For more information on programs and activities contact: Ryan Dorough, Recreation Program Planner, 719-520-6977, ryandorough@elpasoco.com

Special Events:

Boots In the Park

El Paso County Fair and Events Center

Saturday, March 11, 6:30-10:00 PM

Please join us for our annual fundraiser at the El Paso County Fair & Events Center. A fun Casino Night filled with games, prizes, music, and food. Funds raised through our Boots in the Park Casino Night go directly back to the Fair & Events Center in the form of Facility Improvements, Fair Entertainment, 4-H Programming, Community Partnerships, and Year-Round Programming. Ticket price includes $100 in casino chips per person, entertainment, music, dancing, appetizers, and a dessert buffet. $40/Individual Player Pkg, $75/2 Player Pkg, $300/Table Sponsor. Call 719-520-7887 or go to elpasocountyfair.com

EGGStravaganza

Fox Run Regional Park

Friday, April 7, 7:45PM • 8:00PM • 8:15PM • 8:30PM

Egg hunts aren’t just for young children! Join us for a glow in the dark egg hunt at Fox Run Regional Park. Work with your team of 2-6 people to find eggs that will contain the answers you need to win a prize! Recommended ages 8+. Prepaid registration required for specific start time. $5 per person/ $4 per member elpasocountynaturecenters.com

Great American Cleanup

Falcon-Rock Island Trailhead

Saturday, April 15, 9:00 – 11:00 AM

Join us in Falcon in this effort to complete cleanup projects at parks, trails, creeks, and roadways.

To volunteer at the Falcon location, please email ryandorough@elpasoco.com to volunteer.

Night Disc Golf

Widefield Community Park & Disc Golf Course

Friday, May 12, 8:00-10:30 PM

Join us on a dark evening for some disc golf after dark at Widefield Community Park. We will be having a non-competitive shotgun start playing 18 holes of nighttime glow disc golf. Bring your own equipment and we will provide the course lights! Prior disc golf playing experience is suggested. Prepaid registration required, $5/person, $4/Member & Military elpasocountynaturecenters.com

Family Fun Day

Fountain Creek Nature Center and Park

Saturday, May 6, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Explore outdoor activity stations including puppet shows, dinosaur fossils, bug sweeps, kite making, pond critters, crafts, and more. Free slice of pizza for all registered participants from Papa Murphy’s.

FREE to active-duty military families with I.D. Reservations recommended. $5 per person/$4 per member. elpasocountynaturecenters.com

FREE Archery Day

Bear Creek Regional Park Archery Range

Saturday, May 13, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Make a free appointment to try archery! USA certified coaches from the Archery School of the Rockies will walk you through the basics: all equipment provided. Open to adults and children over 6. Pre-registration required. Space Limited. elpasocountynaturecenters.com

Eighth Annual Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival

Thursday-Sunday, May 18-21

Discover new birds when you register for the local festival that promotes conservation and education, building upon the natural and agricultural heritage resources of the Pikes Peak Region. Choose from over 30 field trips and activities. Register at pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org

PROGRAMS:

Wilderness Courses

Bear Creek Nature Center

Thursdays, 6:00 -8:30 PM

Intro To Wilderness Survival-Thursday, April 13

Intro To Navigation and Map Reading- Thursday, May 4

It is always a great time to learn to be prepared! Come out to Bear Creek Nature Center to learn about how to survive and thrive in the wilderness. Learn the basics of wilderness survival and wilderness navigation in this two-part series. These hands-on instructional courses are facilitated by professional instructors from The Survival University. This series is intended for participants ages 13 and older. Pre-registration required, $30/person/course elpasocountynaturecenters.com or call 719-520-6977

Archery Camps

Bear Creek Regional Park

Tuesday-Thursdays (Various Dates Starting May 30)

Join one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports! Bear Creek Regional Park has a series of archery camps. USA-certified archery coaches will lead a fun interactive camp to learn basic archery skills. Coaches teach the system that the Olympic team uses with a step-by-step approach to develop the individual’s skills at their own pace. Registration includes one free lesson at Archery School of the Rockies. This camp is appropriate for all skill levels and all archery equipment is provided. $110/camp session. Prepaid registration required elpasocountynaturecenters.com