-----Original Message-----
From: nature-net@yahoogroups.com [mailto:nature-net@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Price, Deborah
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 9:33 AM
To: Nature Net (E-mail)
Subject: [nature-net] Boulder County Parks and Open Space programs in August
Escape the Heat with Cool Boulder County Programs
Area residents looking for something to do outdoors can escape to
the foothills of Boulder County. August programs are offered during the
cooler morning or evening hours of the day.
The following programs are offered free and are open to all ages
unless otherwise noted. No reservations are required. Participants should
be prepared for changing weather and temperatures. Please leave pets at
home. Call (303) 441-3899 or visit www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace
<http://www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace> for additional information and
directions to parks.
Please pass this information on to family or friends who may be
interested.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Boulder County Sunset Hikes
Discover your Boulder County parks! Back by popular demand, Boulder County
Parks and Open Space is offering weekly sunset hikes this summer. These
slow-paced hikes cover an array of topics --volunteer naturalists will
interpret each park's history, geology, ecosystems, wildlife, and plants.
All sunset walks begin at 6:30pm and conclude at sunset. Sunset hikes are
suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants should wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes. Please bring
water, binoculars, and bird, wildlife or wildflower field guides if you
wish.
Thursday, August 4 Caribou Ranch Open Space
Friday, August 12 Heil Valley Ranch Open Space
Monday, August 15 Walker Ranch Open Space (meet at Meyers
Homestead
Trailhead)
Tuesday, August 23 Bald Mountain Scenic Area
Wednesday, August 31 Caribou Ranch Open Space
For more information or directions to a park, contact the Boulder County
Parks and Open Space Department at (303) 441-3899.
The Prairie Dog Days of Summer
Saturday, August 13; 10 am to Noon
Heil Valley Ranch; north of Boulder on Hwy 36, west on Lefthand Canyon Dr.
to Geer Canyon Dr., follow signs to group picnic shelter Join volunteer
naturalist Sally Bell and others on a hike to one of the highest elevation
black-tailed prairie dog towns in Boulder County. Learn about prairie dog
ecology, behavior, habitat needs, and why this critter is so important in
prairie grassland ecosystems. Participants should wear closed-toe
walking/hiking shoes and bring drinking water and sunscreen. This moderate
hike is about 1.5 miles roundtrip.
Night Hike at Walker Ranch
Wednesday, August 17; 8 to 10 pm
Walker Ranch; approximately 7.5 miles west of Boulder on Flagstaff Road;
meet at the Meyers Homestead Trailhead
Join Boulder County Parks and Open Space volunteer naturalists for an
evening of exploring Walker Ranch under cover of darkness. We'll hike about
two miles roundtrip, on a moderate trail, enjoying the starlight and the
rising and nearly-full moon, listening for night sounds, and learning about
some of the nocturnal habits of the critters that live here. Bring water,
closed-toe hiking shoes/boots, suitable clothing for the weather, and your
night vision.
Through Wild Eyes at Caribou Ranch
Saturday, August 20; 10 am to Noon
Caribou Ranch Open Space; go north approximately 1.9 miles on Highway 72
from the Nederland traffic circle to County Road 126 (just past mile marker
34), then west on 126 approximately 1.2 miles to Caribou Ranch trailhead and
parking
Join volunteer naturalist Barbara Werner for an easy 2-mile hike at this
beautiful new open space property and learn about some of the animal
residents and the ecosystems they depend upon. Afterwards, participants are
free to continue exploring the trails, picnic overlooking the beaver ponds,
or return to the trailhead.
The Nature of Bummer's Rock
Saturday, August 27; 10 am to Noon
Betasso Preserve; Boulder Canyon (Hwy 119) west from Boulder to Sugarloaf
Road, turn right on Betasso Drive, and meet at the Bummer's Rock Trailhead,
just past the main entrance to the park
Join volunteer naturalists for a glimpse of a little-visited corner of
Betasso Preserve. From a lofty perch overlooking Boulder Canyon, you'll
stand on some of the oldest rock in Boulder County and learn a little about
the geologic story behind the dramatic scenery. We will also observe and
talk about the plants, flowers, and wildlife that call this ponderosa pine
ecosystem home. The trail to Bummer's Rock is about ¾ mile round trip, and
steep in a couple of places. Please wear closed-toe hiking shoes or boots,
and bring water and sunscreen.
Seniors Hike at Heil Valley Ranch Open Space
Thursday, August 25; 10 am to Noon
Heil Valley Ranch; north of Boulder on Hwy 36, west on Lefthand Canyon Dr.
to Geer Canyon Dr., follow signs to group picnic shelter
This seniors-only hike will travel the 1-mile Lichen Loop to learn about the
wildlife at this beautiful foothills park, including the local elk herd.
We'll also talk about current Boulder County projects at Heil Valley Ranch.
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