Providers
Providers are agencies (federal and state), non-profits, science centers and other organizations in Western Colorado committed to educating youth about the environment and providing nature/outdoor experiences.
Providers are listed by county, with a link to their exceptional programming opportunities.
Providers are listed by county, with a link to their exceptional programming opportunities.
Black Canyon Audubon Society The BCAS is one of 11 National Audubon Society chapters in Colorado. The BCAS is committed to the conservation of natural resources through birding, conservation, and education. We promote the conservation of natural resources through informative public programs, educational activities, field trips and stewardship projects. One of our premier educational opportunities for youth involves fall bird banding activity stations at Ridgway State Park. This half day of learning includes a visit to the banding table to see birds in the hand, a bird hike while learning how to use binoculars, an interactive game about the challenges of migration, an avian food and habitat analysis activity, and an activity related to bird adaptations (bills and feet). Classroom bird skin programs can also be requested of the BCAS education staff. ________________________________ Grade: all grades, age groups, families, seniors Language: English (Spanish if requested) Experience Type: Outdoors: Canyons/Rivers, Classroom, Lecture Cost: no cost Website: Black Canyon Audubon |
Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club is at the forefront of youth development.
Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club (BCBGC) provides programming that focuses on social & emotional development, educational enhancement & leadership skills, and healthy lifestyles. BCBGC located in Montrose and Olathe provides after school and summer programs for youth ages 6-18. Program activities focus on helping youth attain leadership skills, decision-making skills, positive behaviors, successful life skills, creativity and cultural awareness. There is an emphasis on positive use of leisure time, and an appreciation for the environment. After-school programs include homework help, technology activities, sports and more. Summer camps include sports, STEM activities and field trips. _______________________________ Grade: ages 6-18. Language: English Experience Type: Outdoor/indoor class Cost: After school program $100/year; summer camps vary $90 (Montrose) or $50 (Olathe) per child per session, Scholarships available. Website: bcbgc.org/home |
The Montrose Regional Library offers programming for children under 15 and their families incorporating early literacy, science and art.
The library provides weekly and monthly programming, as well as summer and off site programs. The library has sponsored several outdoor field trips and nature programs annually or as special funding allows, such as a nature "Bioblitz" where students visit a natural area such as the Black Canyon National Park and respond to nature challenge questions. ________________________________ Grade: K-12 school programs, youth summer programs, adult programs Language: English, Spanish Experience Type: Library, school classroom, outdoors field trips Cost: free Website: http://www.montroselibrary.org/ |
The District offers applied science opportunities through the Outdoor Club, Farm to School programs and problem-based learning.
The following district supported programs offer applied science learning opportunities: Outdoor Club provides high school students with experiential, standard- based, on-site specific stewardship opportunities across Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a student-led STEM program implemented throughout all grades encouraging critical thinking, communication and collaboration on real world problems. Valley Food Partnership Farm to School (VFP FTS) is a health and wellness nutrition education program seeking to inspire access for student and families to healthy foods and lifestyles connecting schools and communities with local farms and agriculture. VFP FTS offers both school and summer programs (for more information contact:Jake Wilson (970 261 3329 [email protected]) ___________________________________ Grade: Classroom programs/Stewardship Field Trips 9-12th grade; School gardens K-5 Language: English (Spanish translators available upon request) Experience Type: Indoor/outdoor classrooms, field trips Costs: Varies, scholarships and financial assistance available Website: Montrose High School |
Montrose Recreation District (MRD) offers year-round youth programs designed to promote outdoor activities and interaction with nature, or challenging youth to try new outdoor sports endeavors.
MRD offers archery, climbing, mountain biking, tennis, swimming, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football and more! There is also a growing after-school program at the Field House. For current offerings, please refer to the website and printed seasonal activity guides. Several summer camp options are scheduled including Summer Adventures (age 6-10) and Club 1114 (age 11-14). These are structured afternoon programs that run Monday-Thursday for 8 weeks over separate 4 week sessions. Three day micro-camps run several times throughout the summer. Each has a specific focus, such as wilderness adventure, paddle boarding/river surfing, wrestling, jujitsu, and skateboarding. Ages vary, but typically are 7+. Friday field trips are individually offered throughout the summer. __________________________________ Grade/Ages: Vary depending on programs: 6 to 14 years of age, Language: English (Spanish translators may be available at the larger programs) Experience Type: indoor/outdoor classrooms at CRC, Field House, Columbine Middle School, or field trip locations. Cost: Vary, scholarships and financial assistance available. Website: montroserec.com/ |
Montrose Botanical Gardens
offers children’s programs on plantings, garden art, pollinator activities, edible gardens, and holiday festival activities. Located in the high desert, the Montrose Botanical Gardens are an inspiration and an invaluable educational tool for all ages to learn about native plants, seeds, pollinators and how to create amazing gardens. Montrose Public Library provides related readings on garden topics and activities at each youth event. __________________ Grade: all grades, age groups, families, seniors Language: English (Spanish if requested) Experience Type: Outdoor Cost: Children 5-18 years $3, adults $5, families of four $12 Website: montrosegardens.org/ |
The Ute Indian Museum offers educational opportunities directly related to our community’s early native history.
Programs are related to historic preservation and archaeology for students, teachers, families and adults. The museum has a native plant garden and 9 acres of land associated with the museum which includes several teepees. The complex also includes shady picnic areas, walking paths, the grave of Chipeta, a memorial to the Spanish conquistadors who traveled through the area in 1776 and a link to the citywide trail system. The Museum frequently offers featured events such as fry bread class and hands-on history day camps (ages 6-10). An environmental and botanical program is currently being developed. ____________ Grade: Pre K-12, adults and families, spring break camps (grades 1-5) Language: English Experience Type: Classroom at the Museum, outside gardens and grounds Cost: free programming, financial assistance available for schools bus fund for schools (historycolorado.org/history-colorado-bus-fund; Museum entrance fees: Students $3.50, Seniors $5, Adults $6 Website: historycolorado.org/ute-indian-museum |
U. S Park Service
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - South Rim With a paved drive, park visitor center, and large campground, the South Rim is the busier, more developed side of the park. The visitor center is staffed with rangers and has exhibits, the park film, and a bookstore. The park has age-relevant Junior Ranger activity books. The colorful books are geared for ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 12, but parents can decide which one they want. Older kids and adults like filling them out, too, so spread the fun and share with however many people you have. The book, “Official Black Canyon pencil,” and junior ranger badge are all free. You can pick the book up at the South Rim Visitor Center. The National Park Service provides curriculum-based education programs guided by Colorado P-12 Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Both in-classroom programs and field trip experiences are offered free to schools. Please go to the website for scheduling. The park is a designated International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) possessing an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment. The park partners with the Black Canyon Astronomy Society and regularly provides night sky viewing at the telescopes site near the campground. An astronomy festival is held in September, 2020 (moved from its usual week in June) with many nighttime events. Three hiking trails and Gunnison Point Overlook may be accessed from the visitor center. Maps, newspapers, junior ranger books, and wilderness permits are available there. There are 12 overlooks and several hiking trails along the South Rim and a campground near the Visitor Center. Ranger programs take place during the summer season at the nearby amphitheater. The park also provides opportunities for camping, fishing, wildlife observation, and many climbing routes. Winter activities include cross country skiing on the rim road, snowshoeing and backcountry winter camping. ________________________________ Location: 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Grade/Ages: Presentations/programs for all ages Language: English Experience Type: indoor/outdoor, range led field trips in the Park Cost: Park entrance fee Website: nps.gov/blca/index.htm |
The Ouray Ranger District
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest (GMUG) The District Office is located in Montrose, Colorado. The District participates as a partner in community/school district sponsored youth education events such as the 4th grade Natural Resource Day, Public Land Day, Cottonwood Days, Outdoor Festivals, and other special events. The District staff make an effort to accommodate specific requested for school or community field trips to the National Forest and requests for specific presentations. Dave Wood Interpretative Trail, located at the National Forest boundary on Dave Wood Road is designed for hikers to experience the typical habitats of the Uncompahgre Plateau. The guide can be downloaded from the web or obtained from the District Office. The GMUG National Forest Website provides links to a variety of EE publications on forest related ecosystems to help our youth understand our resources: the GMUG Geology Coloring Book, Junior Ranger/ Snow Ranger booklets, Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl publications, the Lorax Activity Guide, Discovering Your Forest, Pollinators and much more. Learn how the dynamic geology of the area has shaped the land and settlements of western Colorado—download the road logs with descriptions of the geology of McClure Pass, Kebler Pass, Imogene Pass and the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. Road Logs _________________________________ Grade/Ages: Presentations/programs for all ages Language: English Experience Type: indoor/outdoor classrooms, field trips to the forest Cost: free Contact:Ouray Ranger District (970) 240-5300 Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gmug/learning NF Conservation Education: www.fs.usda.gov/main/conservationeducation/home |
Shavano Valley Conservation District
Shavano Conservation District serves as the grassroots leadership to the Natural Resource Conservation Service in the protection and conservation of our natural resources. The Conservation District sponsors the annual Children’s Natural Resource Festival for fourth graders in Montrose County and Ouray County. Children learn about all aspects of the area’s natural resources including the path of the Colorado River, healthy soil and soil erosion, aquatic insect identification, leave no trace principles, National Parks, agricultural irrigation systems, waste water treatment, recycling, and much more! A resource specialist from the district visits each classroom prior to the festival to engage the students on they importance of natural resources and conservation. ___________________________ Grade: K-12 Language: English Experience Type: Classroom- Lecture/activity/experiment, Outdoors- learning stations Cost: free Website: https://www.shavanocd.org/ |
Step back in time and a get a hint of what life was like in the early days of Montrose.
The museum, located in downtown Montrose is the original 1912 Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Depot where the narrow gauge railroad operated daily passenger and freight trains in the 1800s. Operated by the Montrose Historical Society, the museum houses numerous collections of the regions pioneer families and other facets of the area’s history including Native Americans, homesteaders, farmers, ranchers, railroaders, and miners. Outdoor artifacts include tractors, caboose, carriages, a stagecoach, ice wagon, and 2 furnished cabins. Tours (Public and school groups), special exhibits and events such as the “pioneer social” are provided at the museum. ____________ Grade: Youth and school groups (pre K-12th grade), adults. Language: English (Spanish translators) Experience Type: Tours of Indoor/outdoor artifacts, group activities Cost: $1/student/teacher Website: montrosehistory.org/ 
We all have something to learn from the horses whether we are horse owners and long time equestrians, brand new beginners, simply curious about horses or even afraid of them! Using horses to guide you to your best personal self! Metphorse facilitates and provides support, clarity and lasting skill sets to assist individual’s personal growth
Metaphorse specializes in assisting those surviving trauma to move forward into balanced thriving lives, helping corporations and families learn healthy communication skills while honoring each other’s unique ways of communicating and leadership styles as well as setting healthy boundaries. Several workshops are offered specifically designed to build self-confidence, empowerment, strengthen intuition and to reveal your personal style of leadership. Whether you need help with clear communication; managing co-workers, juggling a home full of children while balancing a career, the horses will guide us to the best version of ourselves. We help you learn the “message behind the emotion” to foster growth and understanding of your experience. ________________________________________ Grade/Participants: Services provided to youth and adults of all abilities, survivors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum, and physical impairments. Language: English Experience Type: Outdoor/indoor environments Cost: contact us for more info on costs of various workshops Website: https://www.metaphorse.com/#1 
At Weehawken Creative Arts, we are in the business of changing lives, nurturing dreams, and helping kids and adults in Ouray County and neighboring communities discover their creative potential through the arts.
We offer transformative, individualized arts education programming led by extraordinary instructors, as well as a variety of art-inspired events. More than that, we offer a place for you to find your very own community of kindred spirits, wherever your artistic passion lies. Our programs (art, dance, karate) are offered in Ridgway, Ouray and Montrose and we regularly draw students from those communities and beyond for both classes and our signature special events. Additionally, we run a gallery space in Ridgway called The 610 Arts Collective which serves hundreds of artists annually. ________________________________________ Grade/Participants: Classes for youth and adults Language: English Experience Type: indoor and outdoor Cost: varies by class- refer to website for details, scholarships available. Website: https://weehawkenarts.org/about/ |
Ridgway State Park offers a variety of recreational, outdoor and educational activities.
The park offers nature programs, wildlife viewing/monitoring, school field trips, summer activities/camps, camping, boating, picnicking, summer speakers series, winter hikes and programs, fishing events, archery, community events, and family programs. Park staff provides materials to classrooms, host teacher trainings through CPW, raptor monitoring training, butterfly monitoring training, small-mouth bass fishing contest, disabled veterans’ fishing and hunting, special needs fishing events, and specifically designed field trips at teachers' request such as forestry, pollinators, stewardship, and wildlife SCI investigations. Every fall, bird banding demos are held for students and the public. Their volunteer group, Friends of Ridgway State Park, pays half the cost for busing from any school that attends one of their field trips. ________________________________ Grade: All ages, Can accommodate 120 students outdoors and 40 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://www.facebook.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/ 
The museums mission is to educate children and adults in the history and culture of the American West through the collecting, historic preservation, stewardship, restoration, and display of historical buildings and artifacts.
The park offers nature programs, wildlife viewing/monitoring, school field trips, summer activities/camps, camping, boating, picnicking, summer speakers series, winter hikes and programs, fishing events, archery, community events, and family programs. Park staff provides materials to classrooms, host teacher trainings through CPW, raptor monitoring training, butterfly monitoring training, small-mouth bass fishing contest, disabled veterans’ fishing and hunting, special needs fishing events, and specifically designed field trips at teachers' request such as forestry, pollinators, stewardship, and wildlife SCI investigations. Every fall, bird banding demos are held for students and the public. Their volunteer group, Friends of Ridgway State Park, pays half the cost for busing from any school that attends one of their field trips. ________________________________ Grade: All ages, Can accommodate 120 students outdoors and 40 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://www.facebook.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/ 
Voyageurs Youth Program staff work in partnership with schools and the community to create an environment in which youth will succeed. With a Positive Youth Development approach, we build youth’s strengths and provide opportunities that will help them achieve goals and transition to adulthood in a productive, healthy manner.
The Summer Enrichment Program is a day camp from June - August. It includes enriching adventure/experiential weekly-themed programs on geology, insects, arts, sports, gardening, cooking, and more. Each week contains swimming, adventuring, and environmental awareness components. Activities are appropriately correlated to children’s age ranges (3-4, 5-7 and 8-11) and designed to assist participants in moving out of their comfort zones to explore new experiences. The After School Program provides enrichment care for children in grades kindergarten to 4th, Monday -Thursday, during the academic year [after school] until 5:30pm and is based out of the Ouray and Ridgway Schools. ________________________________ Grade: Ages 3-11 (summer enrichment). After School program K-4th grades Language: English Experience Type: school yard, classroom, field trips, indoor or in shelters, pool, playground Cost: Varies by program and individual needs Website: https://www.voyageryouth.org/ 
Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership happily partners with diverse agencies, organizations, and private companies and individuals to accomplish our mission. One of the focus areas is teaching students about the upper uncompahgre river watershed.
The educators guide can be downloaded and printed and provides two middle school curriculum choices and one high school curriculum guide. Water quality trunks are also available with equipment to learn to collect water quality data. ________________________________ Grade: middle through high school grades Language: English Experience Type: classroom, lab, field near a river/creek Cost: free materials, trunk available for loan Website: https://www.uncompahgrewatershed.org/educators-guide/ |
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:bluesage.org |
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: cityofdelta.net |
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://www.facebook.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/ |
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: sites.google.com/deltaschools.com/farmtoschool |
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: fortuncompahgre.org/for-kids/ |
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 |
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 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: www.fs.usda.gov/main/gmug/learning NationalForestConservationEducation: www.fs.usda.gov/main/conservationeducation/home |
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 |
U.S. Park Service Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park- North Rim The North Rim of the BCNP is rugged, offers limited services, and provides ample access to the inner canyon—the North Rim is the quieter, more primitive side of the park. The ranger station is open intermittently in the summer and closed in the winter. In the summer, maps and newspapers are available on the ranger station porch. There are 5 overlooks you can visit by car, and more along the hiking trails. Hikes include two longer trails and one short loop trail. Intrepid visitors flock to the North Rim for rock climbing and inner canyon scrambling routes. Location: The North Rim is 11 miles southwest of Crawford. From CO Highway 92; turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park. The last 7 miles of the park access road and the entire North Rim Drive road are unpaved gravel. Typically, the roads are in good condition and passable by most vehicles. In winter, these roads are unplowed and the North Rim is closed to vehicles. __________________ Grade/Ages: no programs offered at North Rims Language: English Experience Type: trails, overlooks, camping. Cost: Park entrance fee Website: nps.gov/blca/index.htm |
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hotchkiss National 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: https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/fisheries/hotchkiss.php |
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
This provider information is under construction. ________________ |
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/ 
Provider Information
more details on provider.... ______________________________________________Grade: Language: Experience Type: Cost: fees vary (scholarships through FOYAN available) Website: |
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/ |
Colorado Canyons Association (CCA) provides environmental education and guided recreation in the three National Conservation areas in Western Colorado.
Colorado Canyons Association is a non-profit organization working in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management to provide environmental education and guided recreation in the three National Conservation areas in Western Colorado: Gunnison Gorge, Dominguez-Escalante, and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Areas. CCA provides both land and water educational tours of these public lands, as well as instructional hikes and talks led by local professionals. _______________________ Grade: all grades, age groups, families, seniors Language: English (Spanish if requested) Experience Type: Outdoors: Canyons/Rivers, Classroom, Lecture Cost: reduced cost for schools Website: https://www.coloradocanyonsassociation.org/ . |
The Outdoor Program is Colorado Mesa University’s headquarters for outdoor adventure and education.
This is a student-fee funded organization whose purpose is to offer and promote affordable, safe and environmentally-conscious outdoor trips. Training and equipment rentals are also offered. The Outdoor Program is available to anyone (student, alumni or a member of the local community) seeking adventure on Colorado’s Western Slope. The program provides local land and water trip plan ideas gear lists, meal plans, and can connect you with websites to obtain proper permits. Gear can be reserved at the rental shop. (see Gear Rental page) ________________________ Grade: Adults, families, Enrolled CMU students Language: N/A Experience Type: CMU-sponsored outdoor trips for enrolled students, trip guidance for community members, instructional videos on gear use. Cost: N/A except for equipment rentals (varies by equipment) Website: coloradomesa.edu/outdoor-program |
The Eureka! McConnell Science Museum provides youth with exposure to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) education through hands-on learning.
Inspiring a passion and respect for math and science in our communities since 1999, Eureka's programs engage and encourage youth to develop critical thinking skills and increase their science literacy—the keys to enabling the next generation of innovators. At the Eureka! McConnell Science Museum, the learning is in your hands with nearly 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits from astronomy to zoology, and everything in between. Eureka! also offers summer camps, after-school and “no school day” programs, family programs, senior (age 55+) trips, Friday Flicks, special events, and guided visits. ---------------------------- Grade: Classroom programs/Field Trips K-8th grade, Pre-school Programs, after-school and "no school day" programs K-8th grade, summer camps (preK-12th grade), Overnight Expedition Camp (4-12th grade) Language: English (Spanish translators available) Experience Type: School classroom, indoor/outdoor classrooms at Eureka!, field trips, summer camps/overnight camps, field trips for ages 55+ Cost: Varies, scholarships and financial assistance available Website: https://eurekasciencemuseum.org/ |
The Grand Valley Nordic Ski Center encourages and supports youth in developing a lifelong passion and
dedication to Nordic skiing. The Club provides coaching to youth (between 4 and 16 years old) interested in learning to Nordic ski. We offer recreational and competitive youth Nordic skiing programs. Programs are open to youth from Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. Currently only youth weekend programs are offered but expansion to year-round youth and adult programs are planned. ___________________ Grade: all ages and skill levels, family friendly Language: English Experience Type: Winter outdoor groomed trails, warming hut Cost: equipment rental fees, free coaching, scholarships available Website: https://gvnsc.com/ |
The library website offers a comprehensive listing of all outdoor recreation information for Western Slope outdoor enthusiasts—youth, adults, and families.
There is information on hiking, biking climbing, fishing, golf, rafting, canoeing, skiing, snowboarding, camping backpacking and motorized sports. The link below will lead you to each outdoor activity with helpful information on where to go, agency sites for making reservations or getting maps, gear information and checklists, tips for beginners, and much more. __________________ Grade: Outdoor activities for all grades, age groups, families and seniors Language: N/A Experience Type: Outdoors! Cost: N/A Website: https://guides.mesacountylibraries.org/outdoors |
Three Museums offer students a glimpse into the prehistory, history and paleontology of Colorado's Western Slope.
Cross Orchards Historic Site: Students experience an historic orchard. Docent led tours can provide information on experiences in historic crafts and ways of life. Museum of the West: Provides an overview of Western Slope prehistory and history. A guided visit includes scavenger hunts and a “Basement Exploratorium” where student get a behind-the-scenes experience. Dinosaur Journey Museum: Students learn about geology and paleontology, with a special focus on the Western Slope. Museum offers videos and a 1 mile hike to the Museum’s Apatosaurus, collected in 1901. Education Kits with curriculum and teacher training materials developed for grades 2-7 and grades 8-12 are available for checkout. Two kits are available: “The Ancient Ones” kit provides students with an understanding of the peoples that inhabited the Western Slope before the arrival of the Utes; The "Paleontology” kit focuses on the natural history of the Grand Valley and Western Colorado over the last 225 million years. Students are able to interact with casts and real fossils in engaging, standards-based embedded activities. The educational website provides content ranging from paleontology to uranium mining, and a bit of everything in between! ___________________ Grade: K-12 school groups, summer programs, events and programs for adults. Language: English Experience Type: indoor/outdoor classroom. Cost: $3.50 student unguided; $4.00/student with a guide Website: museumofwesternco.com/learn/school-programs/ |
District 51 offers applied science opportunities through The Outdoor Wilderness Lab,
The Outdoor Wilderness Lab (OWL), in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, provides every 6th grade student the opportunity to experience standards-based education in unique and authentic ways at a 2-5 day experiential science lab. In addition, field trips are offered through provider partners upon request. ____________________________ Grade: Classroom programs/field trips 6th grade Language: English (Spanish translators available on request) Experience Type: Indoor/outdoor classrooms, field trips Cost: Varies, scholarships and financial assistance available Website: https://www.d51schools.org/parents/outdoor_wilderness_lab |
U.S. Park Service
Colorado National Monument Colorado National Monument offers field trips to the monument, in-classroom visits, and distance learning programs. Activities focus on natural history and are correlated to Next Generation Science Standards. Program topics include weathering and erosion, geography, life cycles, structure and function, adaptations, and more. Check our website for the most up to date opportunities. Ranger-led field trips meet at Devils Kitchen Picnic Area on Tuesdays through Thursdays during the school year. Field trip experiences typically start at 10am and conclude by 1:30pm Mountain Time. Virtual or in-person pre-visits and post-visits are available Mondays and Fridays. Transportation assistance is sometimes available, so please inquire! Si quisiera una oportunidad educacional en Español, envíenos un correo electrónico al [email protected]. The purpose of the Education Program at Colorado National Monument is to foster curiosity, understanding, and connection among learners and with the monument’s geology, ecology, and history through authentic, interactive, and inclusive experiences in order to develop lifelong learning skills and promote a sense of shared responsibility to the monument, the community, and planet Earth. ________________________________ Location: CNM is located off Highway I-70: Take Exit 19 (Fruita). Turn south on Highway 340 to the west entrance, which is approximately three miles from Fruita. Grade/Ages: Grades 2-12; Language: English, Spanish Experience Type: indoor/outdoor, ranger-led field trips, easy terrain, mostly accessible Cost: entry fee, or Academic Fee Waiver available for school groups https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/academic-fee-waiver.htm Website: https://www.nps.gov/colm/learn/education/index.htm Contact:[email protected] |
The Odin Sports Center is a full-service Nordic ski and events center, offering 6 km of groomed loops for all ages for day use, races, training, lessons, and special events
Odin Recreation is a community gathering spot for winter enthusiasts, whether Nordic skiing, snow biking or snowshoeing. The following special events or camps are offered through Odin at Powderhorn: Winter Festival, Odin Invitational, sledding field trips, private/group lessons, kids holiday ski camp, CMU Intercollegiate sprints, full moon ski, advanced skate ski clinics, winter holiday events. ___________________ Grade: all ages and skill levels to push their boundaries, Sledding groups 3rd-7th grade (max 40 kids/group) Language: N/A Experience Type: Winter outdoors – groomed trails, warming hut. Cost: rental fees vary, $25 scholarships available for youth winter programs Website: https://odinrecreation.com/ |
U.S. Forest Service
Grand Valley Ranger District The Grand Valley Ranger District is one management unit of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The District Office and staff are located in Grand Junction, Colorado. The District receives requests for presentations and field trips and accommodates requests when staff schedules allow. The District specialists are knowledgeable in Leave No Trace concepts, forestry, archeology, wildlife, fire, range and recreation management. The District participates as a partner in community/school district sponsored youth education events such as the Western Colorado Children’s Water Festival, Outdoor Heritage Day, Winter Ecology Week and other events/festivals. The GMUG National Forest Website provides links to variety of EE publications on forest related conservation education to help youth understand our resources: the GMUG geology Coloring book, Junior Ranger/ Snow Ranger booklets, Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl publications, the Lorax Activity Guide, Discovering your forest, pollinators and much more. __________________________________ Grade/Ages: Presentations/programs for all ages Language: English Experience Type: Indoor/outdoor classrooms, field trips to the forest Cost: free Contact: Grand Valley Ranger District (970) 263-5800 Website: GMUG Learning Page National Forest Conservation Education |
U.S Forest Service
Grand Mesa Visitor Center Temporarily Closed. The Grand Mesa Visitor Center (GMVC), located on top of the Grand Mesa, is open from Memorial Day to the Last Sunday in September. It has several exhibits on wildlife, moose, history, geology, archeology and wildflowers. ; The information desk is staffed with expert staff to help you discover recreation opportunities and beautiful places on the Grand Mesa National Forest. Maps and brochures are available as well as nature themed products sold by Rocky Mountain Conservancy. The GMVC hosts Science Saturdays throughout the summer from 2:00 – 3:00 pm featuring presentations and nature hikes by some local experts on wildlife birds, mushrooms, fire, pollination and more. Take a hike on the Discovery Trail, a short self guided interpretive trail right behind the visitor center. . The last Saturday of July is Moose Day with activities for youth and families on our thriving moose population. Smokey Bear’s birthday is celebrated in early August every summer with birthday cake and other youth activities. The Last Sunday in September is Color Sunday on the Mesa. The GMVC provides youth with the Junior Ranger Booklets and the official badge, if all activities are completed. Explorer packs are available for checkout to families and groups who would like to learn more about trees and plants, wildlife and aquatic habitat and insects by using the tools and activities provided in the backpacks. Take a drive along the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway and learn how the dynamic geology of the area has shaped the land and settlements of western Colorado (download the brochure). ____________________________ Grade/Ages: Presentations/programs for all ages Language: English Experience Type: indoor,outdoor, nature hikes Cost: free Location: 20900 Baron Lake Drive, Cedaredge (GPS) or Hwy 65 and Forest Road 121 Contact: Grand Mesa Visitor Center (970) 856-4153 Website http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/GMVC |
BoneShaker Adventures, LLC Youth mountain bike (MTB) programs encourages skill building in a fun, non-competitive environment Explore western Colorado on your bikes! Boneshaker offers a variety of programs geared to teach youth mountain biking skills and guide youth bike trips. Mountain bike on different trails throughout the Grand Valley each morning and spend the afternoon rappelling, bouldering, and top-roping on the Colorado National Monument or Unaweep Canyon (youth day camps). During 4 day overnight camps, spend the days exploring miles of singletrack in the San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride and return to a high-alpine base camp each evening. Boneshaker also offers after-school programs for 1st-3rd grade beginner/ intermediate on local MTB trails; Girls- only skills clinics (1 day for girls 8-14 years, 2 days for girls’ 6th-12th grade); ----------------------------------------------------- Grade: varies depending on camp: ages 8-14, grades 6th -12th Language: English Experience Type: Outdoors: canyons/mountains Cost: Varies on camps, scholarships and financial assistance available Website: http://boneshakeradventures.com/ Contact: [email protected] (970-261-0572) |
Fruita Parks and Recreation
Located within the Fruita Community Center, Fruita Parks and Recreation offers year round youth programs, much of it designed to promote outdoor activities, or challenging kids to try new outdoor sports including archery, climbing, mountain biking, tennis, swimming, soccer, baseball/softball, lacrosse, flag football and more.... ___________________________ Location: 24 N. Coulson St., Fruita, CO 81521 (970-858-0360) Grade/Ages: Vary depending on programs: 6 to 14 years of age, Language: English (Spanish translators may be available at the larger programs) Experience Type: indoor/outdoor or field trip locations. Cost: Vary, scholarships and financial assistance available. Website: www.fruita.org/parksrec |
Palisade Parks and Recreation
Palisade Parks and Recreation provides a variety of fitness classes, (pilates, yoga, zumba) located within the Palisade Memorial Veteran Community Center. The Parks and Recreation Department offers seasonal programs and summer youth programs and outdoor pool facilities. For current offerings, please refer to Palisade Parks and Recreation website for their weekly activity guide and special events. (http://www.townofpalisade.org/departments/parks-and-recreation) ------------------------------------------------------ Location: Palisade Memorial Veteran Community Center, 120th W 8th street, Palisade, CO 81526 (970-464-56020) Grade/Ages: Vary depending on programs: 6 to 14 years of age, Language: English Experience Type: indoor/outdoor or field trip locations. Cost: Vary Website: http://www.townofpalisade.org/ |
Grand Valley Audubon Society
The GVAS is one of 11 National Audubon Society chapters in Colorado. The GVAS Grand Valley Audubon strives to provide information, education, and activities to help everyone get outside and connect with the spectacular natural area we call home. Visit the Audubon Nature Preserve open to the public for walking, birding and nature-watching, located at 610 Dike Road, Grand Junction (just before the entrance to Connected Lakes State Park). GVAS promotes conservation of natural resources through informative public programs, educational activities, field trips and stewardship projects. One of our premier educational opportunities for youth involves fall bird banding activity stations at the Preserve. _______________________________________ Grade: all grades, age groups, families, seniors Language: English (Spanish if requested) Experience Type: Outdoors, Lecture locations vary. Cost: no cost Website: https://www.audubongv.org/ |
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Vega State Park Vega State Park provides wildlife viewing, recreational opportunities, educational program and a variety of activities from boating, camping, picnicking, wildlife monitoring and school field trips. Some of the programs this park offers include: school field trips in the spring, fall, summer and winter. Hikes, fishing events, archery, family programs and specifically designed field trips at teacher’s request such as Life Zones, Animal Adaptations; Scat, tracks and Skulls; Owls & Owl Pellets; and Jr. Ranger Programs. _____________________________________ Grade: all ages Language: English Experience Type: field trips and interpretive programs on the park, indoor or in shelters. .Cost: Park Entrance fee $9 Website: Like us on Facebook |
The Community Alliance for Education and Hunger Relief provides hands-on service learning opportunities to Mesa County youth through its farm-to-school education program at CSU Western Colorado Research Center.
The orchards and fields of the Western Colorado Research Center lend themselves to use as an outdoor classroom for hands-on learning in food production, life sciences, healthy eating, and civic service. We host schools and organizations in the spring, when students plant in our greenhouse and fields. In the summer and fall students harvest and taste fresh fruits and vegetables. The produce is donated to area food banks and given to their school cafeteria in partnership with SD51 Nutrition Services. We can also provide more context to the field trip by visiting your classroom prior to or after your visit to the farm. We will work to design an educational experience that is right for your group. ____________________ Grade: PreK to 12th grade Language: English Experience Type: Outdoor classroom at the fields/orchards at WCRC, indoor teaching kitchen at WCRC, field trips for schools and youth organizations Cost: free Website: https://communityalliance.extension.colostate.edu/ 
Rivers Edge West is committed to providing educational opportunities for the next generation of stewards and believes that it is a critical component to the success of a healthy watershed.
To keep rivers healthy, RiversEdge West teaches youth how they work and gets them excited about healthy riverside habitat. RiversEdge West takes students to the Colorado River when possible or brings a river education to the classroom. Standing on the sandy banks of the Colorado or Gunnison Rivers is a powerful recipe to create future river stewards. It is important for our youth to hy they are important so that they can help protect these wild places throughout their lives. RiversEdge West integrates classroom projects with outdoor river curriculum tailored to meet school district standards for 3rd and 4th grades. Students learn how about the important role that healthy river flow rates are,plant diversity and healthy riparian habitats have in our ecosystem the need for biodiversity, what invasive, non-native plants are, they explore the predator/prey relationship between the tamarisk plant and the tamarisk beetles, and get an up-close look at the life cycle of the tamarisk beetle (including time to observe live tamarisk beetles)and habitat health. For college students, RiversEdge West discusses in greater detail the impact that changing hydrology and climate change is having on riparian ecosystems, the challenges to river restoration, and the nuances of biological control. Regardless of their age, students They also learn a more foundational lesson – that individual actions make an impact. If transportation is available, students can monitor tamarisk beetles during riverside classroom sessions during the spring and summer months. _____________________________ Grade: Grades 2-12, college, adults and families, Language: English Experience Type: indoor classroom, outside field trips along the river Cost: free Website: https://riversedgewest.org/education-stewardship Contact: Nicole Cook ([email protected]) |
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
more information to come.... 
The Cycle Effect (TCE) empowers young women through Mountain Biking to create brighter futures and stronger communities. The Cycle effect's girls mountain biking program is offered to latina and low income young women, ages 10-18.
TCE teaches life skills through mountain biking so these young women can use their bike as a tool to explore their world. Our programming covers over 60 different mentorship topics and focuses on providing a space of belonging for athletes to come together, share a passion and ride a bike, while also gaining important life skills. By removing the financial barriers, TCE makes mountain biking accessible to all participants and provides all necessary equipment. ____________________ Grade: Young Women, 5th to 12th grades Language: English & Spanish Experience Type: Outdoor, Mentorship, Empowerment Cost: $200 Year-Round Programming, Full Scholarships Available Website: thecycleeffect.org Contact: Libba Moore- [email protected] (970) 306-7572 
GVEALC uses the healing power of horses to strengthen the mind, body and spirit. The Learning Center provides horse-based therapy as an alternative setting to facilitate growth, learning life skills and healing for participants of all abilities including the disabled, disadvantaged and special needs.
Licensed therapists utilize equine therapy include the following: hippotherapy to help with motor skills and mobility as well as OT/PT; speech/language services to experience the horse as a learning tool; equine assisted psychotherapy for social, psychological and mental health; and equine-assisted tutoring. Research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, and increased feelings of inner strength, calm, trust and patience. _______________________________ Grade/Participants: Services provided to youth and adults of all abilities. Language: English Experience Type: Outdoor environments (indoor in the future Cost: contact us for more info on costs of various sessions Website: https://www.gvequineassistedlearningcenter.org/ |
