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 workshops and classes with the OSMP and the Arts program. 

 

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September

The Magical Landscape: Wetland Explorations
Sat Sept 11, 9 am – Noon
Have you ever wanted to create a personal expression of the landscape expressing your own experiences, impressions, and feelings about wild places?  Are you curious to learn techniques and share ideas about the process of nature journaling?  If so, then join naturalist and artist Damaris Methner on this moderate hike focusing on your unique relationship with the landscape.  Space is limited and reservations are required, 303-413-7657.  Location information is provided at registration.

Evening Hike to Wood’s Quarry
Wed Sept 15, 5 – 7 pm
Unwind after a busy day by taking a fun evening hike to Wood’s Quarry.  Follow naturalist Suzanne Michot to one of the historic stone quarries on Open Space Mountain Parks.  Find out about this unique place on Open Space and the interesting flora & fauna that surrounds it. Approx. 2.5 miles. 700 foot climb.  Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

The Secret Lives of Bears
Fri Sept 17, 7 - 8:30 pm
What are the bears are up to this time of year? Are they dangerous? How do I know if one is close by? If there is one in my yard, can’t it just be relocated somewhere else? Why do transplant surgeons want to know more about bears? Why is a bird feeder also a bear killer? Learn all about these fascinating animals, including what motivates them, what we can learn from them, and how to behave around them, with OSMP naturalist Betty Naughton. Meet at the Community Room at REI (1789 28th St. in Boulder).

 

Silent Full Moon Hike
Thu Sept 23, 6:30 - 8 pm Note - this is a time change
Have you ever wanted to do a quiet hike at night, in the safety and comfort of a small group?  If so, this program is for you.  Come along with naturalists Thiya Steele and Suzanne Michot to listen to night sounds, observe the shadows cast by the light of the moon and feel the evening breeze.  We’ll hike a loop on trails starting at the Ranger Cottage.  Bring a flashlight.

Of Rattlesnakes, Rarities and Railroads
Sat Sept 25, 9 – 11:30 am
Rattlesnakes, eagles and deer find refuge in these hills; and a precious little plant found nowhere else in the world tells us the ancient history of this landscape. The abandoned railroad grade makes this an easy hike along the edge of two distinct ecosystems through a fascinating and unique landscape. Meet naturalists Dave Sutherland and Lynne Sullivan at the North Foothills Trailhead (click here for map, take the first dirt road on the east side of N. Broadway just north of the intersection of Broadway and 26th St.) Bring water, a hat and a snack. Rattlesnake chaps will be provided.

 

Roll and Stroll Birdwatching (Wheelchair Program)
Sun Sept 26, 6 pm
Join Boulder County Audubon Society and OSMP naturalists on a bird-watching field trip at Boulder Valley Ranch. Knowledgeable Audubon birders team up with naturalist Topher Downham to provide this fun birdwatching experience for people who use walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, or just plain old legs. Bring hats, sunscreen, water, assistance if necessary, and binoculars if you have them, though some will be available to share. Extra wheelchairs available for assistance or just to experience. Meet at Boulder Valley Ranch - Sage Trailhead.

Nature For Kids & Parents: Black Bear's Autumn
Sun Sept 26,  1 - 3 pm
Suddenly, summer passes into autumn, the days shorten, the temperature drops. This is the season that the Black Bear ambles through, consuming 20,000 calories per day, often feeding beyond the daylight hours, seeking more food than sleep.  There will be plenty of time to rest later. . .  Take a hike through bear country with Early Childhood Educator, Debora Martin/Volunteer Naturalist and discover what the male and females must do before they den up!  Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for an easy hike on McClintock-Enchanted Mesa Trail. Ages 6 and up.

September Stars, Moons and Planets 
Wed Sept 29, 8 – 11 pm
Join naturalist Dave Sutherland for a telescopic tour of the outer solar system and the stars beyond. Tonight we’ll visit the distant planets Uranus and Neptune, and during the last hour we’ll watch one of Jupiter’s moons “vanish” and then cast a shadow down onto Jupiter’s clouds. We might also see Jupiter’s famous but elusive Red Spot! Meet at Boulder Valley Ranch - Sage Trailhead. No hiking involved, but be prepared for possible cool temperatures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Last Updated on Friday, 03 September 2010 12:52