Nature Tours

Free Vail Snowshoe Tours Daily!

January 9, 2013 By Kristen Belschner Leave a Comment

Walking Mountains provides naturalist guided snowshoe tours from the Nature Discovery Center on top of Vail Mountain and from the Science Center in Avon!

Nature Discovery Center, Daily at 2pm thru April 14th
Join a Walking Mountains Naturalist for an introductory educational snowshoe through the forest atop Vail Mountain. Learn about winter ecology and animal adaptations as you gaze at majestic mountain views. Please come prepared to spend an hour outside in the mountainous winter environment with appropriate clothing and water. Snowshoes provided. All ages, FREE.

Walking Mountains Science Center, Monday – Saturday at 2pm
Join a Walking Mountains Naturalist for a gentle educational hike through aspen and riparian communities. Learn about the ecology and animal adaptations of this mountain environment. Walks will be conducted on snowshoes as necessary due to snow levels. Snowshoes provided. All ages, FREE.

For more information please contact the Nature Discovery Center at (970) 754-4675, or Walking Mountains Science Center at (970) 827-9725.

Filed Under: Environmental Education, Events, Family Activities, Fun, Kids Activities, Nature Discovery Center, Nature Tours Tagged With: snowshoeing Vail, Vail nature discovery center, vail snowshoe tours, Walking Mountains

Walking Mountains Community Programs

December 12, 2012 By Kristen Belschner Leave a Comment

There is something for everyone here at the Science Center in Avon. While Walking Mountains is instrumental in teaching natural science education to the kids of Eagle County through field studies programs and summer camps, we also offer many programs just for the Vail community. Did you know that we also operate the Vail Nature Center in the summertime and the Nature Discovery Center at the top of Vail Mountain during the winter season? There are many, many fantastic and fun things to do with your family and friends right here in the Vail Valley. Take a look:

Nature Walks and Snowshoe Tours
You can join a Walking Mountains naturalist almost every day of the week at one of our location for a free, guided hike in summer or a snowshoe tour during winter. You will enjoy the outdoors while learning about our ecology and animal adaptations in our natural mountain environment. Tours are free and available from WMSC (Mon-Sat) or the Vail Nature Discovery Center (Daily) at 2pm

Family Naturalists Club
Future naturalists explore the forest as they learn to observe, identify and understand the unique aspects of the plants and animals in our ecological community. $10/per adult/child pair

EarthKeepers Preschool Program
Children practice using their senses to explore the natural world and have fun with others while participating in activites such as songs, stories and games. Indoor and outdoor activities. $10/per adult/child pair

Eagle Valley Astronomical Society
Anyone at any age with an interest in astronomy at any level is invited to attend and learn about features in space using telescopes and interpreting the night sky. These classes are free and open to the public.

The Science Behind Series
In the monthly Science Behind series a member of the Walking Mountains staff and a guest presenter explore the science behind factors in our everyday lives. Previous topics have included brewing beer, worm composting, gluten-free cooking, and herbal salves and balms. This series is made possible through a generous donation from Slifer, Smith and Frampton Real Estate. Classes are typically free unless materials are required.

The High Country Speaker Series
Offered in partnership with the Eagle Valley Library District, this series brings you experts from around Colorado to discuss important environmental issues. The series is offered four times during the winter season, specific dates and times are posted on our events calendar as they become available. These sessions are free to the public.

Wildflower Walks, Beaver Pond Tours, Bird Watching Tours in the Summertime
During the summertime, our naturalists lead many tours from the Vail Nature Center. Always engaging and appropriate for locals and visitors alike, these treks are very low cost to attend.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival
This environmental film festival typically happens in the fall. Engaging, environmentally conscious films for adults and kids alike.

Fall Festival
This year we welcomed Nature’s Educators during our Fall Festival on campus. The live raptor show and booth was awesome! There was also much to be learned from the Walking Mountains educators at our own fun, family-friendly booths.

Partnered Events
We often hold special speaker or film events in partnership with other local entities. In the past we have partnered with:

Eagle River Watershed Council
Vail Symposium
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Education Foundation of Eagle County

For events such as:

John Fielder Photography Tour
Jon Kedrowski, “Climb Your Own Everest”
The Robert Redford film, “Watershed”
Digging Snow Mastodon
Talks with Dr. Mark Varien on Pueblo Indian life

These are always one-of-a-kind events – an awesome collaborative effort and huge value to the community.

Come on out and explore your curious nature – there is so much to do right here in your own backyard. Help us in our mission to become better environmental stewards and explore the natural wonders of our incredible mountain environs.

Please visit our events calendar online, sign up to receive news from our blog or call (970) 827-0725 for more information

Filed Under: Buck Creek Campus, Events, Family Activities, Film Series, Fun, High Country Speaker Series, Kids Activities, Nature Tours, The Science Behind Series, Uncategorized Tagged With: Comunity Programs, family activities in Vail, Vail kids activites, Vail nature walks, vail snowshoe tours, Walking Mountains Science Center

Vail Mushrooming Season is ON – Take a Hike with Walking Mountains

August 7, 2012 By Kristen Belschner 2 Comments

Join a Walking Mountains Science Center naturalist on an educational hiking adventure into the wilderness surrounding the Eagle Valley. Program participants meet at the Walking Mountains campus in Avon where transportation to the trailhead is provided. Participants are required to bring snacks, lunch and water along with appropriate outdoor equipment. Hike locations and times will vary from week to week so please call for details.

With all the rain, mushrooms are in full force this season. If you’ve ever had an interest in mushrooming around the valley, come on out and join us on a foray and educational hiking tour. You can expect to find several different types of mushrooms, most commonly hawks wing and boletes. These programs will fill up quickly so please call to make your reservation today! (970) 827-9725

Musing over Mushrooms
This popular program is guaranteed to whet your appetite for the fungus that rise among us during late summer. We will begin with the basics of understanding the role of fungus in our ecosystem and then spend time on a foray hunting for and identifying local mushrooms. This hike will utilize the Fowler Hilliard Hut on Shrine Pass.

Program Length: Typically the programs will involve four hours of Mushroom hunting. This means that we will be gone from around 10-4 as we need to accommodate for the travel time.

Hiking level: Hiking is easy to moderate with limited off trail time which requires stepping over logs that through some brush to find the mushrooms

Supplies needed: Lunch, water bottle, outdoor gear to be comfortable. Specific for mushrooming people need to bring a bag to carry mushrooms (suggestion reusable grocery bags) and a knife to help dig and field clean mushrooms.

Location: Changes depending on weather and mushroom reports.

Available Mushrooming Dates: (8/18, 8/25, 9/1)
Adults, 10am, Cost $45

Filed Under: Environmental Education, Mushrooms, Nature Tours, Uncategorized Tagged With: Vail Mushroom Hikes, vail mushrooming, Walking Mountains

Walking Mountains Science Center Celebrates Successful First Year

July 25, 2012 By Kristen Belschner Leave a Comment

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.
~John Lubbock

The Avon-based Walking Mountains Science Center opened its new campus doors last year in August. Though having served the community with science and environmental education for over 13 years (founded as Gore Range Natural Science School), the Science Center did not have a year round location from which to conduct its educational programs. Along with big changes, program participation and campus visitation have exceeded expectations.

During the 2011/12 school year over 2,600 students visited with their classrooms for full day, field science studies. Examples of topics included: Astonishing Animals, Snow Science, Geology Rocks and Sustainable Energy. All Walking Mountains curriculum correlates with state and district science standards and Walking Mountains’ staff have assisted in public school science curriculum revisions over the last two years to ensure ideal integration. Students and families continue to take advantage of Walking Mountains’ programs during summertime by enrolling in science camps, which filled to capacity early on this year. Summer camps stay on campus and visit various locations throughout the valley to focus on topics such as Wild Wetlands, Surviving the Wild, and Guardians of the Forest.

The Science Center campus is also open to the public Monday – Saturday between 10am and 6pm with day and evening programs about the local mountain ecology being offered regularly. Thousands visited in the first year, taking advantage of naturalist guided hikes, guest speakers, educational displays and interpretive trails. Families can even check out the popular Adventure Packs for self-guided exploration of the diverse ecosystem surrounding the campus. For both visitors and students alike, visits to the Science Center include engaging hands-on activities – the best way to learn about science and connect with the natural world.

In order to support the variety of free and subsidized programs offered by Walking Mountains, the first campus-hosted special event will be held on August 12th at 6pm. The Reach for the Peak Dinner is held every two years to honor individuals who have made a profound contribution to Walking Mountains and its ability to provide educational programs to school children and the community at large. This will be their 4th Reach for the Peak dinner, and the first held at the Science Center campus. Karen and Mike Herman and Barbie and Tony Mayer will be presented with the Reach for the Peak award this year.

This is a unique fundraiser, unlike any held in the Vail Valley – no actual fundraising takes place during the dinner with all sponsorships pledged beforehand. The program celebrates Walking Mountains’ mission in a fun and engaging way. Local “celebrity” scientists will conduct hilarious science experiments during cocktails and dinner. Musical entertainment will be provided by Jim Salestrom, a friend and original band mate of John Denver’s. And, coincidentally, August 2012 is the 40th anniversary of the writing of what is now Colorado’s state song, Colorado Rocky Mountain High, written during the Perseid meteor shower. Local Astronomer John Briggs will also be on hand with telescopes to educate dinner guests on the famous meteor shower. Similar to Walking Mountains Educational Programs, Reach for the Peak will be a fun and educational special event.

To learn more about Walking Mountains Science Center and the Reach for the Peak Dinner, visit http://www.walkingmountains.org.

Filed Under: Buck Creek Campus, Environmental Education, Events, Family Activities, Nature Tours Tagged With: J, Jim Salestrom, Reach for the Peak 2012, Vail summer hikes, Walking Mountains Science Center

Summer Programs at Walking Mountains Science Center

May 22, 2012 By Kristen Belschner Leave a Comment

The summer season is right around the corner and so is the new community programs schedule for Walking Mountains Science Center! There is something for everyone at our new state-of-the-art science and nature center in Avon, CO. Bring the whole family out to explore our beautiful natural surroundings. The Center offers interpretive trails, interactive hands-on exhibits, nature tours, an astronomy club, preschool programs, a local weather station, a beautiful site for bird watching, picnics or moments in nature and much, much more! Explore your curious nature today.

Download the Summer Community Programs Schedule
Walking Mountains Events Calendar

Walking Mountains Science Center is located in Avon, just off I-70 exit 167. Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Admission is free to the public.

Filed Under: Family Activities, Kids Activities, Nature Tours

Fun Earth Day Activities for the Whole Family!

April 13, 2012 By Kristen Belschner Leave a Comment

Earth Day is coming up next weekend – Sunday, April 22nd! Celebrate with the kids by getting out into nature this coming week. Here’s a list of fun things you can do with Walking Mountains Science Center and in your own backyard:

At Walking Mountains

Visit us on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday to take a nature hike on campus. Learn about Colorado’s flora and fauna right here in Avon. Hikes are FREE to the public and depart at 2pm from the center.
Visit us on Friday for the EarthKeepers Preschool Program. On April 20th we’ll be studying plant life cycles. $10 for each child and adult pair and $5 per additional child. Please limit three children for each adult. Pre-registration required.

Please call us to register: (970) 827-9725

In Your Own Backyard or Nearby

Nature Treasure Hunt from the Nature Conservancy
Earth Day Activities with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Picnic For The Planet Action Kit – Disney Friends for Change
Downloadable Children’s Nature Journal from the Nature Conservancy
Earth Day Activities and Crafts from the Tip Junkie
Nature ROCKS! Family Game, Animal Olympics from the Nature Conservancy
Nature ROCKS! Nature Game from the Nature Conservancy

Here’s a little inspiration: We recently held a drawing contest where we provided the kids with the following statement, “Nature ROCKS! Show us what you love about nature in a drawing.” Below is the entry from our number one pick – Sophie Russell, Age 9 from Edwards Elementary School. Thank you Sophie for sharing your vision! Sophie’s work will be featured in a greeting card series available from our campus store this summer.

Filed Under: Fun, Kids Activities, Nature Tours Tagged With: Earth Day Activities, nature activities, Nature Rocks, Walking Mountains Science Center

Fall Programs at Walking Mountains Science Center

August 29, 2011 By Kristen Belschner 5 Comments

We are now open on a weekly basis – Monday thru Saturday, 10am – 6pm. Entrance to the Science Center is free. Aside from many fantastic, new programs we also have Geology, Mountain Communities and Sustainability exhibits, interpretive outdoor trails and gardens, an interactive building dashboard measuring energy consumption, a weather station and much more! Come on out and explore your curious nature…

Fall 2011 Programs on Campus

Nature Walks – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (2-3pm)
All Ages, FREE
Join a Walking Mountains Naturalist for an educational hike around the Science Center property. Learn aboutr the ecology and animal adaptations of this mountain community.

Family Naturalist Club – First Saturday of Each Month
Begins 9/3 (10am – Noon)
Elementary Children + Adult, $10 per child/adult pair, $5 per additional child
Develop your naturalist skills as you explore the outdoor features of the Science Center.

EarthKeepers PreSchool Program – Every Other Friday
Begins 9/23 (9am – 11am)
2-5 years + adult, $10 per child/adult pair, $5 per additional child
Practice using your senses, exploring, interactive activities, and listening to stories to learn about the changes during the fall season.

Eagle Valley Astronomical Society – Second Thursday of Each Month
Begins 10/13 (7:30 – 9pm)
All Ages, elementary aged children must be accomanied by an adult. Membership available, drop-ins welcome. FREE
Anyone with an interest in astronomy at any level is invited to learn about tfeatures in space, using telescopes and interpreting the night sky.

Full Moon Program – 10/11, 11/9 (8-9pm)
All Ages, FREE
Hike in the light of the full moon. Listen to the stories of the sky and discover the adaptations of nocturnal animals.

Weather Basics – 10/15, 11/12 (4-5:30pm)
Adults, $5/participant
Learn about the Walking Mountains Science Center onsite weather station and practice analyzing previous weather data. Try predicting your own weather trends!

Family Weather Explorers – 10/22, 11/19 (4-5:30pm)
Elementary and Middle School children + adult, $10 per child/adult pair, $5 per additional child
Learn about the Walking Mountains Science Center onsite weather station and the different factors that make the weather unique every day.

Volunteer Training Workshops – 9/16 (4-6pm), 9/17 (10am – Noon)
Adults, FREE
Learn about the Walking Mountains Science Center volunteer program. Opportunities for greeting visitors, learning local ecology, administrative support and other possibilities are available.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Walking Mountains Science Center
(970) 827-9725 | www.walkingmountains.org

Filed Under: Buck Creek Campus, Events, Kids Activities, Nature Tours Tagged With: family activities in Avon, family activities in Vail, Walking Mountains Science Center fall programs

Family Activities in Vail: Walking Mountains Opening Week Program Schedule

August 21, 2011 By Kristen Belschner Leave a Comment

Now that we are open, please check out our 2011 Winter Programs Schedule!

Post opening, Walking Mountains will celebrate with special, free programming for adults and kids all week long. Please join us at this very special new facility in the heart of Avon.

Monday, August 22
10:30 – 11:30am: Guided Hike – Changing Perspectives
2 – 3pm: Guided Hike – Watershed Wonders
7:30 – 8:30pm: Interpretive Program

Tuesday, August 23
10:30 – 11:30am: Guided Hike – Animal Communication
2 – 3pm: Weather Program

Wednesday, August 24
10:30 – 11:30am: Guided Hike – Changing Perspectives
2 – 3pm: Guided Hike – Watershed Wonders
7:30 – 8:30pm: Astronomy

Thursday, August 25
10:30 – 11:30am: Guided Hike – Changing Perspectives
2 – 3pm: Weather Program

Friday, August 26
10:30 – 11:30am: Guided Hike – Animal Communication
2 – 3pm: Guided Hike – Changing Perspectives

Saturday, August 27
10:30 – 11:30am: Weather Program
2 – 3pm: Guided Hike – Watershed Wonders

Filed Under: Buck Creek Campus, Events, Kids Activities, Nature Tours Tagged With: family activities in Vail, nature tours, nature walks, vail guided hikes, Vail summer activities, Walking Mountains

Vail Nature Center Tours and Activities

June 14, 2011 By Kristen Belschner Leave a Comment

Walking Mountains Science Center proudly partners with the Vail Recreation District to provide world-class programming at the Vail Nature Center. With stream-side trails, plant and animal exhibits, and a friendly staff, it is truly one of Vail’s best kept secrets.

The Vail Nature Center is located across Gore Creek from the Betty Ford Alpine Garden and the Ford Amphitheater. From any point in Vail, the Nature Center is easy to reach. Take a bus to the Soccer Fields or the Tennis Center. Walk or ride your bike from Vail Village along the Gore Creek Trail. Parking is also available at the Soccer Field or the Tennis Center.

Costs

The Vail Recreation District charges a nominal fee to support Nature Center Operations. Call the Vail Nature Center for details at 970.479.2291.

2011 Summer Season

Dates

Memorial Day to Labor Day
May 31 to September 6, 2011

Hours

7 days a week, 9 am to 5 pm

Programs

Wildflower Walk

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (June 23 through August 30)
11:30am – 12:30pm M, W | 2-3pm Thurs
$3/person or $2/Vail tax payers

Wildflowers abound in the summer high country of Colorado. From May to September there is a succession of color at the Nature Center. Join us for a leisurely walk to learn about the flowers that carpet our mountain floors and about the places and conditions they need to thrive.

Morning Bird Walk

Tuesdays and Thursdays (June 23 through August 30)
8:30am – 9:30am
$3/person or $2/Vail tax payers

Birds love the Nature Center and so do people who love birds! On our morning walks we are likely to see Warblers, Western Tanagers, Grosbeaks, Dippers and a host of others. Come to amble along the streamside of Gore Creek and watch for a variety of birds.

Evening Beaver Pond Tour

Thursdays (June 23 through August 30)
7pm – 8:30pm
$5 child/$10 adult/$30 family

Beavers are one of the animals that define the Rocky Mountains , and we often see them right here in Vail! Join us at dusk to learn about and look for these amazing animal architects.

Family Fun Night

Wednesdays (6/29, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3)
6pm – 7:30 pm

Bring the whole family to meet a series of special guests who will teach us about our natural world. This is your chance for an up-close and personal encounter with live animals, outdoor professionals and other colorful characters. Call the Vail Nature Center for a list of guest speakers.

S’mores and More: Family Campfire Program

Fridays (June 24 through August 26)
7pm – 8:30 pm
$5 child/$10 adult/$30 family

A warm campfire, exciting stories of woodland adventure and the sweet smell of burning marshmallows fill this family program at the Nature Center! We’lIt’s sure to be a fun evening for the entire family.

Stories in the Sky: Stargazing at the Vail Nature Center

Tuesdays (June 25 through August 27)
Sunset (time varies weekly call the Vail Nature Center for details)
$5 child/$10 adult/$30 family

Each constellation has a story. Identify the stars and hear their stories while you gaze into the dark and bedazzled night sky of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Creekside Tours from the Vail Market

Sundays (June 27 through August 22)
11am and 1:30pm
Location: Meet at the Vail Nature Center Booth at the Vail Market

Join a naturalist for a walk along Gore Creek. You’ll learn about the special plants and animals living in this riparian ecosystem in the heart of Vail. You’ll also learn about some of Vail’s first residents as you make your way to the end of the tour at the historic Nature Center farmhouse building.

Filed Under: Nature Tours Tagged With: Vail Nature Center, vail nature tours