7 minute read
NATURE
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. 39396 June 3 • Thu., 9:30–10:30 a.m. 39397 June 3 • Thu., 11 a.m.–noon 39398 June 10 • Thu., 9:30–10:30 a.m. 39399 June 10 • Thu., 11 a.m.–noon 39400 June 17 • Thu., 9:30–10:30 a.m. 39401 June 17 • Thu., 11 a.m.–noon 39402 June 24 • Thu., 9:30–10:30 a.m. 39403 June 24 • Thu., 11 a.m.–noon
STAR K SUMMER NATURE CAMP: FUR, FEATHERS, & FISH
Ages 6–8 years *Inclusive to all abilities What kind of animals call Aurora home? What special adaptations do they have to survive and thrive? Join us for a fun and adventure-filled week tracking animals, catching crayfish, playing games and exploring the nature trails at Star K Ranch! 36229 June 1–4 • Tue.-Fri., 9 a.m.–noon • $55/per student for all 4 days
WATERSHED WALK: EXPLORING THE WETLAND
Ages 8 years & older Have you ever wondered where water in a river or a stream comes from? Learn about this important natural resource flowing right in your backyard with a hike through a local watershed and interactive demonstration. 39404 June 13 • Sun., 1-3 p.m. • $2/per person
DAISY BETWEEN EARTH & SKY JOURNEY DAY
Ages 5-8 years Fulfill many of the requirements for your Between Earth & Sky Journey. 39408 June 5 • Sat., 10 a.m.-noon • $2/per scout, chaperone or parent is welcome to stay at no charge.
NATURE
BOOKWORMS: A BOOKCLUB FOR NATURE ENTHUSIASTS
Ages 16 & older Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Calling all bookworms! Grab a copy of this month’s book club selection (Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer) & join us as we dive into the book’s topic, themes, characters & more. We discuss this book during an in-person Saturday session & again during a virtual Wednesday session. The in-person session includes a guided nature walk to the Sand Creek where we learn plant ID and investigate aquatic macroinvertebrates.
IN-PERSON BOOK CLUB @ STAR K RANCH
39409 June 19 • Sat., 2–4:30 p.m.
VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
39410 June 23 • Wed., 6–7:30 p.m.
LARPING ADVENTURE
Ages 13-18 Cowboy LARP at Star K Ranch The Ce’Ment gang have discover the sheriffs plans to move the leafy spurge out on the railway. The Sheriff of Morrison has asked for deputies from the Star K Ranch to hunt down the notorious gang. Armed only with tools fashioned from the town’s natural resources, the deputies must put a stop to the Ce’Ment Gang. Join us for a cowboy adventure to learn about the flora and fauna of Star K Ranch. 39411 June 20 • Sun., 9-11 a.m. • $2/per person
JUNIOR NATURALISTS
Ages 6-8 Join us for a fun educational experience in the outdoors as we learn all about the natural environments found in Aurora. The Invisible Life Around Us Take a closer look at the mysterious and marvelous microbial world around us by investigating soil, water, and other earthy samples under the microscope. 39412 June 19 • Sat., 9-11 a.m. • $2/per person
NATURE AT NIGHT: NIGHT SOUNDS
Ages 2 & older Howls, hoots, croaks, and chirps. Join us for a night hike as we utilize our sense of hearing to tap into the natural world that comes alive at night. Listen and look for bats, toads, owls, and more. 39415 June 18 • Fri., 8:30–9:30 p.m. • $2/per person
Ages 8-12 Join a naturalist in using scat, tracks, and other natural clues to solve an entertaining wildlife “who dunnit” mystery at Star K Ranch. 39420 June 16 • Wed., 10–11:30 a.m.
NATURE
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. 39425 June 4 39426 June 18 • Fri., 9:30-10:30 a.m.
SENAC CREEK SUMMER NATURE CAMP: WONDERS OF WATER
Ages 9- 12 *Inclusive to all abilities Discover the wonders of water while exploring Aurora Reservoir! Build an aquarium, catch aquatic organisms, cast out fishing lines, and set sail to your own ‘litter boat’. 36231 June 22-25 • Tue.-Fri., 9 a.m.–noon • $55/per student for all 4 days
BROWNIE WONDERS OF WATER JOURNEY DAY
Ages 6-10 Fulfill many of the requirements for your Wonders of Water Brownie Journey at the Aurora Reservoir. 39427 June 26 • Sat., 9 a.m.-noon • $2/per scout, chaperone or parent is welcome to stay at no charge.
ART IN NATURE: DRAWING IN COLOR
Ages 6 & older Use nature as inspiration to practice your sketching and drawing techniques. Materials and tools provided. Participants will take their colorful drawings home. 39428 June 4 • Fri., 6:30-8 p.m. • $5/per person
SUNSET KAYAK ADVENTURE
Ages 12 & older Join us as we look for wildlife and watch the sun set from a kayak on beautiful Aurora Reservoir. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets provided. 39429 June 11 • Fri., 6:30–8:30 p.m. • $5/per person
SUNSET KAYAK ADVENTURE
39430 June 19 • Sat., 6–8 a.m. • $5/per person
Ages 8 & older Learn about the wildflowers that dot the summer landscape at Aurora Reservoir on this naturalist-guided walk. 39443 June 13 • Sun., 7:30–9 a.m.
NATURE AT NIGHT: SUMMER EVENING NATURE WALK
Ages 2 & older Enjoy the sounds, sights and smells of an evening walk at Aurora Reservoir. 39431 June 17 • Thu., 8-9 p.m. • $2/per person
NATURE
SUMMER EARLY MORNING BIKE RIDE
Ages 12 & older Experience the natural beauty around Aurora Reservoir on this interpretive bike ride. Bring your own bike or borrow one of ours. Helmets provided. 39432 June 6 • Sun., 7-8:30 a.m. • $2/per person
BIRDS & BIKES
Ages 12 & older Do you enjoy riding your bike? Do you like birds or want to learn more about them? Join a City of Aurora Naturalist for a guided Birds & Bikes ride at Aurora Reservoir! Experience the scenic 8-mile trail around the reservoir while we learn about the diversity of bird species that call Aurora home. 39433 June 20 • Sun., 8–10:30 a.m. • $2/per person
PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER
To register for programs happening at the Plains Conservation Center, please visit: BotanicGardens.org/Plains-ConservationCenter
JUNIOR NATURALISTS
Ages 9-12 years Join us for a fun educational experience in the outdoors as we learn all about the natural environments found in Aurora. The Invisible Life Around Us Take a closer look at the mysterious and marvelous microbial world around us by investigating soil, water, and other earthy samples under the microscope. 39434 June 13 • Sun., 9-11 a.m. • $8/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. 39435 June 20 • Sun., 9-10:30 a.m. • $5/per person
PRAIRIE BIRDING SAFARI RIDE
Ages 6 & older Enjoy the open prairie & its diversity of plant & 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. 39437 June 6 • Sun., 8–9:30 a.m. • $8/per person
FULL MOON HIKE
Ages 8 & older Strawberry Moon Discover Aurora’s true nature under the light of the full moon and learn a little about its history through this guided nature hike. 39438 June 24 • Thu., 8:30–9:30 p.m. • $5/per person
NATURE
OPEN SPACE PROGRAMS
Time slots are available on a limited, firstcome, first-served basis. Programs are free unless otherwise specified.
MORNING BIRD WALK
Ages 8 & older Join us to observe what birds are out and about at the unique Ponderosa Preserve. 39439 June 12 • Sat., 8–10 a.m. • Ponderosa Preserve
NATURE HISTORY SERIES: DENVER PACIFIC RAILROAD
Ages 18 & older Take a hike and learn about the historic railroad that helped settlers become established in the harsh conditions of the west. 39441 June 10 • Thu., 9–10:30 a.m. • Red-tailed Hawk Park • $2/per person
SPECIAL NATURE EVENT: WEED WARRIOR WORK DAY
Ages 5 & older Join us in the fight against noxious weeds! We’ll provide the equipment and education, you provide the elbow grease. Great opportunity for anyone looking for a service project. Attend the whole morning (8 – 12 p.m.) or a portion of time. Please register, so we can prepare for the expected number of participants. 39444 June 27 • Sun., 8 a.m.-noon • Pronghorn Natural Area
NATURE CENTERS
Morrison Nature Center
Plains Conservation Center
21901 E. Hampden Ave. 303.326.8380 Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
