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
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The Hawk Walk
Saturday January 24, 9 am -11:30 am PROGRAM FULL
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 approx address 5797 51st Street Boulder) 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/events/month/2026-01/
Boulder’s Snowbirds
Sunday January 25, 9 – 11:30 am
Do all the best birds fly south for the winter? No way! Some of our most beautiful—and comical—residents stay here all year long. Naturalist Dave Sutherland will lead a winter bird watching expedition on Enchanted Mesa so you can meet these little feathered marvels. Bring binoculars, bird guides, and 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 WILL BE very slick and icy. We will meet at a secret uncrowded neighborhood access point to the busy Chautauqua area with free parking on the street. 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. Follow this link to register: https://environmentamericas.org/event/boulders-snowbirds-3/
Birdwatching for Beginners
Saturday January 31, 9 - 11:30 am
Reservations open Tuesday January 20 at 9 am
Many would-be birders are intimidated by identical little gray birds with similar names. Learn some easy tricks to tell them apart and also tips for picking the best binoculars and bird books. Birders of all abilities welcome, but it’s primarily aimed at beginners. Bring binoculars and bird guides if you have them. 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. Meet at the neighborhood access point to Shanahan Ridge on Lehigh Street (SKIP bus service) Limit: 20 participants. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/events/month/2026-01/
Owl Moon: A Night Adventure into the World of Owls
Sunday February 1, 5:30 – 7 pm
Reservations open Tuesday January 20 at 9 am
As the full moon rises over the prairie, leafless cottonwood trees become black twisted shapes against the sky. This is the world of the great horned owl -- a powerful and mysterious nocturnal predator. Naturalist Dave Sutherland will lead you into the moonlit world of owls on this easy nighttime hike. Meet at the Bobolink Trailhead on Baseline Road. Dress warmly and bring gloves. Bring flashlights just in case, but we shouldn’t need them. Also 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. Limit: 20 participants. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/february-owl-moon-a-night-adventure-into-the-world-of-owls/
Winter Telescope Party
February 13 / 14/ 15, 7:00 pm — until everyone gets cold and leaves
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 poet Robert Frost wrote, “You know Orion always comes up sideways. Throwing a leg up over our fence of mountains.” In February this most recognizable constellation glitters with distant stellar jewels like the spectacular Orion and Horsehead Nebuale. We’ll check out Jupiter and its moons, plus a supernova remnant that is all that’s left of a massive star that blew itself apart. 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. Email Dave to sign up: dsutherland4747@gmail.com
The Hawk Walk
Sunday February 22, 9 am -11:30 am
Reservations open Monday Feb 9 at 9 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 approx address 5797 51st Street Boulder) 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/february-hawk-walk-a-winter-morning-with-boulders-birds-of-prey/
Birdwatching for Kids & Families
Saturday February 28, 10 am – noon
Reservations open Monday Feb 9 at 9 am
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. Limit: 20. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/february-birdwatching-for-kids-families/
Owl Moon: A Night Adventure into the World of Owls
Tuesday March 3, 6:30 – 8 pm
Reservations open Tuesday February 17 at 9 am
As the full moon rises over the prairie, leafless cottonwood trees become black twisted shapes against the sky. This is the world of the great horned owl -- a powerful and mysterious nocturnal predator. Naturalist Dave Sutherland will lead you into the moonlit world of owls on this easy nighttime hike. Meet at the Bobolink Trailhead on Baseline Road. Dress warmly and bring gloves. Bring flashlights just in case, but we shouldn’t need them. Also 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. Limit: 20 participants. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/march-owl-moon-a-night-adventure-into-the-world-of-owls/
The Duck Walk: Waterfowl Watching
Saturday March 7, 7:30 - 10:30 a.m
Reservations open Monday February 23 at 9 am
If you loved the Hawk walk, just wait for the Duck Walk! When spring springs, thousands of water birds leave their southern homes for the breeding grounds of the north. Many stop over at Walden Ponds. Join naturalist Dave Sutherland for this early morning hike to spy on migrating ducks, geese and shore birds. Meet at Walden Ponds, north of Valmont on 75th St. (Please don't go to the adjacent Sawhill Ponds!) Bring gloves, binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. Birdwatchers of all abilities welcomed, but beginners are cherished. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Limit: 20. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/march-duck-walk-waterfowl-watching/
The Duck Walk: Waterfowl Watching
Saturday March 14, 7:30 - 10:30 a.m
Reservations open Monday March 2 at 9 am
If you loved the Hawk walk, just wait for the Duck Walk! When spring springs, thousands of water birds leave their southern homes for the breeding grounds of the north. Many stop over at the ponds of Pella Crossing. Join naturalist Dave Sutherland for this early morning hike to spy on migrating ducks, geese and shore birds. Meet at Pella Crossing Open Space between Lyons and Longmont (you’ll get a map in your confirmation) Bring gloves, binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. Birdwatchers of all abilities welcomed, but beginners are cherished. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Limit: 20. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/duck-walk-waterfowl-watching-longmont/
Duck Duck Goose! Birdwatching Fun for Families
Sunday March 15, 10 - 11 am
Reservations open Monday March 2 at 9 am
Join us for a fun and informative winter bird walk designed just for kids and families! Led by community naturalist Dave Sutherland, this playful program introduces young birders to some of the most familiar feathered friends in our neighborhoods: ducks, geese, and other backyard birds you can spot all winter long. Together, we’ll explore their differences, discover how to identify them, and learn what makes each species special. After our mini birding adventure, kids can jump into a round of games like Duck, Duck, Goose, Migration Hopscotch and Bird Songs Mayhem to connect movement with nature learning. Come ready to explore, play, and meet the birds that share our community! This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Limit: 20
Perfect for children of all ages and their grown-ups. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/duck-duck-goose-birdwatching-fun-for-families/
Equinox Telescope Party: Galaxy Quest
March 19 / 20 / 21, 8:45 pm — until everyone gets cold and leaves
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.
Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is vast beyond your wildest dreams. It contains hundreds of BILLIONS of stars.. Yet it is just one of countless teaming galaxies that speckle the universe like snowflakes, extending off into the distance beyond the reach of our very best telescopes. Join community naturalist Dave Sutherland for a mind-bending journey to visit these faint, remote cities of stars. We’ll look at colliding galaxies and graceful spirals (and throw in some favorite objects too, like Jupiter and its moon and the Orion Nebula) 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. Email Dave to sign up: dsutherland4747@gmail.com
The Duck Walk: Waterfowl Watching
Saturday April 4, 8:30 - 10:30 am
When spring springs, thousands of water birds leave their southern homes for the breeding grounds of the north. Many stop over in Superior’s lakes and ponds. Join naturalist Dave Sutherland for this early morning hike to spy on migrating ducks, geese and shore birds. Bring gloves, binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. Birdwatchers of all abilities welcomed, but beginners are cherished. This program is sponsored by Environment for the Americas and is free and open to everyone. Meet at Purple Park in Superior (1310 S. Pitkin Ave.) Limit 15. Sign up with Superior Open Space here: https://secure.rec1.com/CO/superior-co/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM5MTYyNDY=