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El Paso County’s Fountain Creek Nature Center and Bear Creek Nature Center announce the events and activities for January 2019 which includes: a bird count, night photography, hikes, volunteer orientations and a celebration of the new exhibits at Bear Creek Nature Center.

Fountain Creek Nature Center

320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817

719-520-6745, www.ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Nature Adventures: Nature’s Music Makers

Thursday, January 3, 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.

Morning Hike & Campfire

Saturday, January 5, 10-11:30 a.m.

Start the new year off right by joining us for a short winter hike, followed by a campfire, songs, stories, and of course s’mores! $3/member, $4/non-member.

2s and 3s Outdoors: Nature’s Shapes Scavenger Hunt

Thursday, January 10, 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.

Fountain Creek Winter Bird Count

Saturday, January 12, 8:30-11:00 a.m.

Beginning to advanced birders are invited to observe and record the numbers of bird species and populations found in Fountain Creek Regional Park. $5/person. Reservations required.

Wolf Moon Hike

Saturday, January 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Oooow! How did the different moon phases get their names and what causes their phases? Join a naturalist for an indoor discussion and an outdoor guided hike on an easy, moonlit trail testing your nocturnal animal knowledge along the way. Dress for the weather. $3/member, $4/nonmember.

Live Birds of Prey!

Saturday, January 26, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Learn about hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and vultures through a live birds of prey program with Nature & Wildlife Recovery Center. The presentation includes two different birds of prey, raptor adaptations, predator/prey relationships, natural history, personal stories of the birds presented, and our work to rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey. $4/member, $5/nonmember. Donations appreciated for the birds.

Bear Creek Nature Center

245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

719-520-6387, www.ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

New Year’s New Exhibits Celebration!

Saturday, January 5, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Join us for this free event as we celebrate the new year with our brand new exhibits at Bear Creek Nature Center! We will have presentations from Colorado Parks & Wildlife on the greenback cutthroat trout, live animals with Pikes Peak Community College, puppet shows, a scavenger hunt (with prizes!), live music, and free pizza provided by Papa Murphy’s!

Active Adults Hike: Bear Creek Nature Center & Regional Trails

Saturday, January 5, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Let’s get moving to start the new year! 3-4 mile hike of the Bear Creek Nature Center Trails & Regional Trails. Some elevation gain. Option to bring lunch to enjoy in the warmth of the nature center after hiking. $3 per member/$4 per nonmember

Aiken Audubon Monthly Program: Topic TBD

Wednesday, January 16, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Free monthly Aiken Audubon meeting and educational program. Free and open to the public. Social & refreshments at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m.

Engaging the Senses Through Nature and Art

Saturday, January 19, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

An intergenerational (ages 10 and up) adventure including simple mindfulness exercise & guided hike, culminating in fun-filled art-making with Joanna Bolek, artist-in-residence for the Pikes Peak Library District. All materials provided. No art experience necessary. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Prepaid registration required. $10 per member/$15 per nonmember.

Nature Explorers: Who Hibernates Here?

Wednesday & Thursday, January 23 & 24, 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: Who’s Here in Winter?

Wednesday & Thursday, January 30 & 31, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. (Wed. only)

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.

El Paso County Nature Centers Volunteer Orientation

Saturday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Attend this orientation session to learn more about becoming a volunteer with El Paso County Nature Centers – an engaging and rewarding experience! Applicants must be 18 or older. Contact Paula at 719-520-6387 or bcfcvolunteers@gmail.com

Night Sky Photography Lecture

Tuesday, January 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Join us for a presentation on photographing the stars and the Milky Way given by photographer Mike Pach. Discussion will include tips, techniques and recommended camera gear for capturing images of the night sky. $5 per member/$6 per nonmember.