FREE PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku ) is the practice of taking time in nature, to “bathe” in the rich sensory experience of all that surrounds you. It was developed in Japan during the 1980s to relieve stress and enhance well-being. During this relaxing, two hour, guided exploration, you will be invited to open your senses and engage with nature in a deeper way. Best suited for adults and teens.
Class is limited to 10 participants. Email us at education@blufflake.org with any questions.
Upcoming events: Thank you for a great season! Check back in the Spring for more Forest Bathing events.
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!
Class is limited to 15 participants. Please RSVP at this link to reserve your spot! Email us at education@blufflake.org with any questions.
Upcoming events: Thank you for a great season! Check back in the Spring for more Qigong events.
Nature Wonder Wanders
Sessions are led by Sheri Peterson, a certified nature connection guide and a forest school teacher. We will tap into our senses, notice the beauty and wisdom of the natural world, and reflect on what that might mean for us. You'll learn simple yet powerful practices that you can apply anytime, anywhere, to stay in the wonder.
We will enter the wonder by slowing down, breathing, and reconnecting. Whether your intention is to take a breath of fresh air or a break from the hustle & bustle, our time noticing and connecting with our surroundings will guide us into the wonder of our world.
All ages are welcome. Sessions will last about an hour, but please feel free to stay and practice being in the wonder as long as you'd like. These are donation-based events, with all proceeds going to support the Bluff Lake Nature Center and its conservation efforts.
We can't wait to connect with you and support you on your journey to greater well-being and wonder!
Please RSVP at the link below to reserve your spot! Email us at education@blufflake.org with any questions.
Upcoming events:
Sunday, January 12th at 10:30am
Sunday, February 9th at 10:30am
Sunday, March 9th at 10:30am
Sunay, April 13th at 10:30am
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 three hours outside (severe weather means rescheduling or cancellation). These get togethers are led by Sheri Peterson, a certified Nature Connected Coach and Transformational Wilderness Guide. These circles will happen once a season to provide a longer and more in-depth mindfulness activity. Recommended age 16 and up.
Sheri also leads our monthly Wonder Wanders. You can learn more about her offerings at www.yourpathcoach.org. We hope to connect with you on the land!
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, January 19 from 9am-12pm
Saturday, April 19 from 9am-12pm
Sunday, July 20 from 9am-12pm
Sunday, October 19 from 9am-12pm
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.
Upcoming events:
Check Back for our Winter Date soon!
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. All experience levels and ages are welcome to participate! 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.
Upcoming dates and times for 2024 Bird Walks:
Saturday, December 7th at 8:00am
Saturday, January 4th at 8:00am
Saturday, February 1st at 8:00am
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, always take place at the shed/parking area, and are weather permitting. Check out our google calendar for more information or email education@blufflake.org.
Upcoming events:
Saturday, December 14th anytime between 10:00am-1:30pm
Saturday, January 18th anytime between 10:00am-1:30pm
Saturday, February 15th anytime between 8:00am-12:00pm (guided bird walks at 8:30am and 9:30am)