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 12+ to assist with nature camps*, special events, gardening and more. *Must be 14+ to help with nature camps. 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.
JULY 2008
Bugs and Birds Camps, B2 (FULL)
June 16-20, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
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 (FULL! Overflow class Friday, July 18, 10-11 a.m.)
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 MOVED TO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 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)