BCNA Classes, Hikes, and Webinars

“Can we imagine a world in which social and economic practices are in symbiosis with nature – rather than just means to human ends?”
— from “Exiting the Anthropocene? Exploring Fundamental Change in Our Relationship with Nature” by European Environment Agency, published March 20, 2023, last modified September 18, 2023

BCNA works to build a community interested in learning from experts and from each other about both local environmental systems and about actions to conserve Boulder County’s natural world. Since the 1980s, BCNA has partnered with knowledgeable instructors to offer classes, field trips, nature hikes, social gatherings, an annual Ecosympoisum, and other activities for these purposes. 

Through the education program, we strive to give members, the public, and professionals an in-depth understanding of the complexity and value of interconnected natural ecosystems in Boulder County and the Front Range. By highlighting the challenges facing these ecosystems and exploring avenues for advocacy, BCNA empowers members, the public, and professionals to contribute to the health and resilience of the environment.

If you are interested in leading a class, field outing, nature hike, or other activities to help us grow our environmental education program, please contact us to join our team!

Link to 2023 classes

2024 Classes, Hikes, and Webinars

Biodiversity Walk: Biodiversity and Resilience Within Changing Times and Climates

Leader: Lynne Sullivan

Location: Ranger Cottage at Open Space and Mountain Parks, Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Rd. & 9^th St., Boulder

Date: Tuesday, June 4, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

Deep observation of large to small-scale patterns seen on the land reveals the bountiful diversity of life found in the Front Range of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks system. Immersing ourselves in this expressive landscape, we realize how adaptability to changing climate emerges in these habitats comprising some of the most biologically rich regions in the interior of the United States. 

Please dress for the weather, including sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sun protection. Bring water, your lunch, and/or snacks, allow ample time (~10 minutes) to find parking, and we’ll find inspiration for body and soul on this gentle meandering walk.

Tuition:  Free.  Reservations are required.

Registration on Eventbrite opens Tuesday, April 23 for BCNA members and Thursday, April 25 for everyone. Limited to 12 participants.

Cancellation: If you need to cancel, please go to Eventbrite and cancel so another person can have the spot. Thanks!

History from a “Bird’s Eye View” – Changes in Feathered Fauna in an Evolving Landscape

Speakers: Martin Ogle and Gerry Morrell

Location: Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road

Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024, 6:30 pm

In addition to its song, the Blue Jay calling out in your backyard sings its part in the chorus of Boulder County’s story. This fascinating program, presented by Lafayette Open Space naturalist, Martin Ogle, and the Lafayette Historical Society’s Gerry Morrell, tracks how changes in human land use have transformed the avian fauna of our region.

Learn how the building of cities, planting of trees, creation of water projects, and other human activities have ushered in many species (including some of the most familiar) and ushered out others. What other songbirds followed the path of the Blue Jay? What water birds are newcomers to our prairie landscape? And what of the Burrowing Owl?

This program is sponsored by Lafayette Open Space and the Boulder County Nature Association (and Boulder County Audubon?). This program is free, and reservations are not required.