UPCOMING
For more information or to register for any event, email Sally or call us at
970-769-1800.

If there is a fee, you may also register online and pay with a credit card.

New Moon Astro Tours

Date: Around the New Moon on Select Months - Next one is Monday, May 13
Place: Durango Nature Center
Time: 9:00-11:00 pm
Cost:  $10 non-members, free for members
 
Join Durango Nature Studies and astronomer John Buting for a tour of the night sky.  John has graciously agreed to share his knowledge and his telescopes for our astronomy programs that will be held throughout the year.  This month folks should see galaxies galore and Saturn should be a real show-stopper! 

River Trail Beginner Bird Walks

Date: The third Wednesday of Every Month - Next one is May 15
Place: Meet at “For the Birds”
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Cost:  Free, but donations to Durango Nature Studies’ Appreciated
Host:  DNS Staff
**This event is co-hosted by Durango Nature Studies and For the Birds. DNS staff leads birdwalks every third Wednesday of the month, but bird walks are offered every Wednesday, led by a different organization.

Beginner Bird Walks will provide tips for finding and identifying our beautiful Durango birds. We will walk, depending on conditions, the area between fish hatchery, Animas River and Junction Creek, learning about kingfishers, chickadees, swallows, wrens, bluebirds and many others.  No registration necessary.  Just show up at “For the Birds.”  Call Kristi at 382-9396 for more information.

Dandelion Workshop

Date: Saturday, May 18
Place: Durango Nature Center
Instructor: Allison Smith, DNS Program Coordinator
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm (come early to visit the Nature Center and have a picnic)
Cost:  $10 non-members, free for members
 
Many people think of dandelions as just weeds. However, every part of the plant is useful for things such as medicine, food and more. Come learn about the facinting dandelion, while sampling lotions, foods, and drinks made from this versatile plant. All workshop participants receive free entry to the Nature Center, which is open from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

Dutch Oven Cooking Workshop

Date: Saturday, June 8
Place: Durango Nature Center
Instructor: Klancy Nixon, DNS Program Coordinator
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm (come early to visit the Nature Center and have a picnic)
Cost:  $10 non-members, free for members
 
All workshop participants receive free entry to the Nature Center, which is open from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. Come join Durango Nature Studies at the Nature Center to do some dutch oven baking over a campfire. Bring your dutch oven and favorite fruit, and we will teach you how to make a cobbler over the fire.

Create A Flower Guide Workshop- learn flowers once and for all

Date: Saturday, August 10
Place: Durango Nature Center
Instructor: Sally Shuffield, DNS Executive Director
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm (come early to visit the Nature Center and have a picnic)
Cost:  $10 non-members, free for members
 
Many people try to remember local flowers and fail. Start your own flower guide as a sure fire way to eetch them in your mind. Water color pencils and paper will be provided. All workshop participants receive free entry to the Nature Center, which is open from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

CONCLUDED This Year

Naturalist Snowshoe Workshops

Place: Haviland Lake
Dates: January 8, 15, 22, and 29
Time: 10:00-noon
Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members, snowshoe rental $3 

Join us for Tuesday snowshoe workshops in January to have fun snowshoeing while learning about local ecology, snow science, and tracking.  These workshops are not cumulative and we’ll try to cover a different topic each time.  So you can come to one or all.  Bring your own snowshoes or rent them from us.

Winter Social and Dine-Out at Carver's

Date: Thursday, February 7
Place: Carver’s Brewing
Time:  5:00 – 7:00

Winter is a great time to get together to celebrate.  The staff and board of Durango Nature Studies like to have the chance to meet people that support us and/or participate in our programs.  Or, if you’ve always wanted to know more about Durango Nature Studies, this is a great way to do it.  Carvers has generously agreed to donate a portion of beer and appetizer sales to Durango Nature Studies, so you can support us while having some food and drink.  Back by popular demand; trivia games, summer camp raffle, and a list of activities that are planned for the year.  Just show up and bring a friend!!!

Backcountry Film Festival at the Backspace

Date: Thursday, February 28
Place: Backspace Theatre
Time: 7:00 – 9:00
Cost:  $10 in advance at Maria’s Bookshop, $12 at the door
 
DNS is known for the great party we throw every year when we host Mountain Film on Tour at the Smiley building. This is a new film festival that focuses mostly on the backcountry.  Since we’re a member of the Winter Wildlands Alliance, they asked us to show it this year.  Some of the films include:  Freedom Chair, Skiing the Void, and Alaska Wilderness Ski Classic.  Go to http://www.backcountryfilmfestival.org to find out more.  Get your tickets early at Backcountry Experience or Maria’s because it’s sure to sell out at a smaller venue.
In addition to the films, we’ll have some auction items and a chance to win a Black Diamond Ski Gear Package

Special thanks to Kling Mountain Guides, Backcountry Experience, and Hanson Honda for sponsoring this event!