This summer, the local Weminuche Audubon chapter has partnered with some amazing people and organizations to provide you with opportunities to get outside and learn about our beautiful natural environment.
Twice weekly through August, you can take a free tour of discovery through the Riverwalk wetlands conservation area with trained naturalists from Pagosa Wetland Partners. Learn about the resources and services this habitat provides and the forces at play that make them special.
Tours last approximately 1-1.5 hours. The 1.5-mile paved trail is wheel-chair accessible. Please bring water, sunglasses, a hat and your curiosity. Cameras and binoculars are a plus, but no pets, please. Tours are offered on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m., weather dependent.
Advance registration is not required. Meet your guides at the Native Plants Garden on the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership site in Centennial Park.
On June 8 and June 21, we are partnering with the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association to lead morning birding tours at Chimney Rock National Monument. Join us for a fun and casual 2-hour bird walk designed to introduce you to the diverse community of birds that spend their summer at the Monument.
Birders of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Your guide will help you identify various species and explain the unique adaptations that allow these birds to survive here.
Participants will be walking slowly on uneven terrain in the lower area of Chimney Rock National Monument (no archaeological sites are included on this tour). Good walking shoes are advised, along with plenty of water and sun protection. Bring binoculars if you have them. This is not recommended for young children. This is a Chimney Rock event; a fee is charged and advance registration is required. Visit http://chimneyrockco.org to place a reservation.
On Monday, June 10, you can take a short hike in the woods to learn about early season native edible and medicinal plants with certified herbalist Lake McCullough.
These popular free tours last two hours and are limited to 15 people. Advance registration is required. No dogs, please.
The June tours start on Turkey Springs Road and are offered at 9:30 a.m. and again at 11:45 a.m. Reserve your space by calling McCullough at (970) 398-0923. Future tours will be offered in July and August.
For further information about any of these events, you may contact Weminuche Audubon Society at weminuche.audubon@gmail.com. We look forward to joining you outside.
