Mountain Park Environmental Center

MPEC's specialty is providing outdoor-based educational experiences for students. Our award-winning programs cover
a multitude of topics and subjects, and all activities are based on academic standards. Although many of our programs
serve Pueblo City Schools, our programs are available to schools throughout southeastern Colorado. Below are some of
our most popular programs, or we can custom design a program to meet specific educational objectives.

Please contact Jeff at rangerjeff@hikeandlearn.org or call (719) 485-4444 for details on any of our school programs.

Nature: The Natural High
In recognition of the Red Ribbon campaign to educate students about making healthy life choices, this program offers
the opportunity to spend a full day exploring and learning about the ecosystems of the Foothills Life Zone. DARE
prevention education targeting substance abuse is integrated into activities.

Earth Studies
This is a year-long outdoor-based program that currently serves every fifth-grade class (1200 students) from Pueblo City
Schools District. Each class spends six full days throughout the school year at Mountain Park Environmental Center in
Beulah. Earth Studies is an extended version of the successful "Nature: The Natural High" program model. Winner of
the 2003 "Best New Program" award from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education.

Lions, Coyotes and Bears! Oh My!
Lions, Coyotes and Bear! Oh My! is (almost) what Dorothy said when she walked into the forest in "The Wizard of Oz".
MPEC can promise a land of "Ah's" through this in-classroom educational opportunity available to elementary
classrooms. This hands-on program, using actual skulls, skins, and track molds, will introduce students to the basic
biology of several forest animals.

Program Curriculum
Every MPEC school program is based on a standards-based curriculum. Integrated into the science modules are
additional lessons in math, language arts, geography, social studies and physical education. Reading materials come
from a variety of sources. Most full-day sessions include hiking, collecting field data, recording observations, and doing
journaling activities. Preparation and assessment materials are provided to teachers.