Delta County Providers
Arts for All (A4A)
Every child deserves an opportunity for creative expression. Arts education is vital for the health and well-being of children. Arts for All offers Gift Model after-school and summer indoor and outdoor arts programs in Paonia and has expanded to Hotchkiss in 2019. A4A provides high quality, in-school music performances at each of the North Fork elementary schools. Currently A4A has an ongoing community project intended to increase arts access in the community. This is a clay-based relief mural which encourages students to create a story and express it through a coordinated picture illustration in the mural. The mural is built with clay that is cut into tile, fired, glazed, and finally assembled and grouted onto a permanent weather safe frame. A4A is a collaboration between The Learning Council, The Mountain Harvest Creative and The Blue Sage Center for the Arts. Kid’s classes and events are an important part of the mission of the Blue Sage offering dance, drama, film making, orchestra, choir, fine art and more to the kids of the North Fork Valley. __________________ Grade: all ages, community mural calls (4th -8th grade) Language: English Experience Type: indoor classroom programs, outside mural project Cost:free Website: https://thelearningcouncil.org/arts-for-all/ 
Crawford and Switzer State Parks
Crawford and Switzer State Parks provides wildlife viewing, recreational opportunities, educational programs and a variety of activities from boating, camping, picnicking, fishing, wildlife viewing and school field trips. Some of the programs these parks offer include school field trips in the spring and the fall, summer youth programs and field trips, special events, winter hikes and programs, fishing events, archery, community events, family programs. Environmental education projects include: hosting teacher trainings through CPW, a partner with The Nature Connection, and specifically designed field trips at teacher’s request such as forestry, fishing, stewardship, water based programs, local geology, and archery . __________________ Grade: All ages, Can accommodate 100 students outdoors and 20 indoors Language: English Experience Type: school yard, classroom, field trips in the park, indoor or in shelters, overnights and a combination of the above. Cost: Park Entrance fee $8 Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/crawford-state-park/crawford-state-park-activities-trails 
At Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail, stand where tribes and trappers exchanged furs for guns, knives, beads and other prizes of the sprawling frontier. Your history lesson begins!
Historians re-enact period roles at this living history and interpretive center. Re-enactors demonstrate primitive outdoor/survival skills during the following special events:
__________________ Grade: PreK-12th grade scheduled tours with historians; Summer Camp K-8th grade, all ages and families welcome Language: English (Spanish translators) Experience Type: On site activities outside/indoor Cost: 12 years and younger free; families $15, 4th grade$3/student, teachers/chaperones free); youth summer camp (Fort Awesome) scholarships and financial aid available. Website: www.fortuncompahgre.com/ 
Crossroads Park, the gem of the North Fork Pool, Park & Recreation District is a mecca of outdoor activities for all ages and interests
Crossroads Park serves the communities of Hotchkiss, Paonia, and Crawford. The Park is home to the North Fork Pool, the District office, concession stand, restrooms, soccer fields, mountain bike trails, a bicycle pump-track, a climbing boulder, log challenge course, picnic shade structures, and a ball field complex. The District also manages the Apple Valley tennis/pickle ball courts, and the skate park in Paonia. ___________________ Grade: Pool: (Summer only): swim classes for all ages, water aerobics/lap swim (adults), open swim for all; Pickleball: adults; Skate Park: Unsupervised (over 7 year old); Other: (all ages) Bicycle amenities, climbing boulder and challenge course (parental supervision) Experience Type: outdoor pool and team sports activities Cost: Pool: $4 - $5 per day. Punch cards and season passes available. Website: northforkrecreation.com 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Hotchkiss Fish Hatchery The Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery System. The Hotchkiss NFH is open to the public, and welcomes visitors to the hatchery for a close up view of the fish production process. One can explore the Visitor Center (open 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday -Saturday) and raceways. Educational programs of hatchery production processes and tours are provided for the public and school groups during business hours when scheduled in advance (call 970 872-3170 or email [email protected]). Five covered picnic areas on the 58 acre hatchery grounds are available for visitors to relax and picnic. Bring your binoculars and test your observation skills at the watchable wildlife viewing area with views of the surrounding canyon areas and many wildlife species. A short, wheelchair-accessible, self-guided tour is available at the hatchery as well The hatchery participates in local public fishing festivities such as the Delta Outdoor Heritage Day at Confluence Park. Families and friends are invited to join the hatchery staff, volunteers, and sponsors for this fun-filled fishing event Location: Hotchkiss NFH is located at 8077 Hatchery road, about 20 miles east of Delta, CO near the town of Hotchkiss _______________ Grade: All ages Language: English Experience Type: indoor visitor center, outdoor facilities Cost: free Website: www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/hotchkiss 
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Just north of Montrose in west-central Colorado lies the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), a diverse landscape ranging from adobe badlands to rugged pinyon and juniper-covered slopes. At the heart of the NCA, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area encompasses a spectacular black granite and red sandstone double canyon formed by the Gunnison River. Visitors are invited to explore the NCA’s daunting depths and wild, natural landscapes by foot, horseback, kayak, raft, mountain bike or motorized vehicle on designated routes.The NCA provides a number of river access sites for non-motorized boating and fishing. For more information, a map and brochure, go to the website below. ________________ Grade: all ages, Language: N/A Experience Type: outdoor: hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, rafting Cost: free Website: Gunnison Gorge NCA |
Bill Heddles Recreation Center (BHRC) is the hub for all things recreation in Delta County
BHRC offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages in the realm of sports, fitness, family fun, and outdoor recreation. BHRC is home to an assortment of sports facilities and programs that include volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, baseball, flag football, racquetball, swimming, weights, yoga, dance, and land/water fitness classes. Fun and adventurous trips such as hiking, rafting, mine tours, skiing, and special events (baseball games, dinner theatre, etc.) are also available each season with experienced guides. Located at Confluence Park – facilities in the area include a pavilion, event arbor, grills, picnic shelter/tables, walking/running trails, disk golf course, pickleball/tennis courts, wildlife viewing, boat launch to Gunnison River, handicapped fishing access, outdoor fitness station circuit, skate park, sports fields, pedestrian bridge, single track mountain bike trail, playground, restrooms, RV dump, and dog park. There is also a large lake at Confluence Parks that is a popular location for outdoor activities such as fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, and bird watching. Outdoor Heritage Day (OHD) is an annual event held the first Saturday in June each year. OHD hosts partners and vendors that introduce our community to outdoor sports, events, places, and safety. Activities for families and youth at OHD include paddle boarding, pump track, archery, scavenger hunts, games, contests, lunch, mascots, and lots of fun for all! _________________ Grade/Ages: Vary depending on programs: Youth Programs 3 to 14 years of age | Adult Programs ages 15+ Language: English (Spanish translators may be available at the larger programs) Experience Type: Indoor/outdoor classrooms, sports courts/fields, Confluence Park, and various field trip locations. Cost: Vary by program, scholarships and financial assistance available. Website: https://www.cityofdelta.net/parksrecgolf/page/recreation-center 
The Delta County School District (DCSD) offers applied science opportunities through The Nature Connection and Farm to School
The Nature Connection (TNC) is the outdoor education and recreation hub for Delta County and Olathe, serving K-12 school-based programs and summer camps. The DCSD Farm to School is a health and wellness nutrition education program seeking to inspire students and families to choose healthy foods and lifestyles. This program connects youth with local farms through K-12 programs. __________________ Grade: K-12th grade Language: English, Spanish translators upon request Experience Type: indoor/outdoor classrooms, field trips, summer programs Cost: Varies, scholarships and financial assistance available Websites: The Nature Connection: thenatureconnection.net/ Farm to School: www.facebook.com/DCSDfarm2school/ 
The Learning Council provides community education with a focus on the arts, agriculture and practical skills
The Learning Council offers after school and summer arts programs for elementary age students in subjects from filmmaking to circus arts, a strong mentorship opportunity for youth through the North Fork Community Band, as well as cooking and other classes. The Learning Council is the founding agency/sponsor for the North Fork School of Integrated Studies, a public Waldorf-inspired arts school. The Learning Council collaborates with Mountain Harvest Creative and the Blue Sage to offer Arts for All. ___________________ Grade: all ages, Language: English Experience Type: indoor classroom, outside projects Cost: free Website: thelearningcouncil.org 
U.S Forest Service
Paonia Ranger DistriCT The Paonia Ranger District is part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest. The District Office and staff are located in Paonia, Colorado. Staff can connect educators with Junior Ranger/Snow Ranger booklets, Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl publications, the Lorax Activity Guide, Coloring book, Discovering Your Forest, Pollinators and much more. District staff can provide classroom presentations on forestry, geology, wildlife, wilderness, Snow Safety/Snow Science and Leave No Trace concepts, and may accommodate a field trip to the National Forest. Please request well in advance! Additional outreach programs: National Public Lands Day at Lost Lake Campground, Smokey Birthday at Paonia Library, Delta County High School Forestry Day, Winter Ecology- Skis for Kids on the Grand Mesa NF, Earth Day Events, Conservation Days at Paonia River Park, Cottonwood Days at Gunnison Gorge NCA, Cherry Days Festival (Paonia),Outdoor Heritage Day in Delta. _________________________________ Grade/Ages: Presentations/programs for all ages Language: English Experience Type: indoor/outdoor classrooms, field trips to the forest Cost: free Contact: Paonia Ranger District (970) 527-4131 Website: NationalForestConservationEducation Rocky Mountain Biological Station (Gothic, CO)- summer youth programs 
enjoy learning about horses in a peaceful non-judgmental environment from those with experience and who care.
Dare to Dream Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) equine assisted learning facility located in Austin, CO. We offer classes for foster kids and at-risk youth; veterans and first responders; individuals with special needs; and western riding lessons. _______________ Grade: All Ages (youth and adults) Language: English Experience Type: Outdoor (trails) and Indoor (stables) Cost: fees vary (scholarships through FOYAN available) Website: www.daretodreamincorporated.com/ 
Whether you want to take a ride, camp in nature, hone your skills or give the experience of horses to your child, this farm has been created for you. It is a place for adventure, play, and growth.
We offer programs for the young, and young-at-heart. Camps for the littles, trail-rides, individual lessons, or just a night under the stars. Re-charge, re-connect, learn to ride or to just have fun! ______________________________________________ Grade: All ages (youth and adult) Language: English Experience Type: outdoor, trails, farm environment Cost: fees vary (scholarships through FOYAN available) Website: www.4legadventures.com/ |
