photo image of the front of the Bear Creek Nature Center

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

All programs require pre-registration. To register, visit www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com. Please check website for current status.


Creek Week at Bear Creek

Saturday, October 7, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

It’s the cleanup’s 10 year anniversary, so make history with us as we clean the trails, woods, and creek in the park. Bear Creek Nature Center will be clearing trails of downed trees and conducting fire mitigation. To volunteer, please email kyleetaylor2@elpasoco.com Find more information at www.fountain-crk.org

Pre-registration required. FREE


October Forest Bathing

Wednesday, October 4, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 14, 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


Boo! at Bear Creek

Friday, October 20, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Traverse the trails at Bear Creek Nature Center, meeting creepy creatures along the way that will unravel and dispel myths about things that go bump in the night. Preregister for specific times.

Recommended for ages 7+.

$8 per person/ $7 per member includes spooky educational trail walk, meeting live crawly critters, and a craft.


Lil’ Pumpkins Boo Bash

Saturday, October 21, 10:00-11:15 a.m. // 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Caregivers, bring your “lil’ pumpkins” to Bear Creek Nature Center for an easy guided walk by “The Keepers of the Woods” to learn about some of nature’s “creepy” creatures. Costumes encouraged!

Educational Halloween fun geared towards children 3+.

$5 per person. Prepaid registration required.


Nature’s Classroom- Discover Bear Creek

Tuesday, October 10, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Homeschooling families, join Bear Creek Naturalists for a field trip to fine tune your senses on a discovery hike. Geared for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Must have accompanying adult.

$4 per person. Prepaid registration required.


Nature’s Classroom- Foothills Habitats

Tuesday, October 24, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Homeschooling families, join Bear Creek Naturalists for a field trip as we hike through Bear Creek’s three habitats to compare and contrast each. Geared towards Grades 1-2. Children at least 6 years old can be dropped off.

$4 per person. Prepaid registration required.


Little Wonders- Let’s Get Squirrely

Wednesday, October 18, 9:00-10:15 a.m. and 1:00-2:15 p.m.

Discover the world of nature with your 2 or 3 year old

Prepaid registration required

$3/person including siblings and adults


Nature Explorers- Pumpkins Math

Wednesday, October 25, 9:00-10:30 a.m. and 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Discover the world of nature with your 4 or 5 year old

Prepaid registration required

$3/person including siblings and adults


Full Moon Photography Workshop at Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Friday, October 27, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Join award-winning photographer Mike Pach for a guided photo shoot to capture the full moon (weather permitting!) rising over the Paint Mines. Bring your camera, tripod, telephoto and wide-angle lenses.

$20 per person, limited space. Prepaid registration required.


Painting at the Paint Mines

Saturday, October 14, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Paint at the Paint Mines with Karen Storm, an award winning plein air artist from the Pike’s Peak Region. Participants may bring their medium of choice (acrylic, oil, pastel, etc.) and join Karen in a demonstration and painting time. Budding and experienced artists alike are invited to this relaxing event to paint the beautiful and dynamic landscape found at the Paint Mines. Bonus: a partial eclipse will also be taking place! Participants will meet at 29950 Paint Mine Rd in Calhan, CO.

Limited capacity program. Prepaid registration required.

$30 per person. Must provide your own medium, canvas, brushes, and optional easel.