13 minute read
NATURE PROGRAMS
NATURE
Please register for programs directly on the website, AuroraGov.Org/NaturePrograms. To register for programs happening at the Plains Conservation Center, please go to: BotanicGardens.org/Plains-Conservation-Center. Please note that if participants plan on bringing a walker or wheelchair, need special accessibility accommodations or dietary considerations, they must notify the Morrison Nature Center at 303.326.8445 when they register to ensure accommodations are met.
MORRISON NATURE CENTER AT STAR K RANCH
Time slots are available on a limited, firstcome, first-served basis. Programs are free unless otherwise specified.
STAR K KIDS
Ages 5 & under Discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, interactive activities and discovery time on the trail. Registration required.
Thu., 9:30-10:30 a.m.
55785 Sept. 1 55788 Sept. 8 55801 Sept. 15 55803 Sept. 22 55805 Sept. 29 55807 Oct. 6 55828 Oct. 13 55830 Oct. 20 55832 Oct. 27 55836 Nov. 3 55839 Nov. 10 55860 Nov. 17
Thu., 11 a.m.-noon
55786 Sept. 1 55800 Sept. 8 55802 Sept. 15 55804 Sept. 22 55806 Sept. 29 55808 Oct. 6 55829 Oct. 13 55831 Oct. 20 55833 Oct. 27 55837 Nov. 3 55840 Nov. 10 55861 Nov. 17
NATURE FILM CLUB
Ages 13 & older What do warm popcorn and nature have in common? Both make watching movies a great experience. Join the Aurora naturalist team for our Nature Film Club in conjunction with the Aurora Public Libraries. This program includes a screening of an hour-long nature documentary, followed by some discussion about the topic covered in the film. Guest speakers, filmmakers and experts to join. “BLUEBIRD MAN” directed by Neil Paprocki & Matthew Podolsky Bluebird Man is a half-hour documentary about bluebird conservation and citizen science. The film focuses on the efforts of 91-year-old Alfred Larson, who has been monitoring and maintaining over 300 nest boxes for bluebirds in Idaho for 35 years... Stunning scenery, intimate conversations and breathtaking footage of all three species of bluebird create a powerful film that reveals the secret behind Al’s longevity while providing inspiration for our next generation of citizen scientists. 55862 Sept. 4 | Sun., 2-4 p.m.
JUNIOR NATURALISTS
Ages 6-12 Join us for a fun, educational experience in the outdoors as we learn about the natural environments found in Aurora.
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL: BASIC FIRST AID Cuts, bruises, breaks and splinters! The outdoors can be a rugged place for those of us who like to adventure. Join us as we practice safety scenarios, build our own first aid kits and explore the cottonwood forest of Star K Ranch. This program does not provide first aid certification. 55870 Sept. 17 | Sat., 1-3 p.m. • $2/person WILDERNESS SURVIVAL: TEAMWORK AND AWARENESS Adventurers need more than just a first-aid kit and extra water to be prepared for an outdoor wilderness adventure. Teamwork, creativity and awareness can help you survive and enjoy the outdoors. Join us for some outdoor obstacles, challenges and more! 55871 Oct. 15 | Sat., 1-3 p.m. • $2/person WILDERNESS SURVIVAL: FINDING AND PURIFYING WATER Using our imaginations, we jump into an epic wilderness survival situation and work our way to safety by practicing ways to find water, collect water and purify water to keep us hydrated and alert. 55872 Nov. 19 | Sat., 1-3 p.m. • $2/person
LARPING ADVENTURE: FAMILY IMPROV AND STORY TELLING, MEDIEVAL STYLE.
Ages 6 & older Discover the flora and fauna of Star K Ranch as you immerse yourself in a story fit for kings and queens of olde. Each participant will be a character of their creation in our fairy tale. 55863 Sept. 11 | Sun., 9 a.m.-noon • $2/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: CREATURES AND COMIC BOOKS PT. II
Ages 6-12 The creatures return! Practice your drawing and storytelling skills as we learn about ecosystems and designing habits for the crazy creatures you create. 55873 Sept. 25 | Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $2/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: MONARCH TAGGING COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROJECT
Ages 5 & older The monarch butterfly’s migration is still as mysterious as it is amazing to scientists and butterfly fans alike. These beautiful butterflies need our help, and one way to do this is by participating in the Monarch Watch project, a community science program run across the country to track monarch migration. Learn what makes monarchs unique before going out into the field to catch, tag and release them. 55867 Sept. 7 | Wed., 10-11:30 a.m. 55868 Sept. 21 | Wed., 10-11:30 a.m. 55869 Oct. 5 | Wed., 10-11:30 a.m.
NATURE AT NIGHT: UNBELIEVABLE BATS
Ages 2 & older With an echolocator device in hand, explore the Star K Ranch trails looking for bats and discussing their amazing adaptations. 55866 Sept. 30 | Fri., 7:30-8:30 p.m. • $2/person, no charge for children under 2 years old
NATURE AT NIGHT: FALL EVENING NATURE WALK
All Ages Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of fall on this evening nature hike. 55879 Oct. 5 | Wed., 6-7 p.m. • $2/person, no charge for children under 2 years old
FALL BREAK NATURE CAMP
Ages 6-12 Spend fall break exploring the wetlands and cottonwood forests of Star K Ranch! Get your hands dirty with nature activities, learn about fall migration, hibernation and explore the trails. Choose from one, two, three or four fun-filled days! 55881 Oct. 18 55882 Oct. 19 55883 Oct. 20 55884 Oct. 21 • Tue., Wed., Thu., & Fri. 9 a.m.-noon • $12/person/day
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: COLORADO CRYPTIDS
Ages 7 & older Every myth has a toe in reality. What part of reality may our Colorado and other cryptids have come from? 55880 Oct. 23 | Sun., 1-2:30 p.m. • $2/person
SPECIAL EVENT! TRICK OR TREAT NATURE TRAIL
All ages, inclusive to all abilities Halloween Town meets the Star K Ranch nature trails! Join the festivities as you trick or treat your way through the festive wetland loop. Experience spirited stations and learn about the spooky, creepy and crawly animals that call Aurora home. Bats, owls, predators and sweet treats await! Costumes welcomed and encouraged. Registration required. To register, search this event by name in PerfectMind. Oct. 29 | Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 30 | Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • $2/person, no charge for children under 2 years old
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: LET’S TALK TURKEY
Ages 8 & older What’s so great about the turkey? Join us for tales, games and interesting information about America’s (arguably) tastiest bird. 55878 Nov. 4 | Fri., 5:30-6:30 p.m. • $2/person
CROCHET YOUR WAY TO NATURE: THREADS OF WINTER
Ages 8 & older Try your hand at working with thread instead of yarn. Learn the basic crochet stitches and build upon existing knowledge. The end goal is to make an ornament or decoration worthy of Jack Frost himself. Beginners welcome! 55864 Nov. 6, 13, & 20 | Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $15/person for all 3 sessions
MORNING BIRD WALK
Ages 8 & older From blue jays to bald eagles, a morning bird walk never disappoints. Join us as we search for avian species big and small on a leisurely walk through Star K Ranch. 55865 Nov. 12 | Sat., 8-10 a.m.
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: TWILIGHT NATURE WALK
All ages Enjoy the soft sounds and colors as afternoon turns to evening and night. 55877 Nov. 17 | Thu., 4:30-5:30 p.m. • $2/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: SUPERPOWERS OF OWLS
Ages 6-12 With silent flight, these carnivorous birds haunt the rodents of the world with their super hearing, powerful talons, rotating neck and humongous eyes. Join us as we explore the world of owls and adopt their superpowers for the day. 55876 Nov. 19 | Sat., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • $2/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: I HEARD NATURE FOOLED YOU: NATURE MYTH TRIVIA
Ages 16 & older Did you hear about...? Did you know that...? I read on the internet... Ever stop to really ponder those “nature facts” you know for certain? Join us for a fun afternoon of nature trivia all about the common myths, urban legends and click-bait stories we’ve learned over the years. We’re not fooling you, and neither should nature! 55875 Nov. 27 | Sun., 2-4 p.m. • $2/person
SENAC CREEK NATURE CENTER AT AURORA RESERVOIR
While attending programs at Senac Creek Nature Center, reservoir entry is free for the time of the program.
LITTLE NATURALISTS
Ages 5 & under Discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, interactive activities and discovery time on the trails at Aurora Reservoir. Registration required. 55895 Sept. 9 55896 Sept. 23 55897 Oct. 7 55898 Oct. 21 55899 Nov. 4 55900 Nov. 18 • Fri., 9:30-10:30 a.m.
SENAC SCIENTISTS
Ages 6-12 IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE BIRDS From vultures to hummingbirds, discover unique jobs that different birds have and what role they play in the ecosystem. 55901 Sept. 10 | Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon • $2/person COLORADO CANINES It’s National Walk Your Dog Day! Discover the difference between the various canines that call Aurora and Colorado home. 55902 Oct. 1 | Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon • $2/person OH, MY ACHING HOOVES Are the those tracks deer or pronghorn? Learn to tell the difference between Aurora Reservoir’s hooved residents. 55903 Nov. 5 | Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon • $2/person
RIDING ROUND THE RESERVOIR: EVENING BIKE RIDE
Ages 15 & older Enjoy a scenic ride around Aurora Reservoir as we check out nature and enjoy the sunset on this evening bike ride. Bring your own bike or borrow one of ours. 55904 Sept. 16 | Fri., 6-7:30 p.m. • $2/person
UNIQUE PROGRAM: FALL RAPTORS WITH HAWKQUEST
Ages 5 & older Explore your wild side and experience LIVE raptors at this special presentation by HawkQuest. Learn which birds of prey call Aurora home, how they survive and their unique characteristics! 55905 Sept. 17 | Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. • $2/person
CROCHET YOUR WAY TO NATURE: GLORIOUS GOURDS
Ages 8 & older What is the difference between gourds and squash? Find out while learning the basic crochet stitches. Build upon existing knowledge with the end goal of making a pumpkin. This is a three-part series program. 55907 Oct. 2, 9, & 16 | Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $15/person for all 3 sessions
ART IN NATURE: NATURE JOURNALING
Ages 6 & older Tap into your creativity and unwind by the water at Aurora Reservoir! Observe the beauty of nature and learn about the flora, fauna, and landscapes of the reservoir. Create your own nature journal to take home and use on your next outdoor adventure! 55906 Nov. 13 | Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $5/person
PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER
To register for programs happening at the Plains Conservation Center, please go to: BotanicGardens.org/PlainsConservation-Center.
FARM ANIMAL PROGRAM: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PIONEER
All ages Immerse yourself in the daily life of a pioneer in this interactive program. Participants take a wagon to visit the 1880’s sod homestead village, dress up like a prairie settler (optional), feed farm animals, tend the heirloom garden and more! • Fridays at 5 p.m. (June-Sept.) • Sundays at 9 a.m. (June-Sept.) • $10/person
BLOOMS ON THE PRAIRIE THROUGH THE SEASONS
Ages 8 & older Discover what is blooming on the prairie at different times of year while learning about native and non-native plants. This guided nature hike caters to novice wildflower lovers as well as seasoned plant enthusiasts interested in exploring the changing blooms of the prairie. Sept. 3 | Sat., 8-9:30 a.m. • $5/person
SPECIAL EVENT! AGRICULTURE FESTIVAL AT THE PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER
All ages Learn where your food comes from and how you can support healthy environments with regenerative agriculture. Enjoy wagon rides, 1880’s homestead village and tipi camp tours, farm animal interactions, farmer’s market, food trucks, sustainable eating education and more! Sept. 24 | Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • $5/vehicle
Ages 8 & older The Greek goddess Athena associates owls with protection while the Hopi see burrowing owls as the god of death. Learn about the owls native to Aurora and some of the mythology historically associated with them. We will be dissecting owls pellets, followed by a wagon ride to find owls! Oct. 8 | Sat., 1-2:30 p.m. • $5/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: NO BONES ABOUT IT
Ages 10 & older Ever come across animal bones on a hike and wonder who they used to belong to? Well, it’s hyoid time you find out! Join a naturalist for a presentation and nature walk and learn about the bones and skeletons in every vertebrate’s closet. Oct. 22 | Sat., 1-3 p.m. • $5/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: FALL EQUINOX WALK
Ages 8 & older Look for wildlife, get some exercise and discover Plains Conservation Center as we enjoy the fall solstice with a nature walk. Sept. 21 | Wed., 6:30-7:30 p.m. • $5/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: STORIES BY THE CAMPFIRE: NATURE’S GHOST TALES
Ages 8 & older Spook yourself silly around the fire as you listen to tales of ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night in nature! Oct. 28 | Fri., 6-7 p.m. • $5/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: NATIVE AMERICANS OF THE PLAINS
Ages 6 & older Discover what daily life was like for native peoples living on the great plains. Nov. 5 | Sat., 1-2:30 p.m. • $5/person
SCFD FREE DAY AT THE PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER
All ages Join us for wagon rides on the prairie to see resident wildlife, tours of the 1880’s homestead village and tipi camp, and presentations by HawkQuest with live eagles, owls, falcons, and more! Nov. 19 | Sat., 10-3 p.m. • Free
FULL MOON HIKES
Ages 8 & older HARVEST MOON AT PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER Discover Aurora’s true nature under the light of the September Harvest Moon and learn a little about its history through this guided nature hike. Sept. 10 | Wed., 7:30-8:30 p.m. • $5/person HUNTER’S MOON AT PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER Discover Aurora’s true nature under the light of the October Hunter’s Moon and learn a little about its history through this guided nature hike. Oct. 9 | Sun., 6:30-7:30 p.m. • $5/person BEAVER MOON AT PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER Discover Aurora’s true nature under the light of the November Beaver Moon and learn a little about its history through this guided nature hike. Nov. 8 | Tue., 5:30-6:30 p.m. • $5/person
UNIQUE PROGRAMS: FAMILY FUN ON AURORA TRAILS
All Ages Introduce yourself and your family to Aurora’s diverse trails. This program supports families with knowledge of where to find trails, how to use them, how to stay safe and how to have fun! SEASONS 101 As the seasons change, it is important to know what to expect and how to prepare for family walks along Aurora trails. Join a Naturalist as we explore preparation techniques and how to enjoy trails in the spring, summer, fall and winter. 55889 Sept. 10 | Sat., 9-10:30 a.m. • Sand Creek Park 55890 Sept. 10 | Sat., noon-1:30 p.m. • Jewell Wetlands 55891 Sept. 10 | Sat., 3-4:30 p.m. • Del Mar Park
MORNING BIRD WALK
Ages 8 & older From blue jays to bald eagles, a morning bird walk never disappoints. Join us as we search for avian species big and small on a leisurely walk around the Aurora Reservoir. 55892 Sept. 10 | Sat., 8-10 a.m. • Aurora Reservoir
MORNING BIRD WALK
Ages 8 & older From blue jays to bald eagles, a morning bird walk never disappoints. Join us as we search for avian species big and small on a leisurely walk around Coal Creek Arena. 55893 Oct. 8 | Sat., 8-10 a.m. • Coal Creek Arena
NATURE CENTERS
Morrison Nature Center
Plains Conservation Center
21901 E. Hampden Ave. 303.326.8380 Gate Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visitor Center Mon.-Fri., noon-4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
