Image of Visit COS Award with Bear Creek Nature Center in the background

All programs require pre-registration. Please call the 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

Mindfulness Photography Workshop

Saturday, May 7, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Practice slowing down and bringing awareness to the present moment to enhance your creativity and nature photography skills with award[1]winning photographer Mike Pach of 3 Peaks Photography & Design and Forest Therapy Guide Summer Lajoie of Listening Pines. Prepaid registration required. $30 per person

Nature’s Classroom: Incredible Insects

Tuesday, May 10, 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! Puppet show, guided hike and catch/release of live insects provide opportunities to learn about life cycles and importance of insects. Geared towards grades 1-3. Prepaid registration required. $4 per person.

Nature’s Classroom: Foothills Field Experience

Tuesday, May 24, 1:00 – 3:30 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! Experience the foothills habitats and learn about the importance of CO natural resources while rotating through four multi-disciplinary activities, recording observations along the way. Geared towards grades 5-8. Children (grades 5-8) can be dropped off. Prepaid registration required. $4 per person.

Kids’ Morning Out: The Afterlife Decomposers and Scavengers

Saturday, May 28, 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Drop your child (ages 6-12) off at Bear Creek for the morning where they will learn about the fascinating and important world of decomposers and scavengers through outdoor explorations, games, puppetry and hands-on activities. Lunch included. Prepaid registration required. $20 per child /$15 per member child

May Forest Bathing Walk

Saturday, May 28, 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

Other El Paso County Programs

Night Sky/Milky Way Photography Workshops at the Paint Mines

Friday, Thursday, May 5, 9:00 p.m.- Friday, May 6, 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

Seventh Annual Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival

Friday-Sunday, May 13 -15

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. Registration open at: www.pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org

FREE Archery Day at Bear Creek Regional Park Archery Range

Saturday, May 28, 10:00 – 3:00 p.m.

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. Wear close toed shoes and no long sleeve shirts. Open to adults and children over 6