Nature Notes Club

Larimer County Natural Resources Nature Notes Club is accepting new members throughout the spring. 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 Larimer County’s open spaces, allowing members to immerse themselves in the full range and scope of what these open spaces have to offer. Club members will receive basic instruction on sketching, ecology, geology, wildlife, and other natural sciences to enhance the experience.  They can participate in all sessions, or just a few, whatever fits their schedules. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 21, time and location TBD. Please email Heather Lindsey at hlindsey@larimer.org or call (970) 679-4489 for more details and to sign up.

Guided Hikes and Programs

• Saturday, April 2, at 9:00 a.m. “Hey Kids! Signs of Spring!” Discover what’s in bloom at the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland, off of Hwy. 34, with Naturalists Caroline and Jay. Bring your 5-to-11-year-old, nature-loving kids to learn some signs of the new season, and have fun doing it! There’s no better way to spend the morning with your little ones than getting them out into the sun and learning about nature. A parent or guardian must accompany the child on the hike. Approximately 1.5 hour hike. Hike rating: easy. Program is free. No registration required. Please direct questions to Heather, at (970) 679-4489.

• Saturday, April 23, at 9:00 a.m. “Red Mountain’s Rattlesnakes” Love them or hate them, rattlesnakes are a sign of a healthy foothills landscape. Join Naturalist Bob for a hike at Red Mountain Open Space, located ~25 miles north of Fort Collins off of County Rd 15, to learn how we can coexist with these highly specialized and often misunderstood creatures. Hike rating: easy. Please bring water for the trail and dress appropriately for the weather. Approximately 2-hour hike. Program is free. No registration required. Please direct questions to Heather, at (970) 679-4489.

• Saturday, April 30, at 10:00 a.m. “Wildflower Treasure Hunt” A new take on a classic nature walk at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, located just west of Fort Collins off County Rd 38E. Join Naturalist Linda for a fun-filled morning exploring the beautiful spring flowers and sharing your finds with the group.  This program is great fun for all ages.  Approximately 2-hour hike. Hike rating: easy. Program is free. No registration required. Please direct questions to Heather, at (970) 679-4489.

• Saturday, April 30, at 1:00 p.m. “Blooming Backbone” Join Naturalists Caroline and Jay for a wildflower walk on the Wild Loop at the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland, off of Hwy 34.  You’ll have a fantastic time searching out the early spring beauties in this healthy foothills plant community. Approximately 2-hour program.  Hike rating: easy.  Please dress appropriately for the weather, and pack plenty of water for the trail.  Program is free.  No registration required.  Please direct questions to Heather, at (970) 679-4489.