Pre-registration is required for most programs. General cancellation policy: No refunds are given for public program registrations unless the program is cancelled by the Nature Centers.

Upcoming Programs & Events at the Nature Centers

Bear Creek Nature Center Logo

245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
719-520-6387

Nature’s Classroom: Discover Bear Creek

Tuesday, March 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

puppet show and discovery hike give children the opportunity to learn about and fine-tune their senses. Geared towards Pre-K and Kindergarten. $4/person, prepaid registration required

Bear Creek Garden Association: Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop

Saturday, March 11, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Taught by experienced gardeners from Bear Creek Garden Association. Topics include: starting vegetable plants indoors, best vegetable varieties, organic pest control and fertilizers, plant protection, and square foot gardening. For information about the community garden in Bear Creek Park, see: www.bearcreekgardens.org
$4 per person/$3 per member

Sustainability Series: Bringing Back a Native- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Black-Footed Ferret Breed & Release Program

Wednesday, March 15, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of 6 facilities breeding & reintroducing North America’s only ferret. The black-footed ferret was considered extinct until it was rediscovered in 1981. CM Zoo has been restoring this species to the short-grass prairies since 1991. New knowledge has been gained about the prairie ecosystem and the survival of the ferret. Join us in learning about the many challenges faced in the breeding program and in the wild.Prepaid registration required, $5 per person/$4 per member

Nature’s Classroom: Bear Creek Rocks

Thursday, March 16, 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Compare geologic timelines and conduct sediment tests to learn about the magnitude of geologic forces at work in and around Colorado Springs. Geared towards grades 5-8. Children (grades 5-8) can be dropped off. $4/person, prepaid registration required

Pikes Peak Beekeeping Association– Beekeeping School

Saturday & Sunday, March 18 & 19, 8:30 a.m.- 3:45 p.m.

This two-day seminar covers all aspects of beekeeping in the Pikes Peak region: how to acquire bees, equipment, bee biology and management through the seasons. All lectures are presented by local beekeepers with years of collective knowledge. Book ‘First Lessons in Beekeeping’ included. $65 per person
Register via Eventbrite at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-ppba-bee-school-tickets-502854660827

March Forest Bathing Walk

Saturday, March 18, 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Experience the therapeutic practice of Shinrinyoku and awaken your senses with a slow, mindful walk through the woods and a beautiful tea ceremony. More info at: www.listeningpines.com
$30 per person/ $20 per member. Prepaid registration required.

Nature Explorers: Towhee Tap Dance

Wednesday, March 22 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 23 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Children, ages 4-5 with an adult, will enjoy hands-on activities, puppet shows or stories, crafts, and a hike. $3 per person including siblings and adults. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Little Wonders- Dear Deer

Wednesday, March 23, 10:00-11:15 a.m.
Wednesday, March 23, 1:00-2:15 p.m.

Discover the world of nature with your 2 or 3 year-old. Interactive activities and a short hike make this the perfect introduction to the outdoors for your child. Child must be accompanied by an adult. $3 per person including siblings and adults. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Nature’s Classroom: Foothills Habitats

Tuesday, April 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

A puppet show followed by a discovery hike through 3 habitats, observing, comparing and contrasting each.
Geared towards Grades 1-2. $4/person, prepaid registration required

Chocolate Bunny Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 8, 9-10 a.m. • 11 -12 p.m. • 1-2 p.m. • 3-4 p.m.

Join the Bunny Guide to search for eggs along the trail and exchange your finds for a chocolate bunny! Fun and educational. Ages 2+ $6 per person/$5 per member. Prepaid registration required

Adult Wilderness Courses

Intro to Wilderness Survival
Wednesday, April 13, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Intro to Navigation & Map Reading
Wednesday, May 4, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

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. Ages 13+. $30/person.

Great American Cleanup

Saturday, April 15, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 15, 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Join the community in this effort to complete cleanup projects at parks, trails, creeks, and roadways. Bear Creek Nature Center will be clearing trails of downed trees and conducting fire mitigation.
To volunteer, please email kyleetaylor2@elpasoco.com
Pre-registration required

April Forest Bathing Walk

Saturday, April 15, 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Experience the therapeutic practice of Shinrinyoku and awaken your senses with a slow, mindful walk through the woods and a beautiful tea ceremony. More info at: www.listeningpines.com
$30 per person/ $20 per member. Prepaid registration required.

Nature Explorers: Bat-tastic

Wednesday, April 19 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 19, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Children, ages 4-5 with an adult, will enjoy hands-on activities, puppet shows or stories, crafts, and a hike. $3 per person including siblings and adults. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Kids’ Morning Out: Minecraft

Saturday, April 22, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Caregivers, drop off your child (ages 7-12) for a morning exploring the world of Minecraft! We’ll be searching for resources in our foothills biome, doing fun activities, and of course, crafting! Lunch included. Prepaid registration required
$25 per person, $20 per member

Little Wonders- Colors of Spring

Wednesday, April 26, 10:00-11:15 a.m.
Wednesday, April 26, 1:00-2:15 p.m.

Discover the world of nature with your 2 or 3 year-old. Interactive activities and a short hike make this the perfect introduction to the outdoors for your child. Child must be accompanied by an adult. $3 per person including siblings and adults. Preregistration and prepayment required.

Birding 101 with Aiken Audubon

Thursday, April 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m. &
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Join us for a two-part session for Beginning Birders! Aiken Audubon leaders will teach about bird identification, behavior and habitats, birding ethics, and choices for binoculars, scopes and field guides. Pre-registration required. $10 per person for both classes, $8 per member.

Fountain Creek Logo

320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817
719-520-6745

Nature Adventures: X Marks the Spot

Thursday, March 2, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Friday, March 3, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

$3 per person including siblings and adults. Children ages 3-6, with an adult, will enjoy puppet shows or stories, crafts, hands-on activities, and discovery time on the trail.

Twos & Threes Outdoors: Snow Science

Thursday, March 9, 10:00-11:15 a.m.
Friday, March 10, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Explore nature with your 2 or 3 year old through interactive activities a story and a short hike. $3 per person including siblings and adults.

Building for the Birds

Saturday, March 11, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Build a nesting box for common backyard birds, learn who they are and their calls. An adult able to handle tools must accompany children. Bring a hammer and pliers if you have them. Other materials provided. Prepaid registration required. $12 per kit/$10 per member kit

Adult Birding Club

Begins March 16

One Year * Twelve Classes * Twelve Field Trips
Become a more confident birder over the next year by slowly learning details, tips, and tricks each month! You’ll get outside and move more, see more, and feel accomplished. At the end of our club year, participants attending at least 18 meetings will receive a certificate. Classroom sessions will be held in-person at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Field trips will be at various places in El Paso County. Limited capacity, prepaid registration required
$250 for non-members, $220 for members

Trailability Volunteer Training

Saturday, March 18, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

El Paso County Nature Centers use Terrain Hopper vehicles to provide trail access to those with disabilities. Volunteers help us enable a community with physical limitations to have access to trails and natural resources that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience- how meaningful and satisfying! Trainings will include topics such as Terrain Hopper operation, customer service and program etiquette, and pre-determined trail routes. Pre-registration is required for training classes. To register, contact Jessica Miller at jessicamiller@elpasoco.com/ 719-520-6765

Kids Outdoor Survival Skills Series

Saturday, March 18, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Shelter Building
Saturday, March 25, 1:00-3:00 p.m.- Knots & Lashing

Gain confidence and skills in the outdoors with your children this spring! Whether you’re headed out for an afternoon hike or a big camping trip, having some survival skills up your sleeve prepares you for a good time outside. After all, amazing outdoor adventures abound in Colorado! This series is designed to teach children 5 to 10 years old. $145 per child for all 6 classes or $30 per child per class. A parent must accompany each party and are free. Additional adults, please consider a donation.
Other classes include:
Saturday, April 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m.- Water Filtration
Saturday, April 22, 1:00-3:00 p.m.- Backcountry Cooking
Saturday, April 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m.- Maps and Compass
Saturday, May 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Basic First Aid

Springing Back to Life

Saturday, March 25, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

After a long winter, March ushers in a season of growth and a time of new beginnings. Flowers begin to sprout, buds open on trees, migratory birds return, and many babies are born. Come explore with us as we observe nature Springing Back to Life.
Prepaid registration required. $5 per person/$4 per member

Homeschool Fridays: Walk the Wetlands

Friday, March 31, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

The Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area is a special place, providing habitats for many plants and animals. Students will use their senses to explore this wetland environment and consider the adaptations of the plants and animals seen along the way; Program consists of introductory puppet show, animal adaptations inquiry activity, Exhibit Room discovery, and guided hike. Grades K-2. $4 per person. Prepaid registration required.

Nature Adventures: Rabbits Don’t Lay Eggs

Thursday, April 6, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Friday, April 7, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

$3 per person including siblings and adults. Children ages 3-6, with an adult, will enjoy puppet shows or stories, crafts, hands-on activities, and discovery time on the trail.

Chocolate Bunny Walk & Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 8, 9-10 a.m. • 11-12 p.m. • 1-2 p.m.

Meet a live rabbit, learn about rabbits via a fun, interactive slide show, then hunt for eggs as you hike through the woods. For children ages 2-10 with an adult. Prepaid registration required. $6 per person/$5 per member

Twos & Threes Outdoors: Who’s Egg is it Anyway?

Thursday, April 13, 10:00-11:15 a.m.
Friday, April 14, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Explore nature with your 2 or 3 year old through interactive activities a story and a short hike. $3 per person including siblings and adults.

Great American Cleanup

Saturday, April 15, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Join the community in this effort to complete cleanup projects at parks, trails, creeks, and roadways. To volunteer, please email jessicamiller@elpasoco.com All ages welcome! Preregistration required

Junior Bird Club

Saturday, April 15, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Nature lovers ages 8 to 15 are invited to spend time together outdoors and practice their birding skills! In this meeting, we will learn about the very first birds… yeah, this one is 66 million years in the making! Lesson, craft, & birding walk included. $10 per meeting. Prepaid registration required.

Kids Outdoor Survival Skills Series

Saturday, April 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m.- Water Filtration
Saturday, April 22, 1:00-3:00 p.m.- Backcountry Cooking
Saturday, April 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m.- Maps and Compass

Gain confidence and skills in the outdoors with your children this spring! Whether you’re headed out for an afternoon hike or a big camping trip, having some survival skills up your sleeve prepares you for a good time outside. After all, amazing outdoor adventures abound in Colorado! This series is designed to teach children 5 to 10 years old. $145 per child for all 6 classes or $30 per child per class. A parent must accompany each party and are free. Additional adults, please consider a donation.
Other classes include:
Saturday, May 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Basic First Aid

Bunco at Fountain Creek Nature Center

Friday, April 21, Starts at 5:00 p.m.

Join us for an evening of excitement, laughs, and rolling dice. We will provide the dice, score cards, nacho bar, and prizes. This Bunco party is for everyone ages 13 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult but can venture on their own during game play. Pre-registration required, $8 per person

Children’s Mindfulness Series

Saturdays, April 22 & April 29, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Introduce your child to mindfulness with Mighty Mindful Kids at the Nature Center! We’ll learn about what it means to be mindful, how using our 5 senses helps us to be present, as well as how we can use meditation to handle big emotions. There will be interactive activities as well as a fun craft. Ideal for children ages 5-10. Each class in this 2-part series will be unique but will also build on each other. Prepaid registration required. $30 per child/ $20 per member child. Sign up for both classes & receive $10 off the total!
A parent must accompany each party and are free. Additional adults, please consider a donation.

Homeschool Fridays: Discover Wetlands

Friday, April 28, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

We’ll explore the communities of creek, woodland, meadow, marsh, and pond. Students will learn about living organisms, how they interact with one another, discover differences between living and non-living things, producers, consumers and decomposers. The program consists of a video, wetland metaphor activity, Exhibit Room discovery and guided hike featuring a pond study of macro invertebrates living in the water. Grades 3-6. $4 per person. Preregistration required.

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

Friday, April 28, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Join author Patricia Meredith for a presentation about a facsimile of Edith Holden’s original diary which includes paintings and nature observations from the 1900s. Afterwards, gain inspiration from nature for a diary of your own during a guided hike. Bring a notebook to record observations. Recommended for ages 12+
$5 per person. Prepaid registration required.

Pre-registration is required for most programs. Space may be limited. General cancellation policy: No refunds are given for public program registrations unless the program is cancelled by the Nature Centers. In the case of severe or dangerous weather staff may deem the conditions unsafe and may reschedule or cancel an event or program. All refunds will be paid by check. Check refunds may take 3-4 weeks to process.