FREE PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Bird Walks
Our monthly bird walks are currently taking place on the first Saturday of each month, weather permitting. Our walks are led by volunteers who love Bluff Lake and are some of the sharpest birders in Denver. We split up into smaller groups, each with a guide to keep the experience personal. All groups will have a mix of birding experience levels to create an environment of learning and discovery. While most of our participants are adults, we do welcome families with kids who are excited about birds. During warmer months you will have the option to register for the 2.5 hour walk or the 2 hour walk.
Please note: RSVP required, but no limit on participants. Registration closes at 3 p.m. the Friday before the event. Please check out our birdwatching page for more information.
Earth Listening Circles
"Earth Listening Circles provide a sacred space for guided meditation, reflective dialogue, and the cultivation of collective wisdom, empowering participants to address today’s pressing issues with renewed strength, clarity, and purpose." - Pachamama Alliance
Connect deeply with nature and build community in this three hour event focused on listening to ourselves, the earth, and each other.
Join us as we take the morning to slow down and reconnect with nature. We will have a reserved spot at Bluff Lake that is comfortable, quiet, and out of the way so that we can focus on our gathering. The weather is part of the deal, so please dress in comfortable layers to spend most of the time outside, with indoor space available if the weather is unpleasant. These get togethers are led by Sheri Peterson, a certified Nature Connected Coach and Transformational Wilderness Guide. These circles will happen once every two months to provide a longer and more in-depth mindfulness activity. Recommended age is 16 and up.
Sheri also leads our monthly Wanders of Wonder. You can learn more about her offerings at www.yourpathcoach.org. We hope to connect with you on the land!
Family Nature Adventure Days
Join us for free themed Saturday events all year long! Bring the whole family and participate in scavenger hunts, campfire s’mores, owl walks, nature crafts, or live animal encounters. Each event is run by the Bluff Lake Education Team with help from our friends at Denver Botanic Gardens, Nature’s Educators, the Urban Farm, the Nature Conservancy, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and many more! After your crafts and activities we encourage you to take a walk and explore, or head to the creek to catch some crawfish! Be sure to borrow a pair of binoculars or a bug catching net from our table. These events are entirely free, do not require prior registration, and are weather permitting. Check out our google calendar for more information or email education@blufflake.org.
Guided Site Tours
Join our Natural Resource Director Tess for a tour of Bluff Lake Nature Center and Wildlife Refuge. These tours will be relaxed and conversation-filled, focusing on the conservation science that goes into management of a wildlife refuge. Each tour will have a different topic, with participants walking to different areas of the property to view and discuss how Bluff Lake fits into the larger landscape. Topics may include water rights, animal populations, land-use history, and native/invasive species.
Participants can expect a 1 hour, 1 mile walk with lots of stops for conversation and insight. The tour will stay on our graded gravel trails and will be entirely outdoors. Please bring a water bottle and layers to stay comfortable. These tours take place once a season, rain or shine, but may be canceled for extreme weather. These events are intended for adults.
La Naturaleza Habla Español
Acompáñanos en Bluff Lake Nature Center para un evento especial donde exploraremos la belleza de la naturaleza en español! Este programa gratuito es una oportunidad para disfrutar y conectar con la naturaleza de Colorado en familia.
Cada sesión dura dos horas, de 10:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m., y se lleva a cabo en la última semana de cada mes. La primera hora incluye una actividad práctica con educadores ambientales y organizaciones invitadas, mientras que la segunda hora consiste en una caminata guiada por la naturaleza alrededor de Bluff Lake.
También podrás disfrutar de botanas y aprovechar la renta gratuita de equipos como binoculares. ¡No te lo pierdas!
Es requerido de inscribirte.
Nature Wanders of Wonder
This free monthly 90 minute offering is an opportunity to slow down with certified Nature Connected Coach Sheri Peterson as we hunt for WoWs in nature. We will reset our nervous systems through guided nature connection practices as we will seek for reconnection with our surroundings, ourselves, and one another. What might you find or experience that makes you go WoW? These events are great for all ages, especially those with kids who want to engage as a family.
Please RSVP at the link below to reserve your spot! Email us at education@blufflake.org with any questions.
Qigong and Mindfulness
Qigong and Mindfulness Events around Bluff Lake are led by Joann Calabrese, mindfulness and qigong instructor. Group meets at the downstairs amphitheater at 7:30AM for Qigong, a gentle mind-body practice that promotes health and vitality as well as focused awareness. The mindfulness exploration around Bluff Lake begins around 40 minutes later. Come for either or both! These events are intended for adult participants.
Class is limited to 15 participants. Please RSVP at this link to reserve your spot! Email us at education@blufflake.org with any questions.