June

Nature Hike for Seniors

Thursday, June 25; 10am to Noon
Bald Mountain Scenic Area

The last Thursday of every month, Boulder County Parks and Open Space hosts a nature hike for seniors at a county park. Programs include information about an area’s history, wildlife and current resource management projects.

For more information and directions to open space properties, please call 303-678-6214.

Circle of Stones Hike: A Woman’s Journey to Herself

Saturday, June 27; 9:30am to Noon
Meeting location will be given to registered participants

Boulder County volunteer naturalist Louise Alderson will lead a walk with nature to experience inner wisdom and to honor the feminine within us, each other, and in the world. This program, based on the book Circle of Stones by Judith Duerk, includes reflection, writing, and sharing time. For women of all ages who want to embrace the rhythm of a natural setting with personal reflection. Includes a moderate 1.5-mile hike. For women of all ages; register by calling 303-678-6214 by Thursday, June 25.

Barnyard Critter Day

Sunday, June 28, 2009
10am to 4pm
Boulder County’s Agricultural Heritage Center
8348 Highway 66, between Lyons and Longmont

 Come to Barnyard Critter Day (formerly Livestock Day) and learn about the roles of chickens, pigs, horses and other animals on a farm. Animals have always been part of our lives. Join us as we explore the roles of domestic animals and even wildlife found on the ranch. See demonstrations of sheep herding and horseshoeing, visit with chickens and pigs, and take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon.   

­ This special event is free and open to all ages.  ­

 Please leave pets at home so our working animals will not be disturbed. For more information, call 303-776-8848 or email tmcmichen@bouldercounty.org

Night Hike

Join volunteer naturalists for an evening of exploring nature under cover of darkness. We’ll hike about 2 miles roundtrip on a moderate trail, enjoying the starlight, listening for night sounds, and learning about some of the nocturnal habits of the critters that live here. Bring suitable clothing for the weather, a flashlight, and your night vision. (See the map on the back page for location of parks.)

 Tuesday, June 30 at Heil Valley Ranch, 8:30-10:30pm

July

Wildflowers of Caribou Ranch

Sunday, July 5; 10:00am to 12:30pm

Caribou Ranch Open Space; 2 miles north of Nederland on County Road 126; meet at parking lot kiosk

Escape the summer heat and enjoy beautiful wildflowers! We will hike about 2 miles through the montane forests and meadows, identifying and learning about the wildflowers as we go. Participants should be prepared to hike at an elevation of about 8,500 feet and bring a rain poncho & drinking water.

Walking tour of the Dougherty Museum

Sunday, July 5; 1pm - 2:30pm
Dougherty Museum; 1 mile south of Longmont on the east side of US #287

Join a guided tour of the collection of beautifully restored automobiles - most of which are in running condition - includes models powered by steam, electricity and early internal combustion types. Other artifacts include farm equipment and machinery used on Boulder County farms dating back more than 100 years ago. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 - 12 years old.

 I Love Bugs

Tuesday, July 7; 7:00pm to 8:30pm
George Reynolds Branch Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder (overflow parking available in King Soopers parking lot across the street)

Join volunteer naturalist Ann Cooper for a colorful Power Point show introduction to the wild world of mini-beasts. Meet the local creepy-crawlies and see how they fit into the natural scene. Whether you love them or hate them, they are hard to ignore, because they’re everywhere, so come and get acquainted!  

I Love Bugs -- Micro-Hike

Saturday, July 11; 10:00am to noon
Pella Crossing Open Space; About 1 mile south of Hygiene on the east side of North 75th Street

Hiking doesn’t always have to be far and fast. Slow down on an unhurried walk to discover the often-overlooked—those small creatures that outnumber us billions to one. The slide program on July 7 offers an introduction to some of the “micros” you may see on this walk, but is not necessary for the enjoyment of this outdoor session.

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

Saturday, July 11; 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. Participants should be prepared for a moderate 1-mile hike. For women of all ages; register by calling 303-678-6214 by Thursday, July 9.

Nature Detectives Club – Explore Betasso Preserve

July 12, 11am-12:30pm
Betasso Preserve; Boulder Canyon (Highway 119) to Sugarloaf Road; follow signs to Betasso Preserve; meet at the main parking lot

Bring your family to Betasso Preserve and enjoy a morning of exploration! We will become nature detectives and look and listen for clues of animal presence, including the food animals eat and the places where they live. If you like, pack a lunch to enjoy after the program. Appropriate for elementary age children.

Flora and Fauna of the Montane Wetlands and Forests

Saturday, July 18; 10:00am to noon
Mud Lake Open Space; 2 miles north of Nederland on County Road 126; meet at parking lot kiosk

Escape the summer heat and join volunteer naturalists Nancy Beaudrot, Therese Pieper and Leslie Larson for a moderate 2-mile hike through scenic open space. We’ll discuss the ways animals survive and thrive and how to identify various trees, shrubs and wildflowers.  We’ll end our hike at a spectacular site for a picnic! Bring binoculars if you have them.

All That Glistens Is Not GOLD

Saturday, July 18; noon to 2:00pm

Meeting location will be given to registered participants

All of it might not be GOLD, but some of it certainly is! Although you won’t strike it rich at this introduction to the art of gold panning, if you do find gold, you get to keep it. Join us for a fun afternoon as we explore one of the primary activities that led to the development of Boulder County. This program is free and open to all ages, but space is limited to the first 25 people who register. To register for the program, call 303-776-8848 and please be sure to leave your full name and phone number.

Summer Catfish Night

Wednesdays , July 22
7:30 to 11pm
Fairgrounds Lake, Hover Road &
Boston Avenue in Longmont

Bring your family and friends and enjoy a summer night fishing at the lake! Anglers must have current Colorado fishing license (kids under 16 years don’t need license). Open to shore fishing only. No live bait (however ,worms and stink bait are okay) Check-in required at parking lot area off Boston Avenue. For more information, call 303-678-6204.

Night Hike

Join volunteer naturalists for an evening of exploring nature under cover of darkness. We’ll hike about 2 miles roundtrip on a moderate trail, enjoying the starlight, listening for night sounds, and learning about some of the nocturnal habits of the critters that live here. Bring suitable clothing for the weather, a flashlight, and your night vision. (See the map on the back page for location of parks.)

Wednesday, July 22 at Walker Ranch, 8:30-10:00pm 

Walking tour of the Dougherty Museum

Saturday, July 25; 2pm - 3:30pm
Dougherty Museum; 1 mile south of Longmont on the east side of US #287

Summer at Walker Ranch

Sunday, July 26; 10:00am to 4:00pm
Walker Ranch Homestead; 7701 Flagstaff Mountain Road, approximately 7 miles west of Boulder on Flagstaff Road

Summer is the height of the growing season for those who make their living raising crops and cattle.  At this event, volunteer interpreters will tend to things like weeding the garden, making shingles, and cutting hay.

We will take a break in the afternoon to enjoy a vintage “base ball” game where the Walker Ranch Boys will take on their rivals, the Denver Bluestockings.

Join us at the homestead as costumed volunteers demonstrate various chores associated with rural living in the late 1800s. Try your hand at beating a rug, planting potatoes, or churning butter.

Activities demonstrated also include doing laundry the old-fashioned way, woodworking, woodstove cooking, blacksmithing and children’s games. Guided tours of the homestead will be offered each hour.

This program is free and open to all ages. For more information, please call 303-776-8848 or send an email to tmcmichen@bouldercounty.org.

Please note: Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the site. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at nearby Walker Ranch Open Space picnic sites.  

Nature Hike for Seniors

The last Thursday of every month, Boulder County Parks and Open Space hosts a nature hike for seniors at a county park. All programs begin at 10:00am and end no later than noon. Programs include information about an area’s history, wildlife and current resource management projects.

For more information and directions to open space properties, please call 303-678-6214.

July 30, Caribou Ranch Open Space

August

Conifers of Caribou Ranch

Sunday, August 9; 9:30am to 11:30am
Caribou Ranch Open Space; 2 miles north of Nederland on County Road 126; meet at parking lot kiosk

Join volunteer naturalists Ellen Smith and Barbara Willis for an easy 1-mile hike exploring the scenic montane forest of Caribou Ranch Open Space. You will learn to identify a variety of coniferous trees using a simple dichotomous key, and talk about forest ecology and management issues.

Living in Lion and Bear Country 

Saturday, August 15; 9:00am to 11:00am
Heil Valley Ranch; North of Boulder off Lefthand Canyon Drive; meet at group picnic shelter

Join volunteer naturalists for a moderate 1-mile hike and learn about the ecology and behavior of our local mountain lions and black bears. As we hike along the Lichen Loop, we’ll talk about why the foothills are such good habitat for lions and bears. We’ll also discuss hunting and feeding habits, and what to do if you meet a lion or bear.

Night Hikes

Join volunteer naturalists for an evening of exploring nature under cover of darkness. We’ll hike about 2 miles roundtrip on a moderate trail, enjoying the starlight, listening for night sounds, and learning about some of the nocturnal habits of the critters that live here. Bring suitable clothing for the weather, a flashlight, and your night vision. (See the map on the back page for location of parks.)

Tuesday, August 18 at  Bald Mountain, 8:30-10:00pm

Summer Catfish Night

Wednesdays , August 19
7:30 to 11 p.m.
Fairgrounds Lake, Hover Road &
Boston Avenue in Longmont

Bring your family and friends and enjoy a summer night fishing at the lake! Anglers must have current Colorado fishing license (kids under 16 years don’t need license). Open to shore fishing only. No live bait (however ,worms and stink bait are okay) Check-in required at parking lot area off Boston Avenue. For more information, call 303-678-6204.

Nature Hike for Seniors

 August 27, Heil Valley Ranch Open Space

The last Thursday of every month, Boulder County Parks and Open Space hosts a nature hike for seniors at a county park. All programs begin at 10:00am and end no later than noon. Programs include information about an area’s history, wildlife and current resource management projects.

For more information and directions to open space properties, please call 303-678-6214.

Museums

Agricultural Heritage Center

8348 Ute Highway 66 west of Longmont
Open the first Saturday of each month November through March from 10:00-5:00. Guided tours are offered starting at 11:00 am.

Open to the public April 1 through October 31 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with tours starting at 11:00am

Holiday Hours: Open regular hours on July 3, closed on July 4.

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. 

James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum

6352 Fourmile Canyon Drive, Boulder
Saturday May 16, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Open the third Saturday of the month April-October

The James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum, located in the historic town of Wallstreet just west of Boulder, helps tell the story of hard rock mining in this area. Assaying was the primary 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.
The building at this site served as both an assay office and family residence, and the museum depicts both functions. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Dougherty Museum

The museum will be open on July 4.

The Dougherty Museum is home to one of the finest collections of antique automobiles in the region. The museum houses a collection of beautifully restored antique automobiles, including models powered by steam, electricity and early internal combustion types. Many of the cars date back 100 years and are in running order.
 

Senior Nature Hikes