April 2009 Discover Boulder County Programs
Birds of Boulder County Slide Program
Wednesday, April 8; 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Lafayette Public Library, 775 west Baseline Road, Lafayette
Join Boulder County volunteer naturalists to learn where to find and how to
identify some of the birds that call Boulder County home. This slide program,
which is geared to beginning birders, will take you from the grasslands to
the
alpine tundra, to explore an amazing range of ecosystems and habitats, and to
learn about the birds that live there. You will also hear about some of the
migratory birds that return to or pass through Boulder County at this time of
year.
All About Beavers
Saturday, April 11; 10:00am to noon
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat Area; east of Boulder, west of 75th Street,
between Valmont and Jay Roads. Meet at the Cottonwood Marsh parking area.
The beaver is one of nature's most accomplished engineers. They build lodges,
dam streams, and otherwise modify the environment to create their habitat.
Beavers have taken up residence at Walden Ponds periodically over the years,
and
have been seen as recently as last year. While beavers are most active at
night,
we'll see signs of their hard work in felled shrubs and trees, and old
lodges.
We'll also learn about beaver babies, how beavers make their living, and how
they survive through the winter. Volunteer naturalists will lead this easy
walk
to learn all about these furry, water-loving mammals.
Spring Wildflower Slide Programs
Tuesday, April 14; 7:00pm to 8:30pm
George Reynolds Branch Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
Join Boulder County volunteer naturalists for a slide program to kick off the
spring wildflower season! You'll learn about the variety of wildflowers found
in
Boulder County, where and when to look for them, and some interesting facts
about some of our native plants.
I Spy Movement
Thursday, April 23; 9:30am to 10:30am
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat; 75th Street between Valmont Road and Jay Road;
meet at group picnic shelter near Cottonwood Marsh
;Some animals like to jump from here to there. Others fly through the air.
All
animals move from place to place, looking for food, water, and shelter.
Volunteer naturalist Diane Faigen would like you to join her to discover how
animals move. This program is for families with preschool and kindergarten-
age
children, and will include hands-on activities and a fun craft.
Beginning Birding
Saturday, April 25; 8:00am to 10:00am
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat; 75th Street between Valmont Road and Jay Road;
meet at group picnic shelter near Cottonwood Marsh
Join volunteer naturalists to explore the joys of bird watching! They will
share
tips for recognizing different types of birds, including songbirds, ducks and
waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, and more. The emphasis of this beginning-
level
bird-watching trip will be on practicing observation skills rather than just
bird identification. Please be prepared for a slow-paced walk of up to 2
miles.
Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them.
Family Nature Hike
Sunday, April 26; 10:00am to noon
Bald Mountain Scenic Area; 5 miles west of Boulder on Sunshine Canyon Drive
(Mapleton Ave. within Boulder city limits)
Kids, bring your family and join us to explore Bald Mountain! We will take a
slow-paced hike, and be on the lookout for spring wildflowers, birds, and
signs
of other animals that live here. Along the way, we'll see some of the oldest
rock in Boulder County, sniff a yummy-smelling tree, and learn why Bald
Mountain
is bald. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of
water and a hiking snack. Picnic tables are available near the parking lot if
you want to have a picnic afterwards. This hike is best for families with
children able to hike about one mile round-trip, including some moderate
uphill.
2009 Spring Nature Hikes for Seniors
The last Thursday of every month, Boulder County Parks and Open Space hosts a
senior's nature program at a County park. All programs begin at 10:00am and
end
no later than noon. Programs will include information about an area's
history,
wildlife and current resource management projects, unless specified
otherwise.
NO REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY. For more information and directions to open
space
properties, please call 303-678-6214.
Thursday, March 26 Agricultural Heritage Center at the Lohr/McIntosh Farm
Thursday, April 30 Rabbit Mountain Open Space
Thursday, May 28 Betasso Preserve
Museums
Visit the Agricultural Heritage Center
8348 Ute Highway 66 west of Longmont
Open to the public April 1 through October 31 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm,
Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays with tours starting at 11:00am; Groups may make special
arrangements for tours.
Learn about the rich agricultural history of Boulder County. This site gives
special focus to the years 1900 to 1925 when local families prospered as
farmers
and witnessed the coming of the Modern Age. The farm includes two barns, an
outhouse, a milk house, a blacksmith shop, and a 1909 farmhouse furnished
with
items from the 1910s. There are also animals on site seasonally including
chickens, pigs, and others.
For more information, call 303-776-8848 or send e-mail to
tmcmichen@bouldercounty.org.
Visit the James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum
6352 Fourmile Canyon Drive, Boulder
Saturday April 18, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum, located in the historic town of
Wallstreet just west of Boulder, helps tell the story of hard rock mining in
this area. Assaying was the primary method used to determine the potential
value
of a mine by revealing the amount of gold or other precious metals found in
the
raw ore.
The building at this site served as both an assay office and family
residence,
and the museum depicts both functions. Admission is free and all ages are
welcome.
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Nature Detectives Club
The Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department is offering a great family
activity for spring break: Kids 11 years and younger are invited to join the
Nature Detectives Club, an interactive and engaging way to foster children's
appreciation of nature while enjoying a family visit to a local park.
Families can join the club by participating in self-guided tours and
activities
on Boulder County Open Space. Each Nature Detectives Mystery Guide takes
families on an exploration of a specific county open space trail. The guides
include activities that highlight the natural surroundings and history of
each
location. Kids don't need any special knowledge or equipment -- just curious
minds and a sense of adventure.
Mystery Guides can be found at Betasso Preserve, Caribou Ranch, Carolyn
Holmberg
Preserve at Rock Creek Farm, Meyers Trail at Walker Ranch, Walden Ponds
Wildlife
Habitat, and the Agricultural Heritage Center.
Mystery Guides can be picked up and returned at Nature Detective Club
mailboxes
at trailheads. Families can also request Mystery Guides to be sent to them by
calling 303-678-6201 or visiting the Nature Detectives Club online at
www.BoulderCountyOpenSpace.org.
Rachel Gehr
Interpretive Writer
Education and Outreach
Boulder County Parks and Open Space
303-678-6207
rgehr@bouldercounty.org
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