All Dave’s hikes are free and open to everyone. Follow instructions below to sign up. Since hikes fill up quickly and often have a waiting list, please let Dave know right away if you need to cancel a reservation.
Free community Nature Hikes
Infrequent emails, no spam EVER, your address kept private…and you can leave the mailing list whenever you want.
Stay up to date on all Dave’s latest hikes and programs.
Subscribe to the Newsletter!
Star Stories and Deep Sky Wonders
Tuesday November 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
NOTE: The program will be offered once, on the night with the best weather forecast. Registered participants will get email updates about the night selected.
The fall sky abounds with legends of monsters, heroes, maidens and flying horses – and glitters with distant stellar jewels visible only through a telescope. We’ll check out Saturn’s rings (edge-on to the earth right now) and maybe Uranus and Neptune, a supernova remnant, a couple nearby galaxies, and throw in a nebula or star cluster or two (or three?) Meet at Joder Ranch, a few miles north of Boulder (directions supplied when you register). Be prepared to have your mind blown. Program will be canceled if there is 50% cloud cover or more at the starting time. Bring warm clothes and gloves, and a red flashlight just in case, but we won’t need it Email Dave to sign up: dsutherland4747@gmail.com Limit: 20
Owl Moon: Kids’ Story Time & “Owling” for Families
Wednesday December 3, 4:30 – 5:45 PM
Jane Yolen’s beautiful book Owl Moon tells the story of a young child who joins her dad to search for owls in a dark and spooky moonlit forest. Join naturalist Dave Sutherland to read the story aloud at sunset, then go look for owls in the gathering dusk as the full moon rises over the forest. We’ll learn about owl eyes, owl ears, owl feathers, and lots more! This is an easy hike suitable for families and kids of all ages! Sponsored by Environment for the Americas. Limit: 20 participants
Solstice Moon: Moon Science, Moon Stories
Thursday December 4, 6 - 7:30 pm.
RESERVATIONS OPEN MONDAY NOVEMBER 24 AT 6 PM
Ooh, what a little moonlight can do! Experience nature by night while walking under the silvery light of December’s full “Long Night” Moon with naturalist Dave Sutherland. We’ll share legends, stories, fun facts and hard science about our nearest celestial neighbor. Come prepared to practice howling. Meet at Sawhill Ponds. Bring warm clothes and gloves, and a flashlight just in case, but we won’t need it. Suitable for all ages, and it’s free! Email Dave to sign up: dsutherland4747@gmail.com Limit: 20
Winter is Coming!
Saturday December 6, 10 - 11:30 am
Just how do our local plants and animals survive the changing of the seasons and life in the cold? Winter can be a tough time, but our resourceful species have a whole toolbox of strategies for survival. Enjoy this easy hike and exploration with Naturalist Dave Sutherland. Bring water, snacks and appropriate clothes, depending on whatever weather greets us that day. We’ll meet at Mushroom Pond trailhead in Westminster - precise location will be in the confirmation email. Sign up here, under the “Nature Hikes” heading: https://rectracweb23.westminsterco.gov/webtrac/web/splash.html
The Hawk Walk
Saturday December 13, 9 - 11:30 am
Join community naturalist Dave Sutherland to watch majestic winter migratory birds of prey wheel and hunt over the prairie as we hike near Boulder Reservoir. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, guidebooks, and any level of experience. Meet at the aptly-named Eagle Trailhead (map search "Eagle Trailhead Boulder 80302") just west of Boulder Reservoir, north of Jay Road. Be prepared for cold windy conditions and amazing sights. Please bring strap-on traction for footwear (e.g. micro-spikes or yak-tracks) since the trail may be very slick and icy. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Birdwatchers of all levels are welcome, but beginners are cherished. Limit: 20 participants. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/hawk-walk-a-winter-morning-with-boulders-birds-of-prey/