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Dark Skies & Deep Space: Pegasus & the Autumn Sky
RESCHEDULED Sunday October 18, 6:30 - 9:30pm
As crisp autumn nights settle in, the stars of fall take center stage. Anchored by the Great Square of Pegasus, the autumn sky offers a quieter, darker window into the universe—perfect for exploring distant galaxies and subtle constellations that shine best under dark skies. Community Naturalist Dave Sutherland joins OSMP staff and partners from the Longmont Astronomical Society, DarkSky Colorado, and the Fiske Planetarium for an evening of guided stargazing and telescope viewing beneath Boulder’s night sky. Meet the planet Saturn, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Helix Nebula and lots more mind-blowing astronomical objects. We’ll meet at the Beech Picnic Shelter north of Boulder. Reservations required - Sign up here: https://volunteer.bouldercolorado.gov/event/876704-Dark-Skies-and-Deep-Space-Pegasus-and-the-Autumn-Sky?referring_group_id=1258705&wkey=3f2e272efd92376406694d134b19e167
Fall Colors at Twin Lakes Open Space
Friday October 16, 4:30 - 6 pm (Asher Brewery extension 6 pm+)
That distinctive crisp chill in the air tells plants that it's time to slow down for the winter – with beautiful results! Join Community Naturalist Dave Sutherland to enjoy spectacular displays of colorful foliage from trees, shrubs and prairie grasses punctuated by fall wildflowers. Learn how plants and animals get ready for winter, and enjoy colors and comradeship on a low key nature stroll. Feel free to join us for an after-walk optional extension to get a beer together at Asher Brewery (4699 Nautilus Ct S) and enjoy live music by Low Key Joy. Meet at the Twin Lakes Trailhead entrance off of Nautilus Dr. No need to RSVP. Just show up! This event is free.
The Music of Landscapes
Saturday October 17, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Rich with meaning and memories, our favorite landscapes speak to us in many ways: joy, beauty, nostalgia, awe, even dissonance. How do composers capture the essence of the land in music? Join Community Naturalist Dave Sutherland for a beautiful hike to sample pre-recorded music that invokes our sense of place, including Jean Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony which will be performed live by the Boulder Philharmonic, plus Devil’s Thumb and Majesties by home-grown composers Kristin Kuster and Jeffrey Nytch. How would you express your memories of your favorite landscapes through music? Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (map search 1903 Lehigh in Boulder, where Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect). The location is served by the southbound SKIP bus. This is a free pre-concert hike for the Boulder Philharmonic’s October 23 & 24 Performances. This walk is jointly sponsored by the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and Boulder County Audubon Society. Please RSVP directly to Dave, dsutherland4747@gmail.com.
Get tickets for to the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra concert, and sign up for their newsletter, here:;
https://www.boulderphil.org/
Historic Roosa Cabin Open House!
Wednesday October 21, 11 am - 1 pm drop ins
For over a century, the mysterious little stone cabin has sat near Wood’s Quarry at the base of the Third Flatiron. Who built it and why? Who lived here? What’s on the inside? Join the cabin’s owner Regina Bock, and Community Naturalist Dave Sutherland, for an historical “Open House” to learn the answers (to the best of our knowledge) about this enigmatic little building and get a chance to see inside. No reservation necessary, just drop by between 11 am and 1 pm on the indicated day. See the map graphic for the cabin’s precise location, right on the Mesa Trail just a bit south of its junction with the Enchanted Mesa Trail. It’s about 1.5 miles one way from Chautauqua. There is no water, electricity or toilet at the cabin.
Owl Moon: Kids’ Story Time & “Owling” for Families
Sunday October 25, 6 – 7:30 pm
Jane Yolen’s beautiful book OwlMoon 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. We’ll meet at Bobolink Trailhead. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/owl-moon-kids-story-time-owling-for-families-2/
Birdwatching for Kids & Families
Sunday November 1, 10– 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 along South Boulder Creek. 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. Limit: 15. We will meet at the parking lot of Sawhill Ponds on 75th Street. Sign up here: https://environmentamericas.org/event/birdwatching-for-kids-families-4/
Teen Naturalists: Behind the Scenes at the Butterfly Pavilion
Sunday November 15, 1 - 3 pm
Go behind the scenes at the Butterfly Pavilion to learn about their collection of live invertebrates and what it takes to care for and manage living exhibits. Besides spending time in the “Wings of the Tropics” free flight rainforest, you’ll see where Rosie the Tarantula and a host of other small critters live when they are not on display. Learn where the living butterflies come from and how they are shipped to the Pavilion from all over the world. Entomologists at the Pavilion will answer your questions about spiders, insects, whip scorpions, sun spiders and more; and talk about careers in science, education, invertebrate conservation and living museums. Boulder County Audubon Society will pay admission for all teen participants. Families are welcome to join but will need to pay their own admission. The pavilion stays open until 5pm. Teens and families are welcome to remain at the pavilion after the tour. To register or for any questions, contact Dave Sutherland, dsutherland4747@gmail.com. Boulder County Audubon Society Teen Naturalist outings are open to unaccompanied students in sixth grade and up, as well as younger students accompanied by parents. New participants are welcome at any time. Follow this link to learn more about Boulder County Audubon’s Teen Naturalist program. Trip Location: Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Limit: 15