Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department Open Space and Natural Resources Division

Nature Programs

Nature Programs for Summer 2020

Social Distancing Guidelines for Nature Programs:

The City of Aurora and its Naturalist team are dedicated to keeping our community safe. We ask that guests attending Nature Programs adhere to the following guidelines:

• Registration is required for all programs. We will not be able to accommodate drop-in participants.

• No more than 10 participants per program, including Naturalist staff and leaders.

• All guests must wear a mask and be kept on during any indoor programming. Masks may only be removed when outside (if hot or having difficulty breathing due to the mask) and a distance of six feet from other guests must be kept (unless with immediate family). If guests do not bring a mask one will be provided.

• Programs will be outdoors. In the event that guests need to enter inside the Nature Center for use of the restroom, keeping a distance of six feet from others and masks are required.

• If a guest is not feeling well or appears to have any ill symptoms, we ask that they stay home. If guests arrive at the program site and are showing symptoms, they will be asked to leave. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea and severe headache. 

• Participants are to sneeze and cough into elbows (even if it’s a result of allergies). 

• Any equipment used by Naturalist staff or guests (binoculars, pelts, skulls, etc.) will be sanitized before and after use. 

• If partaking in an activity such as a craft, guests should each have their own set of materials. Naturalist staff will provide paper and writing utensils to participants if needed. All materials will be sanitized before and after use. 

Nature Center Updates:The hiking trails around the Morrison Nature Center, known as the Star K Ranch, are open 7 days a week, from dusk until dawn.  

Morrison Nature Center, Senac Creek Nature Center and Plains Conservation Visitor Center are NOT open for standard visitation at this time.

 

JULY PROGRAMS

MORRISON NATURE CENTER AT STAR K RANCH

STAR K KIDS, Ages 5 & younger Discover Aurora’s true nature through interactive activities and discovery time on the trail. Dress for the weather as this program will be outdoors.32207 Thurs., July 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m. 32210 Thurs., July 16, 11 a.m. - noon.32211 Thurs., July 30, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 32212 Thurs., July 30 , 11 a.m. - noon.

NATURE AT NIGHT, Ages 2 & older Join us for a walk to see what’s out & about at night as the seasons change. Dress for the weather & bring a water bottle. 30683 Summer Creatures CampfireFri., July 17, 8:30-9:30 p.m. 

STAR K NATURE CAMP: CREEPY CRAWLY CAMP, Ages 6-10Join the fun as we turn over logs, rocks & leaves looking for the creepy crawly critters that call Star K Ranch home. In addition to learning about wilderness survival and catching crayfish, we will investigate the species that squirm, wiggle & worm including amphibians, reptiles, insects & more! 30575 Tues.-Fri., July 21-24, 9 a.m.-noon Cost: $50 

SENAC CREEK NATURE CENTER AT AURORA RESERVOIR 

SENAC NATURE TWEEN CAMP: WONDERS OF WATER, Ages 8-12Discover the wonders of nature while exploring the Aurora Reservoir! In addition to building an aquarium we will spend the week catching aquatic organisms, practicing our wilderness survival skills, investigating the uniqueness of plants & setting sail to our own ‘litter boats’.30579 Tues.-Fri., July 7-10, 9 a.m.-noonCost: $50 

PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER 

EARLY MORNING SUNDAY STROLLS, All agesImmerse yourself in the beauty & history of high plains shortgrass prairie through a guided nature hike. Sun., July 19, 8-9:30 a.m. Cost: $5 (Ages 2 & under free)

OPEN SPACE 

NATURAL HISTORY SERIES, Ages 18 & olderAppreciate the important roles topography, plants & animals play in our environment & how they have influenced history, folklore & culture with this guided hike.30649 Smokey Hill Trail Mon., July 6, 8-9:30 a.m.Sand Creek Park  

MORNING BIRD WALKS, Ages 8 & olderJoin us to see what birds are out & about. 30682 Sat., Jul. 11, 8 a.m. Pronghorn Natural Area 

 AUGUST PROGRAMS

MORRISON NATURE CENTER AT STAR K RANCH 

STAR K KIDS, Ages 5 & youngerDiscover Aurora’s true nature through interactive activities and discovery time on the trail. Dress for the weather as this program will be outdoors.  32213 Thurs., Aug 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m. 32214 Thurs., Aug 13, 11 a.m.-noon.32215 Thurs., Aug 27, 9:30–10:30 a.m. 32216 Thurs., Aug 27, 11 a.m.-noon.

SENAC CREEK NATURE CENTER AT AURORA RESERVOIR 

FULL MOON HIKES, Ages 8 & olderDiscover Aurora’s true nature under the light of the full moon & learn a little about its history with this guided nature hike.30589 Sturgeon MoonMon., Aug. 3, 8-9 p.m. 

PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER 

FULL MOON HIKES, Ages 8 & olderDiscover Aurora’s true nature under the light of the full moon & learn a little about its history with this guided nature hike.30589 Sturgeon MoonMon., Aug. 3, 8-9 p.m.Cost: $5 per/person 

EARLY MORNING SUNDAY STROLLS, All agesImmerse yourself in the beauty & history of high plains shortgrass prairie through a guided nature hike. Sun., Aug. 16, 8-9:30 a.m. Cost: $5 (Ages 2 & under free)

OPEN SPACE 

NATURAL HISTORY SERIES, Ages 18 & olderAppreciate the important roles topography, plants & animals play in our environment & how they have influenced history, folklore & culture with this guided hike. 30651 Influential Women Of The PlainsMon., Aug. 3, 8-9:30 a.m. Pronghorn Natural Area 

NATURE AT NIGHT, Ages 2 & olderJoin us for a walk to see what’s out & about at night as the seasons change. Dress for the weather & bring a water bottle.30659 Nocturnal InsectsFri., Aug. 21, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Pronghorn Natural Area 

MORNING BIRD WALKS, Ages 8 & olderJoin us to see what birds are out & about. 32140 Sat., Aug. 8, 8 a.m.Coal Creek Arena