Two children take bugs out of a net.
Rockies Get Involved

Become a Community Naturalist in Colorado

Environmental education and community science in southwest Colorado.
Community Naturalist

Environmental Education for Kids

People of all ages are more willing to conserve what they care about and feel connected to. Through the many programs offered by our Community Naturalists in southwest Colorado, we see the benefits of introducing children to environmental education and community science every day. Both in and out of the classroom, our Community Naturalist program in southwest Colorado allows children to get hands-on with nature, discover their local environment, fall in love with the natural world, and learn how they can conserve it.

Originally based out of Four Mile Ranch in Pagosa Springs, our Colorado environmental education programs have expanded throughout the region. Led by award-winning Community Naturalist Keith Bruno and supported by a team of volunteer educators, the programs teach children about the environment and empower them to make a difference in conservation and in their communities long into the future.

To request an environmental education program for your students, .

Community Science

You don’t have to be a professional scientist to make a real difference in the world of conservation. There are endless opportunities for anyone to get involved in bird conservation through community science, where everyday people collect and analyze scientific data in collaboration with professionals

For one project in southern Colorado, the , 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Rockies has teamed up with volunteer community scientists from  (WAS) toassess the impacts of fuel-reduction treatments on birds. By monitoring birds in forest plots that have undergone treatments—such as forest thinning, mastication (understory removal), and prescribed fire—versus those that have not,  with the partnership have provided valuable data on the health of local ecosystems, highlighting the response of birds to respective treatments. Through this important work, WAS volunteers have gained a deeper understanding of forest and fire ecology and improved birding skills, providing joy and personal fulfillment along the way.

Other programs in southwest Colorado include pika monitoring in the San Juan National Forest and the 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Christmas Bird Count and Great Backyard Bird Count, which take place in southern Colorado and across the country.

 for emails to get notified about these and other events and volunteer opportunities!

Nature Programs for Adults

 Whether you’re interested in birding classes, snow science, winter ecology, or stream health, our Southwest Colorado Community Naturalists are excited to help you learn and contribute. These programs offer a great way for adults to learn more about birds and conservation and get involved in the local community. Many of our programs are held in partnership with , the local 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú chapter in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and other environmental groups. Together, they offer a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and join an entire community dedicated to birds and conservation.

Terry Hershey Memorial Garden

 In a collaborative effort, members from several local conservation and gardening groups came together to install a Habitat Hero garden at the  in downtown Pagosa Springs. The garden features more than 415 native plants from more than 40 different species. Its purpose is to showcase the need to plant species that create ecological connectivity and support birds and other pollinators. Now, it’s a place for the community to enjoy and discover the beauty of native gardens and the wildlife that thrive because of them.  in downtown Pagosa Springs and learn more about bird-friendly gardening through our Habitat Hero resources.