How can you protect small pets from coyotes? Are there really rattlesnakes on the trails? What do you do if you see a bear in your neighborhood? Get the answers to these questions and more at one of the upcoming wildlife educational classes.
The Town’s natural resource specialist is hosting several programs this spring to help residents learn about wildlife – Wild in Our Town and introductory birdwatching classes.
See and touch real wildlife displays and learn about local wild animals at Wild in Our Town from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St. Registration is not required.
At the Wild in Our Town program, first visit stations where representatives from the Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County Open Space and Colorado Parks and Wildlife will have displays and answer questions about coyotes, bears, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs, beavers, turkeys and other native wildlife. Following the open question and answer segment, representatives will present interesting wildlife facts and information.
Also, learn about birds native to Castle Rock at three birdwatching classes. Basics of Bird Watching is for beginners and takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, at the Philip S. Miller Library. If you’re new to birdwatching, this class is for you. During the indoor program, you’ll learn about bird identification, choosing and using binoculars and field guides, and where to find the best birding spots.
The second class, Guided Birdwatching Walk, is an easy two-hour walk from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, along the East Plum Creek Trail (meet at the Central Service Center parking lot at 1400 Caprice Drive). Participants will walk along the paved trail in search of migratory songbirds and birds of prey.
The third class, Guided Birdwatching Hike, is scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Gateway Mesa Open Space. This 2.3-mile guided hike will be on both the easy Chuck’s Loop Trail in search of grassland birds and bluebirds and the more difficult Legacy Trail as it travels through a mature forest on the shaded north slope of the mesa.
The guided birdwatching walk and hike are designed to advance birding skills learned during the Basics of Birdwatching class, but attending the indoor class is not required to take part in the walk or hike.
The birding classes are not recommended for children under 8 years old. Preregistration for the birding programs is required at CRgov.com/Registration. Remember to bring binoculars for the guided birdwatching classes.
The Wild in Our Town and birdwatching wildlife educational programs are free. Learn more at CRgov.com/EnvironmentalEd.
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