September
 

Annual Walker Ranch Special Event

Sundays, September 21 and 28
10:00am to 4:00pm each day 
Walker Ranch Homestead; approximately 7.5 miles up Flagstaff Road from Boulder

The historic Walker Ranch Homestead will come to life this fall as costumed cultural history volunteers demonstrate the lifestyle and daily chores of a working 1880s ranch. You can try your hand at doing laundry the old-fashioned way, churning butter, or making shingles. Guided tours will be offered on a regular basis, or you can explore the homestead at your own pace. This event is fun for the whole family. For more information, call 303-678-6200.

I Spy a Place Native Americans Once Called Home

Thursday, September 25; 9:30am to 10:30am
Rabbit Mountain Open Space Picnic Shelter; NE of Lyons on north 55th Street; meet at group picnic shelter (turn north on 53rd Street off Highway 66)

Step into the past with volunteer naturalist Diane Faigen as we explore an area Native Americans used as their winter camp. I spy a talon, a buffalo, and a plant you don't want to get stuck on.  This program is geared for preschool children and their family but siblings are welcome. Hands-on activities and a fun craft will be included.

Seniors Nature Hike

Thursday, September 25, Mud Lake Open Space

The last Thursday of every month, Boulder County Parks and Open Space hosts a senior’s nature program at a County park. All programs begin at 10:00am and end no later than noon. Programs will include information about an area’s history, wildlife and current resource management projects. NO REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. For more information and directions to open space properties, please call 303-678-6214.

I Sit Listening to the Wind: A Woman’s Encounter Within Herself and Nature

Saturday, September 27; 9:30am to noon
Meeting location will be given to registered participants.

Join volunteer naturalist Louise Alderson for a walk in nature. Using passages from the book I Sit Listening to the Wind, by Judith Duerk, you’ll experience the rhythm of nature with personal reflection and growth. Be prepared for a moderate 1-mile hike. For women of all ages; register by calling 303-678-6214 by Thursday, September 25.

The Quaking Aspen

Sunday, September 28; 10:00am to noon
Mud Lake Open Space; 2 miles north of Nederland on County Road 126; meet at parking lot kiosk

The tree that gets the most attention in the Colorado autumn has lots to offer year-round. Join volunteer naturalists to learn more about the aspen – the most widely distributed tree in North America. On this trip, we’ll hike about two easy miles (roundtrip) at 8,500 feet through conifer forest, meadows, and aspen groves. We’ll discuss the natural history of the aspen, including its importance to wildlife, varied uses, response to fire, and threats to its health. We’ll also watch for signs of wildlife, and maybe even hear the eerie sounds of bugling elk.

October
 

On the Wing: A Birds-Eye View of Rocky Mountain Weather

Thursday, October 2; 7:00pm to 8:30pm
George Reynolds Branch, Boulder Public Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder; additional parking is available across Table Mesa Drive in the King Soopers parking lot

Join volunteer naturalist Phil Ecklund for a look at Boulder County’s unique weather from the perspective of a glider pilot. From soaring thunderheads to “flying saucer” clouds and powerful winds off the Continental Divide, the weather is anything but predictable along the Front Range of Colorado. Phil will share his years of experience in observing and flying through Colorado’s changeable weather with in-flight and time-lapse images.

The Wild Cats of Boulder County

Saturday, October 4; 10:00am to 12:30pm  
Caribou Ranch Open Space; 2 miles north of Nederland on County Road 126; meet at parking lot kiosk

Join park interpreter Lauren Golten for a moderate 3-mile hike above 8,000 feet and learn about the ecology and behavior of mountain lions and bobcats. Along the way, we will also discuss other predators found at Caribou Ranch Open Space and elsewhere in Boulder County, and explore the evolution, ecology, and dynamics of predator-prey relationships.

Be a Nature Detective!

Saturday, October 4; 10:00am to noon
Betasso Preserve; Boulder Canyon (Highway 119) to Sugarloaf Road; follow signs to Betasso Preserve; meet at group picnic shelter

Bring your kids to Betasso Preserve for an afternoon of nature exploration! With the help of experienced naturalists and parents’ participation, your kids will transform into nature detectives, collecting clues from nature to complete a number of fun activities.

We will look and listen for signs of animals, get to know ponderosa pine trees, and spend time observing, drawing and recording what we experience during a short hike.  If we are lucky, we’ll see deer and wild turkeys or even see the black and fluffy Abert’s squirrel!  Appropriate for ages 6-11

Bears in Our Backyard

Sunday, October 5; 10:00am to noon
Heil Valley Ranch; north of Boulder off Lefthand Canyon Drive; meet at group picnic shelter

Boulder County’s black bears are busy gorging on berries and other food in preparation for their long winter sleep. How much do they need to eat before hibernation, and what are the bears’ chances of survival?  What would you do if you encountered a bear on the trail, and how do you bear-proof your backyard? Join volunteer naturalists to get answers to these questions and more as you hike in search of bear signs, and learn how people and bears can share our wild places. Be prepared for a moderate 1.5-mile hike.

Pella Crossing: History and Habitat

Saturday, October 11; 10:00am to noon
Pella Crossing Open Space; about one mile south of the town of Hygiene, on the east side of N. 75^th Street (meet at the picnic shelter east of the parking lot)

Join volunteer naturalists Joyce Costello, Barbara Preese, and Marsha Williams to learn about past and present residents of Pella Crossing. Learn about the agricultural and mining history of this area, and the development of the ponds for wildlife habitat. We will keep an eye out for evidence of the birds and mammals that call Pella Crossing home. Be prepared to walk about 2 miles round trip on level trails. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Getting Ready for Fall Hike at Heil Valley Ranch

Sunday, October 12; 10:00am to noon
Heil Valley Ranch Open Space; north of Boulder off Lefthand Canyon Drive; meet at group picnic shelter

Join volunteer naturalists Kathy Arthofer and Sara Neustadtl for a fall hike to observe seasonal changes and to discover how the wildlife of Heil Valley Ranch prepares for winter. You’ll learn about what behavioral and physiological adaptations animals make to prepare for shortening days and cooling temperatures, and also look for signs of wildlife that are active year-round. Be prepared for a hike of just over a mile.

I Spy Nature Behind Fall Traditions

Thursday, October 16; 9:30am to 10:30am
Heil Valley Ranch Open Space Group Picnic Shelter; north of Boulder off Lefthand Canyon Drive; meet at group picnic shelter

Halloween and Thanksgiving have their traditions associated with events in nature that happen in the fall. Join volunteer naturalist Diane Faigen to howl like a coyote and strut like a wild turkey. We'll also learn about witches, the harvest moon, bats, and more. This program is geared for preschool children and their families, however all are welcome. Hands-on activities and a fun craft will be included. 

Hanging Out With Bats

Saturday, October 18; 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Foothills Nature Center; 4201 N. Broadway, Boulder

Explore the myths and mysteries surrounding the only mammal that flies. With volunteer naturalists Louise Alderson and Susan Holley, you will learn about the resident bats of Boulder County, their habits and habitat, and their importance to humans. This program is for families with preschool and elementary-age children, and will include a slide presentation and hands-on activities.

Visit the James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum

Saturday, October 18; 10:00am to 2:00pm
6352 Fourmile Canyon Drive, Boulder

The James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum, located in the historic town of Wallstreet just west of Boulder, helps tell the story of the hard rock mining in this area. Assaying was a method used to determine the potential value of a mine by revealing the amount of gold or other precious metals found in the raw ore.

Moose at the Ranch 

Sunday, October 19; 10:00am to 1:00pm
Caribou Ranch Open Space; 2 miles north of Nederland on County Road 126; meet at parking lot kiosk

Moose (Alces alces) were introduced to Colorado in the late 1970s in the North Park area. Since then, moose have been expanding their range southward in Colorado and now call Caribou Ranch Open Space home. Join volunteer naturalists for a moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike into moose country, and learn more about the natural history and habits of this largest member of the deer family. Please be prepared for weather conditions at 8,500 feet.

Whoo are the Owls?

Wednesday, October 22; 7:00pm to 8:30pm
George Reynolds Branch, Boulder Public Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder; additional parking is available across Table Mesa Drive in the King Soopers parking lot

Owls have been regarded with fascination and awe throughout recorded history and across many cultures. Over half of the owls recorded in the U.S. have been seen in Boulder County, and most nest here. Join volunteer naturalist Cindy Maynard to explore these fascinating creatures and learn about the diversity and adaptations that make them such expert hunters.    

Geology and Landforms of Hall Ranch

Saturday, October 25; 9:00am to 1:00pm
Hall Ranch Open Space; 1 mile west of Lyons on Highway 7; meet at group picnic shelter near the upper parking lot

Join volunteer naturalists Dick Pratt and Joe Krieg to explore and learn about the remarkable and dramatic geology and landscape of Hall Ranch. This moderately strenuous 4-mile hike (roundtrip) will cover igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks that span over 1.7 billion years of geologic history. We’ll have lunch at one of the highest elevation prairie dog towns in Boulder County, a great place to observe raptors and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you have them. This hike is geared to adults. 

Seniors Nature Hike

Thursday, October 30, Walker Ranch Open Space (Meet at the Meyers Homestead Trailhead)              

The last Thursday of every month, Boulder County Parks and Open Space hosts a senior’s nature program at a County park. All programs begin at 10:00am and end no later than noon. Programs will include information about an area’s history, wildlife and current resource management projects. NO REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. For more information and directions to open space properties, please call 303-678-6214.

November

Story in the Rocks – Our Changing Landscape      

Saturday, November 1; 10:00am to noon
Heil Valley Ranch Open Space; north of Boulder off Lefthand Canyon Drive; meet at group picnic shelter

Join volunteer naturalists for a 1.3-mile moderate hike along the Lichen Loop Trail to learn how this scenic landscape has changed over time. The tales told in the rocks span over 200 million years, from ancient sand dunes to tidal flats to riverbeds where dinosaurs roamed. The rocks also determine the shape and ecology of the present landscape, and the plants and wildlife we find here.

Visit the Champion Cottonwood Tree 

Saturday, November 8; 10:00am to noon
Champion Cottonwood Site: On the east side of Crane Hollow Road, just north of the intersection of Crane Hollow and St. Vrain Roads in northern Boulder County near the town of Hygiene. Please park carefully along Crane Hollow Road near the entrance gate.

In a land of little water, the majestic plains cottonwood stands out in the landscape. Larger than most of its deciduous companions, this water-loving tree has long been treasured by native peoples, pioneers, and wildlife for food, shade, and habitat in the western Great Plains. Since 1967, Boulder County has been home to the largest plains cottonwood tree in North America, according to the National Register of Big Trees. This stately tree, over a century old, stands some 105 feet tall and nearly 9 feet in diameter. Join volunteer naturalists to see and learn more about the story of this sentinel of the plains. No hiking is required.

 Fossils of Boulder County

Wednesday, November 12; 7:00pm to 8:30pm
George Reynolds Branch, Boulder Public Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder; additional parking is available across Table Mesa Drive in the King Soopers parking lot

The fossil record of life preserved in the rocks of Boulder County is a fascinating aspect of our diverse geologic history.  Fossils provide evidence of past plant and animal life that flourished in the Western Interior Seaway, when Colorado was underwater for millions of years. Join volunteer naturalists Donn Cook and Joe Krieg for a slide program to explore our fossil heritage and to see specimens of fossils uncovered in Boulder County. 

Birds of Prey Slide Program

Tuesday, November 18; 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Boulder Public Library, Main Library, Boulder Creek Meeting Room, 11^th Street and Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder

Join volunteer naturalists and learn how to recognize raptors -- hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls -- in the skies above Boulder County. During this slide presentation, you’ll observe and learn how to distinguish between different raptors by identifying common field marks. You will also learn about the habitat requirements, behavior, and ecology of these magnificent birds.

Seniors Nature Hike

Thursday, November 20, Hall Ranch Open Space (Meet at the upper parking lot, near the trail kiosk and restrooms)    

The last Thursday of every month, Boulder County Parks and Open Space hosts a senior’s nature program at a County park. All programs begin at 10:00am and end no later than noon. Programs will include information about an area’s history, wildlife and current resource management projects. NO REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. For more information and directions to open space properties, please call 303-678-6214.

Birds of Prey Driving Tour

Saturday, November 22; 10:00am to 1:00pm
(Meeting location will be given to registered participants)

Join Boulder County volunteer naturalists for a driving tour of some of Boulder County’s best areas to view raptors. We will carpool from our meeting place searching for raptors, learning about habitat, and working on our observation and identification skills. Participants should bring binoculars, a spotting scope, and a bird field guide if you have them. The tour is geared for adults and older children. Register by calling (303) 678-6214 by Thursday, November 20.

Museums

Visit the Agricultural Heritage Center

8348 Ute Highway 66 west of Longmont

Open to the public April 1 through October 31 from 10:00am to 5:00pm, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Guided tours are offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at 11:00 am. Groups may make special arrangements for tours year-round, any day of the week. For more information, call 303 776-8848 or send e-mail to tmcmichen@bouldercounty.org.

Learn about the rich agricultural history of Boulder County.  This site gives special focus to the years 1900 to 1925 when local families prospered as farmers and witnessed the coming of the Modern Age.  The farm includes two barns, an outhouse, a milk house, a blacksmith shop, and a 1909 farmhouse furnished with items from the 1910s.  There are also animals on site seasonally including chickens, pigs, and others. 

We will continue to open the site on the first Saturday of each month November through March.

Visit the James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum

Saturday, August 16; September 20; October 18; 10:00am to 2:00pm
6352 Fourmile Canyon Drive, Boulder

The James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum, located in the historic town of Wallstreet just west of Boulder, helps tell the story of the hard rock mining in this area. Assaying was a method used to determine the potential value of a mine by revealing the amount of gold or other precious metals found in the raw ore.

Senior Nature Hikes