at NCAR parking lot. 2.5 miles, 400 feet elevation gain.

Destination: Ice Age
Sun June 10,  1 – 3:30 pm
Tue June 12,  5:30 – 8 pm
Twelve thousand years ago, mammoths lumbered through Boulder’s cool deciduous forests. As glaciers melted, the climate dried up and the forests vanished . . . except for a few rare hidden pockets. Travel back with naturalist Dave Sutherland to one of the last remnants of the Ice Age where natural marvels await. Due to sensitivity of the habitat, space is limited to 15. Call 303 441 3440 for reservation and location.

Tropical Birds of Boulder
Sat June 16,   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 – Google map search 1520 Bear Mountain Drive in Boulder. Parking is available along the street.

Rhythms of Life - Share Your Musical Spirit 
Wed June 20, 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 and reservations are required, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 303-413-7657.  Location information is provided at registration. 

Earth, Air, Fire, and Water – Story Hour and Kid's Hike
Thu June 21,   1 –2 pm
1 - 1:30 pm:  Story time
1:30 - 2:00 pm: "Four Elements" Hike
Join us at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for a story hour exploring earth, air, fire, and water and all the good they bring. Naturalist Ellen Orleans reads children's story books, encouraging your children to add animal noises, sound effects and other experiences. Afterwards, we'll head out for a kid-friendly "Four Elements" hike to touch the ground, feel the wind, feel the effects of fire, and, if we're lucky, find running water. Geared towards 2 to 6-year-olds. Please bring water, hats, and sun-screen.

Little Bikes on the Prairie
Sat June 23,     10 am – noon
Celebrate Boulder’s Walk and Bike month with naturalist Dave Sutherland for an easy family mountain bike trip along South Boulder Creek trail. We’ll cycle slowly through rare tallgrass prairie and stop frequently to explore the creek. Bring bike helmets (required) and bikes that are ready to ride! Tag-alongs, trail-a-bikes, trailers and bike baby seats are welcome to get everyone out! Meet at the Bobolink Trailhead. This is a great bike ride for kids ages 6 and up.

Nature For Kids & Parents
Sun June 24,  1 – 3 pm
Take a journey to May's Point while exploring "special places."  We will go on an adventure hunt using an explorer's guide filled with fun activities!  Meet Debora Martin, volunteer naturalist at the Flagstaff  Nature Center on the summit of Flagstaff Mountain, for our hiking journey.   Ages 6 and up, materials provided.

Bats over Boulder!
Sun June 24,   7 – 10 pm
Bats swirling overhead create the backdrop for an exploration of bat ecology in the foothills of Boulder. Join ranger naturalist Burton Stoner on a moderate night hike to Bear Pool to experience these amazing mammals.  Be prepared for night hiking. Limited to 30 people, ages 8 and up – please call 303 441 3440 for reservations and meeting point.

Fishin’ Fun!  
 Fri June 29, 10 am   – 12 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; call 303-441-3440 for location and reservation. 

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 Thursday, 17 May 2012 12:18