Welcome to the Boulder County Nature Association
For more than 50 years, the Boulder County Nature Association has been dedicated to understanding, preserving, and celebrating the rich natural heritage of Boulder County. We are an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and the landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems that make this region extraordinary.
Through scientific studies using volunteers, a grants program for relevant research, educational programs, field trips, and conservation advocacy, BCNA brings together nature enthusiasts of all ages who share a passion for learning and stewardship. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the world just outside your door, we invite you to explore, discover, and help protect the natural wonders of Boulder County.
BCNA and Boulder Audubon jointly administer an email list serve, Nature-Net, to keep everyone updated about items of interest to both organizations.
To discover more about BCNA’s programs, please follow the links above the photo or in the hamburger drop-down menu.
KGNU Monthly Nature Almanac
Tundra Explorations: Pippits, Marmots, Pikas, and Ptarmigan
No reservations are needed for Rocky Mountain National Park if you arrive before 9 AM, so Boulder Naturalists Ruth Carole Cushman and Pete Ruprecht head to the park early to beat the crowds and the heat. Their reward is a hike at the cool altitude of 12,000 feet -- the Community Tundra trail just off of Trail Ridge Road. Pippets fly up, almost bouncing up and around the the crisp mountain air as they catch insects, and a fat marmot comes up close to a crowd of delighted children. But how about the less common tundra natives -- the rabbit-like pikas with their adorable round ears and whispy calls, and the elusive tundra grouse known as the ptarmigan. Ptarmigans are so well camoflauged to live in this rugged tundra terrain it's possible to almost step on one before seeing it. But WILL the Naturalists get a glimpse today?
Listen to KGNU’s recorded story to find out!
© Ptarmigan. Photo by Glenn Cushman
Calendars of Upcoming Local Environmental Events
Boulder.Earth Climate Action Portal
People and pollinators action network: Upcoming events
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
Gifts for the Naturalist in Your Life
- Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl St., Boulder
- Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster
- Front Range Birding Company: 2425 Canyon Blvd Suite B, Boulder, and 10146 W. San Juan Way, Littleton
- Harlequin's Gardens, 4795 N. 26th St., Boulder
- The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins
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Some Barnes & Noble stores in the Front Range
- Amazon, amazon.com
- Brigham Distributing, brighamdistributing.com
Banner Photo: Mink at Sawhill Ponds, Boulder; July 24, 2021 © CCVanWie
Boulder County Nature Association
P.O. Box 493, Boulder, CO 80306