Critter Scene Investigations

Two sets of tracks dot the fresh snow leading into a gully.  Suddenly the tracks trail off into an area of disturbed snow, and only one set of tracks leaves the area.  What happened there?  Join volunteer naturalists on snowy mornings to investigate animal behaviors using basic tracking skills during this fun interactive program.  Programs will be held when conditions are good for tracking at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, and Eagle’s Nest Open Space.  You will receive email notification the night before a program is to be held with details on where to meet and what to bring.  This is an excellent program for kids! If you are interested please email Rob Novak at rnovak@larimer.org or call (970) 679-4561.

Nature Notes Club

Larimer County Natural Resources Nature Notes Club is accepting new members throughout the winter season.  You can join current members already journaling in the style of John Muir and Aldo Leopold with Volunteer Naturalist Lisa.

The club will have several outings throughout the county’s open spaces system, allowing members to immerse themselves in the full range and scope of what the Open Spaces have to offer.  Club members will receive basic instruction on sketching, ecology, geology, wildlife and other natural sciences to enhance the experience.  Club members can participate in all sessions, or just a few, whatever fits their schedule.  Please email Rob Novak at rnovak@larimer.org or call (970) 679-4561 for more details and to sign up.

Guided Hikes and Programs

• Saturday, January 15 at 9:00 a.m. “Wintertime Wildlife” Where do the wild things go when things get cold and the snow starts to blow?  Find out on this guided hike with volunteer naturalist Bob at the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off of Hwy 34.  Approximately 3 hour program.  Hike rating: Easy.  No registration required.  Please dress appropriately for the weather, and bring along water for the trail.  Please direct questions to Rob at (970) 679-4561. 

• Saturday, January 15 at 9:00a.m. “Wintertime Plant Walk” Join Naturalist Kathy for a wintertime plant walk at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, located just west of Fort Collins on CR38E.  Kathy will explain how plants handle the harsh winter season and point out some species that just won’t quit! We recommend you wear yak traks or another means of traction for your boots.  Approximately 3 hour hike.  Hike rating: Easy.  Program is free, but a $6 day use fee will apply.  Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring along water for the trail.  Please direct questions to Rob at (970) 679-4561. 

• Wednesday, January 19 at 5:00 p.m. “Moon Over My Open Space” Join naturalist Bob for a moonlit walk at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland on Hwy 34, to look out for nighttime critters and learn about owls.  Approximately 1.5 hour hike.  Hike rating: Easy.  Program is Free.  Registration required. Please go to www.larimer.org/naturalresources/registration to sign up.  Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring along some water to drink.  Please direct questions to Rob, at (970) 679-4561.

• Saturday January 29 at 9:00 a.m. “Tracks in the Snow” Join naturalist Bob to search for wildlife tracks at the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off of Hwy 34.  Winter is a great time to track in the mud and snow, and the Devil’s Backbone has plenty of wildlife to track.  Approximately 3 hour program.  Hike rating: Easy.  Program is free.  No registration required.  Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring along water for the trail.  Please direct questions to Rob at (970) 679-4561. 

To learn more about Larimer County’s parks and open spaces, go to

www.larimer.org/naturalresources