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 Heather Lindsey at hlindsey@larimer.org or call (970) 679-4489.

Nature Notes Club

Larimer County Natural Resources Nature Notes Club is accepting new members throughout the winter.  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 Larimer County open spaces system, allowing members to immerse themselves in the full range and scope of what the open spaces have to offer.  Club members receive basic instruction on sketching, ecology, geology, wildlife, and other natural sciences to enhance the experience. You can participate in all sessions, or just a few, whatever fits your schedule. 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, January 7, at 10:00 a.m. “Big Birds of River Bluffs Open Space” Join Naturalist Carl at the newest Larimer County Open Space, located just west of the I-25/Windsor interchange off of C.R. 32E, for a look at the larger-than-life birds that use this river corridor. Approximately 2-hour program/bird watching. No registration required. Hike rating: easy. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring some drinking water. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.

• Saturday, January 7, at 1:00 p.m. “The Backbone in Winter”  Come on out to Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off of Hwy. 34, for a fascinating afternoon of winter ecology. Join Naturalists Caroline and Jay for a trip around the Wild Loop to learn how the animals and plants make it through their toughest season and what to look for on your winter excursions. Hike rating: easy. Program is free; no registration required. Approximately 2-hour program. Please dress appropriately for the weather, and bring along water for the trail. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.

• Sunday, January 8, at 5:00 p.m. “Moon Over My Open Space: The Moon in Myth and Legend”   Join Naturalists Jay and Caroline for a moonlit walk around the Wild Loop at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off Hwy. 34. You will be dazzled by legends and myths of our most familiar celestial body. You may be surprised at many of them! Program is free and registration is required at http://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/registration/. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of water for the trail. Hike rating: easy. Approximately 2-hour program. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.

• Saturday, January 21, at 9:00 a.m. “Wintertime Plant Walk” Join Naturalist Kathy for a wintertime plant walk at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off Hwy. 34.  Kathy will explain how plants handle the harsh winter season, and will point out some species that just won’t quit! We recommend you wear yaktrax or another means of traction for your boots.  Approximately 3-hour hike.  Hike rating: easy. Program is free. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring along water for the trail. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.

• Saturday, January 21, at 10:00 a.m. “Big Birds of River Bluffs Open Space”  Join Naturalist Carl at the newest Larimer County Open Space, located just west of the I-25/Windsor interchange off of C.R. 32E, for a look at the larger-than-life birds that use this river corridor. Approximately 2-hour program/bird watching. No registration required. Hike rating: easy. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring along some water. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.

• Saturday, January 28, at 10:00 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 Naturalist Bob at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off of Hwy. 34. Approximately 2-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 Heather at (970) 679-4489. 

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

visit our website at www.larimer.org/naturalresources

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