Walk the Wetlands

PLEASE NOTE: You must register for this field trip (limit: 20 people) and complete the liability form when you register. Walk-up or impromptu participants will not be allowed. Other requirements are described below.

The Walk the Wetlands event on the first Sunday of the month begins at the Denver Audubon Nature Center at 8:00 a.m. The group ventures along the South Platte River through open fields and deciduous woodland, and by ponds and marshes. The walk itself is about 3 miles and takes about 3.5 hours, the time varying mostly due to weather conditions.

During the summer months many of the regular migrant songbirds that breed here in the park join our resident species that also breed here. Orioles, Least and Cordilleran Flycatchers, American Redstarts, hummingbirds, and many others have all been seen since June in the park, along with a wide assortment of raptors.

Chatfield State Park is one of the largest staging areas for migrating and breeding songbirds in Colorado. Spring, fall, and much of the summer offer great looks at both migrating and breeding songbirds and waterfowl.

The walk is led by Audubon Master Birders. Please note that this field trip is not accessible for those with mobility challenges.

*Audubon Center & Trails is listed as a Hotspot on eBird under ‘Explore Hotspots.’ Check out the link to eBird to see the chart detailing specific birds seen along the trails here over the past four years in any particular month of the year: Chatfield SP–Audubon Center & Trails, Jefferson County, CO, US – eBird Hotspot

IMPORTANT:

If you have registered and discover that you will not be able to attend the walk, you must contact the trip leader (Bill Schreitz, 410-533-1720 or flannelmoth@gmail.com) as soon as possible. There is a waiting list for those wanting to join the walk!

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: Jefferson County strongly recommends that all residents ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, return to wearing a mask in indoor public spaces to minimize risk and maximize protection.

Photo credit: Bill Schreitz.