Excerpt from: Visitor's Guide to the Colorado Rockies
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| June 23, 2008 | | Considered one of Vail's best-kept secrets. | The Nature Center offers unique, world-class programs including plant and animal exhibits, wildflower and morning bird walks, evening beaver pond tours, a summer speaker series, a hiking club, fly-fishing and stream ecology classes and campfire story telling with star gazing. The Nature Center, which is operated by the Vail Recreation District, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day Weekend and is located adjacent to Ford Park and across the street from the soccer fields. Read on for more information.
Adult, Family and Children's Programs
Wildflower Walk, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Join Nature Center staff on a leisurely one hour walk through the woods and meadows and learn about the flowers that carpet the mountains and the conditions they need to thrive.
Evening Beaver Pond Tour, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays
Beavers are one of the animals that define the Rocky Mountains and Vail is lucky to have a healthy beaver population right in town. The evening begins at the Nature Center with a brief presentation about beavers, followed by a drive to a beaver pond where there is an active lodge. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight.
Morning Bird Walk, 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Join Nature Center staff for a morning walk through the meadows and woods along the Gore Creek to learn about a great variety of birds.
Starry Nights, Saturdays, 8:45 to 9:45 p.m. (July) and 8 to 9 p.m. (August)
From endless constellations, cascading shooting stars and full moons almost as bright as the sun, these are realities in the mountains of Vail that should be experienced by all. You will learn the science and tales of the infinite mountain sky above from Fiske Planetarium astronomers, all while indulging in smores by the campfire.
Fly Fishing and Stream Ecology
These affordable two-day classes have something for beginning and experienced anglers of all ages. Local guide John Hansen will focus on stream ecology, entomology and casting techniques.
Family Fun Night, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
An evening of discovery as the Nature Center hosts exceptional guest speakers from around the state.
Camp Eco Fun
The Nature Center joins Vail Youth Services for a unique day-camp, which familiarizes children ages 4 through 12 with the beautiful alpine environment surrounding Vail.
Adventure Wednesdays
Ever wanted to take in beautiful scenery while soaring above in a paraglider, tame the rapids of the Colorado River, or try your hand at spelunking? The Nature Center offers occasional guided adventures throughout the valley with varying "wildness" factors to satisfy all your adrenaline needs. Call 970-479-2291 for details about upcoming Adventure Wednesdays and reservations.
Visit www.vailrec.com for more schedule information.
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