NATURE PROGRAMS

OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (OSNR) VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Ages 16 and older (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)

Open Space and Natural Resource (OSNR) volunteers provide essential support to the OSNR division and make meaningful contributions to protect and enhance Aurora’s natural areas. Volunteers support the division through trail stewardship, adopting natural areas, participating in habitat restoration projects, monitoring wildlife, assisting and leading educational programs, staffing nature centers, helping with events, and more. For more information and to register visit AuroraGov.org/OSNRvolunteers.

March 4

• Sat., 1-2:30 p.m.

March 8

• Wed., 6-8 p.m., virtually (virtual link sent out on March 6)

Scfd Free Day

All ages

Join us for wagon rides on the prairie to see resident wildlife, tours of the 1890’s homestead village and presentations by Hawk Quest with live eagles, owls, falcons and more during our SCFD free days.

March 11

• Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Hawk Quest presentations at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Raptors Of The Prairie

All ages

The prairie is home to dozens of species of raptors from burrowing owls to bald eagles. Learn about the various species and how to identify them with a short presentation followed by a safari ride to look for resident raptors.

March 18

• Sat., 10-11:30 a.m.

• $5/per person

Trail Steward Training

Ages 16 and older

City of Aurora Open Space and Natural Resources (OSNR) Trail Stewards are the extra eyes and ears for the OSNR division and perform stewardship practices while on Aurora trails. They report maintenance needs and illegal activities using designated pathways, conduct wildlife monitoring, pick up trash and remove invasive plant species while volunteering on Aurora trails. If approached while wearing a volunteer uniform, Trail Stewards can share their knowledge of the area by providing information to users about wayfinding, wildlife and open space rules and regulations. For more information and to register for the training visit AuroraGov.org/OSNRvolunteers.

April 1

• Sat., 1-4 p.m.

April 4

• Tue., 6-8 p.m., virtually (link sent out on April 3)

Poetry Writing On The Prairie

Ages 15 and older

Tap into your creativity and enjoy the wonder of the written word! Admire and learn about the prairie’s beauty and power while you create your own unique nature poetry to celebrate World Poetry Day a few days later.

March 19

• Sun., 1-3 p.m.

• $5/per person

Prairie Birding Safari Ride

Ages 8 and older

From western meadowlarks to bald eagles, a morning birding adventure never disappoints. Join us as we search of avian species big and small on a leisurely safari ride across the prairie at the Plains Conservation Center.

April 16

• Sun., 10-11:30 a.m.

• $5/per person