Do you have a group that would like to experience a Gore Range Natural Science School program in your own backyard? Join us for one of our NEW community outreach programs!
We can come to you, or we can take you to various locations throughout the Eagle River Valley. We have a series of program choices designed specifically for adults and program choices designed specifically for families and children. Program formats include guided hikes or evening lectures.
Program Prices: We charge$100 an hour per instructor for the Gore Range Outreach programs. For guided hikes, we can accommodate group sizes up to 12 participants per instructor. For evening programs, we can accommodate group sizes up to 30 per instructor.
Program Registration: We charge a $50 nonrefundable deposit to schedule an outreach program. This $50 will be put toward your final program charge. We accept checks and credit cards at the time of the program, or we are happy to send an invoice to your group for the services provided after the program. Once you have reserved a program, we will send detailed program information (location to meet, what to bring etc.), as well as paperwork (medical release forms) that you will need to complete and return. Please contact Dale Versteegen at 970-827-9725 ext 13 to schedule programs.
Program Locations: We can provide programs at your facility or on your property or on public lands determined by our special use permits through the White River National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management. When you schedule your program, we will discuss our options.
Customize your program! Custom programs can be created to suit your requests. Custom options are dependent on staff availability and are charged $200 an hour per instructor. Please contact Dale Versteegen at 970-827-9725 ext 13 to discuss special programs.
Programs for Adults
Botany Basics: (Guided Hike 2-3 Hours)
This course will teach you to identify plants, wildflowers, trees and shrubs. Wander with us through the wildflowers, and walk away with core knowledge about plant family characteristics and how to use a dichotomous key.
Learn the elements of birding and take flight! We’ll cover bird habitat, key identifying characteristics, and tips for when and where to find local species, and then we’ll spend some time watching for raptors and songbirds.
Wildlife Biology: (Guided Hike 2-3 Hours)
Investigate the interrelationships of wildlife populations in the Rocky Mountains and how current programs are protecting a variety of species in the region. We’ll explore prime wildlife habitats and look for signs of the many animals that live in this community.
Musing over Mushrooms: (Guided Hike 2-3 Hours)
This popular program is guaranteed to whet your appetite for the fungus that rise among us during late summer. We’ll 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.
Become part of our solar system while discovering how the sun, moon and stars continually change depending on where you are standing in the universe. This is an interactive astronomy program that includes star-gazing.
Colorado Cats, Scary or Necessary: (Adult Evening Program; 1.5 Hours)
Face off against some of Colorado’s top predators in the Colorado Cat Olympics. While learning about the mountain lion, lynx and bobcat, you’ll find out if you have what it takes to care for our ecosystems.
Bear Aware: (Adult Evening Program; 1.5 Hours)
Black bears are everywhere, but you don’t want to treat them like your teddy bear. Explore the life cycle of bears while learning how our lives actually impact the livelihood of these favorite forest friends.
Programs for Children or Families with Children
Wildlife Detectives: (Family Guided Hike or Youth Day Camp Program; 2 hours)
Pick up your hand lens and hunt for clues with a Gore Range Natural Science School Naturalist. See how tracks, trails and scat tell the stories of Rocky Mountain Wildlife in their natural communities.
Fledgling Birders : (Family Guided Hike or Youth Day Camp Program; 2 hours)
Discover how birds differ from other creatures while sneaking through the forest, listening to their calls and watching them take to the sky.
Bugs and Blooms: (Family Guided Hike or Youth Day Camp Program; 2 Hours)
Wildflower season in the mountains is full of colorful sights and buzzing sounds. We’ll learn about the role insects play in the lives of flowers as we hunt for creepy crawlies in the meadows and on the forest floor.
Nature’s FBI : (Family Guided Hike or Youth Day Camp Program; 2 Hours)
Investigate how natures F.B.I (Fungus, Bacteria and Invertebrates) quietly sneak about the forest ensuring that everyone is being looked after. These critters are truly public servants!
Become part of our solar system while discovering how the sun, moon and stars continually change depending on where you are standing in the universe. This is an interactive astronomy program that includes star-gazing.
Colorado Cats, Scary or Necessary: (Family Evening Program; 1.5 Hours)
Face off against some of Colorado’s top predators in the Colorado Cat Olympics. While learning about the mountain lion, lynx and bobcat, you’ll find out if you have what it takes to care for our ecosystems.
Bear Aware: (Family Evening Program; 1.5 Hours)
Black bears are everywhere, but you don’t want to treat them like your teddy bear. Explore the life cycle of bears while learning how our lives actually impact the livelihood of these favorite forest friends.
