Nature Discovery Center
Love the outdoors but want to learn more about the natural and cultural histories of the Vail Valley? Gore Range Natural Science School’s award-winning interpretive programming can help you explore and appreciate the natural world, whether you’re atop Vail Mountain or alongside the banks of Gore Creek. To make summer planning a breeze, programs occur the same time, same place and are ideal for families, adults, visitors and residents. What are you waiting for? Get outside and explore!
Located in an all-seasons yurt atop Vail Mountain, the Nature Discovery Center is a community-based partnership between Vail Resorts, the US Forest Service and Gore Range Natural Science School (GRNSS). During the summer, GRNSS naturalists provide daily nature hikes that explore Vail’s high alpine habitat and assist walk-in visitors with natural science learning. Winner of the 2004 Environmental Business Awardfrom the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education.
WINTER HOURS
| Tues - Sat |
10 am to 6 pm |
| Sun & Mon |
10 am to 4 pm |
SEASON: Open through April 12, 2008
COST: Free to all
PHONE: 970-754-4675
SNOWSHOE EXPLORATIONS
Winter is an exciting time of year to be outside discovering how furry creatures and hearty plants adapt to and survive the rigors of winter. It’s also the perfect time of year to learn how to identify nature’s footprint; animals leave an amazing record of their activity in the snow. Join a Gore Range Natural Science School naturalist on these guided snowshoe explorations located throughout the Vail Valley. Snowshoes available, or bring your own.
| Discovery Snowshoe Tour |
| DATES: |
Daily |
| TIME: |
11 am - Noon; 3 pm - 4 pm |
| LOCATION: |
Nature Discovery Center: All-seasons yurt adjacent Eagle's Nest gondola and Adventure Ridge atop Vail Mountain. |
| COST: |
Provided courtesy of Vail Resorts, USFS, and GRNSS |
Skiers and snowboarders are not the only creatures at Vail leaving daily tracks in the snow! A closer look at the snow reveals the meandering journey of a coyote, the powerful leaps of a snowshoe hare or the secretive dash of a pine marten. Come learn how to identify these footprints in the snow and to decipher the activities of many creatures living in the mountain forest. |
| Nature at Night |
| DAYS: |
Thursday and Saturday |
| TIME: |
6 - 7 pm |
| LOCATION: |
Adventure Ridge firepit atop Vail Mountain |
| COST: |
Provided courtesy of Vail Resorts, USFS, and GRNSS |
Gather ‘round expert naturalists from Gore Range Natural Science School for nature talks under the stars. Seasonal topics include astronomy, nocturnal animals and more. The perfect start to an unforgettable evening at Adventure Ridge. |
| Moonlight Snowshoe Tour - Call 970-754-4675 to reserve space |
| DATES: |
January 22, 23 & 24 |
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February 20, 21 & 22 |
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| RESERVE: |
Call 970-754-4675 to reserve your space in advance of the program. |
| TIME: |
7:30 pm - 9 pm |
| LOCATION: |
Nature Discovery Center: All-seasons yurt adjacent Eagle's Nest gondola and Adventure Ridge atop Vail Mountain. |
| COST: |
Provided courtesy of Vail Resorts, USFS & GRNSS |
Journey into the night under the captivating glow of the full moon. Learn about astronomy and the habits of nocturnal animals while you snowshoe through the pristine silence of the moonlit mountains. |
| Winter Wanderings |
| DATES: |
Fridays. December 21 through April 4. |
| TIME: |
1 - 3 pm |
| LOCATION: |
Meet at the USFS Minturn Visitor Center on Hwy 6, just off the I-70 Minturn exit |
| COST: |
Provided courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service and GRNSS. Limited snowshoe supplies. Bring your own if you have them. |
Join a Gore Range Natural Science School naturalist for a snowshoe hike over the meadow and through the woods. Follow animal tracks in the snow and watch for elk on the distant hillside. Revel in the stillness and beauty of winter as you learn how this seemingly calm season is alive with activity. |
High Country Speaker Series 2008
Perspectives of Snow
This winter marks the sixth anniversary of our High Country Speaker Series in partnership with the Eagle Valley Library District. This year we celebrate snow! Please join us January 29, February 11, and February 26 at 6:30pm at the Avon Public Library.
This series is free but space is limited. Advanced registration is recommended. Call the Avon Public Library to reserve your space at 949-6797.
Tuesday, January, 29 at 6:30pm
Richard Ortner, meteorologist
Emmy-award winning meteorologist Richard Ortner from Channel 7 in Denver will be here to teach us about the science of snow, his favorite type of weather. He’ll also discuss winter weather forecasting, what factors create a dry or wet winter, and what thunder snowstorms are. Richard, a Colorado native, has been a weatherman and journalist with Channel 7 since Sept. 2000. He has master’s degrees in both meteorology and journalism.
Monday, February 11 at 6:30 pm
Karen Land, Musher
Karen grew up in Indiana, but her love of dogs led her to sled dog kennel in Montana. Here as an apprentice she handled, managed, and cared for Alaskan Huskies. In three years, Karen went from caretaker to musher qualifying for the Iditarod which she competed in the 2002, 2003, and 2004 the over 1,150 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Karen is also a writer and speaker bringing her enthusiasm and love of dogs to all those she meets. Karen and her dog Borage will be here to talk about her Iditarod experience.
Tuesday February 26 at 6:30pm
Ken Wissel, Deputy Transportation Maintenance Superintendent, CDOT
For over 30 years Ken has worked for CDOT with much of that time spent in the mountains keeping the roads safe and passable. He’ll be here to share footage and slides of all the avalanche excitement from Denver to Vail. Ken will also let us know about avalanche management, safety and maintenance.
