Natural Selections

Nature Hikes and Programs

Natural Selections is our ongoing series of educational programs on topics including ecology, wildlife, local history, night hikes, children’s  programs, plus many more. All programs are free and open to the public. Please do not bring dogs.

Do you want Natural Selections sent to you by e-mail? Join our mailing list! Follow this link to subscribe. In the drop-down menu, choose "Natural Selections." You will automatically receive notice whenever a new nature hike schedule comes out. 

 Teachers, scout troops and community groups can obtain free individual programs from Open Space and Mountain Parks naturalists. Follow this link to learn more.

Winter 2009

Boulder's Snowbirds
Sat Jan 17        9-11 am
Do all the best birds fly south for the winter? No way! Some of our most beautiful-and comical-residents stay here all year long. Naturalist Dave Sutherland will lead a winter bird watching expedition on Enchanted Mesa so you can meet these little feathered marvels. Bring binoculars, bird guides, and dress for the weather. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

The Rhythms of Winter
Sat Jan 24   10 am - noon
Now that the temperature has dropped and the snowy weather has moved in, the rhythm of the land has changed to its winter tempo.  We, too, are affected by this seasonal change. Join naturalist Debbie Matlock on this easy hike to explore the internal and external rhythms of winter. Meet at Sawhill Ponds, 0.6 miles north of Valmont on 75th Street. Dress for the weather.

Getting Families Outside:
Easy Ways to Help Parents and Children Connect to the Land
Wed Jan 28       6 - 7 pm
In this day and age it is more important than ever to get kids outside. This presentation will explore nature deficit disorder, explain the benefits of getting children outdoors, and discuss easy ways to get families connected to nature. Meet at the Boulder Public Library - Meadows Branch Meeting Room, 4800 Baseline Road Suite C-112 (Click here for a map.)

Owl Moon
Sun Feb 8        6 - 7:30 pm
As the full moon rises over the prairie, leafless cottonwood trees become black twisted shapes against the sky. This is the world of the great horned owl -- a powerful and mysterious nocturnal predator. Naturalist Dave Sutherland will lead you into the world of owls on this easy nighttime hike. Meet at Sawhill Ponds, approximately ½ mile north of Valmont Road on 75th Street. Dress warmly and bring gloves.

Living with Mountain Lions in Colorado's Front Range
Mon Feb 16     7 - 8:30 pm
Gentle oversized kitties?  Dangerous  man-eaters?  Learn what Mountain Lions are really like, what to do if you see one, and how to lower the already extremely low risk of an encounter. Join Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks naturalist Betty Naughton in the Community Room at the Boulder REI, 1789 28^th Street.

Reservoir Raptors
Sun Feb 22     9 am -noon
Join Ranger Naturalist Burton Stoner to watch raptors wheel and hunt around the Boulder Reservoir. After a brief outside orientation, we'll head out on a short easy hike. Bring binoculars, guidebooks, and any level of experience. Be prepared for cold conditions and amazing sights. Meet at the main reservoir entrance on 51st Street, north of the Diagonal Highway at Jay Road (click here for a map).

Wings of Spring
Sat Mar 21   7:30 - 10 am
When spring springs, thousands of water birds leave their southern homes for the breeding grounds of the north. Many stop over at Sawhill Ponds. Join naturalist Dave Sutherland for this early morning hike to spy on migrating waterfowl. Birders of all abilities welcome. Meet at Sawhill Ponds, 0.6 miles north of Valmont on 75th St. Bring gloves and binoculars.

Bobolink Trailhead Chautauqua Ranger Cottage Cherryvale OSMP administration building Cottonwood Trailhead Crown Rock Doudy Draw Trailhead Eagle TrailheadEnchanted Mesa - McClintock Flagstaff SummitFlatirons Vista Trailhead Foothills Trailhead Foothills Nature CenterGreenbelt Plateau Gregory Canyon Left Hand Trailhead Marshall Mesa Trailhead NCAR N. Teller Farms Trailhead Realization Point Sanitas Trailhead Boulder Valley Ranch - Sage Trailheadpikestaff Settlers Park/Red Rocks Sawhill Ponds  Sombrero Marsh South Boulder Creek West South Mesa TrailheadTeller Farms Wonderland Lake