Bear Creek Nature Center
The Bear Creek Nature Center is located in the western portion of the Bear Creek Regional Park at 245 Bear Creek Road, near 26th Street and Lower Gold Camp Road.
Hike the foothills, search for mule deer, and discover Bear Creek! Scrub oak thicket, ponderosa pine forests, meadows, a mountain creek, and abundant foothills wildlife attract children and adults to Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center. Interpretive programs, special events, guided and self-guided tours, and media presentations are offered all year.
Outside, two miles of self-guiding nature trails wind through the short grass prairie, scrub oak woodlands and cottonwood riparian communities. The nature trails are for "foot traffic only" and pets are prohibited. The regional trails are open to hiking, horseback riding, and pets on a leash.
VOLUNTEER IN PARKS - WE NEED YOU!!
Interpretive volunteer naturalists are a vital part of the many services offered in our parks and nature centers. Volunteers assist interpretive staff in providing visitors with opportunities to appreciate and enjoy our valuable natural, cultural, and outdoor recreation resources.
- Environmental Education Program Leaders
- Public Program Assistant Leaders
- Visitor Information Specialists
- Special Event and Project Leaders
- Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here for information on our adult and teen opportunities, benefits, and more!
Youth Volunteer Program
Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers are seeking Youth Volunteers ages 13+ to assist with nature camps, special events, gardening and more. Learn new skills, have fun, and serve the community! Contact nature center for an application.
NATURE CENTER MEMBERSHIPS
We invite you to play an important role in ensuring a strong future for Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers. Your membership will provide advocacy for stewardship, education, and outdoor recreation. Your membership will also fund educational programs, exhibits, and projects.
For information about Nature Center Membership, download and print the: Annual Nature Center Membership Form
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Nature Camp Buddies |
Classical Strings |
Teamwork |
No Child Left Inside!
Restore the bond between children and nature! We never outgrow our need to play outdoors and all El Paso County Nature Center programs provide that opportunity. Research shows physical and mental health are directly linked to experiences in nature. Dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to connecting children of all ages to the natural world.
Naturalist Notes Nature Center Newsletter
Bear Creek Nature Center Programs
245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Phone: 520-6387 All programs meet at the Nature Center unless indicated otherwise. To reach the Center from the intersection of I-25 and Highway 24, go west on Highway 24 to 26th Street, proceed south on 26th Street to Bear Creek Road.
Hours of Operation:
Bear Creek Nature Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ATTENTION TEACHERS!
On-site field trips and in-school outreach programs available. Field trips fill quickly, so sign up EARLY! Check out our programs here.
HAVE A WILD BIRTHDAY PARTY!
Celebrate your birthday at a nature center, where the wild things are! Up to 30 children, ages 4-12, will enjoy an hour-long, naturalist-led program, and then spend an hour partying in the program room. ($75.00 for the first 12 children, $5.00 per child thereafter) Call Bear Creek 520-6387 or Fountain Creek 520-6745 to reserve your party.
MAY 2008
Little Wonders: Wonderful Water (FULL - Overflow class added Thurs. May 8, 2:00-3:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 6, 2:00 - 3:00 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. ($2.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Spring Night Hike
Friday, May 9, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy the trails of Bear Creek Park during the evening hours. On a moderate hike, the sounds and silhouettes of the dark will be revealed. ($2.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Touch the Earth: Live Llamas FULL!
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Find out what owners of Touch the Earth Ranch do with their llamas. Meet these curious and friendly animals during an indoor talk, then walk with them outside on the trails. ($5.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Bear Creek Nature Explorers: Musical Messages of Birds
Thursday, May 15, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. or 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Children, ages 4-5 with an adult, enjoy hands-on nature activities, puppet shows, crafts, and a hike on the trails. ($3.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Spring Bird Count
Saturday, May 17, 7:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Bird enthusiasts of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this quarterly bird count in Bear Creek Park. Refreshments afterward. (FREE, reservations required, 520-6387)
Spring Dog Walk
Saturday, May 24, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Bring your socialized pooch for a quick doggie slide show, hike, and a visit with Beary the Bear Creek Bear. BYO camera and leash, treats provided. ($3.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Spring Wildflower Walk
Saturday, May 31
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (all ages);
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (ages 12+ only, please)
Discover beautiful spring wildflowers that are emerging in the meadows and woodlands of the Bear Creek foothills. ($2.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
NEW! SUMMER 2008 PROGRAMS!
JUNE 2008
Animal Yuckology Camp, A1 (13 spaces left!)
June 2-6, 9:00 a.m. - Noon ($90.00, Reservations Required, 520-6387) See bottom of page for registration information.
Garden Stepping Stone Making
Saturday, June 7, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Homemade stepping stones are a great way to personalize your garden or walkway. Choose from various materials for your own creation, and enjoy a tour of the Bear Creek Xeriscape Gardens. ($5.00, Reservations Required, 520-6387)
Little Wonders: Great Grasshoppers
Tuesday June 10, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. NOTE NEW SUMMER TIME!
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. ($2.00/person, Reservations Required, 520-6387)
Guided Bike Ride: Santa Fe Trail
Saturday, June 14, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
June is Bike Month! Enjoy a ride along the Santa Fe trail with stops along the way to learn about the natural and cultural history of this historic path. Bring your own bike, helmet, water and snacks. Ages 6+ only. ($2.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Bugs and Birds Camps, B1 (10 spots left!)
June 16-20, 9:00 a.m. - Noon ($90.00, Reservations Required, 520-6387) See bottom of page for registration information.
Trouble in our Forests
Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
With recent droughts, fire suppression and beetle infestation, trouble is brewing for our homes and forests along the Front Range. City Forester Dennis Will and Firewise Program manager Chris Barth reveal how to improve the survivability of our homes and forests with potential solutions for reducing wildfire risk and treating mountain pine beetles. ($3.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Mountain, Canyon and Creek: Exploring the CO Birding Trail
June 7, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 576-2016 (State Parks pass required)
June 14, Starsmore Discovery Center, 385-6086
June 21, Bear Creek Nature Center, 520-6387
City, County, and State Parks have teamed up to offer guided walks for birders of all levels. Call site individually to reserve. 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (FREE, reservations required, 520-6387)
Summer’s Hummers
Saturday, June 21, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Join ornithologist and photographer Steve Vaughan for an indoor presentation on these teeny feathered wonders, then go outside to find them along the trails. ($3.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Little Wonders: Terrific Turtles
Tuesday, June 24, 10:00 - 11:00 a.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. ($2.00/person, reservations required, 520-6387)
Bear Creek Nature Explorers: Fun with Frogs
Thursday, June 26, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Children, ages 4-5 with an adult, will enjoy hands-on nature activities, puppet shows, crafts, and a hike. ($3.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Frog Fest Special Event
Saturday, June 28 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Frogs are in trouble. Find out what is happening, what you can do to help, and learn more about these hopping herptiles with live animals from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, exhibits, crafts, and more! ($4.00/person, reservations required, 520-6387)
JULY 2008
Little Wonders: Lovely Ladybugs
Tuesday July 1, 10:00 - 11:00 a.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. ($2.00/person, reservations required, 520-6387)
Bugs and Birds Camps, C1 (11 spots left!)
June 16-20, 9:00 a.m. - Noon ($90.00, Reservations Required, 520-6387) See bottom of page for registration information.
Free Outdoor Concert and Ice Cream
Wednesday, July 9, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy homemade ice cream and listen to the unique sounds of Colorado’s own Celtic rock band “The Indulgers” in Bear Creek Park. Everyone’s welcome to this free event kicking off Recreation and Park Month. (Free, call 520-6387 for information)
Bug Fun at Fox Run
Saturday, July 12, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Discover the micro-world of insects as you catch and release them from the meadows! Meet in small parking lot across from Pavilion 5 at Fox Run Regional Park. ($3.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Little Wonders: Furry Friends
Tuesday July 15, 10:00 - 11:00 a.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. ($2.00/person, reservations required, 520-6387)
Big Bear Day Special Event
Thursday, July 17, 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Families and groups are invited for hands-on activities, crafts, puppet shows, games, and much more. Meet Berry the Bear and wildlife experts to learn about our wild neighbors. ($3.00, Reservations req. for groups of 10+)
Full Moon Hike
Friday, July 18, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy a moderate hike on a summer evening beneath the light of a full moon. Engage your senses as you feel the cool air, listen for sounds and look for silhouettes of the night. ($2.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Summer Wildflower Walk
Saturday, July 19, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Discover the summer wildflowers coloring the landscape as we enjoy a leisurely walk along the trails of Bear Creek Park. ($2.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Bear Creek Nature Explorers: Spiders
Thursday, July 24, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Children, ages 4-5 with an adult, will enjoy hands-on nature activities, puppet shows, crafts, and a hike. ($3.00/person, reservations required, 520-6387)
Kids Night Out: Mammal Mania
Friday, July 25, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Children age 6-12 will enjoy a pizza dinner, games, crafts, activities, and a night hike focusing on our furry friends. ($12.00, RR)
Bird Banding Demonstration for Families
Saturday, July 26, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Bird enthusiasts of all ages will assist with capture, data collection, and release of live songbirds. Learn to identify species and the importance of studying them. ($3.00, RR)
Colorado Critters Camp
July 28 - August 1, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (FULL)
AUGUST 2008
Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk
Saturday, August 2, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Local herbalist, Sharon Schulman will share slides and a stroll to identify plants found in the Front Range and in your own backyard. Snacks and tasty recipes included. ($10.00; $5.00/Herb Assn. or Nature Center Members, reservations required, 520-6387)
Certified Interpretive Guide Training Workshop
Tuesday-Friday, August 5-8, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Earn professional certification as a CIG (Certified Interpretive Guide) through the National Association for Interpretation. This training is for anyone delivering programs at interpretive sites and educational facilities. (Call 520-6388 for registration and additional information. Deadline for registration is July 5.)
Music Under the Stars
Friday, August 8, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Back by demand - a great outing not to be missed! Enjoy an evening of music, stargazing hosted by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, snacks, and a campfire. (Free/Members, $5.00/Non-members. Memberships available at door for $20, reservations required, 520-6387)
Butterflies of El Paso County
Saturday, August 9, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Join local entomologist Sam Johnson to learn why El Paso County is home to more butterfly species than almost any other county in the U.S. Learn about families of butterflies, life histories, and how to identify them. Short hike to follow. ($3.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
Little Wonders: B is for Bee
Tuesday, August 12, 10:00 - 11:00 a.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. ($2.00/person, reservations required, 520-6387)
Summer Night Hike
Friday, August 15, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Who comes out after dark? Come find out as the nocturnal animals start to wake up! ($2.00 per person, reservations required, 520-6387)
Digital Macro Photo Seminar
Saturday, Aug. 16, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
International award-winning photographer Mark Kirkland discusses equipment, tactics, and do’s and don’ts of macro (close-up) wildflower and garden flower photography. BYO cameras and questions. Point and shoot and SLR photographers welcome. ($5.00, reservations required, 520-6387)
LIVE: Big Cats!
Saturday, August 23, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Big Cats of Serenity Springs will have a live mountain lion and kinkajou for you to learn about and meet. ($5.00/members, $8.00 for non-members, reservations required, 520-6387)
Little Wonders: Animal Homes
Tuesday, August 26, 10:00 - 11:00 a.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. ($2.00/person, reservations required, 520-6387)
Bear Creek Nature Explorers: Hummingbirds in Motion
Thursday, August 28, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Children, ages 4-5 with an adult, will enjoy hands-on nature activities, puppet shows, crafts, and a hike. ($3.00/person, reservations required, 520-6387)
SUMMER CAMP 2008 INFORMATION
Click here for Summer Camp Brochure and Registration Form
Bear Creek Nature Camp
“No Child Left Inside” is our campaign for 2008. We never outgrow our need to play outdoors. Research shows that human physical and mental health is directly linked to experiences in nature. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to restoring the bond between children and nature!
Camps are for children entering grades 1-5 and include naturalist-led hikes and interactive activities, puppet shows, storytelling, crafts, T-shirt, camp photo, and more.
$90 for half-day sessions; $130 for full-day sessions. Discounts and scholarships are available.
Animal Yuckology Camp: A1 June 2-6, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Bugs and Birds Camps: B1 June 16-20, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
B2 July 7-11, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Colorado Critters Camp: C1 July 28-August 1, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (FULL!)
Contact: Allison Plute 520-6972 or 520-6387
AllisonPlute@elpasoco.com