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Tips to help you connect your family to nature!
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Two youth from the TRY (Together for Resilient Youth) spent a day playing with fish and worms and Ridgway State Park Connecting kids to nature is more than just a walk in the woods! It can be a life changing experience that builds confidence resilience, and a lifelong love of the outdoors — all while inspiring stewardship of Colorado’s natural landscapes. Creating these experiences is the aim of Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN) and over the past few years, this nonprofit has become pretty good at it – changing young lives across Western Colorado by providing mentored outdoor skill-building experiences, field trips, and nature-based learning. If you love Colorado's landscapes and outdoor endeavors, share your passion for it by helping FOYAN connect kids to our States' amazing places and inspiring experiences. This Colorado Gives Day, you can be part of something truly powerful — connecting a kid to the great outdoors! Every donation fuels opportunities for exploration and growth — from fishing and hiking to water festivals and outdoor classrooms. FOYAN’s mission is to remove barriers that prevent youth from connecting with nature. By partnering with schools, community organizations, and recreation districts, the group ensures all children — especially those facing economic or social challenges — can benefit from the healing and empowering experiences of time outdoors. In 2024 alone, FOYAN reached more than 8,800 youth and families in Montrose, Ouray, Delta, and Mesa counties with outdoor experiences. Through its signature Together for Resilient Youth (TRY) program, FOYAN focuses on underserved and at-risk youth. Working with local partners such as Families Plus, Haven House for the Homeless, Partners Mentoring, the Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club, CASA7JD, Hilltop, Mexican American Development Association, and Voyager Youth Services, FOYAN connects youth with mentors, outdoor educators, and hands-on nature programs. These collaborations give kids more than just an activity — they give them hope, belonging, and new perspectives on what’s possible. Time outside isn’t just fun — it’s transformative. Research shows that even 20 minutes outdoors can lower stress, reduce anxiety, boost mood, and improve academic performance. For youth living in communities where suicide and mental health challenges are on the rise, that connection to nature can truly save lives. The outdoors offers a sense of calm and purpose that every child deserves to experience. Your donations directly support: • Outdoor skill programs like hiking, archery, mountain biking and fishing. • Farm to School programs in four counties, teaching garden and food security skills. • Watershed Education, including local water festivals, river trips and hands-on science learning. • Gear for Kids — backpacks, ponchos, and water bottles for youth in need, plus a free community gear lending library supporting the TRY program. Each dollar you give brings these experiences to more children who might otherwise never have the chance to step outside and explore. FOYAN’s programs are designed to foster lifelong connections to nature that promote stewardship and healthy living. Colorado Gives Day begins November 1 and continues through December 9. Through the Colorado Gives Foundation and First Bank, every donation made through ColoradoGives.org will be boosted by a $1 million Incentive Fund. The more FOYAN raises, the larger its share of the Incentive Fund. Recurring (monthly) support helps sustain programs year-round, providing steady opportunities for kids to learn, play, and grow outdoors. Last year, Coloradans came together to raise more than $54 million statewide for nonprofits. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the powerful lessons and peace that nature provides. As one participant in a FOYAN mountain biking program exclaimed, “Finally, somebody gets me!” That moment of connection captures exactly what FOYAN strives to achieve — giving kids a sense of belonging in the outdoors and the confidence to take on life’s challenges with strength and curiosity. Your support makes those moments possible. Whether it’s helping a child plant their first seed, reel in their first fish, or hike their first trail, your generosity builds a foundation for healthier, happier, and more connected communities. Join us in building a generation of resilient, confident, and nature-connected youth. Give where you live — and help us get more kids outside.
Colorado Gives - Friends of Youth and Nature
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 A young girl hunts for upland game birds in Western Colorado. Growing up in a rural community in Colorado, I learned to recognize the signs of Fall approaching by the changing temperatures, changes in daylight and changes in the activities I, and the folks around me did. An obvious change in activity is going back to school. Each of us has our own traditions in our communities and families with the changing seasons and it recently dawned on me that in my community, we had some special activities that I will call the 3 H’s. H #1 is Harvesting. The late harvest of corn, alfalfa, and other crops have narrow windows from the field to market to stay viable. In my school, many older kids in farming families would be pulled out of school to help with the harvest. And, many of those farmers and families would be out until the middle of the night, on harvesting equipment, to maximize crop potentials. I remember going inside near bedtime and seeing the lights out in the fields when I was going to sleep. H #2 is Hunting. Soon after harvest season, came hunting season. Many of the families in our area participated in one or more of the big game seasons. Elk, deer, moose, pronghorn, and other big game species provided a freezer of food and memorable outdoor experiences with families and friends. Like harvest season, many kids would be out of school for one of the big game seasons. They would come back to school and share their experiences like we all do when we go outdoors with our families and mentors. What I realize now is that those experiences were also when we learned many of the things we still use today; how to plan and set up a camp, how to be prepared in the outdoors, and what is in an ecosystem that helps the wildlife thrive. Finally, their excitement about their experiences seemed to really inspire them to love the outdoors, and to protect the environment that they had those experiences in. H #3 is Halloween. Growing up on farms where trick or treating was not as easy, we found a way to go with our friends. Often our parents would drive us to the ‘big’ town nearby and depending on our age, either walk with us or drop us off on one side of a neighborhood and pick us up on the other side. In elementary and sometimes in secondary schools we would get to wear our costumes to immerse in the fun of the season. The Fall memories and lessons that I took away from my youth are probably why Fall is my favorite season. There are other signs of Fall that I love, that might be more universal. Of course, the leaf changes, football season starting, PSL’s (if you know, you know) are some I have added to my favorites list. And we are fortunate in western Colorado to have nearby corn mazes and pumpkin patches to visit. Fall is a perfect time to start some new family traditions that your kids will remember. Visit an orchard to pick apples, bake some pies or find a press to make apple juice! If your family isnt a hunting family, you can still grab binoculars or a scope to spot some wildlife; or, quietly listen for elk bugling or the calls of geese overhead heading south. As a member of Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN), it is our goal and passion to get kids and families outdoors. What I realize now is that virtually all of what I love about Fall happens outside. Harvesting, hunting, Halloween, football, leaf peeping, corn mazes and pumpkin patches all happen outside. Many of these experiences share some of the best of life; being with friends and family and being outdoors. Back-to-School Nature Reset: 15 Minutes Outside Can Transform Your Child's Day by Abram Herman8/26/2025  Something as simple as hugging your favorite neighborhood tree could be the nature reset your child needs to transition from their day at school. School bells have been ringing across the Western Slope, and with them comes the familiar rhythm of homework, schedules, and structured learning. But what if we told you that one of the most powerful tools for your child's academic success doesn't involve textbooks, flashcards, or extra tutoring? It's as simple as stepping outside for just 15 minutes a day. Research consistently shows that even brief exposure to nature can dramatically improve children' s ability to focus, process information, and regulate their emotions. A landmark study from the University of Illinois found that children with ADHD showed significant improvement in attention and concentration after just 20 minutes in a natural setting compared to the same time spent in urban environments or indoors. Here on the Western Slope we're surrounded by some of the most stunning natural classrooms in the world, yet many local children spend less time outdoors than prisoners in maximum security facilities. The average American child spends only 4-7 minutes per day in unstructured outdoor play, while logging over seven hours of screen time daily. When children step outside, several powerful processes begin immediately. Fresh air increases oxygen flow to the brain, improving cognitive function. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep and more alert daytime hours. The varied textures, sounds, and sights of outdoor environments engage multiple senses simultaneously, creating rich neural connections that enhance learning and memory. Perhaps most importantly, nature provides what researchers call "soft fascination"—gentle, restorative attention that allows the brain's executive functions to recharge. Unlike the "hard fascination" of screens or intense academic work, which depletes mental energy, time in nature actually restores our capacity to concentrate and make decisions. Creating a nature-based routine doesn't require epic sunrise hikes or elaborate outdoor adventures. Before breakfast, step outside together to observe the sky, feel the wind direction, and notice the temperature. Have your child predict what the day might bring and record observations in a simple journal. This brief ritual grounds children in their immediate environment while building observation skills. If practical, walk or bike to school instead of driving. Even a few blocks of fresh air and movement can dramatically improve classroom readiness. If driving is necessary, park a few blocks away and walk the final stretch together. You might also create a simple morning obstacle course using natural features in your backyard—step on five different textures, touch three different plants, and find one interesting rock. Change it weekly to maintain novelty and engagement. The transition from school to home often involves tired, overstimulated children who need to decompress before tackling homework or evening activities. Nature provides the perfect reset. Before entering the house, take a brief walk around the block or simply sit on the front steps together. No phones, no agenda, just breathing and noticing. This simple time outside helps children transition from the structured school environment to home life. Consider moving that after-school snack to the backyard, porch, or nearest park. The change of scenery combined with natural light helps restore depleted attention while providing healthy nutrition. When weather permits, try moving homework outdoors. A simple outdoor table or blanket can transform routine assignments into an adventure. The varied stimulation of outdoor environments often helps children who struggle to focus indoors. Weekends offer opportunities for longer nature immersion that can set the tone for the entire school week. Explore different local parks each weekend, packing a simple breakfast to eat outdoors while observing wildlife or collecting interesting natural objects. These adventures become family stories that children carry with them throughout the school week. End each weekend with 15 minutes of quiet outdoor time together, watching the sunset, listening to evening sounds, or simply lying on a blanket looking at clouds or stars. The beauty of the 15-minute nature reset lies in its flexibility. Busy mornings? Step outside for three deep breaths and a quick sky observation. Rainy weather? Stand under the eaves and listen to rain sounds or watch water create patterns. Winter approaching? Bundle up for a brief snow angel session or winter bird watching. The key is consistency over intensity. Fifteen minutes of daily outdoor time will have far more impact than occasional long hikes. Living in this incredible region means we have year-round access to natural therapy just outside our doors. From the Grand Mesa's aspen groves to the Colorado, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre Rivers’ riparian zones, from desert landscapes to alpine meadows, our backyard offers infinite variety for curious young minds. This fall, as you establish new school-year routines, consider making daily nature time a non-negotiable family policy. Your child's teacher will notice the difference in attention and behavior. More importantly, your child will develop a lifelong relationship with the natural world that surrounds us here on Colorado's beautiful Western Slope. Remember: nature isn't a luxury for weekends and vacations. It's medicine for growing minds, available free of charge, just outside your door.  Its never too young to start checking off those 100 things to do before you are 12- tightrope walking on a log (with a little help from Mom) It’s mid-July, and if you're a kid, there are countless adventures waiting outside! Feeling a little bored? Check out “The List” — 100 fun and simple things every kid should try before turning 12. You’ll probably find that you’ve already done quite a few, but there are still tons more to discover and cross off. Have you ever peeked under a rock in a creek, balanced on a log, dug for worms, or danced in the rain? How about spotting the Big Dipper, imitating a bird call, playing hopscotch, making mud pies or a flower necklace, sleeping under the stars, building a bike jump, or howling at the moon? These are just a few examples from the list. Need a copy? Download it at Generation Wild – The List. You’ll find that many of these can be done right in your backyard or a nearby park. No need to travel far—just step outside and start exploring! Try building a worm hotel or planting a sock garden. How about baking s’mores in a sun oven or creating a soda bottle sprinkler? You can find videos and instructions for these clever backyard hacks and more at generationwild.com. Summer is the perfect time for family fun and making lasting memories in nature. If you’re on the hunt for fresh DIY ideas, here are more ways to bond and spark curiosity through adventure and storytelling—because nothing brings people together quite like shared wonder. Get creative outdoors: Craft a bird’s nest, build an animal den or bug hotel, design a Lego bird table, or create a mini pond. You could even make a gift for a wild creature! Experience nature’s magic: Take a nighttime stroll, go on a microscopic animal walk, capture a nature-inspired photo or sketch, or search for natural treasures on a scavenger hunt. Engage your senses: Walk barefoot over different surfaces and describe the textures. Seek out interesting smells like flowers, moss, or pine trees. Try guessing objects by touch and scent, listen closely to nature’s soundtrack, dip your feet in a mountain stream, and of course—taste a perfectly gooey s’more! Curious to learn more? Visit Generation Wild – UK. Activities range from quick 15-minute projects to longer explorations, each with easy-to-follow instructions. Parents—nature is a powerful motivator! Getting your kids outside can be as simple as suggesting they climb a tree, splash in a creek, or get gloriously muddy in a puddle. Try creating a nature-themed obstacle course—think log walking, hill rolling, creek running, or rock skipping. You might even earn the title of “coolest grown-up!” Challenge your kids with a nature scavenger hunt or an A–Z search (find something that starts with every letter). A small reward—like a scoop of ice cream—can go a long way! Blending tech with outdoor play Technology doesn't have to be the enemy of outdoor fun. When used intentionally, it can help “digital natives” connect with the natural world in exciting ways. Apps like iNaturalist, Seek, and Star Walk invite kids to identify plants, observe animals, and explore constellations. BirdNET and Merlin even let kids identify birds by their calls using a smartphone microphone. Once they get hooked, they’ll likely want to spot birds the old-fashioned way—by sight and sound. Try geocaching! This modern treasure hunt uses GPS devices to locate hidden containers, or “caches,” all over the world. It combines puzzle-solving, teamwork, and exploration, making it a fantastic way to spark enthusiasm for the outdoors. One of the best things about tech-assisted nature activities is how accessible they are. With just a smartphone and internet connection, even families in urban settings can rediscover local parks and backyards with fresh perspective. By embracing technology as a bridge, we help foster genuine curiosity and appreciation for the outdoors. Whether it’s identifying a bird with an app or discovering a hidden cache in a park, the possibilities are endless. Nature is powerful medicine—for kids and adults alike. Time outside boosts confidence, creativity, and imagination. It nurtures a sense of wonder and teaches responsibility. Research shows it even helps reduce stress and fatigue—benefits that grown-ups could use too! Luckily for us, western Colorado is packed with outdoor opportunities. We truly have the best backyard in the West. For more inspiration, check out our blog: “Tech Meets Trails: Engage Digital Natives in the Outdoors.”  Elementary students from the North Fork Valley construct blue bird nest boxes for their schoolyard habitats during a Public Lands Day celebration on the Gunnison National Forest. It's only natural that kids have some level of fascination with nature – don’t we all? What a thrill to see herds of elk in a meadow, a cow and calf moose in a willow wetland, or the bright blue flash of a bird flying across your path. The more kids see and learn about these critters, the more they may be inclined to want to DO something to help them. Earth Day in April is often the day where we become more aware of nature and focus on the environment and how to engage in actions to help our planet, but this can be accomplished anytime. Bluebird boxes are one of the ways to engage kids in crafty activities that help them learn about nature and provide nesting spots for our local population of bluebirds. Jon Horn of the Black Canyon Audubon Society (BCAS) puts in many hours creating blue bird box kits for kids to construct and hang in the best locations to attract nesting blue birds. For each kit, he assembles the house to make sure the pieces fit, takes them apart, and then puts them in a bag that includes directions. What a winning project (and an easy one!) for teachers to incorporate into their environmental education curriculum or Earth Day activities. Outdoor education teacher Krista Javoronok of Ridgway Elementary School loves doing this activity every spring with her 1st grade students. Ouray elementary 1st graders also participated this year by hanging their boxes in a park in Ouray. They did this, along with teacher Jen Anessi and Ouray parks department employee Sean Hart, to help the Mountain Bluebirds in the area. Are you familiar with a river trail or other landscapes with flowing water adjacent to an open field? If you think about it – you may already know a perfect place to hang a blue bird box. What a pleasant surprise for your kids when the birds decide to move in and make it their new nesting spot! There are many kits available online or instructions to make your own. A couple resources are: Free Bluebird House Plans - Multiple Designs and the Colorado Bluebird Project at: Colorado Bluebird Project | Castle Rock, CO - Official Website. Or you can contact the Audubon Society for one of their kits! Members of the BCAS also design, build, and sell elaborate bird boxes at county fairs. By engaging kids in these crafty and fun projects, we can extend that interest and concern beyond Earth day throughout the rest of the year. Nature activities can show kids how to be stewards and learn more about animal behaviors and habitat needs. What else can you do with youth to help nature? Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program designed for educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. It offers hands-on lessons and activities on various topics such as forests, ecosystems, wildlife, and water, making it suitable for diverse communities and geographies. The program aims to help young people gain awareness and knowledge of the environment and their role within it. “LEARNING IS IN OUR NATURE” - Project Learning Tree. Materials can be purchased online at https://shop.plt.org/Shop/ProductDetails/prek-8-environmental-education. Helping our pollinators… We all know that pollinators are critical to our environment. To support pollinators with kids, you can:
The National Wildlife Federation at NWF.org has many ideas and information about helping pollinators. Their blog is: 10 Ways to Save Pollinators - The National Wildlife Federation Blog Helping Monarch Butterflies. Monarch Butterfly numbers are rapidly declining. According to an article in USA Today, an annual survey led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) of the recognizable species wintering in central Mexico found the second-lowest number of monarchs on record. This year’s estimate found the Eastern Monarch Butterfly colonies took up just 2.2 acres of regional forests, 59% less than during the 2022-2023 winter season. Many people state that they don’t see the migrating Monarch Butterfly numbers like they used to, whether it’s those that fly to Mexico, or the western route to California. Since Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed, one way to help them along as they migrate is to plant more milkweed or just don’t kill the milkweed that is naturally growing. A fun activity to do with kids is to make milkweed seed bombs together then plant them or throw them in an area that would be good habitat. The Save Our Monarchs blog has some instructions and resources for creating milkweed seed bombs at: https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/blog/milkweed-seed-balls-101. What’s really cool is you can also get your area designated as a butterfly waystation by going to https://monarchwatch.org/waystations. This is a part of the Monarch Watch program that will give you information on types of milkweed to plant for our region and how to have your area certified and placed on the map of waystations across the country on their website. Another way to help them along is to plant a butterfly garden as a food source for migrating Monarchs and other butterflies as well. Information on how to do this can be found on the Colorado State University Extension site at: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/attracuch as ting-butterflies-to-the-garden-5-504-2/ Kids have a lot of free time during those long, lazy days of summer – which is the best part of summer vacation for a kid, right? It is also the perfect time to research together and plan a summer project to help improve the local habitats for our wild neighbors such as bluebirds, pollinators, and Monarch butterflies! Your project may in fact help their entire population as well. Project Learning Tree, Project Wild and Project Aquatic Wild – are ready made, easy planned activities to engage kids with nature in meaningful, hands-on ways. Be inspired and find a fun activity to learn about nature, explore, observe and make a difference. You will be training our next generation of nature stewards!
(Left) A young TRY participant proudly displays the trout she caught ice fishing on Ward Lake during FOYAN's Winter Fun Festival. (Right) Local youth get a chance to play in the snow, create snow castles and colorful designs on the white palate. Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN) believes that working together with other organizations means a greater ability to impact more youth in a focused and positive way. This and having loads of fun together spills over into amazing experiences for our local youth. If you were on the Grand Mesa on Monday February 17th at Ward or County Line ski trails, you were able to see our partnerships in action. Over 110 youth from our Together for Resilient Youth (TRY) coalition played together in freshly fallen snow under bluebird skies while sledding, catching fish, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and making colorful snow art. Appetites fueled by these activities at 10,000 feet in elevation were quelled with scrumptious chili dogs and frothy hot chocolate. Thanks to expert outdoorspeople from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Nature Connection, Colorado Canyons Association, Grand Mesa Nordic Council, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Mesa County Youth Services, Colorado Mountain Club. the San Juan Mountain Association, and many locally talented volunteers, participating youth couldn’t have had more fun! Outings like this take hours of planning and teamwork, and that’s what Friends of Youth and Nature excels at on a daily basis. The behind the scenes planning of scheduling events, organizing activities, providing gear, recruiting quality mentors to teach outdoor skills, working with providers and volunteers on gathering and transporting youth, ordering and preparing food for all, and so much more all takes time and careful planning. We feel strongly that if we provide the means for a fun filled exciting day for youth in the outdoors, they will not only want to continue to get outside but are emotionally bonded to each other and to nature in a way that nurtures these future stewards of our world. We have many more outings scheduled for our local youth in 2025, and this is where you can help! Our TRY outings and scholarships for youth outdoor programs are funded through your generous donations. We are having our second annual “Bring on the Summer Outdoor Festival” on May 24th at Montrose Riverbottom Park. This is a gift to YOU, as well as a fundraising event. We use sponsorships to fund necessary costs at the event such as porta potties, licenses, fees, prizes, and a stage for the emcee and events at the festival. There will be 20-30 youth activity booths, as well as partner organization sign-ups for summer programming for your children. Did I say contests with prizes? We will have food trucks, music, and friendly competitions such as a ducky race, pie eating contest, face painting, bubble making, as well as basketball, corn hole, skateboarding, and disc golf competitions. Summer fun for all ages! If you would like to be a sponsor to help raise more funds to connect our local youth to healthy outdoor programs, volunteer or organize a youth activity, please visit our website (below) for more information or to donate online. Thank you for all your support and save the date for our Bring on the Summer Outdoor Festival on May 24th, 2025 at Riverbottom Park in Montrose! We hope to see you there.  The Dos Rios playground in Grand Junction includes two climbing net structures. The one pictured is the climbable model of a Humpback Chub, one of four endangered fish found in the Colorado River. This structure provides a fort-like atmosphere complete with slides. The playground also includes smaller features to complete the design (photo courtesy: City of Grand Junction Parks and Rec). No matter what the weather brings, playing outside is good for kids in so many ways. There is much scientific evidence that playing outside improves our health and general well being, and children of all ages love it. In Colorado, we really don't need to travel far to enjoy nature. We are usually only a few minutes’ drive from a lake or local park. These parks are truly our Colorado Sunshine, providing the golden opportunity to get outside with our families! Every town, no matter how small, has a local park that provides engaging trails, sports fields, and more. Variety is the spice of PLAY! Consider rotating to a different park every so often. Each park can offers something different or unique such as forts, jungle gyms or slides, zip lines, fishing piers, story walks, pollinator gardens, nature trails to explore, bouldering rocks, or small creeks or fountains to wade in. Sometimes it is worth it to drive a little further to experience new features or different landscapes. Consider taking a milk crate full of toy dump trucks tractors, road graders, cars, and other toys and find a sandy area by a creek to play. After checking out different parks, your kids may then have a favorite that you can treat them too more often! Some gems that you might want to visit are Canyon View, Eagle Rim, and Los Colonias parks in Grand Junction; Confluence Lake, Hotchkiss Fairgrounds, or Paonia River Park in Delta County; Olathe Community Park; Cerise or Riverbottom Park in Montrose; and Dennis Weaver Memorial Park, Fellin Park, and Cascade Falls Park in Ouray County. Outdoor activities can include a picnic with family favorites such as Carne Asada seasoned with lime and salt eaten with homemade tortillas, hotdogs for the kids, and finger goods such as chips and vegetable trays. Having plenty of lemonade, iced tea, or Gatorade is important to stay hydrated in our dry climate. Just toss down a blanket on the soft grass, enjoy the breeze, the sound of the birds, and the fresh air. A good way to keep the older teenagers engaged outdoors is having a good game of kickball and having them pick their own teams, turn on some music, and let them enjoy. Other popular outdoor activities are fishing, sitting by the lake listening to the earth, listening to nature without talking, and catching some Colorado sunshine. No matter what you’re into, take some time with your kiddos and enjoy the outdoors at one of our many local parks. Unstructured physical activity is so important especially these days with so many over scheduled youth. It improves the physical and mental health of your child, encourages creative play, bonding with peers and team building. It reduces the likelihood of obesity and weight-related health concerns, which are issues for families today. Most importantly, parks allow us to spend time with our families- all of them, our grandparents, uncles and aunts, baby cousins and friends- there is something for everyone at our local parks. Get outside and build more family memories today by visiting your local park! ________________________________________________ County and city parks near you! Mesa County: The City of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department has a wonderful resource listing all 36 parks alphabetically in the Grand Junction area (www.gjcity.org/residents/parks-recreation/parks/). Under ‘Parks” click on each park name and it will give you specifics about the size of the park and amenities available. Fruita has a similar website (www.fruita.org/parksrec/parksites) that describes each of its 12 parks including a bike park with skill-building bike pump tracks. On the east side of the Grand Valley, several five-star parks are available in Palisade. Enjoy walking or riding bicycles under the trees along the paved path at Riverbend Park, having a picnic near the play equipment at Veteran’s Memorial park, or romping in the green space at the Palisade Community Center park. Addresses can be found by googling Parks and Recs near Palisade, CO. Montrose County: The City of Montrose website (www.cityofmontrose.org/266/Parks-Trails-Sports-Facilities) lists 29 fabulous parks, open spaces, concrete and single-track trails, and a water sports park. By clicking on the ‘interactive map’ and ‘view larger map’ you can see each park with amenities. Six parks in and near the town of Olathe are listed on their website (www.townofolathe.org/town-of-olathe-parks.html). A variety of facilities are available from Olathe Community Park at the south end of town to the Onion Park on Olathe’s north side. The Olathe Town Park on 5th street has a spectacular new playground purchased through a Colorado Health Foundation grant. Delta County The City of Delta has 11 parks on their interactive map (https://cityofdelta.net/parksites). Clicking on the name of the park, either on the map or on the list provided, takes you to a detailed description of each fabulous park, The North Fork area includes a listing of 18 parks near the towns of Crawford, Hotchkiss, and Paonia (www.northforkrecreation.com/parks.html). These descriptions include the Black Canyon National Monument and Crawford State Park, as well as the Delta County Fairgrounds adjacent to the Doctor Maloney Nature Park and its new disc golf course. Crossroads Park next to the North Fork Pool on Bulldog Street, has two new bike skill-building pump tracks, as well as single-track trails maintained by the North Fork chapter of the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COPMOBA). The Surface Creek area, including Orchard City (Cory, Austin, and Eckert) and Cedaredge, have some beautiful parks and recreation facilities. Information can be found on the internet about these facilities: Orchard City Town Park (www.orchardcityco.org/36/Orchard-City-Town-Park), Cedaredge Town Park (350-398 SW 2nd Ave, Cedaredge, CO 81413), and the Surface Creek Trail in Cedaredge (www.hikingproject.com/trail/7058563/surface-creek-trail). Ouray County has 10 parks including an ice rink, sledding park, Cascade Falls Park and the Uncompahgre River Trail. Find out the locations and amenities of each one by visiting city of Ouray parks.  Fourth grade students enjoy a fall day on our national forest celebrating public lands day and learning about the many natural resources the forest has to offer. Because we live on the Western Slope of Colorado, so close to acres of public lands, rugged ridgelines, dark skies, and rippling waters, we appreciate these natural wonders more than most communities in the U.S. We also want our youth to be able to experience these places, learn about the intricacies of nature, be challenged by outdoor endeavors, and appreciate our natural resources. Our communities have been so generous to our youth in helping Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN) facilitate school nature outings, summer camps, mentored outdoor skill building experiences, and nature learning workshops through grant awards and private donations that help make these opportunities happen for our youth in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray Counties. Community foundations have been an incredible source of funding for FOYAN. Through the umbrella organization of the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF), FOYAN received $5,000 from the West Elk Community Fund for outdoor camp scholarships for youth in the North Fork Valley. The WCCF Delta Community Fund awarded FOYAN $500 for camp scholarships to youth in the City of Delta. The WCCF CORE Fund and the WCCF General Fund donated $6,000 and $3,600 respectively specific for watershed education opportunities for our youth in the four counties. The Gunnison Basin Roundtable awarded FOYAN $1,500 to facilitate opportunities for our youth to learn about the Gunnison and Colorado River watersheds. Colorado Grand (Classic Car Charity Tour) donated $10,000 for various outreach opportunities for youth across our four counties. The City of Grand Junction donated $10,000 for youth outdoor and nature learning scholarships for Mesa County youth. Through FOYAN, Montrose Walmart donated $2,500 for the Montrose High School Climbing Team and the Delta Walmart donated $500 for City of Delta youth outdoor scholarships. In addition, FOYAN hosted several fundraisers in collaboration with businesses and other partners. In Grand Junction, the Gearhead Outfitters hosted a "Kuhl Try-On" event, Trail Life Brewing- "Grains for Good" and Roots Gastrohub hosted a non-profit night with proceeds going to FOYAN. The Christi Reece group committed to provide volunteer time for FOYAN youth events. FOYAN partnered with the "Kid's Pasta Project" in Hotchkiss which is all about youth serving the community through the preparation/serving of freshly made, healthy dinners giving profits to community non-profits in the North Fork Valley. FOYAN also collaborated with various partners to host the "Bring on the Summer" kid fest fundraiser in Montrose which generated over $5,000 in it's first year. These foundation awards and fundraising events were leveraged through matches from individual donors like you – giving directly to FOYAN or through Colorado Gives Day to help us receive their incentive matches. FOYAN received over $15,000 during the end of the year campaign from private donors. Thank you to all who were able to donate to our local youth experiences! In 2024, FOYAN was able to facilitate outdoor and nature learning experiences for over 8,500 youth in Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Ouray Counties. We distributed over $87,000 to schools for field trip (bus) transportation assistance to Eureka Science center, river festivals, natural resource days, outdoor learning labs (OWL), and snow science/ cross-country skiing opportunities on the Grand Mesa National Forest – just to name a few! We also provided scholarships for youth to attend summer camps locally at The Nature Connection in Hotchkiss and Delta and a weeklong overnight camp at Santa Maria YMCA near Grant, Colorado for 13 Delta County teens. It's obvious our community members get it - that time outdoors is vital to re-set one's frame of mind and relieve stress. For kids it also builds confidence and resilience, and provides a chance to play outside- essentially the healthy, active lifestyles many of us Coloradans live here for! It also encourages new friendships and open discussions about our planet and all it has to offer us if we care for it. We are hoping to instill a sense of ownership, appreciation, and respect for our public lands and resources in these young folks so that one day they will be good stewards of our open spaces, habitats for wildlife, clean air and water, and places to seek physical challenges, exciting fun, or solitude. Thank you to our communities for recognizing this great gift we all enjoy on the Western Slope of Colorado and for supporting efforts to pass it on to our next generation.  Nature apps can help kids identify trees, insects, flowers and birds! In a world dominated by screens, getting kids to step outside and connect with nature can feel like a herculean task. Many parents and educators face the dilemma of competing with video games, social media, and streaming platforms for childrens’ attention. However, understanding that incremental change can lead to more long-lasting results, what if we instead harness technology as a bridge to the outdoors? Blending technology with nature-based activities offers a unique opportunity to engage today’s “digital natives” while fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. Through intentional use of these tools, we can inspire a love of exploration, curiosity, and stewardship in a way that resonates with tech-savvy youth. While screen time is often, and maybe rightly, blamed for the growing disconnect between children and nature, technology can also be a powerful tool for fostering engagement. Apps like iNaturalist, Seek, and Star Walk allow children to interact with the natural world in interactive and educational ways. These platforms transform outdoor spaces into living classrooms, encouraging kids to identify plants, track animal behaviors, and map constellations. Take geocaching, for instance. This modern-day treasure hunt uses GPS-enabled devices to lead participants to hidden caches scattered around the globe. It’s an adventure that combines problem-solving, teamwork, and outdoor exploration, making it an excellent way to get children excited about spending time in nature. Technology can make the outdoors feel like a video game! Critics often worry that using technology outdoors could detract from the benefits of unplugging, which is a fair concern. The key lies in moderation—by framing technology as a tool, rather than the main focus, parents and educators can encourage kids to use it as a stepping stone into deeper, screen-free engagement with nature, while also building healthier attitudes and habits around the ideal role of technology in day to day life. For example, apps like BirdNET allow users to identify bird calls using their smartphone microphone. Once a child gets excited about this exciting power to identify birds in their backyard, they’re more likely to put down the phone and spend time observing birds with their own eyes and ears. And blending technology and nature isn’t just about fun—it’s also a powerful way to nurture stewardship of our public lands. When kids use apps to identify plants or participate in outdoor programs, they develop a personal connection to the natural world. Here on the Western Slope we value our public lands for all of the different ways we interact with them as hunters, anglers, bikers, hikers, or any other outdoor activities. If we want to ensure continued stewardship of those public lands it’s crucial that the next generation has a chance to experience them and create a personal attachment and value of their own. Research supports this approach. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children who used interactive technology to learn about nature were more likely to express interest in environmental conservation than those who only received traditional classroom instruction. One of the greatest advantages of tech-assisted outdoor activities is their accessibility. With a smartphone and internet connection, even families in highly urbanized areas can explore local parks or their backyards with fresh eyes. Similarly, rural communities can use digital tools to connect with broader communities through activities like tracking monarch butterfly migration or monitoring water quality. For families on a budget, many apps offer free versions, and community programs often lend GPS devices or binoculars to participants. These resources make it easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of tech-integrated outdoor adventures. If you’re looking to combine technology and outdoor play, here are a few tips to get started: 1. Choose the Right Tools: Research apps or programs that align with your child’s interests, whether it’s stargazing, wildlife tracking, or geocaching. 2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits for screen time during outdoor activities, encouraging moments of direct interaction with nature, without the devices in hand. 3. Start Small: Begin with simple activities like identifying backyard plants or spotting planets and constellations, before moving on to more complex projects. 4. Make It Social: Invite friends or classmates to join in, turning outdoor adventures into shared experiences that build community and cooperation. By embracing technology as a tool for outdoor exploration, we can meet kids where they are while fostering a genuine love for nature. Whether through identifying birds with an app or hunting for geocaches in a nearby park, tech-integrated activities offer endless opportunities to inspire curiosity and creativity. In a time when our public lands need defenders more than ever, these small steps can lay the foundation for a future generation of environmental stewards—creating a healthier form of connection with technology, and a greater connection to the wonders of the world around them.
Youth from FOYAN's partner program "Together for Resilient Youth" or TRY, enjoy a winter day on the Grand Mesa National Forest, sledding, ice fishing, creating snow sculptures and learning to cross-country ski and snowshoe
Winter is the most magical time to get children outside. The crisp mountain air calls to something deep in the soul. Snow blanketing the ground brings a fresh clean slate for creating memories together. To have successful outings with kids in the winter takes a bit of preparation. There are things you can gather now that will make that first outing to the sledding hill more fun for all. It’s time to make a list and gather essential items. Grab a box or backpack that you can use to collect essential items and put in an “out of the way” spot. Make a list of anything else you need but use on a regular basis and cannot put in your box. When you take a trip to the Grand Mesa, or any other mountain destination, you need to remember that you are going to a completely different environment. Local mountain playgrounds are a mile higher in elevation than the surrounding valleys, and temperatures, sun intensity, and weather often are important considerations. Check the weather forecast the day before your outing to make sure you are properly prepared. It is always good to have extra gloves, knit caps, socks, chemical hand warmers, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and sweaters in your car or pack to stay protected during a morning of winter fun! You can put a few old hats and gloves in your “winter gear box” that you take with you, and that way if someone in your party forgets something, you are good to go! Sunscreen, sun protecting lip balm, and sunglasses are a must to protect against sunburn. Being in the mountains means a mile less of insulating atmosphere, and more intense reflection of the sun off the snow. Make sure your sunscreen is a broad-spectrum protection (protecting from both UVA and UVB rays) with at least 30 SPF, or ‘sun protecting factor.’ Days are short in the winter, and darkness sometimes falls a little earlier than you expect. A headlamp in your pack will come in very handy (extra batteries in a ziploc). There are lightweight led lights that will do the job as well and are easy to carry. It’s always a good idea to have matches or a lighter and a space blanket with you. Many of these items can be stored in your car through the winter. Dressing in layers, or “like an onion” on the day of your outing is very important! Having a wool or synthetic underlayer next to your skin will help absorb moisture and keep you warm, even if it gets wet. The next upper layer should be a wool or pile sweater or sweatshirt, and then a light water and wind proof jacket over that is your outer onion layer! With this system, if you are working hard cross-country skiing or climbing that sledding hill, you can peel off a layer to prevent overheating, and put it back on when you are sitting around at lunch. The same layering system works well on your legs, with either long underwear or tights under your outer layer of wind pants or snow pants. Large bulky winter coats make it difficult to regulate your body temperature when you are being active outdoors, but they are important in protecting yourself from the wind and will keep you warm while you are less active. Taking care of your hands and feet and head are important, too! Wear a warm pair of wool or synthetic socks – sometimes two layers work well if your boots are big enough. Most winter and ski boots have wonderful insulation, however, and one pair of warm socks is usually sufficient. Don’t depend on your athletic shoes to keep you warm: heavier and more water repellent boots will serve you better. If you only have athletic shoes, a plastic sack outside your sock and inside your shoe will help keep you dry. Gloves are important when playing in the snow! Look for gloves that fit well, are not too snug, and have modest insulation and a water repellent, yet breathable, synthetic outer layer. Some folks like to have a thin glove liner with them that fits well inside their regular glove in case the weather gets cold. And always bring a cozy knit cap made of wool or acrylic. You can lose up to 70% of your body heat through your head if it is uncovered. In addition to what goes on your body to keep you comfortable, it is important remember to bring food and water with you. Stay hydrated - frequent sips of water help stave off altitude headaches and will leave you with more energy. And it is important to bring healthy high calorie snacks like trail mix (aka gorp), cheese sticks, apples and peanut butter, and snack bars. Exercising outside, especially in the winter, takes energy! A thermos of hot tea or hot chocolate is also a welcome treat that warms your body from the inside out. As with all outdoor experiences, when you are well prepared your wild winter outing will truly be wonderful! |
Blogs for the Fall!
Favorite Fall Hikes with Children BEWARE of the Silent Killers of the Night Kids, dogs & hikes-a winning combination Exploring Nature and Discovering Math Accessible-outdoor-adventures-for-kids-with-disabilities Tech meets trails: engage digital natives in the outdoors Categories
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