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 begins at the Denver Audubon Nature Center. 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 ~3.5 hours, the time varying mostly due to weather conditions.

With the official beginning of spring some regular migrant ducks and songbirds have begun to trickle through the park, adding to our resident species. Savannah, Golden-crowned, and Sagebrush Sparrows have all be seen in the park, along with a wide assortment of ducks and other waterfowl. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds and migrant warblers have entered the park along with new migrants each week. 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 & 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 Denver Audubon Office (Rhonda Shank 303-973-9530) or Natalie Vande Vuss, field trip leader (303-520-4333) 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.