August 9, 2021 – El Paso County Recreation Services Announces Events for September and October. All programs require pre-registration. In light of Covid19, programs are subject to cancellation. Please call for current status.
CONTACT: Theresa Odello, Recreation Coordinator, 719-520-6977, theresaodello@elpasoco.com
ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com
Rainbow Falls Geology and History Talk
Friday, September 10, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Did you know that the bridge at Rainbow Falls was built during the Great Depression? Or that people come from all over the country to see the unique rock layers at the site? Register now for this informative talk by our Park Interpreters/Caretakers. Prepaid registration required: $3 for members/$4 nonmembers.
Tour of the Paint Mines Interpretative Park
Friday, September 10 at 9:30am OR Saturday, September 25 at 10am
Spend your morning learning about the Paint Mines Interpretative Park! Learn about how this park was once a lush wetland forest (can you believe it?) and how that environment created what you see today. Pre-registration required for this informative walk by our Park Interpreters/Caretakers. $5 per person: call 719-520-7880 to register.
Rainbow Falls Geology Walk
Saturday, September 18, 8:30 a.m.
Join Professor Mark Izold, Pikes Peak Community College Geology, and discover the rich geologic history of the area. We will see the Great Unconformity and hear about the Cambrian and Ordovician time periods and evidence for life found in the strata. $3 per member, $4 non-member, pre-registration required.
Rainbow Falls Volunteer Day: Weed Removal
Friday, September 24, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Spend a morning giving back to your community by helping clean up the weeds at Rainbow Falls. Be sure to dress appropriately, bring a water bottle and work gloves if you have them. All are welcome: call 719-520-6977 to RSVP.
National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day!
Saturday, October 2, 9:00 am – 11:00 am, at Fox Run Regional Park
National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day will include a skills clinic, guided trail rides, trail etiquette information, and a free raffle. All ages are welcome: from tots on stride bikes to teens. Riders just need a working bike and helmet to participate. Free! Pre-Registration required. https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/take-kid-mountain-biking/
Photography Opportunity at Rainbow Falls
Monday, October 11, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Come to check out Rainbow Falls Historic Site through a different view: your camera! Learn tips and suggestions from Mike Pach of 3 Peaks Photography & Design and get a chance to take pictures of this site unobscured by visitors. $20 per person, for adults 18 and over. Pre-registration required.
First Aid, CPR, AED Classes
Tuesday, October 19, 6:00 to 7:45 p.m., Bear Creek Nature Center
This American Red Cross course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. The blended learning course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. Participants must be 16 years or older: $75, prepaid registration required. Private classes are also offered for groups of 3-4 people: call for information.
Scarecrow Contest!
Saturday, October 30, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Fountain Creek Nature Center
Sign up to reserve your family’s spot in our Scarecrow Contest! We will provide the frame and hay, and you bring the clothes and props from home. After building your scarecrow, it will be put on display while you enjoy fun fall activities and crafts. Everyone who attends will get a chance to vote on their favorite scarecrows displayed on site! Voting will close at 7:30 pm. Prizes will be given for the top three scarecrows! $15 per scarecrow.
50k for 50 Years Hiking Series
Take the pledge to hike 50k to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of El Paso County Parks! Register on-line to either join us or complete the hikes on your own. Those that complete the entire 50k challenge will get a commemorative neck gaiter and entered in a raffle for additional prizes.
September 17, 14k hike at Pineries Open Space
November 20, 5k hike at Kane Ranch Open Space