9 minute read
NATURE PROGRAMS
Please register for programs directly on the website, AuroraGov.Org/Nature. To register for programs happening at the Plains Conservation Center, please go to: BotanicGardens.org/Plains-Conservation-Center
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 & younger Discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, interactive activities and discovery time on the trail. Registration required.
Thu., 9:30-10:30 a.m.
42467 Nov. 4 42469 Nov. 11 42471 Nov. 18 42557 Dec. 2 42559 Dec. 9 42563 Dec. 16 42568 Dec. 23 42569 Dec. 30
TWILIGHT NATURE WALK
All Ages Experience the magical time in nature after sunset and before complete darkness as we look and listen for wildlife along the trail at Star K Ranch. 42474 Nov. 12 | Fri., 5-6 p.m. • $2/per person, no charge for children under 2 years old
Thu., 11 a.m.-noon
42468 Nov. 4 42470 Nov. 11 42472 Nov. 18 42558 Dec. 2 42562 Dec. 9 42565 Dec. 16 42567 Dec. 23 42570 Dec. 30
NATURALIST NATURE WALKS & PROGRAMS
AURORA WILDLIFE DETECTIVES
Ages 6-10 Join a naturalist in using scat, tracks and other natural clues to solve a “who dunnit” mystery. 42466 Nov. 6 | Sat., 1-2:30 p.m.
CROCHET WITH NATURE SERIES
Ages 13 & older Interested in learning a new skill? Join us for a crochet series inspired by nature! Learn and practice the four basic crochet stitches that can be combined to create a multitude of projects. Projects will be inspired by nature through color and texture. Materials will be provided. 42473 Nov. 7, 14 & 21 | Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $15/person for all three sessions
BIRD FEEDERS 101
Ages 8 & older Looking for a way to brighten the dreary days of winter? Backyard bird feeders can often bring color, drama, action, song, and familiar faces and feathers. Learn the basics of bird feeders including best practice, cleaning techniques, what type of feed/seeds to use and which species you might see this winter. 43123 Dec. 4 | Sat., 9-10:30 a.m. • $2/per person
WILD TIMES GAME NIGHT
Ages 18 & older Join a naturalist for an evening hike and game night at Morrison Nature Center. Play nature-themed board games, nature games of strategy, and Jeopardy. We’re game... are you? 42575 Dec. 17 | Fri., 6-8:30 p.m. • $2/per person
NATURE PROGRAMS
JUNIOR NATURALISTS
Ages 6-8 Join us for a fun, educational experience in the outdoors as we learn about the natural environments found in Aurora.
MARVELOUS MAMMALS From coyotes and bobcats to skunks and mice, mammals are typically the most charismatic and well-known animals within an ecosystem. During this mammal-packed program, investigate the furry animals that walk, run and burrow their way across Aurora. 42475 Nov. 20 | Sat., 1-3 p.m. • $2/per person WILD INVADERS From the destructive Emerald Ash Borer to the seriously sneaky Quagga mussels, Colorado is home to some interesting and nasty invasive species. Take a closer look at invasive species and dive into the impact that wild invaders have on our local habitats. 42573 Dec. 4 | Sat., 1-3 p.m. • $2/per person
BOOKWORMS: A BOOKCLUB FOR NATURE ENTHUSIASTS
Ages 16 & older Calling all bookworms! Grab a copy of this month’s book club selection and join us as we dive into the book’s topic, themes, characters and more. We’ll discuss together and enjoy some time on the nearby nature trails.
American Wolf By Nate Blakeslee – November pick
IN-PERSON BOOK CLUB @ STAR K RANCH 42477 Nov. 13 | Sat., 2-3:30 p.m. VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB 42478 Nov. 17 | Wed., 6-7:30 p.m.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson – December pick
IN-PERSON BOOK CLUB @ STAR K RANCH 42577 Dec. 11 | Sat., 2-3:30 p.m. VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB 42580 Dec. 15 | Wed., 6-7:30 p.m.
ART IN NATURE: WEATHER
Ages 12 & older Lines of leaves, colors of wings, textures of the landscape. Join a city of Aurora Naturalist for an artistic exploration of nature as we observe, learn and sketch the atmospheric events that cause the weather! 42896 Nov. 28 | Sun., 9:30-11:30 a.m. • $2/per person
ART IN NATURE: FOR THE BIRDS
Ages 6 & older The world of birds can provide endless inspiration for artistic expression. Join us as we use the dazzling colors, flight patterns, whimsical songs and powerful beaks of our avian neighbors to create works of art that you will be able to take home. 43125 Dec. 10 | Fri., 4:30-6 p.m. • $2/per person
WINTER BREAK NATURE CAMP
Ages 6-12 Spend winter break in the crisp fresh air! Practice building shelters, learn about hibernation, track wildlife and investigate the critters that call Star K Ranch home in the winter months. If weather permits, we will also try snowshoeing (snowshoes provided). Choose from one, two or three fun-filled days! 42900 Dec. 29 42901 Dec. 30 42902 Dec. 31 • Wed., Thu., & Fri., 9 a.m.-noon • $10/person/day
NATURE PROGRAMS
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 & younger Discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, interactive activities & discovery time on the trails at Aurora Reservoir. Registration required. 42481 Nov. 5 42482 Nov. 19 42582 Dec. 3 42583 Dec. 17 42587 Dec. 31 • Fri., 9:30-10:30 a.m.
SENAC SCIENTISTS
NATIONAL BISON DAY Join us as we learn about these majestic animals that once roamed freely across the prairie. Is there a difference between buffalo and bison? Come find out through a handson experience. Ages 6-9: 42483 Nov. 6 • Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon Ages 10-12: 42484 Nov. 6 • Sat., 1-2:30 p.m. • $2/per person WINTER CRAFTS Come join us as we make nature-based crafts to take home for our four-legged, two-legged and winged family members. Ages 6-9: 42588 Dec. 4 • Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon Ages 10-12: 42589 Dec. 4 • Sat., 1-2:30 p.m. • $2/per person
NATURALIST NATURE WALKS & PROGRAMS
FEAST & FORAGE
All Ages Hunt like a coyote, use tools like a crow and put your nose to the test! Come learn about hunting and foraging strategies that animals use to find the best food through interactive mini-games. 42897 Nov. 7 | Sun., 9-11 a.m. • $2/per person
CROCHET WITH NATURE SERIES
Ages 8-12 Interested in learning a new skill? Join us for a crochet series inspired by nature! Participants will learn and practice the four basic crochet stitches that can be combined to create a multitude of projects. Projects will be inspired by nature through color and texture. Materials will be provided. 42485 Nov. 13, 20 & 27 | Sat., 10 a.m.-noon • $15/ per person for all three sessions (parent/ guardian welcome to attend at no charge).
TWILIGHT NATURE WALK
All Ages Experience the magical time in nature after sunset and before complete darkness as we look and listen for wildlife along the trail at Aurora Reservoir. 42903 Dec. 16 | Thu., 4-5 p.m. • $2/per person, no charge for children under 2 years old.
NATURE PROGRAMS
PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER
To register for programs happening at the Plains Conservation Center, please visit: BotanicGardens.org/Plains-ConservationCenter or call 720.865.3500.
THE EAGLES EYES MISS NOTHING
Ages 8 & older Bald eagles have some of the best eyesight in the animal kingdom. Join us at the Plains Conservation Center to learn about these magnificent creatures while getting a close look at them aboard a safari vehicle on the open prairie. Nov. 13 | Sat., 10-11 a.m. • $10/per person
SUNDAY MORNING STROLL
All Ages Immerse yourself in the subtle beauty and intriguing history of the high plains shortgrass prairie during this guided nature hike. If weather permits, we will have snowshoes available for participants to use. Nov. 14 | Sun., 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 | Sun., 10-11:30 a.m. • $5/per person, no charge for children under 2 years old.
FULL MOON HIKE
Ages 8 & older Discover Aurora’s true nature under the light of the full moon and learn a little about its history through this guided nature hike. Beaver Moon at Plains Conservation Center Nov. 19 | Fri., 4-5:30 p.m. • $5/per person Cold Moon at Plains Conservation Center Dec. 19 | Sun., 4:30-5:30 p.m. • $5/per person
THE FOSSILS OF ANCIENT AURORA
Ages 6-12 Join a naturalist and discover the ancient secrets of Aurora! Learn about the prehistoric eras, hunt for fossils and go on a mini dinosaur dig! Dec. 5 | Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $5/per person
JUNIOR NATURALISTS
Ages 9-12 Join us for a fun, educational experience in the outdoors as we learn all about the natural environments found in Aurora.
MARVELOUS MAMMALS From coyotes and bobcats to skunks and mice, mammals are typically the most charismatic and well-known animals within an ecosystem. During this mammal-packed program, investigate the furry animals that walk, run and burrow their way across Aurora. Nov. 21 | Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $8/per person WILD INVADERS From the destructive Emerald Ash Borer to the seriously sneaky Quagga mussels, Colorado is home to some interesting and nasty invasive species. Take a closer look at invasive species and dive into the impact that wild invaders have on our local habitats. Dec. 19 | Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $8/per person
SANTA WAGON RIDES
All ages Enjoy a special wagon ride with Santa, followed by hot cocoa and a meet and greet. Experience the wild of the prairie and listen to tales of long ago from the jolly man himself. Registration for this event is required and multiple time slots are available each day. Dec. 12 | Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m Dec. 18 | Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m • $10/per person, no charge for children under 2 years old.
NATURE PROGRAMS
PRAIRIE BIRDING SAFARI RIDE
Ages 6 & older Enjoy the open prairie and its diversity of plant and animal life as you search for resident birds while riding in a safari vehicle. Whether you are new to birding or a seasoned pro, all skill levels are welcome. Nov. 20 | Sat., 8-9:30 a.m. • $8/per person
HISTORY HIKE: WATER ON THE PRAIRIE
Ages 12 & older Appreciate the important roles topography, plants and animals play in our environment and how they’ve influenced history, folklore and culture. This month’s topic is about the history of water on the prairie. We will begin with a stream table demonstration followed by a hike. Nov. 23 | Tue., 1-2:30 p.m. • $10/per person
OPEN SPACE PROGRAMS
MORNING BIRD WALK
Ages 8 & older Join us to observe what birds are out and about this fall. Beginner bird watchers welcome! 42476 Nov. 13 | Sat., 8-10 a.m. • Confluence Open Space 42571 Dec. 11 | Sat., 8-10 a.m. • Ponderosa Preserve
NATURE CENTERS
Morrison Nature Center
Plains Conservation Center
21901 E. Hampden Ave. 303.326.8380 Gate Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visitor Center Closed Mon. & Tue. Wed.-Fri., noon-4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
