Vail Nature Center abuzz with unique summer programs

The Vail Recreation District's (VRD) summer activity lineup is all abuzz at the Vail Nature Center with two unique programs to stimulate eager learners. "Learn to Think Like a Trout" youth fly-fishing and "Art in Nature" both offer an intriguing mix of science education and fun, hands-on activities. Information is as follows:

Learn to Think Like a Trout
Keeping little brains and bodies engaged this summer, the "Learn to Think Like a Trout" program, for kids ages eight and older, combines intellectually-stimulating science programming with interactive, experiential instruction in fly fishing. Offered from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays through Aug. 16, participants learn about subjects such as river ecosystems and entomology, as well as basic tools and skills for fly-fishing. The class concludes with an opportunity to put those new skills to use on nearby streams or lakes. No experience is necessary and fishing equipment is provided. Each class is $45 and requires reservations. Kids can drop-in for one day only or take advantage of this unique program all summer long.

Art in Nature
The Vail Nature Center's popular summer program for kids ages five years and older, Art in Nature, is underway and offered in partnership with Town of Vail's innovative Art in Public Places program. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 16, this drop-in class is a unique way for nature-loving kids to enjoy outdoor activities and multimedia, hands-on creative activities. With a different theme and art project every week, young artists can experience a full summer of outdoor craft activities or simply join in for one day. Each class is $45 and requires reservations.

Other Nature Center Programs
The Nature Center, which is located along the Gore Creek and adjacent to the Ford Amphitheater and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, has a knowledgeable staff that teaches participants all about Vail's surrounding flora and fauna says Vail Nature Center Director Tom Gaylord. "We're the wild side of Ford Park," said Gaylord. "People come to Vail in part because they appreciate the gorgeous scenery here and want to spend as much time outside as possible, so we try to offer them lots of ways to do that."

The Nature Center also offers a wide variety of programming for adults and families. From evening presentations featuring beaver pond tours and campfires, to professional instruction in nature photography, to acclaimed visiting educational programs, bird walks, wildflower walks and more, the Nature Center provides outdoor-based activities that will educate and entertain all members of the family for the rest of the summer. Reservations are recommended for many programs and is available by calling 970-479-2291. The full summer schedule of activities is as follows:

Monday
Photo Safari, 8 a.m. to noon
Wildflower Walk, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Evening Beaver Pond Tour, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday
Full-Day Hike for Adults, 7 a.m.
Morning Bird Walk, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Stories in the Sky, 8:45 p.m.

Wednesday
Wildflower Walk, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thursday
Full-Day Hike for Adults, 7 a.m.
Morning Bird Walk, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Evening Beaver Pond Tour, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday
Half-Day Wildflower Hike for Adults, 8:30 a.m.
Art in Nature for Youth, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn to Think Like a Trout, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
S'mores & More, 7 p.m.

Sunday
Creekside Nature Tours, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., leaving from the Vail Farmers' Market.

Programs and activities are subject to change and reservations are recommended. To volunteer or for program rates and reservations, call 970-479-2291 or click here.