Plains Conservation Center Aurora Naturalist...will venture outside for a campfire, s’mores, and a...
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COYOTE Discover Aurora’s True Nature Aurora Naturalist Public Program Calendar March-May 2018 AuroraGov.org Tips for Avoiding Conflict with Wildlife in the City Colfax Ave. Smith Road Chambers Rd. Airport Blvd. Morrison Nature Center Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch call RESPECT Remember to respect the WILD in wildlife. Many potentially harmful interactions with wildlife occur because people fail to respect and leave wild animals alone. • Do not attempt to harass, harm, corner, capture, or tame wild animals. • Do not intentionally feed wild animals. • Do not handle wildlife that appears to be sick or injured. • Do not allow pets to play with or harass wildlife. • Take steps to secure potential, but unintentional, food sources such as rubbish, compost, pet food and water, feral (free- ranging domestic) cat food and water, birdbaths or bird feeders. SECURE Simple and inexpensive preventive measures can save time and money. Inspect your yard and home for potential wildlife trouble spots and correct them before they become an issue. • Cover window wells with commercially available grates or bubbles or DIY using hardware cloth or chicken wire. • Monitor and close holes (buried wire mesh may be necessary in some cases to prevent further digging) around and under foundations, decks and patios, so animals are not tempted to move in. • Secure rubbish in a metal or plastic container. Secure lids with a bungee cord or heavy rock. If possible, store trash in a shed or garage. Wait until the morning of trash pick-up day to curb your trash. Always close dumpster lids. If your dumpster does not have a lid, call your waste management company or property management company and ask that it be replaced with a dumpster with a lid. • Keep pet food and water indoors. Store pet food in secure containers. Do not store pet food near a pet door with outdoor (wild animal) access. • To avoid pet conflict, supervise pets in yards where coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks have been observed. • Screen fireplace chimneys and vents (be sure to consider all fire and safety hazards for this step). Immediately repair attic holes. • Seal foundation, fascia and soffit cracks larger than one-quarter inch. RESPOND Don’t wait for wildlife to get comfortable in your yard or in your home. If you are experiencing elevated conflict, the best response is an immediate one. • Temporarily remove attractants such as water, bird feeders or fallen fruit. • Temporarily remove access to easy shelter or hiding places such as brush piles. Trim dense landscaping up and away from the ground. • Temporarily lock or secure pet doors at night. • Install motion-activated lighting, temporary lighting or noisemakers such as a radio set to play on a talk station. • Temporarily place scent deterrents such as ammonia soaked rags, mothballs enclosed in a stocking, citronella or cayenne pepper in the area. • Haze (shout or clap your hands with the intent to scare off) coyotes and foxes out of your yard. Do not tolerate or encourage wildlife loitering on your property. • If a wild animal is stuck in a window well or dumpster, carefully place a long, wide and rough plank at an angle extending from the base of the well or dumpster to the lip, then leave the area. This may allow the animal to safely climb out on its own. Remove the plank once the animal has left the area. Sources: "Too Close for Comfort" (Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2011) 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora, CO 303.326.8380 • AuroraGov.org/Nature Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ASTRONOMY NIGHTS Join us for an exciting night of stars, planets and solar systems with retired astronomy professor Dr. Win Pendleton. After a short presentation, we will venture outside for a campfire, s’mores, and a chance to look at the planets and other objects through the telescope. Moon • Fri., March 23 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hubble Telescope • Fri., April 27 • 7-9 p.m. • $8 per person/program BIRD NERD SATURDAYS Whether you are new to birding or a seasoned pro, this is a great opportunity to socialize with other bird enthusiasts and enjoy some light refreshments. Experienced naturalists will lead you onto the 1100 acre prairie to watch birds and other wildlife. Sat., March 24 • Sat., April 14 • 9-11 a.m. • $5 per person/program Registration for these events are on Denver Botanic Gardens Website at BotanicGardens.org/Calendar. Use the filter feature to search for PCC programs. 2018 IS THE YEAR OF THE BIRD! Along with the National Audubon Society, National Geographic, BirdLife International, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and over 150 other organizations, Aurora’s nature centers are celebrating the Year of the Bird! Join us for our many bird related programs this year to learn more about our feathered fauna in Aurora and what you can do to help them. For more information on the Year of the Bird, visit NationalGeographic.org/Projects/year-of-the-bird. SENAC CREEK NATURE CENTER OPENING AT AURORA RESERVOIR Come see the newly renovated space, formerly known as the AWQUA Lounge, with all new exhibits and fun things for families to do! Grand Opening April 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 5800 S. Powhaton Road, Aurora, CO Plains Conservation Center
Transcript of Plains Conservation Center Aurora Naturalist...will venture outside for a campfire, s’mores, and a...
COYOTE
Discover Aurora’s True Nature
Aurora NaturalistPublic Program Calendar
March-May 2018
AuroraGov.org
Tips for Avoiding Conflict with Wildlife in the City
Colfax Ave.
Smith Road
Cha
mbe
rs R
d.
Airpo
rt B
lvd.
Morrison Nature Center
Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch
call
RESPECT Remember to respect the WILD in wildlife. Many potentially harmful interactions with wildlife occur because people fail to respect and leave wild animals alone. • Do not attempt to harass, harm, corner,
capture, or tame wild animals. • Do not intentionally feed wild animals. • Do not handle wildlife that appears to be sick
or injured. • Do not allow pets to play with or harass wildlife. • Take steps to secure potential, but
unintentional, food sources such as rubbish, compost, pet food and water, feral (free-ranging domestic) cat food and water, birdbaths or bird feeders.
SECURE Simple and inexpensive preventive measures can save time and money. Inspect your yard and home for potential wildlife trouble spots and correct them before they become an issue. • Cover window wells with commercially
available grates or bubbles or DIY using hardware cloth or chicken wire.
• Monitor and close holes (buried wire mesh may be necessary in some cases to prevent further digging) around and under foundations, decks and patios, so animals are not tempted to move in.
• Secure rubbish in a metal or plastic container. Secure lids with a bungee cord or heavy rock. If possible, store trash in a shed or garage. Wait until the morning of trash pick-up day to curb your trash. Always close dumpster lids. If your dumpster does not have a lid, call your waste management company or property management company and ask that it be replaced with a dumpster with a lid.
• Keep pet food and water indoors. Store pet food in secure containers. Do not store pet food near a pet door with outdoor (wild animal) access.
• To avoid pet conflict, supervise pets in yards where coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks have been observed.
• Screen fireplace chimneys and vents (be sure to consider all fire and safety hazards for this step). Immediately repair attic holes.
• Seal foundation, fascia and soffit cracks larger than one-quarter inch.
RESPOND Don’t wait for wildlife to get comfortable in your yard or in your home. If you are experiencing elevated conflict, the best response is an immediate one. • Temporarily remove attractants such as water,
bird feeders or fallen fruit. • Temporarily remove access to easy shelter or
hiding places such as brush piles. Trim dense landscaping up and away from the ground.
• Temporarily lock or secure pet doors at night. • Install motion-activated lighting, temporary
lighting or noisemakers such as a radio set to play on a talk station.
• Temporarily place scent deterrents such as ammonia soaked rags, mothballs enclosed in a stocking, citronella or cayenne pepper in the area.
• Haze (shout or clap your hands with the intent to scare off) coyotes and foxes out of your yard. Do not tolerate or encourage wildlife loitering on your property.
• If a wild animal is stuck in a window well or dumpster, carefully place a long, wide and rough plank at an angle extending from the base of the well or dumpster to the lip, then leave the area. This may allow the animal to safely climb out on its own. Remove the plank once the animal has left the area.
Sources: "Too Close for Comfort" (Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2011)
21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora, CO 303.326.8380 • AuroraGov.org/NatureMon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
ASTRONOMY NIGHTSJoin us for an exciting night of stars, planets and solar systems with retired astronomy professor Dr. Win Pendleton. After a short presentation, we will venture outside for a campfire, s’mores, and a chance to look at the planets and other objects through the telescope.Moon • Fri., March 23 • 6:30-8:30 p.m.Hubble Telescope • Fri., April 27 • 7-9 p.m.• $8 per person/program
BIRD NERD SATURDAYSWhether you are new to birding or a seasoned pro, this is a great opportunity to socialize with other bird enthusiasts and enjoy some light refreshments. Experienced naturalists will lead you onto the 1100 acre prairie to watch birds and other wildlife.Sat., March 24 • Sat., April 14• 9-11 a.m. • $5 per person/program
Registration for these events are on Denver Botanic Gardens Website at BotanicGardens.org/Calendar. Use the filter feature to search for PCC programs.
2018 IS THE YEAR OF THE BIRD!Along with the National Audubon Society, National Geographic, BirdLife International, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and over 150 other organizations, Aurora’s nature centers are celebrating the Year of the Bird! Join us for our many bird related programs this year to learn more about our feathered fauna in Aurora and what you can do to help them. For more information on the Year of the Bird, visit NationalGeographic.org/Projects/year-of-the-bird.
SENAC CREEK NATURE CENTER OPENING AT AURORA RESERVOIRCome see the newly renovated space, formerly known as the AWQUA Lounge, with all new exhibits and fun things for families to do!Grand Opening April 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.5800 S. Powhaton Road, Aurora, CO
Plains Conservation Center
NATURE AT NIGHT Explore nature after the sun goes down. Winter into Spring 252191 Mar. 16 ● Fri., 7-8 p.m. Great Horned Owls 252190 Apr. 20 ● Fri., 7:15-8:15 p.m. Night Sounds 252192 May 18 ● Fri., 8-9 p.m. ● Morrison Nature Center
SUNSET STROLL Enjoy an evening walk to look for wildlife. 252206 Apr. 12 ● Thu., 7:15-8:15 p.m. ● Coal Creek Arena
WILDFLOWER WALK Ages 10 and older Join us for a look at spring wildflowers in this unique nature preserve. 252208 May 12 ● Sat., 9-11 a.m. ● Ponderosa Preserve
KIDS◄◄SPRING BREAK NATURE FUN Ages 6-12 This fun spring break class runs concurrent to our Star K Kids program for older siblings and any kids that enjoy nature. Mammals and Tracking 252304 Mar. 29 Awesome Arthropods 252305 Apr. 5 ● Thu., 9:30-11 a.m. ● Morrison Nature Center
FAMILIES◄◄BIRD WALK Ages 8 and older Join us to look for hawks, owls and other birds as we walk the trails. 252175 Mar. 10 ● Sat., 8-9:30 a.m. ● Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC
THE NATURE OF EGGSAges 5 and older Discover what is hatching out of springtime eggs and learn some natural dying techniques. 252205 Mar. 24 ● Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. ● Morrison Nature Center
BLUE MOON HIKE Join us for a walk as the full moon rises to find out what a blue moon is and to see who’s out at night. 252303 Mar. 31 ● Sat., 7:30-8:30 p.m. ● Morrison Nature Center
DAM NATURE WALKAges 10 and older Walk the dam at Aurora Reservoir looking for the wildlife that calls this area home. 252184 May 5 ● Sat., 8-10 a.m. ● Aurora Reservoir/West Dam Parking
FULL MOON HIKE Join us for a walk as the full moon rises to see who’s out at night. 252207 Mar. 1 ● Thu., 5:30-6:30 p.m. ● Quincy Reservoir
JUNIOR RANGERS Ages 6-12 Learn about the plants and animals that call Star K Ranch home in this fun and educational class. Weather Wonders 252187 Mar. 11 Honeybees 252188 May 13
Nesting Raptors 252186 Apr. 8
● Sun., 1:30-3 p.m. ● Morrison Nature Center
SPRING BREAK NATURE CAMP Ages 6-12 Join us as we explore Star K Ranch during spring break. Program will be indoors and outdoors so dress appropriately for the weather. 252194 Mar. 28 • 252312 Mar. 30 ● Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC● Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m.-noon 252313 Apr. 6 ● Morrison Nature Center ● Fri., 9 a.m.-noon ● Each camp, $10 per day/child
STAR K KIDS Ages 5 and younger Discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, interactive activities and discovery time on the trail. Drop-in program. ● Every Thu., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. ● Morrison Nature Center
STAR K NATURE CAMP255747 May 29-June 1 ● Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon ● Morrison Nature Center● $50 per child
COYOTEcall
Photo credits Victoria Samuel, Meg Reck, and Wayne Gallagher
Registration is required for all programs, except for Star K Kids. To register for nature programs, call 303.326.8650 or go online at AuroraGov.org/Recreation. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult for all programs except Junior Rangers and school break camps. Programs may be canceled due to low participation or poor weather. For information call 303.326.8445 or [email protected].
Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch 16002 E. Smith Road303.326.8445 • AuroraGov.org/Nature
Hours: • Wed.-Fri. 12-4:30 p.m. • Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Closed Mon. and Tues.• Registration Line: 303.326.8650
WILDSCAPING WORKSHOP Adults only Do you enjoy gardening? Would you like to invite more birds and pollinators to your yard? Then this workshop is for you! You will learn how important native plants are for native birds and pollinators and how to create an inviting garden for them. 252311 Mar. 10 ● Sat., 10-11 a.m. ● Morrison Nature Center
BROWNIE WATER JOURNEY DAYAges 6-12 Begin your Wonders of Water Brownie Journey at this fun day full of engaging, educational, water- related activities. 252323 Apr. 28, Sat., 9 a.m.-noon 252176 Apr. 28, Sat., 1-4 p.m. ● $2 per scout ● Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC
SAVE THE DATESTAR K NATURE CAMPAges 6-12 255450 June 19-22 255451 July 10-13• Morrison Nature Center/Star K Ranch• 9 a.m.-noon
TWEEN CAMPAges 8-12 255448 July 24-27● Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC • 9 a.m.-noon
ADVANCED JUNIOR RANGER CAMPAges 10-14 255447 June 25-29• Morrison Nature Center/Star K Ranch• 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
