School Programs

Several brightly dressed youngsters sitting on the green wooden steps of an old, wooden cabin. There is a mailbox on a post on one side and a sigh that says, Evergreen Nature Center on the other side, along with a green bush and some yellow dandelions. You can see two windows and the front door of the cabin behind the children.
Happy Campers. (c) Emma Vasicek

We offer three types of school programs:

  • field trips
  • outreach programs
  • visits to the nature center

Our expert staff have more than 15 years of environmental education program development experience, and we follow best practices in our programs. Every program will help you cover topics related to nature, science, and the environment. Writing, art, math, physical education, and social studies are often involved as well. Each program at the Evergreen Nature Center consists of learning activities as well as outdoor exploration. We can also create a customized program to fit your particular curriculum needs and grade level.

To arrange for a program, please contact us at 303-330-0489 or at executivedirector@evergreenaudubon.org. We prefer a 2-week notice but may be able to accommodate shorter times. Program fees are $6/child unless otherwise noted below in the descriptions. We can accommodate lunchtime as well. If your budget is limited, scholarships are available for qualifying schools or groups. Please ask us for details.

FIELD TRIPS

Located at our Evergreen Nature Center, your school campus or another public park.

kids hiking on a trail
Campers hiking in the woods. (c) Emma Vasicek

Sense-ational Hike
Pre-K – 2nd grade ♦ year round ♦ 1.5 to 2 hours
Students will explore and enjoy the outdoors using 4 of their 5 senses. We will hike outdoors for either a 1/2 mile or just over a mile, depending on the age and abilities of the students.

kids hiking on a trail
Kids looking inside a nestbox with a special camera. (c) Kevin Cook

Birds of a Feather
3rd grade – 6th grade ♦ April and May ♦ 1.5 hours
Springtime is a great time to see lots of colorful birds in our area. We will spend time making habitat observations and exploring what makes a bird a bird!

fox curled up in the snow
Fox in the winter. (c) Pexels by Pixabay

Winter Wildlife
K – 3rd grade ♦ December – March ♦ 1 to 2 hours
Winter cold and snow have a profound effect on animal behavior. We investigate the many physical and behavioral adaptations our local wildlife have for surviving a mountain winter.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

These 1-hour programs can be brought to your classroom or done at the Evergreen Nature Center.

child with an owl pellet on the table in front of her
Dissecting owl pellets. (c) Emma Vasicek

Owl Investigations
1st – 6th grade ♦ year round
During this engaging program students will learn about the unique adaptations that help owls, a nocturnal predator, capture their prey and survive the ‘night life’. An owl pellet dissection is a part of this program and requires an additional $1 fee per child.

spider in a container held by a child
Large spider in container. (c) Emma Vasicek

Creepy Crawly Myths
1st – 6th grade ♦ Year round
Many critters get a bad reputation from stories and myths. This program exposes the truths about spiders, bats, and snakes. Let’s teach kids the truth about these fascinating creatures! This program includes a visit with our LIVE Bullsnake, and requires an additional $1 fee per child.

VISITING THE EVERGREEN NATURE CENTER

large room in the nature center
Mammal room in the nature center. (c) Lisa Wald

The Evergreen Nature Center is in operation all year. We have numerous interactive exhibits about nature found in the Bear Creek Watershed, from the top of Mt. Blue Sky all the way to the Platte River. Up to 40 people can comfortably explore the nature center at a time. You are always welcome to bring your students during our open hours. If you would like to arrange a visit during other times, please contact us at least 2 weeks before your desired date.