Nature Photography

If you are interested in any local Colorado photography...check out the website below:

http://jessie-foster.fineartamerica.com

Also, the following links might be helpful for more general photography:

For nature photos:
http://fineartamerica.com/art/photographs/nature/all"

For wildlife photos:
http://fineartamerica.com/art/photographs/wildlife/all"

Thanks for looking!

Elk Meadow Dog Off-leash Park

I just found my new favorite dog park! I have been to Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen, Colorado before but I didn't know there is a section designated for dogs off leash!! The entrance to the dog area is off of Stagecoach Blvd. I love being able to hike in the mountains while allowing my dog to roam free (and I am not breaking any rules). There are several trails and there is also a fenced area. I really enjoyed this place.

**My only  slight concern is the traffic near the parking lot....and of course potential for wildlife encounters. But otherwise a GREAT place for both (wo)mankind and dogs to roam free!

Crested Butte--Colorado's cutest, overlooked little town!

Crested Butte is officially my vote for cutest Colorado town!

I'm sure the locals probably don't mind if most of the tourists overlook their adorable ski
 town....but....I simply must express  regret of only just now learning about this incredibly
endearing old mining town! Situated north of Gunnison and southwest of Aspen, Crested Butte is nicely secluded away from it all....the downtown historical area is rustically charming (built in the 1800's)  with a clean, fresh coat of paint exuding an aroma fit for both modern trendsetters and those of the nostalgic pioneer spirit.

Like most Colorado mountain towns there is much to do by way of skiing, snowboarding, fishing, 4x4ing, nature watching....but once you visit....you will see that there just isn't another Colorado town quite as charming as Crested Butte.



 (But if you do find one as cute....I guarantee the people just aren't as friendly).


Nearby:

-Kebler Pass (great for viewing fall foliage)
-Gunnison (nearest supply town, Black Canyon of the Gunnison)
-Mt. Crested Butte (where the skiing happens)
-Several campgrounds nearby

Town website: http://www.visitcrestedbutte.com/

Bio Blitz 2012--Rocky Mountain National Park

National Geographic and Rocky Mountain National Park are teaming up for Bio Blitz 2012!!

 Lots of fun things to explore, discover, and learn about on August 24th and 25th. Come and help take an inventory of the various species within Rocky Mountain National Park! You can also enjoy various workshops and sights at the Biodiversity Festival! Various photography experts and scientists will be on hand for live demonstrations, live animals on site, live music and fun biology stuff!! :)

Also, take advantage of the many ranger-led opportunities going on this weekend!!

If you love nature, science, biology, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, and National Geographic---than this event is a must!!

For more details check out this website.

Lake Appreciation Day

Cherry Creek State Park is seeking volunteers for Lake Appreciation Day, July 21, 2012.

From 8am till noon,  come and help us with shoreline cleanup and noxious weed removal. Then, from about noon till 3pm enjoy free fishing clinics, boating, archery and food!!

Help take care of this beautiful urban park! If interested please contact Karen at 303-690-1199, X6566.

Thanks!!

Coyote Tidbits

So, if you have lived in Colorado for even a short amount of time you have probably seen at least a couple of coyotes. They are frequently spotted in urban areas as well as the mountainsides. Coyotes are compulsatory breeders, which means if there is stress in their environment the litters actually tend to be larger in number that season (Interesting, huh?). In the spring, females typically have 4-8 pups. Coyotes generally do not attack people. However, I have had several neighbors that have lost small pets to coyotes. So, definitely keep your pets and young children out of the way. If you encounter a coyote; make yourself appear large, clap your hands and speak loud and firm.

Recently, I watched a couple of coyote pups play near my house.
 (Yes, I kept an appropriate and safe distance).

Roxborough State Park

Lately, I have been exploring several of Colorado's State Parks. I am still miffed that I have lived in Colorado since 2003 and only just recently set foot inside Roxborough State Park! As a friend of mine stated, "It's like Garden of the Gods but without the crowds." This park sits among giant red sandstone formations with several trails leading in and around these gorgeous rocks. There is also an old cabin and stone house from the late 1800's on the property. The park also features a plethora of gamble oak bushes, wildflowers, and lots of wildlife.

In order to preserve the natural setting of the park there are prohibitions on pets, mountain bikes, and camping....which is a bit of a bummer...but don't let it deter you from visiting this hidden gem in Denver's backyard!

Great Horned Owls

I was driving through Rocky Mountain National Park recently and came upon this beautiful sight!! Gotta love Colorado wildlife!!

The Wildlife Experience

The Wildlife Experience is a great way to learn more about nature and wildlife! It is a museum, classroom, and adventure all rolled into one! They feature various workshops for flyfishing and other outdoor activities for you and your kids. They also offer "cocktail and movie" nights for adults. If you would like to learn more about various habitats, animals, and outdoorsy stuff then head on over to the Wildlife Experience for a fun, fresh, educational adventure!

Winter Excursion: Silverthorne Ice Castles

Are you looking for something beautifully artistic and unique to view this winter? Check out the Ice Castles at Silverthorne! It is like being in an outdoor art museum surrounded by larger than life castles, illuminated before your eyes--almost like glass.

Entrance fees apply.

*Note: these castles are for viewing...not climbing. :)

The town of Silverthorne also is home to many various outlet stores. There are also sledding hills and ice skating areas for more fun in the snow.

A new adventure company; Denver Adventures!

Stefan, the owner of Denver Adventures, recently spoke in my Outdoor Leadership class regarding his exciting new adventure company!

I must admit I have always wondered why there is not an all-in-one outdoor outfitter in the area...well...it has finally arrived! Welcome Denver Adventures! They offer guided zipline tours (the longest course in Colorado, with perhaps the fastest speeds..according to Stefan), guided hiking, snowshoeing, trailrunning, rafting, brewery tours and also teambuilding exercises.

I'm excited and eager to check them out! For the out-of-towner, they provide roundtrip transportation to/from your adventure.

They do not have a central office so you will need to get in touch with them via email or phone from their webiste.

See you on the zipline!!

South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center

I am a frequent visitor to various parks and nature centers in the area. Lately, I have really been impressed with Carson Nature Center at South Platte Park. The park and nature center are a part of South Suburban Parks and Recreation of Littleton.

Carson Nature Center offers various educational programs for schools and the public. Such programs include ranger-led wildlife tours, guided hikes, and other opportunities to learn about Colorado plants, animals, and habitats.




The facility sits on the edge of South Platte Park and offers fantastic open space trails and views of the mountains. The park is home to various species of plants and animals. Near Eaglewatch Lake an eagle or two have been known to make their home (hence, the name).

So, if you are looking for a new place to explore nature, jog, bike, or walk your dog (on leash, of course)...this is the place!

**Also, if you want to make a day of it:

Grab breakfast at local hot spot: Toast (scrumptious, yummy pancakes!) or cruise through the tiny yet quaint downtown Littleton and grab some other local treat.