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.
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Invertebrates and Music Walk – Halloween Edition PROGRAM FULL
Tuesday October 28, 5:30 - 8 pm
For the special Halloween edition of “Invertebrates and Music” we'll explore the Butterfly Pavilion's walk-in rainforest exhibit IN THE DARK. Guided by naturalist Dave Sutherland and accompanied by classical music selections about insects and spiders, we’ll use flashlights to discover sleeping butterflies and hanging orb weaver spiders up close and personal. The adventure concludes in the Butterfly Pavilion’s exhibit hall with the lights off, where we’ll search for nighttime invertebrates with black lights amidst the Halloween atmosphere. Don’t miss this unique journey into the mysterious world of invertebrates at night! Participants will receive a discount code for Boulder Philharmonic concert tickets. Admission to the Butterfly Pavilion is required: $12 non-members, $10 members. Register here: https://butterflies.org/invertebrates-and-music-walk-halloween-edition/.
Bonus: Participants will receive a discount code to purchase Boulder Phil concert tickets!
Skullduggery!
Thursday October 30, 6 - 7 pm
Holy cranium! Celebrate the spooky season with a hilarious hands-on talk about mammals by looking at their skulls and teeth. Community Naturalist Dave Sutherland will share a wide variety of touchable replica and real skulls from Colorado mammals - including Homo sapiens - to highlight the similarities we all share, and the notable differences that show how each mammal lives and what it eats. And you never thought bones could be so much fun. This program is suitable for ghouls and fiends of all ages. No reservation required. Meet at Front Range Birding and Optics at 2425 Canyon Boulevard Suite B, Boulder.
Wings and Songs: Birdwatching and Music
PROGRAM FULL
Saturday November 1, 9:30 - 11:30 am
At its upcoming concert (Sunday November 2 at 4:00 pm) the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the spellbinding Four Last Songs of Richard Strauss. Captivated by the transcendent beauty of the skylark’s song, Strauss scored a pair of flutes as a duet of larks to symbolize two spirits bonded together and ascendant. Take a pre-concert nature walk with community naturalist Dave Sutherland to preview this music, and explore ways that other composers of classical music have captured the essence of birds. Beautiful bird-themed musical selections and amazing bird viewing guaranteed. This program is jointly sponsored by the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and Environment for the Americas. Limit 20. Meet at the Walden Ponds picnic pavilion. This program is free of charge. Event info and sign up here:
https://environmentamericas.org/event/wings-songs-bird-watching-and-music-2/
Bonus: Hike participants will receive a discount code to purchase Boulder Phil concert tickets!
Owl Moon: Story Time & “Owling” for Kids & Families PROGRAM FULL
Wednesday November 5, 4:45 - 6 pm
Jane Yolen’s beautiful book Owl Moon tells the story of a young child who joins their 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 Hunter’s 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 kids - and grown-up kids - of all ages! Sponsored by Environment for the Americas. Reservations: use this link to reserve spaces https://environmentamericas.org/event/owl-moon-kids-story-time-owling-for-families/ (Limit 20). This activity is free of charge.
Birdwatching for Kids & Families
Saturday November 8, 10 am– noon
Give your kids a fun introduction to birdwatching with naturalist Dave Sutherland, who began his fascination with birds at age 3. We’ll learn how to identify birds in the field through fun activities during a bird walk on the easy trails around Sawhill Ponds. Learn how to pick a good field guide and a great set of binoculars, as well as pro tips about places to find birds. Bring binoculars and bird guides if you have them, although some will be supplied. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone, ages 7 and up. We will meet at Sawhill Ponds. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/events/ (Limit: 15). This activity is free of charge.
Star Stories and Deep Sky Wonders
November 18 / 19 / 20, 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
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/