El Paso County’s Fountain Creek Nature Center and Bear Creek Nature Center announce the events and activities for February 2019 which includes: snowshoeing, photography workshop, kids’ night hike and much more.

Fountain Creek Nature Center

320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817

719-520-6745, www.ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Nature Adventures: Backbone Bonanza

Thursday, February 7, 10-11:30 a.m.

Children ages 3-6, with an adult, will enjoy hands-on activities, puppet shows or stories, crafts and a hike. $3 per person including adults & siblings. Prepaid reservations required. Limit 20 participants.

2s and 3s Outdoors: The Three Bears

Thursday, February 14, 10-11:15 a.m.

Explore nature with your 2 or 3 year-old through interactive activities, a story, and a short hike. $3 per person including siblings and adults. Limit 20 participants.

Spinning/Weaving/Dyeing Program

Saturday, February 2, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon

Join Debra Greer of Wild Willow’s Webs N Weeds to explore the fascinating world of spinning and weaving yarn, and natural dyeing with plants collected from the local area. Participants will get hands-on experience and learn the ethics of collecting. You will be surprised at the fibers you can make! Suitable for ages 5 to adult. $5/member, $6/nonmember.

Fountain Creek Sunset Photography Workshop

Saturday, February 2, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Colorado Springs photographer Mike Pach will guide this evening photography workshop ending at sunset. Moderate hiking. Bring camera with variety of lenses & tripod/monopod if you have one. All skill levels. $20 per person. Prepaid registration required.

Valentine’s is For the Birds

Saturday, February 16, 10-12:00 noon

Join us on a bird hike for beginners of all ages then show your love for our feathered friends by making a bird seed ornament to take home. $3/member, $4/nonmember.

Julia Archibald Holmes: the Bloomer Girl on Pikes Peak

Saturday, February 23, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Discover what it was like for a woman to hike Pikes Peak 160 years ago by a woman who re-created Holmes’ hike in 2018! What clothes, boots, and pack would she have used? Learn the changing role of women in the outdoors and mountaineering. See an interactive presentation with historic and modern photos, and explore the reproduction supplies and journal she used. $3/member, $4/nonmember.

Bear Creek Nature Center

245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

719-520-6387, www.ElPasoCountyNatureCenters.com

Active Adults Hike: Snowshoeing & Snow Science at Dome Rock State Wildlife Area

Saturday, February 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join a Bear Creek Naturalist as they lead a wintry snowshoe hike. We’ll enjoy the beauty of the woods in winter and explore the spectacular science behind snow. Meet at Dome Rock State Wildlife Area. Only a few pairs of snowshoes available to borrow. Prepaid registration required. $3/member, $4/nonmember.

Kids’ Night Out at Bear Creek

Friday, February 15, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Parents – enjoy an evening to yourselves while your child spends an evening at Bear Creek. Night hike explorations, educational games and activities and a campfire! Dinner provided. $15 per member child, $20 per nonmember child. Preregistration required.

Winter Stroll at Fox Run

Saturday, February 16, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Enjoy the beauty of winter while we hike through the ponderosa pine forests of Fox Run. All ages.$3 per member/$4 per nonmember.

Aiken Audubon Monthly Program: Topic TBD

Wednesday, February 20, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Free monthly Aiken Audubon meeting and educational program. Free and open to the public. Social & refreshments at 6:30 p.m.

Fungi: The Forgotten Kingdom

Saturday, February 23, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Rediscover this neglected kingdom. Fungi are everywhere. Some are a source of food and medicine. Join Mike Essam, president of the Pikes Peak Mycological Society, as he explores our historical (and modern) relationships with mushrooms, their habitats and lifecycles, and ways to get more involved. $5 per member/$6 per nonmember.