Welcome to the Boulder County Nature Association
For more than 50 years, the Boulder County Nature Association has been dedicated to understanding, preserving, and celebrating the rich natural heritage of Boulder County. We are an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and the landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems that make this region extraordinary.
Through scientific studies using volunteers, a grants program for relevant research, educational programs, field trips, and conservation advocacy, BCNA brings together nature enthusiasts of all ages who share a passion for learning and stewardship. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the world just outside your door, we invite you to explore, discover, and help protect the natural wonders of Boulder County.
BCNA and Boulder Audubon jointly administer an email list serve, Nature-Net, to keep everyone updated about items of interest to both organizations.
To discover more about BCNA’s programs, please follow the links above the photo or in the hamburger drop-down menu.
BCNA’s Educational Hike Series
Reforestation at Heil Ranch after the Calwood Fire of 2020
July 17 8:30 – 11:30 am
BCNA is continuing to focus on forest management in Boulder County. Join us and Boulder County Parks and Open Space forester Shane Milne for an easy hike at Heil Ranch to see the results of planting seedlings of ponderosa pine and surprise – limber pine! Heil Ranch has been burned in wildfire several times, most recently from the Calwood Fire of 2020. Shane will discuss the science and challenges of reforestation in the lower montane in a changing climate.
Enter at the south entrance, drive a couple of miles, and meet at the picnic area at 8:30. Bring water, snacks, sun and rain protection. Dress for hiking. A sack lunch is optional but encouraged – we would like to share thoughts afterward. Although we do not set up car pools, we encourage you to share rides with friends. Please no children under 16 or pets.
Register with Karl at earthford@aol.com
KGNU Monthly Nature Almanac
4th of JULY FIREFLIES
Wildfire dangers throughout Colorado are limiting highly flammable pyrotechnic fourth of July celebrations, but one timeless “fiirework” is still available, and free for anyone who is a fan of venturing into Nature. This special firework is all about the cool magic of a light that you can see best in wetlands, late at night. It’s fireflies, out after dark in marshes and other damp areas throughout the mountain west. Freflies lilke the same habitat as mosquitoes. So Naturalists Steve Jones and Ruth Carol Cushman get out their mosquito net hats and gloves and most of all, their bug spray, to venture out where the sky is dark, and the magical wink of fireflies offers a unique way to celebrate the Fourth of July, and the marvels of independent lives in Nature — in this case, the lives of fireflies.
Calendars of Upcoming Local Environmental Events
Boulder.Earth Climate Action Portal
People and pollinators action network: Upcoming events
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
Gifts for the Naturalist in Your Life
- Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl St., Boulder
- Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster
- Front Range Birding Company: 2425 Canyon Blvd Suite B, Boulder, and 10146 W. San Juan Way, Littleton
- Harlequin’s Gardens, 4795 N. 26th St., Boulder
- The Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins
-
Some Barnes & Noble stores in the Front Range
- Amazon, amazon.com
- Brigham Distributing, brighamdistributing.com
Banner Photo: Mink at Sawhill Ponds, Boulder; July 24, 2021 © CCVanWie
Boulder County Nature Association
P.O. Box 493, Boulder, CO 80306