MPEC Programs
2nd Annual Pueblo Mountain Park Butterfly Count
Volunteers are needed to assist in the 2nd annual Mountain Park Butterfly Count. The event’s purpose is to promote greater public interest and awareness of the environment,
butterflies and entomology, and to enjoy a morning out in Nature. At last year’s Count, we spotted 25 species and 90 individuals, and had a great time. Mark Yaeger of the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society will offer instruction and guidance, so no experience is necessary. Bring close focus binoculars and/or a digital camera if you have them (although they are not necessary). The collected data will be submitted to the North American Butterfly Association for its annual report, which highlights habitat changes and geographical distribution of butterfly species as a way to gauge the health of the environment.
When: Sat, July 12, 9am – noon
Where: Meet at MPEC
Let us know you’re planning to participate: (719) 485-4444
Bring water and snacks, dress for being out in the sun!
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NATURE FOR TODDLERS
(and their folks)
This outdoor-based program is designed to give pre-school–age
children an opportunity to spend some time enjoying and learning about Nature.
• Explore the natural world, looking for bugs, birds,
other animals and their sign
• Take a short Nature hike • Play simple Nature games
• Stories and songs
Be sure all participants are prepared to be outside. Bring a water bottle and snack too!
Where: Meet at MPEC
When: Fridays, July 18 and August 15,
from 10am to around 11am
Cost: $5 per family for MPEC members; $8 non-members.
For more info: 485-4444 or mpec@fone.net
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Wilderness Survival Skills Workshop
If you want to become more comfortable in the wilderness, learn more about Nature and your place in it, and have fun doing it, this workshop is for you! The focus of this Wilderness Survival
Skills Workshop will be on the essential skills that can save your life and open your eyes to Nature in a whole new way, including how to light a fire by friction (AKA: rubbing sticks together). Time
will be spent on developing your nature awareness skills, which are key to making wise decisions in the wilderness.
Facilitator: Michael Jospe M.A. is a wilderness therapist and Life-Coach. He instructs for Naropa University’s masters degree program in Wilderness Therapy, is a cofounder of the Earth-Based Institute in Boulder, Colorado, and advisor for the Master of Arts Program at Prescott College. Michael has a B.A. in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and an M.A. in Adventure Education. He has been teaching others to be outdoor leaders and guides for 10 years.
Bring: Journal, sheath knife, 5 ft of 4mm nylon cord, water, lunch, snacks; dress to be outdoors.
When: Sunday, July 13, 9am – 3pm • Where: MPEC in Beulah
Cost: $40 members; $45 non-members.
Register: 719-485-4444 (class size is limited so register early)
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A Public Screening in Collaboration with
Pueblo Library District: WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY?
Those of you familiar with MPEC have read about our work to counter societal trends, sometimes referred to as “Nature Deficit-Disorder,” that are keeping children plugged in and away from healthful outdoor play. We are pleased to offer this opportunity for you to view an important new documentary about the vital importance of open-ended creative play for the healthy development of children. This kind of play is disappearing from children’s lives, resulting in negative impacts on the health and well-being of our children and our communities (go to www.allianceforchildhood.org for more info on the film). The viewing will be followed by a discussion facilitated by MPEC Director Dave Van Manen and Pueblo Library InfoZone Manager Maria Sanchez-Kennedy.
When: Thursday, July 17, 7pm
Where: Info Zone Theater at Rawlings Public Library in Pueblo
Cost: Free, donations welcome and appreciated
For more info: Call MPEC @ 485-4444
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FUNDRAISING HOUSE CONCERT FOR THE
HORSESHOE LODGE
Enjoy some great music while supporting MPEC’s renovation of the historic Horseshoe Lodge!
DON RICHMOND
Howlin’ Dog Recording artist and member of Hired Hands and the Rifters, Don Richmond is known far and wide as a gifted multiinstrumentalist, songwriter & solo acoustic performer. Guaranteed to be a great evening of entertainment, all for a great cause!
Friday, July 18, 7pm at MPEC in Pueblo Mountain Park.
Tickets: $25
Seating for both shows is limited. Call 485-4444 to
reserve your seats. And thanks for supporting MPEC’s Horseshoe Lodge Project!
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Evening Nature Talk: IDENTIFYING RAPTORS
Have you ever seen a large bird flying and you think it is some sort of hawk, but not really sure? If you’d like to get better at figuring out just what kind of bird it was, then this program
is for you. Biologist Diana Miller of Pueblo Nature & Raptor Center will present this excellent program using slides and her expertise to teach you what to look for when identifying birds of
prey. This promises to be an informative and entertaining presentation.
When: Thursday, August 21, 7pm
Where: MPEC in Beulah
Cost: free, donations welcome and appreciated
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FUNDRAISING HOUSE CONCERT FOR THE
HORSESHOE LODGE
Enjoy some great music while supporting MPEC’s renovation of the historic Horseshoe Lodge!
THE VAN MANENS
Prior to opening the center, MPEC Founder and Director
Dave Van Manen and his wife Helene were known far
and wide for their folksy two-part harmonies. The
guitar is dusted off and they are rested and ready to
present an evening of covers (e.g. James Taylor) and their
own compositions.
Saturday, August 23, 7pm, at the Beulah home of Jeff and Debbi Geller on North Creek Rd.
Tickets: $25
Seating for both shows is limited. Call 485-4444 to
reserve your seats. And thanks for supporting MPEC’s Horseshoe Lodge Project!
