Field Trip & Program Requests

Let us supplement your science, history and geography curriculum with one of our free programs. Whether a classroom visit or a field trip, we can tailor our programs to enhance a variety of curriculum topics and meet a number of state and district standards for science, history and geography. These programs are also open to homeschool groups of eight or more.

To request any of the programs below, contact Tiffany Fourment at 303-678-6215.

Custom Program

We can customize a field trip or classroom program from these or other topics:

• Animal adaptation
• Food chains and webs
• Life zones and habitats
• Local agricultural history
• Pioneer life

Curriculum Kits

Four elementary school level curriculum kits, complete with lesson plans and materials, can be checked out and used in your classroom. Themes are:

• Boulder County Wildlife
• Backyard and Beyond
• Farms and Food
• Pioneer Life

Living Map

A large floor map of Boulder County that can be used in your classroom for hands-on exploration of a variety of topics such as geology, landforms, life zones, habitats, water resources, and plants and animals of our area.

Walker Ranch School Days

A field trip geared toward 3rd and 4th grade classes who are studying local and state history, we offer hands-on programs at Walker Ranch to explore the lives of the pioneers who settled there. Students try their hands at churning butter and doing laundry on the washboard, and compare and contrast ranch life in the late 1800s to life today.

Other grades can setup tours based on availability.

Education Trailer

A traveling exhibit that can be brought to your school to serve as the focus for an interactive program on one of two topics:

1. Story in the Rocks - a look at the geography and landforms of the county, and the ways that humans have interacted with the landscape over time
2. Life Zones of Boulder County – a “walk” through the five main life zones in the county, from prairie to alpine tundra, with a comparison of the plants and animals that inhabit each

Trained volunteer naturalists and cultural history interpreters will take your group on a journey exploring the topic of your choice. Outdoor programs are offered at many open space locations and historical sites. Indoor programs can be held at a location in the county that is convenient to you. Programs are offered year-round, usually run from one to three hours and are free of charge.

Possible Topics

• Birds: migration, bird watching, nests, raptors
• Cultural History: 1880s Walker Ranch Homestead tours, Assay Office Museum tours, Agricultural Heritage Center tours, historic demonstrations
• Natural Environment: geology, life-zones, ecosystems, general nature hikes, pond life, nature through the seasons, wetlands, ecosystems
• Plants: adaptations, wildflowers, weeds, trees, fire ecology
• Wildlife: local wildlife, wildlife in winter, bugs, bats, snakes, predator-prey relationships, wildlife homes and habitats

Request a Program

If you are interested in a topic not mentioned, let us know so we can tailor a program to meet your needs.

To request a history program contact Sheryl Kippen at 303-776-8848.

To request a nature program contact Larry Colbenson at 303-678-6214.

Are programs only for schools?

No, scout groups, adult classes, faith-based groups, community clubs and organizations are all welcome.

For what age groups are programs appropriate?

We are prepared to work with all ages.

How large a group can I bring on a field trip to an open space property?

Generally, about 60 people or two school classes can be accommodated at Walker Ranch.
The Agriculture Heritage Center can accommodate up to 3 classes.

Do programs align with Colorado's State Academic Standards?

Yes, our programs are aligned with a number of the grade level expectations for Life Science, Earth Science, History and Geography standards. We can provide more specific information about alignments to certain programs upon request.

How far in advance must I sign up?

We ask that you schedule programs at least 4 weeks in advance. Reservations are taken up to a year in advance.

Are programs offered in Spanish?

We have a few naturalists with Spanish language skills – with advance notice we can plan a bilingual English-Spanish program.

May I bring students with special needs?

Our staff and volunteers have no special training to work with children with special needs. You must bring an aide or assistant who is familiar with the children. Please specify this when you register.

Must we observe park rules on our trip?

Yes. Please familiarize yourself and your group with the Rules and Regulations.

How do I sign up?

• School programs: Tiffany Fourment 303-678-6215
• Nature programs: Larry Colbenson 303-678-6214
• History programs: Sheryl Kippen 303-776-8848