August 2010
Naturally Yours
Make Field Trips Part of Back to School
With school starting s
oon, you might think outdoor time is over. But the outdoors can be part of school and learning on a free field trip offered by the Natural Areas Program. Activities are fun and engaging and they compliment what teachers are covering in the classroom. Most field trips are taught by Master Naturalist volunteers and some transportation funding is available. Learn more here >>>
Enjoy Nature and Help Your Community
Volunteer Master Naturalist Assistants are needed to lend a hand with a wide variety of field trips to natural areas. Master Naturalist Assistants help out Master Naturalists (volunteer educators) with props, equipment, handouts, and evaluations. Master Naturalist Assistants learn about local natural history and explore the natural areas with other interested volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are many and varied, and fit most schedules. Training will be Tuesday, August 31, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and Wednesday, September 1, 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS. Training is free. Application and background check required. Learn more here >>>
Slow Down at Soapstone Prairie
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is a great place to connect with the natural world and get away from the pace of urban life. In fact, some visitors are so excited to get to Soapstone Prairie, they violate the speed limit. Please slow down and stay safe! This helps the Natural Areas Program respect our neighbors by minimizing dust. Driving the speed limit of 30 mph on the gravel roads minimizes wash boarding and the need for road maintenance too. Planning your next trip? Allow about 1 hour travel time from north Fort Collins to Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. GeoCache la Poudre
Explore natural areas, learn new facts and unravel mysteries! GeoCache
La Poudre is a virtual geocache course with one traditional cache along
the Cache La Poudre River. Complete 10 questions on the brochure
and return it to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to
downtown Fort Collins. Tread lightly! All the questions can be
answered by staying on the trails.
Do You Like Wildflowers?
Wildflowers are one of the joys of summer in Colorado. If you want to see native grassland plants in bloom, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is a great destination. Now a new tool is available to help you identify flowers! An outstanding Master Naturalist volunteer, Lynn Rubright, makes wildflower identification sheets about twice a month to help visitors learn plant names. The current and past identification pages are now posted online! Get Outside! Free August Activities
Bobcat Tales: Prickly Porcupines
& Rascal Raccoons
Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area
Wednesday, August 4, 10-11 a.m. Meet at the picnic
shelter. Explore nature through hands-on activities, stories, and puppets.
Designed for ages 3-7 with an adult accompanying. No registration required.
Junior Bobcats: Earth & Sky
Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area
Thursday, August 5, 9-11:30 a.m. Meet at the
picnic shelter. Explore how geology, weather, and other natural forces affect
the plants and animals that live at Bobcat Ridge through hands-on activities
and a short hike. Designed for ages 8-12 with parents/guardians. REGISTRATION
REQUIRED. Call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program
choice and contact information.
Critter Candid Camera
Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area
Saturday, August 7, 9-11 a.m. Meet at the picnic
shelter. Have you seen cameras at Bobcat Ridge? Come learn about the incredible
photos of wildlife caught by these cameras and what has been learned about
wildlife in the area. No registration required.
Archaeology of Soapstone Prairie
Soapstone Prairie
Natural Area
Saturday, August 7, 10-11 a.m. Meet at the north
parking lot. Discover the amazing story of the Lindenmeier Site and other
archaeological wonders. 0.5 miles, easy. No registration required.
The Prairie: It’s Not Just Grass!
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Sunday, August 8, 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at the south
parking lot. Explore the wonders of the prairie. 1.5 miles, easy. No
registration required.
Sack Supper
Pineridge Natural Area
Wednesday, August 11, 6-8 p.m. Give yourself a
break and eat dinner in a natural area!
Bring your sack supper and insect repellent. Picnic tables available.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with
your program choice and contact information.
Starry Night Astronomy: Perseid
Meteor Shower
Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area
Thursday, August 12, 7:45-11 p.m. Meet at the
picnic shelter. Understand what a meteor shower is in this informative program.
Afterwards, observe the night sky with telescopes and watch for falling
meteors. Bring a lounge chair or blanket, insect repellent, and water to drink.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com with
your program choice and contact information.
Thanks for reading!
Newsletter comments are welcome. Please contact Zoe Whyman, Natural Areas Community Relations Manager, 970-221-6311 or zwhyman@fcgov.com
