Admission: Paid

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 2023 fall session will be held at the Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield, potentially the Denver Audubon office, and offsite field trip locations.  Topics of study include botany, ecology, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and geology.

Classes will take place on Fridays, August 25 to October 20 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each day.  100% attendance is recommended – makeup classes are NOT possible.

Virtual Classroom Dates (Wednesdays): September 27 and October 4 from 7-9pm
Field Trip Dates (Saturdays): October 14, 21, 28 and November 4 from 8-11am
Field Trip locations include South Platte Park, Audubon Center at Chatfield, Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, and Genesee Park

New to birding? Wonder how to begin? Let Audubon Master Birders help you learn about bird identification, behavior, and habitats as well as choices for binoculars, scopes, and field guides. This class will be a combination of two evening virtual classes and four field trips. The virtual classes – via Zoom – lends itself to "virtual" birding and discussion about local and regional birding sites, how to look for birds, and the keys for identification. The class is designed to provide you with knowledge you can use to kick-start your lifelong love of birding! Once you get hooked, you will embark on a hobby that leads to many adventures.

• • 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.

Much of Colorado’s most exciting wildlife is best seen after dark. Learn about our state’s nocturnal predators, including owls, nighthawks, and tarantulas, the adaptations that help them to move stealthily through the darkness, and how we can protect these hidden animals. Then, join us for a nighttime hike to experience a side of nature that’s often overlooked, but not to be missed. **Includes live animal guest

The suggested age for this program is 5 and up.

• • COVID Guidelines: We will follow the current guidelines for the county where the program takes place.

Virtual Classroom Dates (Wednesdays): September 27 and October 4 from 7-9pm
Field Trip Dates (Saturdays): October 14, 21, 28 and November 4 from 8-11am
Field Trip locations include South Platte Park, Audubon Center at Chatfield, Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, and Genesee Park

New to birding? Wonder how to begin? Let Audubon Master Birders help you learn about bird identification, behavior, and habitats as well as choices for binoculars, scopes, and field guides. This class will be a combination of two evening virtual classes and four field trips. The virtual classes – via Zoom – lends itself to "virtual" birding and discussion about local and regional birding sites, how to look for birds, and the keys for identification. The class is designed to provide you with knowledge you can use to kick-start your lifelong love of birding! Once you get hooked, you will embark on a hobby that leads to many adventures.

• • 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.

Where does everything go? Students learn how nature breaks things like big trees or animals down into smaller units and how energy and nutrients transfer throughout the ecosystem. Learn to identify some of the organisms that take part in the decomposition process and how you can support this process in your yard through composting. Weather permitting, we’ll explore around the Center looking for signs of nature’s recycling process.

The suggested age for this program is 5 and up.

• • COVID Guidelines: We will follow the current guidelines for the county where the program takes place.

Birding Insights, Native Plants for Birds Workshop

You must register for this workshop (limit: 28 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

'Birding by ear' is a skill that will expand your perception of the wildlife around you.

Instructors:  Ryan Dibala, Denver Audubon Community Naturalist and owner of Birding Man Adventures

This workshop is designed for all skill levels of native plant enthusiasts!

• • COVID Guidelines: We will follow the current guidelines for the county where the program takes place.

• • 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.

Learn about sustainability and conservation through fun holiday crafts! Use upcycled and natural materials to put a personal touch on your holiday decorations, including a zero-waste ornament and beautiful biodegradable gift wrapping. Finally, we’ll make a tasty gift for the birds in your backyard with a nutritious and festive suet mix.

The suggested age for this program is 5 and up.

• • COVID Guidelines: We will follow the current guidelines for the county where the program takes place.

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  • 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.

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• • COVID Guidelines: We will follow the current guidelines for the county where the program takes place.