Nature Center class logo

El Paso County’s Fountain Creek Nature Center and Bear Creek Nature Center announce the events and activities for December 2018 which includes: a bird count, candlelight walk, wagon rides, and a hike with Santa.

Fountain Creek Nature Center

320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817

719-520-6745, www.ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Nature Adventures: December Doves

Thursday, Dec. 6, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Children ages 3-6, with an adult, will enjoy hands-on activities, puppet shows or stories, crafts and a hike. $3 per person including adults & siblings. Prepaid reservations required. Limit 20 participants.

2s and 3s Outdoors: Sensory Safari

Thursday, Dec. 13, 10 – 11:15 a.m.

Explore nature with your 2 or 3 year-old through interactive activities, a story, and a short hike. $3 per person including siblings and adults. Limit 20 participants.

Nature Hike with Santa

Saturday, December 8 & 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Participate in the interactive reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” poem, and make snowflake crafts while waiting for Santa to arrive at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Then hike the nature trail with Santa to see what gifts nature gives us. $3/member, $4/non-member. Reservations required.

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

Saturday, December 8 & 15, 11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.,12:30 p.m.

Enjoy the sounds of Suffolk Punch draft horses clip-clopping down the Regional Trail with jingle bells and seasonal songs. $7/person, pre-paid reservations required. Limit 20 people per ride. Weather permitting. Sponsored by the Miller & Evans Families.

Bear Creek Nature Center

245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

719-520-6387, www.ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Updated November Event:

Active Adults Night Hike at Bear Creek Nature Center

Rescheduled for Friday, November 30, 5:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening stroll at Bear Creek Nature Center. We will search for beaver activity along Bear Creek and enjoy the sights and sounds of an easy night hike. We will finish by cooking tasty snacks over a fire. $5 per member, $6 per nonmember. Prepaid registration required. Call 719-520-6387 to register.

Screening of “Ode to Muir” – A Film by Teton Gravity Research

Wednesday, December 5, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a screening of Teton Gravity Research’s newest film “Ode to Muir”, featuring Protect Our Winters founder Jeremy Jones and two-time Olympian Elena Hight as they venture into California’s John Muir Wilderness in search of wintry adventure. $10 per member/$15 per nonmember. Cost of entry includes a free beer from Colorado Mountain Brewery and snacks! Doors at 6:00 p.m.

Bear Creek by Candlelight

Friday, December 7, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join us for Bear Creek Nature Center’s annual holiday celebration! Walk on luminary-lit trails, enjoy live music, chili dinner from Texas Roadhouse, hot chocolate, cookies, Santa Claus and festive crafts. $4 per member/$5 per nonmember.

Bear Creek Nature Center Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, December 15. Bird count: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Tally Rally: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome for the Bear Creek Regional Park portion of 2018’s Christmas Bird Count. Be prepared for cold, snow and icy trails. Afterwards, gather at Bear Creek Nature Center from 5-7 p.m. for a potluck dinner & species compilation. $5 recommended donation for birdseed & feeders.

Kids’ Morning at Bear Creek

Saturday, December 15, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Parents – enjoy a morning to yourself while your child spends the morning at Bear Creek hiking, playing games, and creating a festive ornament. Lunch included. $10 per member/$15 per nonmember child.

Nature Explorers: Coats of a Different Color

Wednesday & Thursday, December 19 & 20, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Wed. only)

Children ages 4-5 with an adult will enjoy hands-on activities, puppet shows or stories, crafts, and a hike. $3 per person including siblings & adults. Accompanying siblings under 2 free.

Little Wonders: Let’s Catch the Gingerbread Man!

Thursday, December 27, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 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. $3 per person including siblings & adults.