@AspenCenterForEnvironmentalStudies @ACESaspen www.aspennature.org/blog Sign up for our monthly email newsletter

s u m m e r 2 0 1 4

100 Puppy Smith Street Aspen, CO 81611

www.aspennature.org | 970-925-5756

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDAspen, CO

Permit No. 43

Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.

VISIT US

100 Puppy Smith StreetMonday - Saturday, 9AM - 5PM

970-925-5756

Hallam Lake

2001 Hooks Spur RoadMonday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM

Saturday, 9AM -1PM 970-927-6760

Rock Bottom Ranch*

11247 Castle Creek Road Call for hours & programs

970-925-9157

Catto Center at Toklat

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

SUMMER PROGRAM PARTNERS

ACES is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. ACES operates under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.

www.aspennature.org | 970-925-5756

@AspenCenterForEnvironmentalStudies @ACESaspen www.aspennature.org/blog Sign up for our monthly email newsletter

*Eggs, chicken, pork, lamb, vegetables, and cut flowers available for sale at RBR

OUR WORKACES, a non-profit environmental science education organization founded in 1968, provides programs for all ages in the areas of ecological literacy, sustainable agriculture, forest health, ecosystem restoration, and civic leadership. Offerings include guided hikes, lectures, classes, kids camps, community events, environmental science lessons in schools, hands-on outdoor experiential science education, and more.

ACES also partners with land trusts, public agencies, government entities, and other non-profits to steward the regional landscape. Projects include restoration and cooperative management on private lands under conservation easement, open space, and public lands.

Our important work is supported by the generosity of our members and donors. To make a tax deductible contribution visit aspennature.org or contact Christy Mahon at cmahon@aspennature.org.

Naturalist Hikes & Programs

• On the hour from 11AM - 3PM, 45 minute tour Meet at the top of Aspen Mountain Gondola.

• Nature Trail Walk: 10AM, 2 hour tour Meet outside the Ice Age Discovery Center. • Ice Age Discovery Hike: 1PM, 2 hour tour Meet outside the Ice Age Discovery Center. • Rabbit Run Walk: On the hour from 11AM - 3PM, 45 minute tour Meet at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola.

Snowmass

Maroon Bells• Crater Lake Hike: 10:15AM & 1:15PM, 2 hour tour • Landmarks in Time Walk: 10:15AM & 1:15PM, 45 minute tour Meet at the Maroon Bells Information Center for both tours.

Aspen Mountain

Free Daily Hikes

M o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a t w w w. a s p e n n a t u r e . o r g

| June 14 - September 1no reservations necessary

• 4PM Mon - Fri; 2PM Sat at Hallam Lake. $10 suggested donation per family / free for members

Green World Day Hike with lunch

Sunset Beaver Walk• 7:30PM Tues & Thurs at Hallam Lake. $10 suggested donation per family / free for members

Eagles, Hawks, and Owls

• 10:30AM daily. Explore Castle Creek Valley and enjoy lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse. $90/person, all inclusive. 970-925-5756 for reservations.

Hire a Guide• Private naturalist-guided trips to American Lake, Cathedral Lake, Lost Man Trail, and more! Transportation and food can be provided. Basic fee $50/hr per guide. 970-925-5756 for reservations.

| June 16 - August 30

| June - September

| June - September

| June 17 - August 28

River Run Sunset Hike with dinner• 5PM daily. Explore Castle Creek Valley and enjoy dinner at Pine Creek Cookhouse. $110/person, all inclusive. 970-925-5756 for reservations.

| June - September

Family Saturdays at Hallam Lake June 14 - August 30: 10AM - 3PM, $10 suggested donation per family Activities for all ages including a Birds of Prey demonstration at 2PM.

Hallam Lake Kids Drop-in Series M - F, June 16 - August 8: 9AM - 12PM$25 per class, 5-punch transferable pass $120 / $90 members

Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays FridaysNaturalist Tool KitJune 16, July 14

Busy BeaversJune 17, July 15

Burly BearsJune 18, July 16

Sky HuntersJune 19, July 17

Native PeopleJune 20, July 18

Walk This WayJune 23, July 21

Muddy BuddiesJune 24, July 22

Predators & PreyJune 25, July 23

SwimmersJune 26, July 24

Ancient GiantsJune 27, July 25

Green WorldJune 30, July 28

Creepy CrawliesJuly 1, July 29

Scales & SlimeJuly 2, July 30

SingersJuly 3, July 31

Mammoth ManiaAugust 1

Sensational SensesJuly 7, August 4

Water WaysJuly 8, August 5

Cool CrownsJuly 9, August 6

NestersJuly 10, August 7

Rock’n RollJuly 11, August 8

R e g i s t r a t i o n a n d f u l l s c h e d u l e a t w w w. a s p e n n a t u r e . o r g

64 5

ACES Science Club Drop-in Series Thursdays, June 19 - August 7: 1PM - 4PM$25 per class, 5-punch transferable pass $120 / $90 membersHydrology, June 19 • Biology, June 26 • Ornithology, July 3 • Physics, July 10 Paleontology, July 17 • Forestry, July 24 • Chemistry, July 31 • Engineering, August 7

7 8 9 10

Shelter, Water, Fire, Food *August 11 - 159:30AM - 3:30PM$340 / $290 membersIf you ever found yourself out in the wilderness on your own – would you be able to survive? Come learn wilderness living skills that might come in handy on your next outdoor trip, or even at home. You’ll learn how to make fire by friction, identify edible and medicinal plants, and other basic survival techniques. Come enjoy adventures, stories, games, and ancient survival skills, all designed to bring the natural world to life as never before.*additional class offered for ages 9-12

12 13 1411ACES Quest *August 11 - 159:30AM - 3:30PM$300 / $250 membersExperience Quests, a popular adventure trend that follows a set of rhyming clues and a hand-drawn map to find a hidden treasure box! This new class for nature and history lovers will research and explore the landscape around Hallam Lake to create an ACES Quest. This will be added to the Aspen Quest program so locals and visitors can learn about Aspen’s special places. Check out aspenquest.com for more Quests!*additional class offered for ages 10 - 13

8 9 10 11

Hallam Lake Kids ClassesSummer Highlights • Full schedule at www.aspennature.org

Young Scientists

June 23-27, August 4-89:30AM - 3:30PM$300 / $250 membersScience isn’t always done indoors! Join our environmental science educators as we embark on a journey of exploration to better understand the world around us. We’ll do hands-on field science experiments like plant DNA extraction, wind turbine testing, energy efficiency experiments, and more. This class is a perfect combination of science and adventure and is sure to interest curious young scientists’ minds.

9 10 11 12Adventure Hikers

July 7-11, August 11-159:30AM - 3:30PM$300 / $250 membersIn Aspen all you have to do to find wilderness adventure is to walk outside! Learn what it takes to hike in the rugged Elk Mountains including the basics of map reading, what to bring in your first aid kit, leave no trace ethics, and much more. We’ll prepare for adventures and develop basic hiking knowledge, then put our skills into practice during day hikes on favorite Aspen area trails!

87Learn, Grow, Eat

July 14-189:30AM - 3:30PM$330 / $280 membersWonder what it’s like to grow your own food? Develop your green thumb as a young gardener! We’ll get our hands dirty, listen for the sound of buzzing pollinators, choose and plant our own seeds, and find out how delicious local, fresh fruits and veggies taste! We’ll plant our own garden plot at Hallam Lake, and learn about local food systems on field trips to Rock Bottom Ranch, local community gardens, and from guest appearances by local foodies and growers.

9 10 11 12The World of Plants

July 28 - August 19:30AM - 3:30PM$300 / $250 membersWithout plants we couldn’t live on this planet, so let’s explore and celebrate how they function and support us. We’ll learn basic biology as well as explore all the ways we can use plants to make art. Grass skirts, cattail hats and visors, we’ll get PLANTifully creative. We’ll paint flowers and trees, make ink and paintbrushes, and create sculptures from sticks and branches. Discover all the ways plants serve us and brighten our daily lives.

7 86

Rock Bottom Ranch Kids ClassesSummer Highlights • Full schedule at www.aspennature.org

R e g i s t r a t i o n a n d f u l l s c h e d u l e a t w w w. a s p e n n a t u r e . o r g

Family Farm DaysJune 14, July 12, August 9: 11AM - 1PM $20 suggested donation per familyFamily members of all ages will enjoy seasonal ranch activities!

Family Farm ToursMonday - Saturday: 11AM$10 suggested donation / free for members Get to know the animals and plants at RBR on a guided farm tour.

Volunteer Days*June 2, July 7, August 4, September 110AM - 12PM Get your hands dirty helping out RBR staff on various seasonal projects!*adult program, children welcome if they are able to participate

Ranch Hands

June 16 - 20, July 7 - 119:30AM - 3:30PM$300 / $250 membersRoll up your sleeves and have a meaningful hands-on experience at a working ranch and environmental education center. This class mixes animal care, forest stewardship, gardening, wetlands restoration, and plenty of fun! Expert guests will cover everything from beekeeping and raising animals, to understanding the balance of the natural world.

S h u t t l e f r o m A s p e n t o R B R av a i l a b l e J u l y 7 - A u g u s t 1

Kids vs. Wild

June 23 - 27, July 21 - 25, August 11 - 159:30AM - 3:30PM$300 / $250 membersMaster the art of tracking and gain the skills you need to survive in the wild on your own! This week of adventure on the preserve will require teamwork, skill, energy and problem solving. Together participants will start a bow drill friction fire, build a shelter to withstand the elements, master map reading and compass skills, and set out in search of food and water. Are you up for the challenge?

Sprouts

July 14 - 18, August 4 - 89:30AM - 3:30PM $300 / $250 members Plant the seed of healthy eating during this week of exploration on the Ranch. Spend your days learning about the delicious parts of ranch life while digging, planting, playing, and tasting. You will learn about new plants and animals, discover new flavors, gain first-hand cooking experiences, and get to know where your food comes from!

5 6 7Farm to Table 101

July 14 - 18, August 4 - 89:30AM - 3:30PM$300 / $250 membersKids are taking over the kitchen! Join us for a week of culinary adventures focused on making the farm-to-table connection. Gain experience with every aspect of ranch life from farm chores to planting, harvesting, and cooking local food. This exciting week will culminate with the opportunity for budding chefs and ranchers to prepare a healthy, seasonal meal for their parents in the new RBR kitchen!

12 13 141112 13 1411

Night & Day at the Ranch *July 28 - August 19:30AM - 3:30PM, overnight Thursday, pick-up noon Friday$390 / $340 membersThis class is for adventurers who want to experience ranch life during the day and at night. The week begins with exploring and learning about the Ranch, then planning your overnight adventure. Evening chores done and ranch put to bed, you’ll get to enjoy a ranch-made meal, learn about the night sky, and share stories by the fire. And let’s not forget the s’mores….*additional class offered for ages 10-13

12 13 1411One Word: A Photo Workshop

August 5 - 79:30AM - 3:30PM$240 / $190 membersExplore the natural beauty of the Ranch with photographer Cath Adams while capturing the essence of one word through photographs! At the end of the workshop you’ll present your best images in a slide show for others to guess your one word. You will learn age appropriate camera mechanics and techniques while nurturing and advancing your abilities, vision, and creative communication skills.

10 11 12 13Barnyard Art

August 18 - 229:30AM - 3:30PM$300 / $250 membersPut your smocks and ranch boots on and get ready to create art projects inspired by the wetlands, the cottonwoods, the garden, and the farm animals! From silk paintings to creative works of garden art, chicken portraits and beyond – we’ll mix and match art media as we learn about the day-in-a-life of a ranch. Get ready to have some fun creating barnyard art under the guidance of local artist Penny Greenwell.

8 9 10

12 1311 14

Adult Naturalist Field SchoolSummer Highlights • Full schedule at www.aspennature.org

Morning Birding with Rebecca WeissMay 6, 20: 7AM - 10AMJune 3, 10, 17, 24: 6AM - 9AMJuly 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: 6:30AM - 9:30AMAugust 5, 12, 19, 26: 7AM - 10AMSeptember 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: 7:30AM - 10:30AM Hallam Lake & Rock Bottom Ranch$30 / $20 members

Evening Birding with Rebecca WeissJune 18, July 23, August 136PM - 8PM, Hallam Lake$15 / $10 members

Know Your Trees Mondays, June 23 - August 114PM - 5PM, Hallam Lake$5 / free for members

Yoga in Nature with Aspen Yoga SocietyTuesdays, June 3 - August 265:15PM - 6:30PM, Hallam Lake$10 suggested donation

A Day with the Medicine of PlantsMary O’BrienAugust 9: 9AM - 4PM$110 / $80 membersExamine and learn about local medicinal plants including the science of healing properties, various preservation techniques, usage, and tips for growing a medicinal garden.

WildYoga Retreat at ToklatArin Trook & Liesa ScholzeAugust 11: 5:00PM - 8:30PM

$110 / $80 membersTake part in a unique WildYoga practice with a focus on alignment and sustainability. WildYoga draws on the roots of yoga practice, connecting practitioners to the wild landscape both inside and outside of our self. A simple dinner will be provided.

Know the Trees, Know the PlaceJim KravitzJuly 25: 9AM - 3PM$80 / $60 membersGet to know Roaring Fork Valley trees! This class will explore tree ecology, natural history information, and how trees reflect the climactic conditions of an area while improving your tree ID skills.

CO Mountain MushroomsDr. Robert ReinsvoldJuly 31 - August 1: 9AM - 5PM

$190 / $150 members*Become familiar with elusive mountain mushrooms with emphasis on ecology, natural history, general biology, and identification.1 graduate college credit available *Educator discount: $150 / 110 members

Wild about WildflowersLisa TaskerJuly 12, July 24, August 6: 9AM - 3PM$110 / $80 membersImprove your wildflower identification skills while experiencing the beauty of our wildflowers and examining local ecology, pollinators, and other factors in our flora’s fascinating natural history.

Birding up Independence Pass Rebecca Weiss & Mark FullerJune 25: 7AM - 3PM$110 / $80 membersVisit birding hotspots from Aspen up to the Independence Pass tundra while exploring natural history, migration, and conservation of mountain birds. Practice birding fieldcraft skills and enrich your understanding of birds in relation to the wider natural world.

CSI Aspen: Forensic Ecology in the Roaring Fork ValleyDr. Boyce DrummondJuly 10 - 11, 9AM - 5PM$190 / $150 members*Solve the mystery of behavior and life histories of mountain animals, insects, and plants by tracking and interpreting intriguing ecological clues that they leave behind. This class will explore the investigative tools used by ecologists to untangle the evolutionary web of the natural world.1 graduate college credit available*Educator discount: $150 / $110 members

Cooperative Cushions: Ecology of Alpine PlantsDr. Catherine KleierJuly 17 - 18, 9AM - 5PM$190 / $150 members*Examine the world of cushion plants, alpine species that have adapted unique, mat-like plant forms that enable their survival in extreme conditions. Participants will spend both days in the field identifying alpine plants, measuring species diversity, and learning about how they adapt, thrive, and facilitate growth of other plants in the Rocky Mountains.1 graduate college credit available*Educator discount: $150 / $110 members

R e g i s t r a t i o n a n d f u l l s c h e d u l e a t w w w. a s p e n n a t u r e . o r g

The Geology of Aspen’s Ski AreasKayo OgilbyJuly 1 - 2, 9AM - 5PM$190 / $150 members*Explore the geology of Aspen and Snowmass including sedimentary and igneous history, the rich faulting and mining traditions of the Rocky Mountains, and the role glaciers played in sculpting our beloved ski areas. This exciting workshop is perfect for anyone interested in geology, and will bridge the gap between familiar landscapes and geologic time. 1 graduate college credit available*Educator discount: $150 / $110 members

Astronomy for the Outdoor EnthusiastDr. Cherilynn MorrowAugust 7 - 8, 1PM - 10PM (with dinner break)$190 / $150 members*Ponder the science of astronomy and practice sky watching while expanding your sense of wonder about the cosmos. Participants will take part in interactive presentations and activities, as well as an in-depth night sky orientation. Build the skills and awareness necessary to enjoy informed sky watching for years to come!1 graduate college credit available*Educator discount: $150 / $110 members