Imagine you are walking through a park and suddenly see a tiny baby bird on the ground. Your first thoughts might be to pick it

As spring begins to emerge in Eagle County, many of us feel an almost instinctive pull to get outside. When temperatures rise and daylight lengthens,

World Water Day has been held annually on March 22 since 1993. It is a United Nations Observance that focuses on the importance of fresh

If you’ve ever heard of William Shakespeare you may have heard the phrase, “Beware the Ides of March.” This old saying is used to warn

“I’m trying to imagine what it would be like going through life not knowing the names of the plants and animals around you,” writes Dr.

Over the past couple of years, snowshoeing has grown in popularity as one of the most accessible ways to recreate in the winter. Whether you

National Kite Flying Day is celebrated annually on February 8. It is a day to step into the great outdoors, feel the winter breeze, and

We are forty-two days into the Colorado winter, and the landscape doesn’t match our memory of late January or early February. Grasses and muddy earth

If you’ve ever walked through a snowy mountain landscape and felt as though something were watching you, only to see nothing at all, you may

Some of the most popular winter activities in Vail are skiing and snowboarding. Riding the scenic lifts and gondolas up the mountain then shredding fresh

If you’ve ever walked through a snowy mountain landscape and felt as though something were watching you, only to see nothing at all, you may

“You must really love your job,” one of my snowshoe participants said to me as we returned our snowshoes and hiking poles to the Nature

The resorts work hard to give you a smooth surface of snow—but how often do you think about what’s beneath it? All winter, Rocky Mountain

Have you ever wished you could control the weather? While it may sound like science fiction, weather modification is a real and continuously studied field.

Every state has its own official tree, a living emblem that reflects a state’s natural heritage, character, and pride. State trees are chosen not just

It is hard to imagine a world without corn. It sweetens our sodas; fuels our cars; fattens our livestock; and forms the core of countless

In Eagle County, many of us spend our time looking up toward mountain peaks, sunsets, or circling hawks, but some of the most fascinating parts

Most of us agree that maintaining a healthy ecosystem is important, but when it comes to big game hunting, what does that entail? One important

The salad on your plate may owe its existence to a thunderstorm. Many people are wary of lightning as a natural phenomenon. A hiker might

It is mid-October in the Rockies, which means it is almost time to break out winter gear. As you dig through your garage to swap

Grab your glasses for this one, because we’re talking animal eyes. Eyesight is one of the most important adaptations animals rely on for survival. As

As summer gives way to fall, the days are growing shorter and the nights are growing longer. Most of us respond by flipping on more

Wildfires have raged rampant in our beautiful state for hundreds of millions of years throughout different types of landscapes. Everyone and everything that lives here

The evolutionary adaptation of wolves into domesticated dogs stands as one of the most intriguing examples of coevolution between humans and animals. This transformation, rooted

One popular television program was CSI. The forensics crime drama ran on CBS for 15 seasons. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) was a whodunit scenario where

Sunlight continues to dwindle each day as we approach the shortest and darkest day of the year, the winter solstice. Although ski resorts open and

On November 15, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition reached the shores of the Pacific Ocean a year and a half after starting out from

Have you ever heard the phrase “dead as a dodo”? This well known phrase is an example of an animal that has long been extinct

The bugle of the male elk is considered by some to be one of the most magical calls in nature, and considered by others to

Legend has it that trees talk to each other. You might have even pondered if a falling tree goes unnoticed in an otherwise empty forest.

Odds are that if you are reading this, you are using your sense of vision. In fact, 80% of the sensory information we take in

It’s almost hiking season in beautiful Colorado. As with any form of recreation, there are inherent risks with hiking that we need to be aware

Have you ever heard of an animal that can survive in boiling water, in below freezing temperatures and even in the depths of space? Well

June 1st is National Dinosaur Day and I am sure when I say the word dinosaur; you have an image of your favorite ancient reptile

As Earth’s most predominant feature in the night sky, the Moon has fascinated people for centuries. Throughout history, humans have spent their nights looking up

If you spend time outdoors in the wintertime, you are very likely to encounter the wonders of snow. As you look around, it’s easy to

What’s the largest tree you’ve ever seen? Maybe you have traveled to see the sequoias and redwoods in California. Maybe you found yourself in Sunderland, Massachusetts

Meow, wow! Do you know what today marks the beginning of? It’s National Cat Week! Beginning on November 6, this week has been celebrated during

As the days get closer to Halloween, you might cross paths with a black cat outdoors and think you are about to have some bad

Darkness had fallen in the Vail Valley. As I watched the last light fade on the summit of Bald Mountain, I heard crashing below my

Autumn’s north winds, cold temperatures and long dark nights are what Northern Saw-whet Owl bander’s dream about. Like many other bird species, Northern Saw-whet Owls

Crows might be thought of as scary or as pests, but when you see a “murder” of crows in the air you might be surprised

What image comes to mind when you hear the word vulture? When I close my eyes, I picture omens of death, circling ominously overhead as

Have you ever been enjoying an evening stroll through Nottingham Park, when suddenly you see a bright flash of turquoise? Or perhaps you’ve noticed what

Is Vetch Fetch? Let’s figure it out! Vetch sounds pretty cool, but do we even know what a vetch is? Vetches are a member of

Have you ever wondered how bats hunt for prey in the dark? Do you know who is responsible for keeping our insect populations under control

Think of a name of a dinosaur – Go! Some of the most recognizable dinosaurs that come to mind are: the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Triceratops, a Pterodactyl, an Apatosaurus,

Mountain goats and hikers So, there we were. Approaching a rocky summit on a peak in the remote Gore Range named after a letter in

Rocky Mountain Cliffs Cliffs are prominent topographic features found around the world. From El Capitan in Yosemite to the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, for

Survival for wildlife can be very difficult. Even though plants and animals have special adaptations that improve their chances of survival in specific environments, it is no

In the animal kingdom, mating is no easy task. Locating, attracting and keeping a mate can be a daunting task and it can get pretty

Three-hundred million years ago, modern day Colorado was covered by a warm inland sea. These waters left behind thick layers of sedimentary rock that have

Did Santa bring a new snowboard or pair of skis? Does your old equipment need a tune? Chances are you’ll be waxing your skis or

While the aspens and cottonwoods have lost their leaves in preparation for winter, Colorado’s slopes still thrive with an abundance of evergreen conifers. One pine

What is the world’s largest single organism? A quick Google search could leave you with more questions than you anticipated. Depending on our prior knowledge, we may

The Rut is the mating season for many ruminant mammals. In Colorado that would include ruminants like elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and bison. Each

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and been completely awestruck by the stars? Perhaps you have a favorite constellation? Many people are

Imagine walking down a trail with tall grass along both sides. Out of the corner of your eye you spot movement. It’s as if some

A classic story of early western exploration begins in a thicket of willows. A band of explorers surprise an angry grizzly bear and an epic

Stands of aspen fluttering in the wind and thick conifer trees create breathtaking views for all to enjoy. Although many visitors may easily recognize these

How was the Colorado lynx reintroduction different than the 2020 ballot measure to reintroduce wolves? All the photos in this Curious Nature article were taken

If you’ve seen a slinky-like creature hanging around the water in the winter time, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a river otter! Unlike people,

Photo credit: cozephyr on Flickriver.com Today, Colorado’s mountainous interior experiences four distinct seasons thanks to a temperate climate. However, 325 million years ago and roughly 100

Imagine this… You awake to another typical winter day where the dim light filters its way into your home. Your thermostat reads a steady and

While weather in the mountains is getting cooler, things are heating up for the giants of the deer family: moose. In September and October, a

As summer presses on, some of nature’s sweetest treats are ripe for the picking. Wild berries are a delicious and nutritious staple to both humans

While there is still time to enjoy the last days of summer, soon days will become shorter and a new season will be upon us.

Trying to avoid going to the grocery store? Looking for a new hobby? Hoping to add some fresh flavors to your meals this summer? Look

A note on the photos in this article:  These photos are from the internet, but the usage is tagged as: “free to share, use, or

According to tribal legend, the Southern Ute Indians have lived in the mountains of Colorado since the beginning of time. They hunted, fished, and foraged

While it sometimes seems that winter is a quiet time in terms of animal activity, wildlife abounds all around us. It is true that many

Atop Vail Mountain, the sun is beginning to lower towards the Flat Tops Wilderness area after a long day of skiing. To wrap up the

Do you have a pet dog at home? What about a pet cat? These domesticated animals are our furry friends and cozy companions. But did

“Nature’s music is never over; her silences are pauses, not conclusions.” – Mary Webb Imagine a world in which you wake up in the morning

Many people are familiar with the well-known weeping willow, but there are lots of different willows. Willows are most commonly found growing in moist, sunlit

With snow, ski season, and the holidays upon us, it is easy to tell that we’ve made it into the winter season. Luckily, winter doesn’t

It’s finally berry picking season!  That’s right, the time of year has come when we can discover the sparkling sweet gems our varied plants have

The community is bustling as herons, egrets, and ibises come and go from the large cottonwood tree. While most birds nest in mated pairs, a

Birdwatching isn’t always easy. Birds don’t sit still for long, and they certainly don’t come close and spin around so we can see all their

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear talk of coyotes is Wile E. Coyote attempting to catch the Roadrunner with absurd contraptions

While driving on the highways that wind their way through the mountains, you may have noticed that the hills on the right side of the

“Romantic” and “affectionate” are not typically terms used to describe ravens, which are often associated with mystery and death. However, as we learn more about

The monsters of the eastern forests are no Sasquatch—instead they are the massive and mighty oaks, growing many feet in diameter and over a hundred

Throughout the spring and summer, you may see Swallows darting and sailing overhead while singing out their favorite songs. The beauty of their flight and

Long ago, before the discovery of the Eagle Valley and even before the rise of Egyptian pharaohs, a young seed drifted on the wind and

“Ewwwww!” The kids were clearly repulsed as I wantonly picked up piece after piece of what looked like elk scat, holding it out for them

If you’ve been out hiking recently, you have probably seen this striking flower blooming in the summer wind. The pale-blue to lavender sepals, the delicate

Birding is a great hobby that everyone can take part in, but most birders (myself included) tend to be drawn to the flashy or colorful

Aspens form the backdrop to so many of our recreational activities here in Colorado. Hiking, skiing, camping and snowshoeing seem to be much more enjoyable

It’s difficult to see the forest for the trees, especially when most of those trees are conifers. After all, conifers all tend to look the

If you’ve had the opportunity to explore the trails this season, you have probably seen a network of footprints decorating the blanket of snow around

Each morning when I go out and brush the snow off my car, the temperature seems to be a little colder. As humans, we heavily

What is a pine nut? Pine nuts come from pine trees, which are conifers, or cone producing trees. But pine nuts aren’t actually nuts at

Roses are red and so are their fruits! And some of my favorite fruits to forage for in the Rose family are chokecherries! Chokecherries? A

Mountain goats were first introduced to Colorado in the collegiate mountain range in the 1940’s and have had a stable population ever since. Originally there

Spring in Colorado is here and I am sure most of you would agree that it doesn’t seem as though summer is right around the

Backpacking the steep and rugged trails of the Gore Range my first summer in the valley, I recall my feet aching from the blisters forming

If you have heard the drumming in the past month or seen the swooping flight of this brown and red woodpecker, you know it’s true:

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have been a part of our livelihood and pop culture for a while – Meeko was Pocahontas’s faithful sidekick; Rocket Raccoon is

Some of my best memories from childhood are of sneaking into my mom’s garden to gorge myself on sweet peas. As I now watch my

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s a catkin! A what? Yes, the catkins are coming, but what are

Sometimes being a naturalist is a lot like being a detective. One of the main requirements is to be overly observant of the world around

The natural world is the ideal place for scavenger hunts of all shapes, sizes, and formats. See below for a series of easy fun scavenger

As the summer winds down and we begin to prepare for the winter, I think about wildlife making their preparations. Bears are busy eating for

Greek mythology has given us the Anemoi, whose English translation means “wind.” The Greek Anemoi are four wind gods who each represent a cardinal direction.