ACES 2013 summer brochure

summer 2013 100 Puppy Smith Street Aspen, Co 81611

www.aspennature.org

970-925-5756

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Visit any of our four locations this summer!

Hallam Lake

Rock Bottom Ranch

100 Puppy Smith Street Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm 970-925-5756

2001 Hooks Spur Road Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm 970-927-6760

Catto Center at Toklat

Spring Creek

Support ACES ACES is celebrating its 45th year of service to the Aspen JOIN community this year. Our important work is supported by the generosity of our members and community. To make a tax US deductible contribution visit aspennature.org or contact our Development Director, Christy Mahon at cmahon@aspennature.org.

Stay in touch!

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Keep up to date with our many programs and events through our monthly email newsletter. Send your email address to aces@aspennature.org to be added to our contact list.

Thank you!

Summer Program Partners

11247 Castle Creek Road Call for hours & programs, 970-925-9157

Eagle -Thomasville Road Call for hours & programs, 970-925-5756

ACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, or familial status.

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970-925-5756

Naturalist Hikes & Programs Hire a Guide | June - September

• Private naturalist guided trips to American Lake, Cathedral Lake, Lost Man Trail, and more! Transportation and food can be provided.

Basic fee $50/hr per guide. 970-925-5756 for reservations.

Green World Day Hike | June - September • 10:30am, offered daily. Explore Castle Creek Valley and enjoy lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse. $80 / person, all inclusive. 970-925-5756 for reservations.

River Run Sunset Hike | June - September

• 5pm, offered daily. Explore Castle Creek Valley and enjoy dinner at Pine Creek Cookhouse. $100 / person, all inclusive. 970-925-5756 for reservations.

Eagles, Hawks, and Owls | June 15 - August 31

• 4pm, Monday - Friday & 2pm Saturday at Hallam Lake. Free!

Sunset Beaver Walk | June 15 - August 29

• 7:30pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays at Hallam Lake. Free!

Free Daily Hikes Aspen Mountain

| June 15 - September 2 no reservations required

• Daily on the hour between 11am & 3pm.

Meet at the top of Aspen Mountain.

Snowmass

• Nature Trail Walk: 10am daily.

Meet outside the Ice Age Discovery Center.

• Ice Age Discovery Hike: 1pm daily.

Meet outside the Ice Age Discovery Center.

• Rabbit Run Walk: Daily on the hour between11am & 3pm.

Meet at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola.

Maroon Bells

• Crater Lake Hike: 10:15am & 1:15pm daily.

• Landmarks in Time Walk: 10:15am & 1:15pm daily.

Meet at the Maroon Bells Information Center.

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Hallam Lake Kids Summer Highlights • Full schedule at www.aspennature.org Junior Naturalists 4

5

Nature and Art 8

9 10

ACES Adventure Week - Extreme!

Wild Writings

10 11 12 13

9 10 11 A collaboration with the Aspen Writers’ Foundation.

June 3-7, June 24-28 August 12-16, August 19-23 9:30am - 3:30pm $300 / $250 members Calling all young explorers! This new week-long class for the youngest nature lovers is the perfect introduction to ACES’ summer programs. As a Junior Naturalist you will join our knowledgeable educators and explore the natural world around Hallam Lake. Pond dipping, tracking, plant identification, and more – you’ll learn to look for nature’s clues and decipher the stories behind them. Learn basic naturalist skills and earn an official ACES Junior Naturalist patch!

June 24-28 9:30am - 3:30pm $300 / $250 members Come to ACES ready to discover, learn, and create! You’ll explore the nature preserve and get a close look at the resident animals, then turn these close-up observations into amazing pieces of art. ACES educators will share their naturalist knowledge, which together with your creative juices, will inspire your own works of art. In-depth art projects led by a local artist will include drawing, mixed media, silk paintings and a special surprise.

July 29 - August 2 9:30am - 3:30pm Mon - Tues, camping Wed - Thurs nights, pick-up noon Fri $425 / $375 members So you’ve experienced the ACES Adventure Week and want more?

Take it to the next level with Extreme! Beyond learning about the natural environment and camping responsibly, this new class includes longer hikes, more adventure, and best of all, two overnights of camping! Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’re already an experienced ACES Adventure Week camper, this class will further hone your outdoor skills!

Make a Nature Field Guide

Young Adult Wilderness Living

Hallam Lake Kids Drop-in Series

14 15 16 17 18

Mon - Fri, June 17 - August 9, 4 5 9am - 12pm, 6 7 8 1pm - 4pm $25 per class, 5-punch transferable pass $115 / $90 members

7

8

9 10

June 19, July 17, July 31 9:30am - 3:30pm $120 / $90 members Spend a day exploring Hallam Lake with children’s book author Garry Pfaffmann. We’ll make a collaborative Children’s Nature Guide describing the insects, plants, mammals, and birds we see. Activities include observation games, scavenger hunts, role-plays, creative writing, scientific drawing, and photography.

Participants will receive a Children’s Nature Guide created by the group, and two field guides from Garry’s Family Field Guide Collection.

August 14-16 9:30am - 3:30pm Mon-Wed, overnight Thurs, pick-up noon Fri This course will teach skills of wilderness survival while instilling a deep appreciation for the world and for nature.Topics will include: plants (as medicines, as foods, and for utilitarian purposes) and animal (identification, tracking), hunting and gathering skills, navigation, ecology, wilderness first aid, shelter building, and fire making.This class is perfect for young adults who seek new challenges and are ready to push their limits.

July 22-26 9:30am - 3:30pm $300 / $250 ACES & AWF members Join an Aspen Writers’ Foundation instructor and an ACES Naturalist for this in-depth writing workshop focusing on wild inspirations. Be it an eagle, a mountain, or a tree - each natural thing has a story to tell, and students in this workshop will create those tales! Field trips to spectacular locations such as the Maroon Bells are sure to inspire young writers to hone their skills through writing, observation, and exploration.

Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Naturalist Tool Kit

Busy Beavers

Burly Bears

Sky Hunters

Native People June 21, July 19

June 17, July 15

June 18, July 16

June 19, July 17

June 20, July 18

Walk This Way

Muddy Buddies

Predators & Prey

Swimmers

Ancient Giants

June 24, July 22

June 25, July 23

June 26, July 24

June 27, July 25

June 28, July 26

Green World

Creepy Crawlies

Scales & Slime

Singers

Mammoth Mania

July 1, July 29

July 2, July 30

July 3, July 31

August 1

July 5, August 2

Sensational Senses

Water Ways

Cool Crowns

Nesters

Rock’n Roll

July 8, August 5

July 9, August 6

July 10, August 7

July 11, August 8

July 12, August 9

Family Saturdays at Hallam Lake

FAMILY

June 15 - August 31, 10am - 3pm, $10 suggested donation per family, Discover Hallam Lake and enjoy naturalist-led activities for all ages including a Birds of Prey demonstration at 2pm.

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Rock Bottom Ranch Kids Summer Highlights • Full schedule at www.aspennature.org RBR Explorers 5

6

Ranch Naturalists 7

8

Goat Ropers 8

9 10

June 24-28, July 15-19, July 29 - August 2, August 12-16 9:30am - 3:30pm $300 / $250 members Put your explorer hat on and join us at Rock Bottom Ranch for a week full of fun! A hidden forest fort will serve as a shady resting spot when we return from our adventures on the Ranch grounds.

From birds and water creatures to garden and farm animals, you’ll get a taste of everything that happens at the Ranch.

June 24-28, July 15-19, July 29 - August 2, August 12-16 9:30am - 3:30pm $300 / $250 members Come to Rock Bottom Ranch this summer and learn why ranches and wild places are better together!

You’ll get to use binoculars and field guides just as often as a rake and a shovel. You’ll learn about and explore the natural landscapes surrounding the Ranch, get your hands dirty in the garden and farmyard, and understand how the two co-exist and depend on each other!

June 17-21, July 8-12, July 22-26, August 5-9 9:30am - 3:30pm $300 / $250 members Take on some real rancher responsibilities this summer! Look after and care for some of the ranch animals, work the garden, and explore the preserve! You’ll also learn how to make delectable treats using fresh veggies and other ranch products. Done with farmyard chores for the day? Grab a compass to learn navigation skills and get ready to explore the far reaches of the wetlands!

Ranch Photography Workshop

Night & Day at the Ranch

Ranch Hands

9 10 11 12

August 12-14 9:30am - 3:30pm $210 / $175 members In this unique photo workshop at Rock Bottom Ranch we’ll focus our minds and our cameras on ranch life. This hands-on workshop will allow young photographers to learn about and explore the photographic art. Experienced photography instructor Catherine Adams will teach age-appropriate camera techniques and skills and will offer individual artist feedback.

9 10 11 12

June 24-28, July 29 - August 2 9:30am - 3:30pm Mon-Wed, overnight Thurs, pick-up noon Fri $390 / $340 members This class is for adventurers who want to experience ranch life during the day and at night. We’ll explore Rock Bottom Ranch and plan for an overnight adventure on Thursday night. With evening chores done and the Ranch put to bed, we’ll enjoy a home-made meal, learn about the night sky, and share stories by the fire. Let’s not forget the s’mores…

11 12 13 14

July 8-12, July 22-26, August 5-9 9:30am - 3:30pm $300 / $250 members Roll up your sleeves and have a meaningful hands-on experience at a working ranch and environmental education center. This class mixes animal care, forest stewardship, gardening, wetlands restoration, and plenty of fun! Expert guests will cover everything from beekeeping and raising animals, to understanding the balance of natural world.

Make a Nature Field Guide 7

8

9 10

June 17, July 15, July 29 9:30am - 3:30pm $120 / $90 members Explore Rock Bottom Ranch with educator and children’s book author Garry Pfaffmann. We’ll make a collaborative Children’s Nature Guide describing the insects, plants, mammals, and birds we see. Activities include observation games, scavenger hunts, role-plays, creative writing, scientific drawing, and photography. Participants will receive a Children’s Nature Guide created by the group, and two field guides from Garry’s Family Field Guide Collection.

Daily Farm Tours

Monday - Saturday, 11am $10 suggested donation Explore the plants and animals of Rock Bottom Ranch on a guided farm tour!

FAMILY

Family Farm Days

June 1, July 6, Aug 3, Sept 7, Oct 5 11am - 1pm, $25 suggested donation Family members of all ages will enjoy seasonal ranch activities!

Family Yoga

June 8, July 6, Aug 10, Sept 7 9:30am - 11pm, $10 suggested donation Come to RBR for a fun exploration of movement for the whole family.

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Adult Naturalist Field School Summer Highlights • Full schedule at www.aspennature.org Evening Hikes

5:30pm - 8:30pm, $30 / $20 members

Morning Birding with Rebecca Weiss

June 11, 18, 25, 6am - 9am July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 6:30am - 9:30am August 6, 13, 20, 27, 7am - 10am September 3, 10, 17, 24, 7:30am - 10:30am Hallam Lake & Rock Bottom Ranch $30 / $20 members

Plant Portraits: The Confluence of Art & Science

Tuesdays, June 4 - August 27 5:15pm - 6:30pm, Hallam Lake $10 suggested donation

Flower Hour Free

June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31, Aug 14 4pm - 5pm, Hallam Lake

Maria Hodkins, June 27-28, 9am - 5pm $160 / $125 members In this two-day field workshop we will sketch and paint plant life in flattering botanical-style illustrations.

Hone your observational skills and art techniques, including basic nature sketching and more formal methods of illustration. Learn how to incorporate botanical details accurately and beautifully. Anyone with an interest in drawing will discover the charm and appeal of this art form - all skill levels are welcome!

1 graduate college credit available

Bright Wings of Summer: Butterfly Ecology & Behavior

Floral Advertising & Bumblebee Economics: Ecology & Evolution of Pollination

Educating for “The Good Life” Happiness versus Meaning: A Teaching Dilemma

Aspen’s Backyard June 25, Adam McCurdy Red Butte: A Little Hill with a Big Story July 2, Jim Kravitz Castle Creek:The Mystery of a Special Valley July 23, Howie Kuhn

Wildflower Walks with Janis Huggins July 9, July 24, August 10, 9am - 3pm $70 / $55 members

Yoga in Nature

Dr. Boyce Drummond July 18 -19, 9am - 5pm $160 / $125 members Decode the patterns of butterfly wings and learn how wing patterns are used in courtship, defense, and territorial displays. We will practice careful catch and release techniques in order to observe and photograph butterflies in the hand as well as in undisturbed field situations. This class will also help build your butterfly identification skills.

1 graduate college credit available

Evening Birding with Rebecca Weiss

June 19, July 24, August 21, 6pm - 8pm Hallam Lake, $15 / $10 members For birders age 7 & up

Know Your Trees Free

June 24, July 8, July 22, Aug 5, Aug 19 4pm - 5pm, Hallam Lake

Rick Williams August 1-2, 9am - 5pm $160 / $125 members Examine the relationship between pollinators and plants by applying the economic principles of cost/ benefit analysis. We will explore foraging behaviors and learn to identify local plants and pollinators, observe pollinator behavior, learn about flower design and plant reproduction, and conduct experiments in pollination biology.

1 graduate college credit available

AO Forbes and Willard Clapper August 15-16, 9am - 5pm $195 / $160 members This course will help teachers navigate difficult but critical subjects with their students, such as climate change and sustainability, government transparency, and human rights. Teachers will come away prepared for these conversations, ready to nurture students to be engaged in their community and the civic process.

1 graduate college credit available

Ride Through Time:The Geologic History of Aspen & the Fossils of Snowmass’ Mancos Shale

Kayo Ogilby, July 11-12, 9am - 5pm $160 / $125 members This hands-on course will focus on some of Aspen’s most prominent geologic features. We will spend the first day exploring the geology of the Aspen area on bikes. The second day will focus on the fossils of Snowmass’ Mancos Shale, a lens through which to examine the Cretaceous history of Colorado.

This exciting workshop is perfect for anyone interested in geology, and will bridge the gap between familiar landscapes and geologic time.

1 graduate college credit available

Hike with ACES Chief Ecologist Tom Cardamone

June 11, August 5, 9am - 6pm $125 / $95 members Explore some of ACES’ restoration projects including rivers, wetlands, forests and one remarkable fresh-water spring.

1 graduate college credit available

Observing Seasonal Changes: ACES Community Field Lab

Jim Kravitz & Jamie Cundiff July 17, 9am - 4pm, $55 / $40 members Become a citizen scientist and learn how to collect data that will contribute to a greater understanding of ecological changes happening in our valley.

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