Walking Mountains Science Center
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Hey nature enthusiasts and treasure hunters, come on out to Walking Mountains for some fun with GPS coordinates! We now have a geocache located right on our Science Center campus here in Avon. The name of the cache is “Big ones and a little one”. You can get the coordinates by signing up for a free account on geocaching.com and searching for caches within 5 miles of Avon.
BEWARE! It’s not easy to find and you really have to think beyond the obvious to find it. Happy Hunting!
Walking Mountains Science Center is gearing up for summer and a new season, but we could use a few things! Some items we use often for crafting, some items we need to continue organizing our materials, and some items we are hoping to collect in order to assist students to be comfortable and equipped for our sessions.
If you are doing any spring cleaning and come across the following items, think of bringing them by the Center before dropping them off at the thrift store or landfill. We would love to see what you have and would appreciate your help.
Thank you!
Small Household Items:
Larger Household Items:
Outdoor Gear:
Are you an angler? Do you have a the passion and patience to bag that trophy? Have you ever wondered why fish and insects behave the way they do? Join Walking Mountains Science Center for The Science Behind Fly Fishing on May 15th.
John Packer, owner of Fly Fishing Outfitters, in Avon CO, will share his love and appreciation for the science of fly fishing. At the presentation, he will talk about both the natural and technological elements of the sport. Water conditions, habitat, insects and the native/non-native fish species will be some of the main topics covered. Learn how clean water plays a role in the environment needed for trout to survive and thrive and get introduced to space age polymers and composites that go into the equipment. Get your hands on almost instant fishing information that will give you an edge. The evening also includes a hands-on Fly casting clinic. John has been a guide in the Vail Valley since 1996 and owner of Fly fishing Outfitters since 2009.
The Science Behind series of classes highlights useful and fun skills that have underlying scientific principles. Each class provides a hands-on, interactive component with instruction from a local subject matter expert and a Walking Mountains educator. Classes are held once a month at Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon.
IF YOU GO…
What: The Science Behind Fly Fishing
When: May 15th, 6:30pm
Where: Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon
Cost: Free!
Seating is limited, please call to reserve your spot today! (970) 827-9725
May 2013 Meeting of the Eagle Valley Astronomical Society
Thursday, May 9, 2013, starting 7:30 PM
Walking Mountains Science Center, Avon, Colorado
Program: How to Build a Powerful Telescope with Simple Parts
Presenter: John W. Briggs, HUT Observatory, Eagle, Colorado
Very powerful telescopes for astronomy can be made with surprisingly simple parts, tools, and materials. Eagle Valley astronomer John Briggs will assemble a prototype 6-inch reflecting telescope for the Society’s planned “Library Loaner Telescope Program,” an idea promoted by member David Blum. The design will be following the simple approach made famous by the Californian telescope maker and Ramakrishna monk, John Dobson. “Dobsonian” telescopes have consequently become among the most popular in the world — the idea being to use as large a main mirror as possible, while keeping the motion of the telescope tube simple and pointed by hand. Sonotube, a cardboard cement form available at building supply stores, serves to make the body of the telescope. The stand is mainly plywood with plastic pads for bearings. In the course of the explanation and optical demonstration, Briggs will relate stories of Dobson’s adventurous life as a native of China, as founder of an organization called San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers, and as a regular guest on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show.
All ages are welcome to attend this free program!
High school students in Eagle County have a fun and exciting opportunity to learn outdoors while being paid and receiving college credit this summer. With funding from the National Forest Foundation and the Ski Area Conservation Fund supported by Vail Resorts, Walking Mountains Science Center is offering 12 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors a paid internship to spend eight-weeks participating in an important field research project with the U.S. Forest Service.
Students will be trained in research techniques and outdoor skills that may serve them for the rest of their lives while learning about careers in science and conservation. As part of their outdoor skills training the group will hike Notch Mountain and the summer will culminate with a three-day hut trip. Interns will also earn credits from Colorado Mountain College for the academic portion of the internship.
This is an amazing opportunity for students to learn and work outdoors while being paid; earning credit and gaining experience that will give them a leg-up on future careers or college applications! Students who are interested in a fun summer experience working and learning outside with other high school students, should contact Pete Wadden at: PeterW@walkingmountains.org or 970-827-9725.
Walking Mountains Science Center is currently accepting nominations for its 2013 Founder’s Stewardship Award. Inspired by the vision of Walking Mountains’ founder Kim Langmaid, this award seeks to honor a Vail Valley individual who truly embodies the organization’s mission- to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship.
Established in 2006, the Founder’s Stewardship Award is once again generously sponsored by Alpine Bank. Previous recipients of the award include environmentalist Caroline Bradford, educator Ted James, Minturn Middle School student Tucker Cocchiarella, Vail Mountain School student Holly Domke, Vail Resorts Senior Environmental Affairs Coordinator, Luke Cartin and Eagle County’s Environmental Policy Planner, Adam Palmer. Last year’s Founder’s Stewardship Award was given to Megan Gilman, President and Co-Founder of Active Energies, for her vital role in supporting environmental initiatives throughout our community.
Walking Mountains looks forward to presenting the Founder’s Stewardship Award to a worthy recipient at the organization’s new summer fundraising event, A Taste of Nature, being held at on the Science Center campus on Tuesday, July, 9th. 250 guests are expected to celebrate the evening and enjoy camaraderie, friendship, delectable food prepared by Vail Resorts premier chefs and wine tastings sponsored by the Bronfman Family.
Walking Mountains serves almost 3,500 students and 30,000 adults and families each year with natural science programs that take students into the outdoors to experience learning. School programs have a measurable impact on student’s achievement in science while connecting them to nature.
Nomination forms for the Founder’s Stewardship Award are available for download online. You may also contact selection committee chair, Alix Berglund, at alixbadenhausen@yahoo.com.
Nominations will be accepted until June 15th. Individuals are welcome to nominate themselves, co-workers or fellow community members. To purchase tickets of for more information regarding A Taste of Nature, please contact Gina Garrett at (970) 827-9725 x130.
Are you a plant lover with limited garden space? Or, do you just love the creative look of blending plants in containers? Maybe you just simply like plants as ‘your pets’ in the comfort of your home. If you would like to have plants succeed in containers over the long term with few complications, or if you’d like to simply experience rapid growth in our short summer season, this is a class you won’t want to miss!
Discover the keys to easy and successful growing in containerized spaces. Colorado Alpines & Wildflower Farm strive to put the fun back into gardening-just like the good ole days. Get inspired to successfully nurture, grow, and even harvest your favorite plants. We will help you understand how to choose the right container, soil ingredients, and fertilizers to make your unique plants healthy, strong and happy for years to come.
All plants have unique needs to be considered including drainage needs, moisture needs, and nutrient needs as well as an ideal container size to nestle the plant into its own custom space. You will learn how these unique needs can make a big impact on the overall health of your plant including its abilities to fend off the negative impacts of bad bugs and fungus. The key is getting your potting soil to perform for your containerized plants – great SOIL helps the roots grow strong and produces healthier foliage too!
You will get to touch and feel different soil ingredient options and learn what role each of them play in helping to feed the plant. The most beneficial soil supplements will be discussed and used in a hands on activity where you will ‘make your own soil’! Custom recipes will be available for you to blend yourself. The art of blending plants and mixing several plants into one container will also be discussed. The class includes one 9” spring-colored environmentally friendly pot with saucer, plus a 3-plant bundle design which you will plant up during the class. Plant bundle options will include houseplant foliage combos and herb combos.
Plants are similar to us humans – they need great nutrition and a healthy, functioning immune system to feel great and fend off problems quickly! If you offer them soil that is similar to ‘coffee and doughnuts’ or ‘soda pop and chips’ as a primary diet, their immune system will not grow strong and healthy. Please join us to learn how to make your containerized plantings a success this year.
The Science Behind series of classes highlights useful and fun skills that have underlying scientific principles. Each class provides a hands-on, interactive component with instruction from a local subject matter expert and a Walking Mountains educator. Classes are held once a month at Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon. This series is generously underwritten by Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate to enrich community experience and learning opportunities.
IF YOU GO…
What: The Science Behind Container Gardening
When: April 24th, 6:30pm
Where: Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon
Cost: $20 for take home supplies
Seating is limited, please call to reserve your spot today! (970) 827-9725
The Eagle Valley Astonomical Society Presents…
Discovering Double Stars
Thursday, April 11, 2013—7:30 to 9:00pm
Colorful double and multiple stars are among the most popular targets for backyard telescopes. Thanks to their orbital motion and the laws of physics, they’ve been fundamental keys for understanding the true nature of stars. Amazingly, the actual masses of double-star systems have been weighed by balancing them, effectively, on delicate spider web! Local astronomer John Briggs will explain and demonstrate this with actual historical instruments. He will also show how to find and see some famous star systems by eye, binoculars, and telescopes. Seeing them well involves a revelation of the wave nature of light, a profound aspect of Nature. This will be underscored by the unsurpassed eloquence of several nineteenth century scientists who described the colorful beauty of these objects. An additional highlight will be the story of HUT Observatory’s recent role in the discovery of a new “contact binary” double star system — an extreme example of a double star that is nevertheless only beginning to hint at the exotic astrophysical nature of many of these systems.
For more information please contact:
Walking Mountains Science Center: (970) 827-9725 | info@walkingmountains.org
John W. Briggs, HUT Observatory: (970) 328-6228 | john.w.briggs@gmail.com
www.walkingmountains.org
Walking Mountains Science Center and The Eagle County Conservation District are partnering up to offer nine spots in conservation-minded Summer Science Camps this summer offered by the Science Center. The purpose of this opportunity is to offer a unique experience to students living in rural areas of Eagle County who may not otherwise get the chance to join their peers while exploring the Eagle River valley.
The camps chosen offer students the opportunity to experience their backyard in ways they may not be able to otherwise. Campers will hopefully learn something new about these beautiful mountains and valleys that they can bring home an share with their families. Full scholarships will be awarded to those who qualify as chosen by the Eagle County Conservation District.
To qualify, you must be an Eagle County Resident, complete the below form in its entirety, and return it to the included contact information:
Eagle County Conservation District Scholarship
If you have questions about the camps, please check www.walkingmountains.org or call Rose at (970) 827-9725 ext. 114.
If you have questions about the scholarship, please contact Scott Schlosser by email at scottes@vail.net.
Parents and campers get ready! 2013 Walking Mountains Summer Science Camp registration begins on Monday, March 25th. This year we have extended our summer camps offerings by two weeks to help accommodate greater demand. As you know our camps are popular and tend to fill up quickly so now is the time to get prepared! You’ll find everything you need for Vail summer camp registration on the Walking Mountains website. All program information is up to date – if camps are full/waitlisted you can check the program pages online.
Walking Mountains Summer Camp Information
Walking Mountains Summer Camp Registration Forms
You many register three ways:
Camps are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please select camps based on the year of school your child will be entering in the Fall.
We have lots of fabulous programming this year! We’ve extended the 1st and 2nd grade Earth Explorers program to include more programming this year – we have seven different topics for these 1-day programs running on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We have day camps first through eighth grade and overnight camps for third through tenth grade. We can’t wait to hear from you!
For Summer Camp related questions please contact Rose Delles, (970) 827-9725 x114 or rosed@walkingmountains.org
