Exterior of Bear Creek Nature Center Building

All programs require pre-registration. To register, visit www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com or call 719-520-6387. In light of Covid19, programs are subject to cancellation. Please call nature center or check website for current status.

CONTACT: Mary Jo Lewis, Nature Center Supervisor

719-520-6388

maryjolewis@elpasoco.com

Bear Creek Nature Center; 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com

Pikes Peak Beekeeping School

Saturday & Sunday, April 2 & 3, 8:30 – 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/ppba-bee-school-tickets-244792680497

April Forest Bathing Walks

Saturdays, April 2 & 30, 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. Prepaid registration required. $30 per person/$20 per member

Dark Sky Workshop and Hike

Thursday, April 7, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Doug Barrett, the Southeast CO Coordinator for the International Dark Sky Association, will lead a discussion about the impacts of light pollution on birds and other wildlife and how we can help reduce light pollution. Followed by a short night hike led by nature center staff. $5 per person/$4 per member

Sustainability Series: Egg Dyeing with Natural Dyes

Saturday, April 9, 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.

We will use the bounty of nature’s color to dye eggs with plant materials. Dye and design your own take-home eggs and gain the knowledge to continue creating at home. All materials included. $10 per person/$8 per member. Prepaid registration required.

Chocolate Bunny Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 16

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.

Earth Day Story on the Trail

and Upcycled Craft

Saturday, April 23, 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Nature Walk meets story time during a self-guided children’s story while walking along a trail. Stop in the nature center afterwards for a take-home craft made with upcycled materials. FREE. Donations appreciated.

Nature’s Classroom: Colorado Wildlife Detectives

Tuesday, April 12, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
With more families schooling from home this year than ever before, this is a great chance to bring your student in to have a hands on and engaging environmental experience in nature! Students play detective in a “who-dunnit?” scenario, and hone their detective skills on a hike through different habitats, searching for signs of

life and learning about food webs. Geared towards grades 3-5. Children grades 3+ can be dropped off. Prepaid registration required. $4 per person.

Great American Cleanup

Saturday, April 30, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

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

To volunteer, please visit www.gacppp.com

Preregistration required

Other El Paso County Parks’ Programs

Night Sky/Milky Way Photography Workshop at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Friday, April 1, 9:00 p.m.- Saturday, April 2, 7:00 a.m.

This guided overnight photography workshop led by Mike Pach of 3 Peaks Photography & Design will include how to photograph the Milky Way and the stars as points of light, how to photograph star trails, light painting techniques, how to

post-process your images in Photoshop and Lightroom. Limit 6 participants.

Prepaid registration required. $300 per person. To register, call 719-520-6387

Nighttime Eggstravaganza at Fox Run Regional Park

Friday, April 15, 7:30 • 8:00 • 8:30 p.m.

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