Events by this organizer

The Denver Audubon Community Naturalist Training is a one-of-a-kind adult training program highlighting the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Colorado Front Range. Classes for the 2022 summer season will be held at the Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield and a variety of offsite field trip locations.  Topics of study include botany, ecology, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and conservation in Colorado.

Classes will take place Monday August 22 – Friday August 26 and Monday Aug 29 – Thursday September 1 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm each day, with the exception of our ecology field trips on Tuesday August 30 and Wednesday August 31 which will be 7 am start time and ending at 3 pm.  100% attendance is required in order to graduate from the program – makeup classes are NOT possible.

Birds are drawn to riparian areas, so we'll bird along Clear Creek and adjacent ponds, looking for species such as Snowy Egrets, American Dippers, Cedar Waxwings and other goodies. The 2.25-mile route is quite flat, though we'll transition from paved to natural surface trails to boardwalks. Part – but not all – of the trail would work for the mobility-challenged.

All are welcome, and no experience needed, other than enthusiasm!
Meet at the Youngfield entrance to the Wheat Ridge Greenway. More details will be given to registrants.
Be sure to bring binoculars, sunscreen, water, snacks and a hat. See you soon!

Please Note:

•Advance registration, including signing of the liability waiver is required. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed.
• You are responsible for bringing your own binoculars for optimum experience, water, and sunscreen.

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
-Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Photo credit: Kevin Rutherford

Hummingbirds are the superheroes of Chatfield Park! Come to our Hummingbird Heroes class and learn about all the unique adaptations that can make hummingbirds a part of the Avengers.

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  • PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 40 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.
• • By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
    -Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
    -Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
    -Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 12 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

Join Audubon Master Birder Leslie Coleman for a short weekday morning walk around Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat in Boulder County. We will travel two miles or less on relatively flat unpaved trails through wetland and willow-cottonwood habitats, searching for a variety of ducks and other waterfowl, herons and egrets, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, and fall migrants. Birders of all levels are welcome, including beginners and families. Restrooms are available. Trip participants will receive detailed meeting instructions the day before the outing.

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
-Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

The Denver Audubon Community Naturalist Training is a one-of-a-kind adult training program highlighting the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Colorado Front Range. Classes for the 2022 summer season will be held at the Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield and a variety of offsite field trip locations.  Topics of study include botany, ecology, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and conservation in Colorado.

Classes will take place Monday August 22 – Friday August 26 and Monday Aug 29 – Thursday September 1 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm each day, with the exception of our ecology field trips on Tuesday August 30 and Wednesday August 31 which will be 7 am start time and ending at 3 pm.  100% attendance is required in order to graduate from the program – makeup classes are NOT possible.

Bluff Lake has a 1.5 mile well graded trail. There is a moderate hill that has a mild gradient. We will see waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, swallows, you name it. There is a good chance we will also see some frogs and turtles. There is little shade so please wear sunscreen and a hat and bring water. Also, bring binoculars.

This adventure is for families of homeschoolers.

Please Note:

•Advance registration, including signing of the liability waiver is required. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed.
• You are responsible for bringing your own binoculars for optimum experience, water, and sunscreen.

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
-Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Photo Credit: Graham Ray

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms is a native plant refuge and working farm located along Deer Creek in southern Jefferson County. This is a 2-hour out-and-back trip on mostly flat paved and gravel trails. Several ponds offer good views of waterfowl and the forests host some raptors. 

Bring binoculars, appropriate outdoor clothing, water and sunscreen. A portion of this route is accessible to those with mobility challenges; however, graveled sections can be quite muddy during wet weather and pond approaches are uneven terrain. A restroom is available at the paved parking area and a few benches are available along the trail.

If you are not a member of the Botanic Gardens, the trip leader will provide you with a free pass. For information about Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, visit www.botanicgardens.org/chatfield-farms. 

If you have questions, call Debra Bogar at (303) 888-0987 and leave a message with phone number for a return call.

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 6 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
-Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Photo credit: Leslie Coleman.

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this event (limit: 100 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

The Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield State Park has thousands of visitors that explore our trails and gardens each year. Outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing can be tough on our trails and our wildlife and we need your help! The Love Your Trails event is a way for local families to come together and give back to help with trail maintenance and clean-up. Volunteers will remove invasive and noxious weeds, cover social trails to protect vegetation, trim back foliage on established trails, and pick up trash.

By registering for and attending this event, you agree to the following:
-Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not attend the event.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Photo credit: K. Hogan.

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 14 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

Nature journaling is a fun way to capture your observations of birds and plants. Join us for a short exploration of the area surrounding the Kingery Nature Center. Each season we will focus on what birds and plants will be likely and watch for behaviors and interactions. Then we will create a nature journal page to capture our adventure. No prior drawing or birding experience is required.

What to bring:
Journal or Sketchbook
Pens or Graphite pencils
Travel watercolors or Colored pencils (12-24 colors recommended)
Small bag or backpack to carry supplies.

Note that this field trip is assessible for those with mobility challenges.

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
-Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Photo credit: Barbra Sobhani.

In this unique program by Butterfly Pavilion, meet invertebrates from global environments, and hear about their characteristics, where and how they live, and why they are essential in our world. Finish off the program by hiking around Chatfield park and catching invertebrates in our backyard!

• • PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 40 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.
• • By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
    -Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
    -Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
    -Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms is a native plant refuge and working farm located along Deer Creek in southern Jefferson County. This is a 2-hour out-and-back trip on mostly flat paved and gravel trails. Several ponds offer good views of waterfowl and the forests host some raptors. 

Bring binoculars, appropriate outdoor clothing, water and sunscreen. A portion of this route is accessible to those with mobility challenges; however, graveled sections can be quite muddy during wet weather and pond approaches are uneven terrain. A restroom is available at the paved parking area and a few benches are available along the trail.

If you are not a member of the Botanic Gardens, the trip leader will provide you with a free pass. For information about Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, visit www.botanicgardens.org/chatfield-farms. 

If you have questions, call Debra Bogar at (303) 888-0987 and leave a message with phone number for a return call.

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 6 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
-Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
-Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
-Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Photo credit: Leslie Coleman.

Saturday, October 1, 10am–2pm

Our largest family event of the year and the only owl festival in the Denver-Metro area!

• Live owl demonstrations with Nature’s Educators at 10:30, 12:00 and 1:30
• Owl crafts for kids
• Hidden owl scavenger hunt in our Native Plant Gardens
• Owl pellet dissections – discover what owls eat
• Live folk music from local Denver band Nearly There
• Educational owl booths from partners including Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, and U.S. Forest Service
• Delicous coffee and snacks from the Dirt Coffee Truck
• Owl merchandise in our gift shop and from local vendors

All ages welcome for this one-of-a-kind event!

Meeting Place: Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield, 11280 Waterton Rd. Littleton, CO 80125

Registration:  Early Bird Tickets: $11/teen or adult, $7/child (3-12 years) children under 2 are free!
                       Walk-up Tickets: $15/teen or adults, $10/child (3-12 years) children under 2 are free!

All proceeds benefit the Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield.

$2,750.00  –  Without Lodging (for local residents)

$2,995.00  –  With Lodging, double occupancy

$3,245.00  –  With Lodging, single supplement

Join Denver Audubon, Nature’s Educators, and award-winning photographer Cheryl Opperman for a one of a kind photo workshop designed to help you master bird photography. Topics include camera settings, using flash, composition, and processing techniques that will take your photography to the next level.  Class is limited to 6 participants.

What you will learn:

• Evaluating and modifying light for bird photography including the use of flash
• Selecting shutter speeds to stop or intentionally blur action
• Ensuring adequate depth of field
• Improving your response time so you are always ready to capture the action
• Selecting exposure, including the exposure triangle, best exposure modes, and evaluating the histogram
• Using customizable camera settings for bird photography
• Choosing effective compositions and eliminating distractions
• Anticipating bird behavior
• Finding and photographing birds in the wild
• Digital processing techniques to optimize your images

Choosing a qualified instructor with the best skill set can mean the difference between an average experience and a great experience. Teaching photography requires more than just knowing how to take beautiful photographs. Truly exceptional instructors must have extensive knowledge about fundamental photographic principles, utilize the latest technology, and be able to explain and apply the appropriate techniques in the field.  

Cheryl Opperman’s degree from one of the world’s best photography colleges, plus over two decades of real-world experience, makes her one of the most skilled professionals in the industry today. 

Whether you are just beginning to learn photography or have been taking pictures for years, Cheryl is passionate about sharing her knowledge to help you discover new techniques, develop your own unique style, and reach your photographic goals.

• Photograph over 10 different species in a variety of settings
• Attend bird photography and image processing classes daily
• Proceeds help support wildlife conservation and education
• Includes tuition, meals and local transportation (airfare and transportation to and from the airport not included)
• Packages available with or without lodging

Testimonials

“Isn’t it great when you engage in an event and it wildly exceeds your expectations?  It doesn’t happen often, but the recent Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop did exactly that.  Through the years I’ve been on numerous photo shoots and have taken a variety of workshops with some darn good photographers, but Cheryl’s workshop was special.  In a phrase, Cheryl Opperman is a consummate professional.  Having said that;  what I really valued about the experience was realizing just how much Cheryl cares.  She cares that her participants learn, that they understand and that they take home the images they want.  It took me about 5 minutes listening to Cheryl to realize how much energy she puts into her workshops.  But experience doesn’t end there because in addition to being a “pro’s pro,” Cheryl is warm, easy-going and fun.  I’ve been taking pictures for 10 years and can honestly say I learned more doing the Audubon workshop with Cheryl than any other I have taken.  So take it from someone who’s been there, if Cheryl has an opening in her next workshop, here’s a word of advice—grab it!”
L.S. Butch Mazzuca
Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop Participant

“The Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop with Cheryl was the BEST workshop ever – not only does Cheryl know photography, she knows how to teach photography. For example, I’ve spent years trying to understand ambient light and flash, with no success. Cheryl had in conveyed in one go. She’s patient and behind our cameras a lot – often using any photos she does take as a teaching tool – all to make sure we’re ‘getting it.’ And she makes it all fun – such a wonderful personality and lots of laughter helps everyone relax yet get the point. Wish I would have found her when I started out. This workshop was well worth the money and I can’t wait for the next workshop opportunity with her!!!”
Ramona Boone
Denver Audubon Raptor Photo Workshop Participant

About the Instructor

Cheryl Opperman is a nationally acclaimed nature photographer with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooks Institute of Photography and over 30 years of professional experience photographing nature, wildlife, and indigenous cultures worldwide. She was featured as a leading female nature photographer by Outdoor Photographer Magazine and has received numerous prestigious awards from organizations including The Earth Day Network, Nature’s Best Photography, the International Photography Awards, and the National Wildlife Federation. Her work has also appeared in publications or exhibits for The American Humane Association, the National Geographic Society, the Smithsonian National of Natural History, and many others. Employing the power of photography to inspire interest in the environment, she has appeared in on-camera interviews for 9News Denver, The Luminous Landscape, and Smithsonian Earth and regularly presents slide shows or classes on various topics to schools, camera clubs, and organizations. 

How are ninjas and owls similar? What superpowers do owls have that allow them to hunt efficiently at night? Students make predictions and examine the study skins of Great-horned Owls and dissect owl pellets to discover more.

• • PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 40 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.
• • By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
    -Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
    -Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
    -Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

• Learn to start your birding journey with simple bird identification and common birds of Colorado. Let master birder Patti Galli lead you on a birding hike around the Audubon Nature Center to test your new skills. This workshop is a family-friendly class, and all ages are welcome to come and learn about the wonders of birding.
  • PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 30 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.
• • By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
    -Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
    -Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
    -Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Colorado has many marvelous mammals like the mountain lion, black bear, & bighorn sheep. Explore the mammals of Colorado with close-up looks at animal pellets and a nature hike to witness or own magnificent mammals!

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  • PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 40 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.
• • By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
    -Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
    -Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
    -Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.

Scientific illustration is visual storytelling for science topics. Illustrators such as Skye use this art to make complicated scientific topics into easy ways to share your knowledge with others. You're invited to come and share your creativity and knowledge with Denver Audubon & Skye Young from the Curious Hound!

Want to know more about Skye? Click this link! http://thecurioushound.org/

What you'll need to bring: 

• A journal or paper for drawing 
• A drawing pencil 
• Colored pencils 
• Other drawing suplise you may want

Picture drawn by: Skye Young 

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 40 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

• • By registering for and attending this field trip, you agree to the following:
    -Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms, even if you are vaccinated, and use common sense. DO NOT attend if you if you had recent exposure to an individual with symptoms or confirmation of COVID-19. If you have any symptoms or even suspect you could have COVID-19 symptoms, do not sign up for this trip.
    -Masks Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors. However, we encourage unvaccinated people to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household when outdoors and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
    -Masks Indoors: Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces.