BCNA Education Program
Participants have been enthusiastic about the educational programs offered through BCNA. Spending a majority of class time in the field allows students to observe first-hand many of the principles discussed. In addition, small classes allow participants to interact with each other and the instructors in an informal manner. Most classes are short, ranging from one day to two weeks in length. Whether you are a new comer or have been living in Boulder County for many years, you will find benefits from these classes. Finding others that share your interests in the natural history of Boulder County is an added bonus.

The education committee is open to suggestions for ideas on class offerings and instructors. Send your ideas to education#bcna.org ... (replace # with @)

Equipment and recommended reading lists will be provided to participants upon class registration.
Mileage rate for field classes: Non-drivers will be expected to pay drivers 12 cents per mile per person for field class car trips.
Participant refund policy: Participants who cancel at least one week before a class begins will get a tuition refund minus a $15 processing fee. No refund is given if a participant cancels less than a week before a class begins.

Scholarships: BCNA offers scholarships to defer all or part of class tuition. To apply, complete the online application form. If you have questions, contact Dianne Andrews at dandrews#boulder.net or call her at (303)823-6779.
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Note: Contact email addresses have been altered to reduce recipient's spam by replacing the normal @ symbol with #. You will need to edit to obtain the correct address.

Click here to download classes description in PDF format.

Ducks
Instructor: Steve Jones

Do ducks really sleep with their eyes half open?  How do they keep their feet warm while floating in icy ponds?  What is their future in North America as wetlands disappear and the climate warms?  We’ll observe and photograph waterfowl at Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, Lower Latham Reservoir, and other regional hotspots.  An evening session will focus on identification, behavior, and conservation.

Indoor class:  Thursday, February 16, 7 to 9 pm
Field class:  Saturday, February 18, 8 am to noon
Field class:  Saturday, April 7, 7 am to 1 pm
Tuition:  $90 ($80 for BCNA members).  Limited to 12 participants.
To register: contact Steve at (303) 494-2468 or curlewsj#comcast.net.

Fabulous Flycatchers
Instructor: Scott Severs

The Tyrant family of flycatchers (phoebes, kingbirds, and pewees) are vocal, active and defensive species. Insectivorousbirds, they pursue flying insects by “sallying” out from a branch to capture a bee, dragonfly, or moth, and then fly back to their original perch. They vigorously defend their nest site from crows, hawks, and other predators. We’ll focus on a habitat approach to learning about all nine Boulder County breeding species from the foothills to the montane forests, paying special attention to their unique songs and calls.

Indoor class:  Monday, May 7, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Field class:  Sunday, May 27, 7 am to noon
Field class:  Sunday, June 17, 7 am to 1 pm
Tuition:  $100 ($90 for BCNA members).  Limited to 10 participants. 
To register: contact Scott at 303-218-0830 or scottesevers#gmail.com.

Butterflies in Springtime
Instructor: Jan Chu

Join the celebration of spring as the butterflies,   newly emerged, take to the wing. Locate their host plants which you might add to your garden. Be amazed by the bright wing colors and their complex behavior. During field classes, butterflies will be netted and brought close up for observation, then released unharmed to go on their way.

Indoor class:  Sunday, May 20, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Field class:  Monday, May 21, 10 am to 2 pm
Field class:  Monday, May 28, 10 am to 2 pm
Tuition: $75 ($65 for BCNA members). Limited to 12 participants.
To register: contact Jan at 303-494-1108 or chuhouse#hotmail.com (write “Butterflies” in the subject line).

Birds of the Foothills
Instructor: Christian Nunes

The foothills west of Boulder support a rich variety of breeding birds. Pine forests, plains, and riparian eco-systems merge here, with each habitat supporting its own cast of breeders. We’ll search for some of the more charismatic birds in areas such as Eldorado Mountain Open Space and Gregory Canyon, while at times hiking over rocky and rugged terrain. The class will also focus on bird songs, ecology, and beauty!

Indoor Class:  Wednesday, May 30, 6 to 8 pm
Field Class:  Saturday, June 2, 7 to 11 am
Field Class:  Saturday, June 16, 7 to 11 am
Field Class:  Sunday, June 24, 7 to 11 am
Tuition:  $100 ($90 for BCNA members).  Limited to 12 participants.
To register: contact Christian at 401-787-0194 or pajaroboy#hotmail.com.

Colorado Orchids
Instructors: Janice Forbis and Joyce Gellhorn

Strange and beautiful, orchids intrigue people throughout the world. One of the largest families of flowering plants, they range in size from corsage orchids perched upon tropical trees to diminutive beauties found in alpine bogs.  Over two dozen orchid species are native to Colorado, in habitats ranging from wetlands to conifer forests  to mountain meadows.  In this class, you will learn the special characteristics of orchids and have the opportunity to search for native species in the field.

Indoor class:  Wednesday, June 6, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Field class:  Saturday, June 9, 8:30 am to 2 pm
Field class:  Saturday, June 23, 8:30 am to 3 pm
Tuition: $100 ($90 for BCNA members).  Limited to 12 participants. 
To register: contact Janice at 303-903-6477 or jjharvey#indra.com.

Click this line for online class evaluation form.

B.C.N.A.
P.O. Box 493
Boulder, CO 80306