Staff Appointments Archives - Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center

February 28, 2026 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:01:34 GMT

The December 27, 2025 bird walk had 15 participants observed 16 species on a lovely, warmish morning.

Gadwall

American Wigeon (featured in cover photo)

Mallard

Bufflehead

Common Goldeneye

White-winged Dove

Mourning Dove

American Coot

Pied-billed Grebe

Belted Kingfisher

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-crowned Sparrow

Total Species – 16

About AVAS

The Arkansas Valley Audubon Society (AVAS) is located in Pueblo, Colorado and is one of 500 Audubon chapters around the country. AVAS conducts birding activities, offers community programs, contributes to pro-environmental legislative initiatives, and works with agencies that manage public lands and sponsors birding field trips. The mission of AVAS is to promote the conservation of nature through education, political action and field activities with a focus on birds, other wildlife and habitat in Southern Colorado.

Visit the AVAS website

March 2026 – Ranger Ramblings

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:17:44 GMT

March 2026 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

February 2026 – Ranger Ramblings

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 01:50:04 GMT

February 2026 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

December 27, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:42:20 GMT

The December 27, 2025 bird walk had 15 participants observed 16 species on a lovely, warmish morning.

Gadwall

American Wigeon (featured in cover photo)

Mallard

Bufflehead

Common Goldeneye

White-winged Dove

Mourning Dove

American Coot

Pied-billed Grebe

Belted Kingfisher

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-crowned Sparrow

Total Species – 16

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Winter 2025 – Nature Journal

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:37:44 GMT

Winter 2025 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

December 20, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:47:08 GMT

The December 2025 bird walk took place over several days for the Pueblo Reservoir Christmas Bird Count. A total of 20-25 participants identified a grand total of 117 species!

Count Week Dec 17-19 and Dec 21-23, 2025 - 20-25 participants.

1. Snow Goose

2. Cackling Goose

3. Canada Goose

4. Wood Duck

5. Northern Shoveler

6. Gadwall

7. American Wigeon

8. Mallard

9. Northern Pintail

10. Green-winged Teal (American)

11. Canvasback

12. Redhead

13. Ring-necked Duck

14. Greater Scaup

15. Lesser Scaup

16. Bufflehead

17. Common Goldeneye

18. Barrow's Goldeneye

19. Hooded Merganser

20. Common Merganser

21. Red-breasted Merganser

22. Ruddy Duck

23. Scaled Quail (featured in cover photo)

24. Wild Turkey

25. Rock Pigeon

26. Eurasian Collared-Dove

27. White-winged Dove

28. Mourning Dove

29. Greater Roadrunner

30. Virginia Rail

31. American Coot

32. Sandhill Crane (new for the count; featured in cover photo)

33. Killdeer

34. Wilson's Snipe

35. Bonaparte's Gull

36. Short-billed Gull

37. Ring-billed Gull

38. American Herring Gull

39. Great Black-backed Gull

40. Lesser Black-backed Gull

41. California Gull

42. Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

43. Pied-billed Grebe

44. Horned Grebe

45. Red-necked Grebe

46. Eared Grebe

47. Western Grebe

48. Clark's Grebe

49. Red-throated Loon

50. Common Loon

51. Double-crested Cormorant

52. Great Blue Heron

53. American White Pelican

54. Golden Eagle

55. Sharp-shinned Hawk

56. Cooper's Hawk

57. Northern Harrier

58. Bald Eagle

59. Red-tailed Hawk

60. Ferruginous Hawk

61. Great Horned Owl

62. Belted Kingfisher

63. Downy Woodpecker

64. Ladder-backed Woodpecker

65. Hairy Woodpecker

66. Northern Flicker

67. American Kestrel

68. Merlin

69. Say's Phoebe

70. Loggerhead Shrike

71. Northern Shrike

72. Blue Jay

73. Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

74. Black-billed Magpie

75. American Crow

76. Chihuahuan Raven

77. Common Raven

78. Black-capped Chickadee

79. Mountain Chickadee

80. Horned Lark

81. Barn Swallow (new for the count)

82. Bushtit

83. Ruby-crowned Kinglet

84. White-breasted Nuthatch

85. Pygmy Nuthatch

86. Red-breasted Nuthatch

87. Brown Creeper

88. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

89. Marsh Wren

90. Bewick's Wren

91. European Starling

92. Curve-billed Thrasher

93. Sage Thrasher

94. Townsend's Solitaire

95. American Robin

96. Cedar Waxwing

97. House Sparrow

98. American Pipit

99. House Finch

100. Pine Siskin

101. American Goldfinch

102. American Tree Sparrow

103. Dark-eyed Junco

104. White-crowned Sparrow

105. White-throated Sparrow

106. Song Sparrow

107. Lincoln's Sparrow

108. Swamp Sparrow

109. Canyon Towhee

110. Rufous-crowned Sparrow

111. Spotted Towhee

112. Western Meadowlark

113. Red-winged Blackbird

114. Brown-headed Cowbird Count week

115. Brewer's Blackbird

116. Great-tailed Grackle

117. Yellow-rumped Warbler

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

January 2026 – Ranger Ramblings

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:53:06 GMT

January 2026 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

November 22, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:12:17 GMT

On the November 22 bird walk 32 participants observed 12 bird species, ranging from Ruby-crowned Kinglet (featured in cover photo) to Canyon Towhee to Belted Kingfisher.

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

December 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:38:52 GMT

December 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

October 25, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 01:44:45 GMT

On the October 25 bird walk 8 participants decided on this cool beautiful day to hang out on the River Campus deck and let 10 species come to us! Pie-billed Grebe (featured in cover photo), Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Herons, Cedar Waxwings were among the visitors..

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

November 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:52:02 GMT

November 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

October 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 01:28:07 GMT

October 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

September 27, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:57:34 GMT

Though not a particularly birdy day, it was lovely weather and good company of 23 people on the September 27 AVAS bird walk.

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Juvenile Cedar Waxwing

Downy Woodpecker

Wood Duck

Mallard

American Robin

Black-billed Magpie (featured in cover photo)

Blue Jay

Red-tailed Hawk

Osprey

Northern Flicker

Sparrows

Cormorant

Turkey Vulture

Total species – 13

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Fall 2025 – Nature Journal

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:31:39 GMT

Fall 2025 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

August 23, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:38:54 GMT

A total of 8 participants observed 22 species on a lovely, cool late August morning.

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Wood Duck (3)

Mallard (5)

Mourning Dove (2)

Black-chinned Hummingbird (1)

Double-crested Cormorant (7)

Green Heron (1)

Great Blue Heron (1, featured in cover photo)

Osprey (3)

Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk (1)

Belted Kingfisher (1)

Northern Flicker (1)

Western Wood-Pewee (1)

Western Flycatcher (1)

Western Kingbird (2)

Eastern Kingbird (3)

Blue Jay (2)

Swallow species (2)

European Starling (5)

American Robin (3)

House Finch (1)

Common Grackle (1)

Blue Grosbeak (1)

Total species – 22

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

September 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:23:19 GMT

September 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

July 26, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:04:18 GMT

A total of 15 participants observed 26 species in temperatures ranging from about 70 F to upper 80's F in mostly shade.

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Canada Goose (7)

Mallard (12, 2 ducklings)

Mourning Dove (1)

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (1, featured in cover photo)

Spotted Sandpiper (1)

Double-crested Cormorant (14)

Great Blue Heron (1)

Osprey (3)

Mississippi Kite (1)

Downy Woodpecker (1)

Hairy Woodpecker (1)

Western Wood-Pewee (1)

Ash-throated Flycatcher (1)

Western Kingbird (1)

Eastern Kingbird (3)

Warbling Vireo (1)

Black-capped Chickadee (2)

Northern House Wren (1)

European Starling (2)

American Robin (6)

Cedar Waxwing (1)

House Finch (4)

Lesser Goldfinch (1)

Lark Sparrow (3)

Bullock's Oriole (1)

Yellow Warbler (2)

Total species – 26

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

August 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 04:43:18 GMT

August 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

June 28, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:38:26 GMT

Eight people participated in the June 28, 2025 4th Saturday Bird Walk on the lovely, warm meander along the trails at the River Campus, Nany species of birds were seen including:

Warbling Vireo (featured in cover photo)

Osprey

Turkey Vulture

White-breasted Nuthatch

Mississippi Kite

Northern Flicker

Western Kingbird

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

July 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 22:18:39 GMT

July 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

Summer 2025 – Nature Journal

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 03:10:58 GMT

Summer 2025 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

June 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:35:34 GMT

June 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

May 24, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:50:04 GMT

On Saturday, May 24th a total of 25 Pueblo nature lovers observed 21 bird species around the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center River Campus. It was a lovely warm morning with camaraderie and lunch afterward—a perfect day!

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Wood Duck

Mallard

Mourning Dove

Double-crested Cormorant

Osprey

Mississippi Kite- adult & juvenile

Red-tailed Hawk

Northern Flicker

Western Wood-Pewee

Western Kingbird

Eastern Kingbird

Warbling Vireo

Blue Jay

American Robin

American Goldfinch

Yellow-breasted Chat

Bullock's Oriole

Common Grackle

Great-tailed Grackle

Yellow Warbler

Blue Grosbeak (Featured in cover photo)

Total Species – 21

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

May 4, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 14 May 2025 02:02:01 GMT

On Sunday, May 4th, at 2:30 pm, a group of Pueblo nature lovers went for an afternoon bird walk around the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center River Campus. The walk was led by Elise Lokey, NWDC Programs Manager and board member for Arkansas Valley Audubon Society . This birdwalk was part of our inaugural Songs of Spring event, which also included raptor meet & greets and an afternoon classical concert in the Riverfront Room, featuring Piano Conversations .

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Mallard

Cliff Swallow (featured in cover photo)

Barn Swallow

Osprey

Cormorant

Turkey Vulture (photo below captured at the event)

Song Sparrow

Red-winged Blackbird

Robin

Total Species – 9

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

May 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Fri, 02 May 2025 05:49:39 GMT

May 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

April 26, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:24:49 GMT

On the spring day an the April 26, 2025, AVAS Bird Walk, 13 participants observed a total of 24 bird species.

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Canada Goose (3)

Wood Duck (3)

Blue-winged Teal (3)

Gadwall( 4)

Mallard (5)

Bufflehead (2)

Common Merganser (2)

Eurasian Collared-Dove (2)

White-winged Dove (2)

Mourning Dove (1)

Pied-billed Grebe (1)

Double-crested Cormorant (1)

Turkey Vulture (2)

Osprey (1)

Great Horned Owl (1)

Downy Woodpecker (1)

Hairy Woodpecker (1)

Northern Flicker (1)

Eastern Phoebe (1)

Black-capped Chickadee (1)

Violet-green Swallow (10) (featured in cover photo)

White-breasted Nuthatch (2)

European Starling (10)

American Robin (1)

House Sparrow (2)

White-crowned Sparrow (3)

Red-winged Blackbird (5)

Yellow-rumped Warbler (6)

Other Swallows (Hundreds)

Total Species – 24

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

April 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:12:49 GMT

April 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

March 22, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:51:53 GMT

On a beautiful officially spring day and the first AVAS Bird Walk of Spring 2025, 15 participants observed a total of 26 bird species.

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Canada Goose (1)

Gadwall (1)

Mallard (8)

Bufflehead (3) (featured in cover photo)

Eurasian Collared-Dove (2)

White-winged Dove (3)

American Coot (2)

Ring-billed Gull (10)

Pied-billed Grebe (2)

Osprey (5)

Sharp-shinned Hawk (1)

Red-tailed Hawk (1)

Great Horned Owl (1)

Belted Kingfisher (1)

Northern Flicker (2)

Blue Jay (1)

Bushtit (3)

White-breasted Nuthatch (2)

Bewick's Wren (2)

European Starling (3)

Curve-billed Thrasher (1)

American Robin (1)

House Sparrow (5)

Dark-eyed Junco (2)

White-crowned Sparrow (10)

Red-winged Blackbird (2)

Total Species – 26

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Spring 2025 – Nature Journal

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:28:01 GMT

Spring 2025 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

March 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:14:00 GMT

March 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

February 22, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 01:35:03 GMT

On the cold, snowy day with icy trails 9 participants identified 20 total bird species on a walk that was cut short due to the unpleasant conditions. Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Gadwall (1)

Mallard (4)

Hooded Merganser (1)

Common Merganser (11)

White-winged Dove (2)

American Coot (3)

Ring-billed Gull (2)

Pied-billed Grebe (3)

Double-crested Cormorant (1)

Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk (1)

Bald Eagle (5)

Red-tailed Hawk (2)

Belted Kingfisher (1)

American Kestrel (1)

Blue Jay (2)

Bushtit (5)

House Sparrow (5)

Dark-eyed Junco (8)

White-crowned Sparrow (5) (featured in cover photo)

Canyon Towhee (4)

Total Species – 20

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

February 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT

February 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

January 25, 2025 AVAS Bird Walk

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:58:00 GMT

Nine participants joined us on the cold and icy morning of January 25, 2025, to see 13 bird species including Bald Eagles!

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Bald Eagles (5!!)
Double-crested Cormorant
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Bushtit
Blue Jay
Red-tailed Hawk
Mallards
Gadwall
Bufflehead
Pie-billed Grebe
White-winged Dove
Curve-billed Thrasher

Total Species – 13

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

New Raptor Center Volunteer Meeting

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:04:00 GMT

The NWDC Raptor Center is welcoming new volunteers, age 14 years and older, into our Raptor Care Team! Please join us at our upcoming new volunteer meeting to learn more. During this meeting, we will introduce you to the work of the facility, the volunteer program, and the opportunities we offer.

When: 9:30 – 11 am on Saturday, February 15
Where: 4828 Nature Center Road, Pueblo CO 81003

Questions?

Please contact Raptor Center Director Diana Miller at diana@hikeandlearn.org or call ( 719) 485-4444 ext 3001.

Originally founded in 1981, the Raptor Center is a wildlife rehabilitation facility that has been saving magnificent birds of prey for over forty years. It is located in Pueblo at the NWDC River Campus.Each year, more than 300 injured, ill, and orphaned birds of prey are admitted to the NWDC Raptor Center, where our compassionate raptor care team provides these birds with the best care possible in hopes that they can soon be returned to the wild.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

December 28, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 22:47:00 GMT

Thirteen participants joined us on the December 28, 2024, walk on a cold, clear morning and saw 19 bird species.

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Gadwall (2)
Mallard (18)
Bufflehead (12)
Common Goldeneye (6)
Common Merganser (2)
White-winged Dove (3)
Ring-billed Gull (2)
Pied-billed Grebe (2)
Great Blue Heron (2)
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher (2)
Northern Flicker (5)
Blue Jay (2)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (featured in cover photo)
European Starling (8)
American Robin (10)
White-crowned Sparrow (3)

Total Species – 19

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Starting 2025: Free Parking at the River Campus

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 22:29:00 GMT

Here at the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, one of our core values is equitable access to nature experiences. We believe that everyone, regardless of background or circumstances, should have the opportunity to connect with the natural world. That’s why, starting January 1, 2025, we’re removing the $5 parking fee at our River Campus. This step is part of our commitment to breaking down barriers to outdoor recreation and ensuring that nature remains open to all.

We’re excited about this step forward, but ask for your patience as we work through the transition. Over the coming month, you may still see old signage as we update materials to reflect this change. We’re also hard at work revamping our membership program to offer new ways for you to connect with and support NWDC. If you have an existing membership that includes a parking pass, we’ll be in touch soon with more information about what this means for you and how we plan to keep adding value to your membership.

As always, we rely on the generosity of our community to sustain our mission. If you’re inspired by our commitment to accessible outdoor spaces, please consider supporting NWDC with a donation . Your contributions help us maintain trails, care for wildlife, and provide enriching educational programs for thousands of visitors each year. Thank you for being part of the NWDC community. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of connection, exploration, and open access to the natural world.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

January 2025 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 21:25:00 GMT

January 2025 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

NWDC Hosts 250+ for Winter Solstice Celebration

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:47:00 GMT

The 2024 Winter Solstice Celebration was, without a doubt, our biggest and best yet! We were thrilled to host over 250 community members who bundled up and came down to enjoy a FREE evening of festivities with us at the River Campus .

The event took place from 4 – 7 pm on the solstice itself: Saturday, December 21, 2024. The first item on the program was a land and solstice acknowledgment. Taylor Driver (NWDC Executive Director), Crystal Speier (Crystal Moon Witchery), and Lei Marquez and Doug Villers (CSU-Pueblo Astronomical Society) took turns speaking about the socio-cultural and scientific significance of this seasonal holiday, which marks the longest night of the year and promises a gradual return to more hours of sunlight. Waves of anticipation rippled through the crowd as we inched closer to the next big moment of the evening. . . the wild owl release!

The acknowledgment concluded, and NWDC Raptor Center Director Diana Miller stepped forward, accompanied by our guest of honor: Pueblo City Councilor Sarah Martinez. At their feet sat a small cardboard animal carrier, holding a very special Great Horned Owl.

This Great Horned Owl was originally found struggling in a tangled mess of barbed wire. These situations often have a sad ending, but luckily for this owl, a kind soul rescued it and brought it to our Raptor Center for rehabilitation. After a few weeks, it had a full recovery and was ready to return to the wild!

Diana assisted City Councilor Martinez in carefully holding the bird, which was affectionately nicknamed “Solstice” by our Raptor Center care team, although we normally do not name wild birds. With a toss, it took to the air and flapped silently away to a round of applause from the gathered crowd. Click here for the video!

The evening festivities continued with a drum circle, community fire, and luminaria walk located around the outside areas of the River Campus. Over in the Riverfront Room, we had hot cocoa, hundreds of Schuster’s cookies, Christmas carols, prize drawings, and bird of prey meet and greets to entertain guests and teach them more about our raptor rehabilitation efforts.

We were thrilled by the amazing turnout we had, and we are incredibly grateful for each and every person who celebrated the winter solstice with us. We are especially grateful for our generous sponsors, whose donations made it possible for us to offer this signature Pueblo event to our community for FREE. This is why we do what we do. Thank you for being a part of it!

Founded in 1981, the Raptor Center is a wildlife rehabilitation facility that has been saving magnificent birds of prey for over forty years. It is located in Pueblo at our River Campus. Each year, more than 300 injured, ill, and orphaned birds of prey are admitted to the NWDC Raptor Center where our compassionate raptor care team provides these birds with the best care possible in hopes that they can soon be returned to the wild, just like these beautiful owls. YOU can support our continued efforts through donations , volunteer service , and membership !

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

Winter 2024 – Nature Journal

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 07:51:00 GMT

Winter 2024 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

December 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 03:40:00 GMT

December 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

November 23, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 03:28:00 GMT

Twelve people joined us on the November 23, 2024, walk on a crisp beautiful morning and saw 17 bird species.

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Blue-winged Teal (2)
Mallard (5)
Canvasback (featured in cover photo)
American Coot (5)
Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron (2)
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker (2)
Blue Jay
American Crow (2)
White-breasted Nuthatch (2)
European Starling
Mountain Bluebird (4)
American Robin

Total Species – 17

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Community Spotlight: Schakara & Muki, Youth Program Scholarship Recipients!

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:33:00 GMT

Muki is one of our beloved Earthkeeper Nature School learners! He and his family benefit from an NWDC youth program scholarship to help with his annual tuition. We are currently raising money for more scholarships through our Colorado Gives Day campaign, which culminates on Tuesday, December 10th. With your help, more children than ever can receive scholarships in 2025. Every dollar counts towards this amazing cause! DONATE NOW!

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

November 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:38:00 GMT

November 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

October 26, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:13:00 GMT

Fifteen people joined us on the 10/26/2024 walk on a crisp beautiful morning. We saw 23 species ranging from Common Merganser to Ruby-crowned Kinglet to Lesser Goldfinch to Belted Kingfisher to Red-tailed Hawk, and more!

Join us on our 9 am walks on the 4th Saturday of every month.

Birds:

Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Junco-Slate and Oregon (featured in cover photo)
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Great Blue Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Spotted Towhee
Common Merganser
Black-capped Chickadee
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Canada Geese
Wood Duck
Mallards
White-winged Dove
Eurasian-collared Dove
Pie-billed Grebe
Osprey
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Starlings
House Sparrows
Lesser Goldfinch
White-crowned Sparrow

Total Species – 23

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

NWDC Releases Four Great Horned Owls Back Into the Wild

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:14:00 GMT

There’s nothing quite like witnessing a wild animal return to its rightful home. Even more powerful is the chance to be a part of that journey. Four fortunate community members had the opportunity to do just that at our wild owl release on Monday, October 7, 2024. For local owl enthusiast Olivia Abeyta-Maestas, who had donned an owl-themed hat for the evening, it was an unforgettable moment.

“I was selected at random to release this amazing creature back into the wild. The experience of watching this event alone is captivating, but to partake in releasing the owls is unlike any other. For a moment the world was silent, and still. It’s just the two of you sharing the same light. I HIGHLY recommend following the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center to join in on the next rapture release. I promise you won’t be disappointed.” – Olivia

The evening began with NWDC staff, volunteers, and members of the Pueblo community gathering at the Raptor Center . The group formed a caravan and traveled west to the Lake Pueblo State Wildlife Area as golden hour slowly faded into twilight. This location is also where NWDC released four Great Horned Owls in September 2023. This year, it once again became the stage for some extraordinary moments of nature connection.

We were lucky enough to release four Great Horned Owls this year, too. Participants for the releases were selected through a random drawing. Our Raptor Center Director, Diana Miller, shared the heartwarming recovery stories of each owl before guiding each lucky participant in putting on gloves, carefully holding their new feathery friend, and finally tossing it into the open sky. In addition to Olivia, three other people took part in the releases, including long-time NWDC participant Christian, who has returned year after year for our summertime Raptor Camp. The scene was nothing short of magical: fluffy white clouds scattered across a hazy sky of blue and gold, creating the perfect backdrop for a night of community, nature, and renewal.

All four Great Horned Owls had been brought to the Raptor Center with various injuries or illnesses, where they were cared for by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Watching them take flight again was a deeply emotional experience. As each owl spread its wings and soared into freedom, the crowd erupted in applause, and smiles radiated through the gathering. Moments like these remind us of our purpose. At these full-circle “mission moments,” NWDC feels especially grateful for the support of our community, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and our partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

September 28, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:14:00 GMT

Five participants observed sixteen species along the Arkansas River at the NWDC River Campus on the fall morning of September 28, 2024.

Birds:

Osprey
Cormorant
Turkey vulture
Mallard
Teal (sp. — featured in cover photo)
Killdeer
Red-winged Blackbird
Blue Jay
Robin
Flicker
Starling
Western Wood Pewee
Collared Dove
Red-tailed Hawk
Western Tanager (call ID via Merlin app)
White-breasted Nuthatch

Total Species – 16

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

October 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:48:00 GMT

October 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

Fall 2024 – Nature Journal

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 01:23:00 GMT

Fall 2024 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

NWDC Hosts Its Biggest Vulture Day Yet

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:16:00 GMT

Our 2024 Vulture Day Celebration on Saturday, September 7th, was a fantastic success! Always held on the first Saturday in September, this year’s event brought together a wonderful crowd to celebrate and learn about vultures and the vital role they play as nature’s clean up crew.

A team of passionate NWDC staff, community organizations, and volunteers worked tirelessly to create engaging exhibits for attendees of all ages. Lurch and Izzy, our vulture ambassadors, were once again the stars of the day, captivating the crowd with their educational presentations.

Did you know? Combined, Lurch and Izzy have delivered over 1,000 presentations throughout their time as NWDC ambassador birds!

Some highlights from t he day include:

Approximately 150 attendees
$501 in donations (THANK YOU!)
Interactive stations, including:
Wildlife Olympics
“Ranger Lurch” coloring table
A scavenger hunt
Create your own vulture vomit craft
“Fill the Bill” bird beak activity
FREE public tours of the NWDC Raptor Center exhibits
“Lurch Merch” table with vulture-themed merchandise

The most thrilling moments of the day were two Red-tailed Hawk releases, which were performed beautifully by two lucky members of the audience. Both hawks were originally brought into the NWDC Raptor Center in need of rehabilitative care. Over the summer, our Raptor Care team expertly nursed them back to full health. On Vulture Day the hawks took to the air with grace and power, and soared high above us through open skies for the first time in their lives.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County , Lake Pueblo State Park , and Arkansas Valley Audubon Society for joining us and providing educational outreach tables. We are so grateful for everyone’s support and participation, and we already can’t wait for next year. Mark your calendars for September 6, 2025!

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

Mission Moment: Endangered Species Conservation Collaboration

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 21:32:00 GMT

Last night on Friday, September 6th, NWDC and the Pueblo Zoo partnered up to present our latest “conservation collaboration” at the Rawlings Library , bringing a meaningful educational experience to the community. Our exhibit, titled “Endangered Species: Here and Around the World” is the culmination of passionate research and creativity completed by our rangers, summer campers, Pueblo Zoo staff, and teens in the ZOOAlive program.

Several families gathered with us that night to learn about nine endangered species, including the Red Panda, Panamanian Golden Frog, Axolotl, African Black-Footed Penguin, Painted Dog, Mexican Spotted Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, Southern Redbelly Dace, and Gray Wolf. Through engaging discussions with educational posters, attendees of all ages discovered these species’ unique adaptations, the challenges they face in the wild, and practical steps we can take to protect their habitats and support population recovery. NWDC and the Pueblo Zoo also hosted interactive outreach tables and activities to share more about these incredible species and our organizations’ work to support conservation.

The best part? The exhibit is still there! Throughout September, YOU can visit the exhibit on the second floor of the Rawlings Library! Come on by to create your very own Southern Redbelly Dace fish craft or Red Panda Mask, and don’t forget to read the “Conservation Actions” sections of each poster to discover steps you can take to reduce your impact on our environment. And while you’re there, be sure to check out our special display of intriguing artifacts, including an owl wing, hawk wing, wolf skull, and owl foot, among others!

We at NWDC are deeply grateful for opportunities like this, where we can collaborate with community partners and inspire the public to connect with and protect the natural world. We hope this exhibit will educate anyone interested in learning more about these species whose populations are at risk. Can’t make it in-person? No problem! You can click below to view our posters and do some learning from home.

View the Posters

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

September 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:06:00 GMT

September 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

NWDC Appoints New Raptor Rehabilitation Manager, Autumn Waylan

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 16:52:00 GMT

Autumn Waylan (She/Her/Hers) came on board in the summer of 2024 with at least 10 years of experience in wildlife handling and a background in vet clinic operations, animal handling, public education, community outreach, and specifically, raptor programs! Autumn has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in Wildlife & Fisheries. She recently moved to Colorado from Texas with her dogs, Indi and Wicket, and her lizard, Yoshi. Autumn is excited to embark on new adventures all around our beautiful state. She is especially looking forward to forming connections with our raptor ambassadors, and tapping into her educational background by teaching our community about these majestic creatures through our public programs and raptor presentations.

In her position as our full-time Raptor Rehabilitation Manager, she will gain unique skills in the practice of rehabilitation for birds of prey, as well as support our Raptor Center Director in the administration duties of the Raptor Center, animal care and management, and medication and treatment plans. When she is not working at NWDC, Autumn enjoys reading fiction, camping, hiking, spending time with her dogs, and connecting with nature.

About NWDC

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit environmental education and raptor rehabilitation center located in the City and County of Pueblo, Colorado. NWDC was founded in 2018 through the merging of two veteran organizations that bring 50 combined years of high-quality nature programming to the Pueblo community. NWDC now manages these two unique locations to better serve our community, engaging over 20,000 participants annually.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
P h one: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

August 24, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:33:00 GMT

Six participants observed sixteen species along the Arkansas River at the NWDC River Campus on the warm morning of August 24, 2024. We also saw a HUGE rainbow trout from the deck!

Birds:

Osprey
Great Blue Heron
Cormorant
Flycatcher (sp.)
Ash throated flycatcher (featured in cover photo)
Western wood pewee
Mourning dove
White-winged dove
Mallard
Canada goose
Kingfisher
Flicker
Swallow (sp.)
Pied-billed grebe
Raven
Turkey Vulture

Total Species – 16

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

August 10, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:37:00 GMT

Four participants observed 14 species along the Arkansas River at the NWDC River Campus on the cool, crisp morning of August 10, 2024.

Birds:

Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Cormorant
Mallard
Dozens of Swallows
Dozens of Grackles (featured in cover photo)
Starling
Blue Jay
Sparrows
Northern Flicker
Chickadees
Robins
Turkey Vulture
Western Wood Pewee

Total Species – 14

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

August 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:24:00 GMT

August 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

July 13, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 03:55:00 GMT

The AVAS bird walk on July 13, 2024 attracted 14 participants who together observed a total of 19 different bird species.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Mississippi Kite
Western Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
American Crow
Bushtit
House Wren
American Robin
Yellow-breasted Chat
Bullock’s Oriole
Blue Grosbeak
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Horned Owl (featured in cover photo)
Mourning Dove

Total Species – 19

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

July 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:54:00 GMT

July 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

June 22, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 21:37:00 GMT

The AVAS bird walk on June 22, 2024 attracted 14 participants who saw and heard 17 bird species. It was a warm, humid day with thousands of mosquitoes—a good reminder to use insect repellent!

Birds:

Western and Eastern Kingbird
Cedar Waxwing (featured in cover photo)
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Cormorant
Bullock’s Oriole
Common Grackle
House Wren
Starlings
Barn Swallow
Blue Jay
Mourning & Eurasian-collared Doves
Mallards
House Sparrow
Cabbage White butterflies nectaring on elderberry flowers
Raven being harassed by Kingbirds

Total Species – 17

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Summer 2024 – Nature Journal

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:55:00 GMT

Summer 2024 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

June 8, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 23:58:00 GMT

On the lovely morning of June 8, 2024, participants chose to do a Big Sit and let the birds come to us. A total of 16 species obliged.

 Birds:

Cormorant
Osprey
Canada Geese
Mallard
Turkey Vulture (12)
Barn Swallow (featured in cover photo)
Yellow Warbler
Western Kingbird
Bullock’s Oriole
White-breasted Nuthatch
Starling
House Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Eurasian-collared Dove
Mourning Dove
Cedar Waxwing

Total Species – 16

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Artists for Nature: a Juried Exhibition at the Beulah Arts & Crafts Festival

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:23:00 GMT

“Artists for Nature”

Call Type: Art Festival
Eligibility: Colorado Residents, 18 years of age or older
State: Colorado
Entry Deadline: July 12, 2024

Description: “Artists for Nature” invites Colorado artists to participate in a juried exhibit supporting nature education at the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center. The exhibition will be shown at the Beulah Arts & Crafts Festival. The Festival will be held next to the Beulah School of Natural Sciences, 8734 School House Ln, Beulah, CO 81023

“Artists for Nature” Show Dates & Times:
August 3, 2024 ~ 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
August 4, 2024 ~ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Learn more about the Festival, returning for its 68th year!

All styles of nature-inspired 2D and 3D artwork will be considered in the following categories: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Photography, Digital Art, Glassware, Ceramics, Wood Carving, Stoneware, and Metalwork.

The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center (NWDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental education and raptor rehabilitation center with two public campuses in Pueblo, CO, where you can explore the local flora and fauna. A portion of the proceeds from each work sold will be donated to NWDC to support its mission of promoting environmental stewardship and community health through nature education, wildlife rehabilitation, and outdoor recreation.

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Artist Notification: July 22, 2024

Art Delivery Dates:

July 29-August 1: Art drop-off 8 am – 4 pm at Mountain Campus Office
July 31-August 1: Art drop-off 9 am – 4 pm at River Campus Gift Shop

Artwork Pick-up: August 5-9, 2024

Sales of Artworks: All artworks must be for sale and may not be removed by the artist until the close of the show. Art purchased during the show may be removed by the buyer. NWDC will handle all sales, and artists will receive a check within 15 days of the closing of the show.

Insurance: Artists are responsible for insuring their work while in transit. Subject to certain limitations, the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center’s liability insurance covers artwork that is in the NWDC facilities. In no event shall NWDC be liable for loss, damage, theft, or other harm to artworks in excess of such insurance coverage. Artworks will be handled with the utmost care.

Artist Reception: There will be no artist reception, but all artists are invited to attend the Art Festival.

Commission on Sales: Artists may choose from a range of percentages of the sale proceeds they wish to donate to NWDC’s educational programs. Donation options range from 30% to 100% of the artwork’s sale price. Priority submission review will be given to artwork submissions with a higher donation percentage.

Example:

70% of sales go to the artist
30% of sales go to NWDC

Submissions: Original works of 2D and 3D art are preferred, but high-quality prints are acceptable. Wall-hanging artwork may not exceed 48” in width (including frame), must be gallery-ready, and include a wire for hanging. No sawtooth hangers. Sculptures must not exceed 60 lbs. No ceiling-suspended sculptures are accepted. Acrylic, Plexiglas, or Museum Glass coverings are recommended instead of regular Glass. Artists are to submit entries through the ARTISTS FOR NATURE SUBMISSION FORM . Upon acceptance for the show, the artist agrees that an image of the accepted artwork may be used for advertising and promotional purposes for the show. Management will not produce any product for sale using an image of the artist’s work.

Submission Limit: Each artist may submit up to three pieces of artwork for consideration.

Application Requirements: Invited artworks must include the following on the back of the artwork:

Title of Artwork
Artist’s Name
Sales Price (show full retail sales price) & donation %

Receiving Artwork: Artworks are to be received the week of July 29 – August 1, Monday-Thursday at the Mountain Campus (9112 Pueblo Mountain Park Rd. Beulah, CO 81023) from 8 am-4 pm, or July 31-August 1, Wednesday-Thursday, at the River Campus (5200 Nature Center Rd, Pueblo, CO 81003) from 9 am-4 pm. Local artists may deliver their artworks. Shipped artworks are to be sent to the following address:

Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center
PO Box 99
Beulah, CO 81023

Art Pick-Up and Return: For local artists, unsold artworks may be picked up at the closing of the show on August 4th, or Monday, August 5th – 7th from 8 am-4 pm at the Mountain Campus, or August 7th-9th from 9 am-4 pm at the River Campus. NWDC will not ship artwork. Alternatively, artists may choose to donate unsold artwork to NWDC. These pieces can be used for future fundraising events, educational programs, or displayed within the Center to inspire visitors.

Eligibility Criteria: Colorado Artists 18 years and older.

Insurance: The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center will insure the artworks for the duration of the show, from the time they are received until they are picked up by the artists or buyers. The insurance will cover damage, theft, or loss up to the full retail value of the artwork as specified by the artist. Artists are encouraged to retain their own insurance for additional coverage if desired. NWDC is not responsible for any damages or loss occurring during the transport of the artworks to and from the center.

June 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 01:16:00 GMT

June 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

May 25, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 29 May 2024 00:31:00 GMT

On the lovely, warm, birdy morning of May 25, 2024, twenty participants of the bird walk and ‘big sit’ observed a total of 20 different bird species.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Horned Owl
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Western Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow
Bullock’s Oriole (featured in cover photo)
Common Grackle
Yellow Warbler
Western Tanager
Hummingbird- Heard but not seen

Total Species – 20

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

May 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Fri, 03 May 2024 04:39:00 GMT

May 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

NWDC Appoints New Maintenance Technician, Luis Ortiz

Wed, 01 May 2024 19:08:00 GMT

Luis (he/him/his) is a seasoned outdoorsman and avid adventurer who thrives on embracing nature and maintaining an active lifestyle. With six years of dedicated service in the Army, Luis has valuable experience in discipline and teamwork, and this shapes his outlook on life. Nature has always served as Luis’ sanctuary, providing him with moments of peace and inspiration during activities such as hiking, camping, and simply enjoying the fresh air. Alongside his love for the outdoors, Luis is deeply passionate about sports, finding fulfillment in the rush of competition and the comradery of being part of a team.

Luis is excited about his position with us and looks forward to using his problem-solving skills and attention to detail to contribute positively to the team. Luis is motivated for the adventures that lie ahead, and is committed to making a difference at NWDC.

About NWDC

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
P h one: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

April 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 03:35:00 GMT

April 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

March 23, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:03:00 GMT

On the morning of March 23, 2024, twenty-four bird walk participants saw or heard a total of 22 different bird species.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Bufflehead
Eurasian Collared Dove
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue-Heron
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Say’s Phoebe
White-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling (featured in cover photo)
American Robin
House Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle

Total Species – 22

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Spring 2024 – Nature Journal

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 23:35:00 GMT

Spring 2024 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

Request For Proposals: Data Infrastructure

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:39:00 GMT

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center (NWDC) is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to develop a streamlined and efficient data infrastructure that reduces the number of programs and systems currently utilized by the organization. We invite you to submit a proposal.

View RFP

The objective is to enhance operational efficiency, reduce redundancy, increase data security, and enhance staff productivity while optimizing costs. The selected consultant will be responsible for assessing our current systems, recommending new solutions, harmonizing data processes, providing staff training, and overseeing the transition to the new infrastructure.

Deadlines

RFP Issuance: March 14, 2024
Questions on the RFP are due: March 28, 2024, 5 pm MST
RFP Question Responses provided: April 4, 2024
Proposal Submission Deadline: April 15, 2024, 5 pm MST
Consultant Selection: April 24, 2024
Project Launch: May 1, 2024
Desired Project Close: September 30, 2024

Submission

To be considered, proposals must be sent as a single pdf file to: taylor@hikeandlearn.org .

March 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 07:23:00 GMT

March 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

February 24, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 07:39:00 GMT

On the morning of February 24, 2024 at the NWDC River Campus along the Arkansas River, 24 participants observed a total of 17 bird species.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Eurasian Collared Dove
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Canyon Towhee (featured in cover photo)

Total Species – 17

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

NWDC Appoints Zane Groom as Maintenance & Facilities Manager

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:20:00 GMT

NWDC would like to recognize Zane Groom, who has transitioned into the role of Maintenance & Facilities Manager as of February 13th. Zane has been a valuable member of our team since December, demonstrating remarkable initiative and dedication. With his promotion, Zane will now oversee the land and facilities management of our Mountain Campus and River Campus.

Zane will also coordinate campus volunteer projects, like the upcoming Earth Day stewardship initiative at the Mountain Park on April 20th. Before joining NWDC, Zane spent six years honing his skills as a diesel mechanic. Fun fact: Zane even celebrated his wedding at our Mountain Campus, last summer! Outside of work, he’s an avid outdoor enthusiast, often found backpacking, fishing, and camping with his furry companions.

About NWDC

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
P h one: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

February 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 04:30:00 GMT

February 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

January 27, 2024 AVAS Bird Walk

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:55:00 GMT

On the crisp, cold Saturday morning of January 27, 2024, a total of 15 participants identified 30 species of birds at the NWDC River Campus.

Birds:

Mallard
Redhead
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Eurasian Collared-Dove
White-winged Dove
American Coot
Great Blue Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Hawk- Probably Sharp-shinned
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Black-billed Magpie
Common Raven
Mountain Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Canyon Towhee
Spotted Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird (featured in cover photo)

Total species – 30

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

January 2024 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 21:35:00 GMT

January 2024 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

NWDC Appoints New Maintenance Technician, Zane Groom

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:29:00 GMT

(January 3, 2024) – The Nature & Wildlife Discovery (NWDC) is happy to announce that Zane Groom has been hired as our new Full-Time Maintenance Technician. Zane (He/Him/His) will primarily tend to the land and facilities of our Mountain Campus. Zane will also assist in coordinating NWDC’s park projects with volunteers.

Zane spent his last 6 years as a diesel mechanic and looks forward to applying, demonstrating, and learning new skills with NWDC. He enjoys loading his free time with anything outdoors, including backpacking, fishing, and camping all the while being accompanied by his many four-legged friends.

About NWDC

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phon e : (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

December 23, 2023 AVAS Bird Walk

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:56:00 GMT

On December 23, 2023, 11 participants saw or heard 17 bird species. It was a very cool but dry and calm morning along the river.

Birds:

Mallard
Common Goldeneye (featured in cover photo)
Common Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Eurasian Collared Dove
White-winged Dove
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
House Sparrow
Canyon Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-Eyed Junco
Brewer’s Blackbird

Total Species – 17

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Winter 2023 – Nature Journal

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 23:26:00 GMT

Winter 2023 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

December 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 03:50:00 GMT

December 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

October 28, 2023 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:32:00 GMT

On October 28, 2023, 13 participants saw 14 bird species. Weather was sunny from 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range.

Birds:

Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
White-winged Dove
Sandhill Crane
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher (featured in cover photo)
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Finch
White-crowned Sparrow
Canyon Towhee
Common Grackle

Total Species – 14

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

November 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:52:00 GMT

November 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

October 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:11:00 GMT

October 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

September 23, 2023 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:22:00 GMT

On September 23, 2023, 18 participants saw 22 bird species and one frog in the river. We had great weather – 60 to 70 degrees mostly sunny.

Birds:

Wood Duck
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe — Featured in cover image
Killdeer
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Western Wood Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Blue Jay
European Starling
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Wilson-Warbler

Total Species – 22

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Fall 2023 – Nature Journal

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 04:23:00 GMT

Fall 2023 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

September 9, 2023 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:25:00 GMT

On September 9, 2023, 11 people participated in the bird walk on a lovely morning at the NWDC-River Campus.

Birds:

Osprey — Featured in cover image; photo captured by participant on walk
Blue Jay
Cormorant (6)
Wood Duck
Mallard
Red-tailed Hawk
Downy Woodpecker’ (2)
Starling (35)
Hairy Woodpecker
Eurasian-collared Dove
Great Blue Heron (2)
Turkey Vulture
Northern Flicker
Blue-winged Teal
Common Grackle
House Sparrow
Belted Kingfisher

Total Species — 17

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

September 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:34:00 GMT

September 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

NWDC Hosting Community Listening Sessions

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 19:27:00 GMT

Dates:

Virtual, Zoom: Friday, September 8th, 9:30-11:00 am
Mountain Campus, Beulah: Monday, September 11th, 6:00-8:00 pm
River Campus, Pueblo: Tuesday, September 12th, 6:00-8:00 pm

Registration is requested and may be done through hikeandlearn.org or over the phone (719-485-4444).

To make attendance more accessible for all, NWDC will provide onsite youth programming and language interpretation (if requested by registrants at least one (1) week in advance). Attendees from all three (3) sessions will also be entered into a chance to win a one-night stay at NWDC’s beautiful Horseshoe Lodge, a raptor presentation, and a Life is Good gift basket!

NWDC has not undertaken a strategic planning process since the merger of the Nature and Raptor Center with the Mountain Park Environmental Center in 2018, and is eager to engage our community to create a dynamic strategic plan that embraces our values, goals, and vision for the future.

About NWDC

The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center is a nonprofit environmental education and raptor rehabilitation center located in the City and County of Pueblo. NWDC was founded in 2018 through the merging of two veteran organizations who, combined, bring 50 years of high-quality nature programming to the Pueblo community. NWDC manages two unique locations in Pueblo and Beulah to better serve our community, engaging over 20,000 participants annually.

The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center welcomes ALL individuals as visitors, participants, and employees. We do not discriminate with regard to race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, belief, creed, nationality, ethnicity, disability, or age.

Contact:

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

August 26, 2023 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:25:00 GMT

On August 26, 2023, 12 people participated in the bird walk at the NWDC-River Campus on an overcast, humid day.

Birds:

Western Wood Pewee

Osprey

Black-billed Magpie

Eurasian-collared Dove

Red-tailed Hawk

Black-crowned Night Heron

Mallard

Wood Duck

Raven

Cormorant

Western Kingbird

Turkey Vulture

Muscovy Duck — An unexpected find (featured in cover photo).

Total Species — 13

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

August 12, 2023 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:47:00 GMT

On August 12, 2023, 10 participants enjoyed a walk in relatively cool conditions at the River Campus.

Birds:

Northern Flicker
American Robins (juveniles & adults)
Blue Jay
Cormorant
Mallards
Common Grackle
Downy Woodpecker
Yellow Warblers (3 bathing and drinking from the river)
Mourning Dove
Eurasian-collared Dove
House Sparrow
Canyon Towhee
Osprey (juvenile & adults)
Western Wood Pewee
Rock Pigeons
American Kestrel
Juvenile Green Heron (featured in cover photo)

Total Species – 17

Other beings:

Prairie Rattlesnake- laying along the trail. Thankfully spotted by one of our sharp-eyed participants. We moved back & let the snake move across the trail and into the high grass.

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

August 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 21:24:00 GMT

August 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

July 22, 2023 AVAS Birdwalk

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 03:19:00 GMT

The July 22, 2023 AVAS Birdwalk had 18 participants. A total of 26 bird species were seen and/or heard.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Mallard
Mourning Dove (featured in cover photo)
Common Nighthawk
Spotted Sandpiper
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
Mississippi Kite
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Bullock’s Oriole
Common Grackle
Grosbeak species

Total Species – 26

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

July 8, 2023 AVAS Bird Walk

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:31:00 GMT

On July 8, 2023, 11 participants walked the muddy trails of the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center- River Campus on a lovely cool morning.

Birds:

Great Horned Owl
Osprey
Northern Flicker
American Robin
Cormorant
Red-tailed Hawk
House Wren
Yellow Warbler (featured in cover photo)
Eurasian Collared Dove
Western Wood Pewee
Red-winged Blackbird
Turkey Vulture
Starling
Tree Swallow
American Kestrel
Western Kingbird

Total Species – 16

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

July 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 21:54:00 GMT

July 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

Summer 2023 – Nature Journal

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 03:48:00 GMT

Summer 2023 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

June 20, 2023 AVAS Bird Walk

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 04:39:00 GMT

A total of 14 people attended the walk at the NWDC-River Campus at 8 am. Everyone appreciated the additional walk and the earlier start time of 8 am. A total of 24 bird species were seen and/or heard.

Birds:

Western Wood-Pewee
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk (RTH)
Yellow Warbler
Blue Jay
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Turkey Vulture
Cedar Waxwing
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Eurasian-collared Dove
House Wren
Broad-tailed Hummingbird (enjoying the tubular flowers in the native plant garden)
House Sparrow
Cormorant (featured in cover photo)
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Starling
Bullock’s Oriole (male & female)
Canada Geese
Western Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird (harassing a RTH)
American Robin

Total Bird Species – 24

Other critters:

Bumble Bee
Cabbage White butterflies
Garter Snake

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

June 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:01:00 GMT

June 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

May 27, 2023 AVAS Birdwalk

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:49:00 GMT

At 9 am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

The bird walk had excellent participation in part due to pleasant spring temperatures. We had 24 participants who in total identified 24 different bird species.

Birds:

Mallard
Common Merganser
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Woodpecker Species
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee
Say’s Phoebe
Western Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird
B lue Jay (featured in cover photo)
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
European Starling
House Sparrow
House Finch
Lark Sparrow
Bullock’s Oriole
Brown-headed Cowbird
Yellow Warbler

Total Species – 24

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

May 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Thu, 11 May 2023 20:39:00 GMT

May 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

NWDC Appoints New Maintenance Technician, Nate Timme

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:21:00 GMT

(April 19, 2023) – The Nature & Wildlife Discovery (NWDC) is pleased to announce that Nate Timme has been hired as the new Full-Time Maintenance Technician. Nate (He/Him/His) has a passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to providing our community with a safe and engaging space in which to learn about nature.

As our Full-Time Maintenance Technician, Nate works diligently with our Maintenance Director to ensure NWDC’s campuses and facilities are safe, clean, and well-maintained for all guests. His ability to self-initiate and self-direct workflow, manage multiple tasks and projects, and work well with diverse groups of volunteers makes him a valuable asset to the team. Nate also brings experience operating trucks, tractors, and other equipment necessary for snow removal, building, grounds improvement projects, and general use.

When he is not working, Nate can be found exploring the beautiful trails in the area with his dogs, or volunteering with local organizations that are dedicated to conservation and sustainability. Nate has always loved the outdoors. In fact, he has been coming to the Pueblo Mountain Park with District 60 since he was a child. He completed his Eagle Scout project at the NWDC River Campus in 2020, during which he led a team of volunteers to improve the grounds and enhance the visitor experience. His love for the outdoors and his commitment to the community make him an excellent fit for our team.

About NWDC

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
P h one: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

April 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:33:00 GMT

April 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

March 25, 2023 AVAS Birdwalk

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 18:11:00 GMT

At 9 am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

The bird walk had good participation despite cold temperatures and wind gusts between 10-20 mph. We had 8 participants, saw 22 different bird species, and even spotted a beaver swimming in the river and entering its lodge.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
White-winged Dove
Morning Dove
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Black-billed Magpie
White-breasted Nuthatch
Curve-billed Thrasher
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
White-crowned Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle

Total Species – 22

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

Spring 2023 – Nature Journal

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 22:22:00 GMT

Spring 2023 Nature Journal PDF (opens in new window/tab)

March 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:23:00 GMT

March 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

February 25, 2023 AVAS Birdwalk

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 19:39:00 GMT

At 9 am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

The February 25, 2023 AVAS Birdwalk had 17 participants. A total of 21 bird species were seen and/or heard. The rarest bird seen was a Black-crowned Night-Heron, and it was spotted from the River Campus Deck area.

Birds:

Mallard
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Pied-billed Grebe

American Coot

Ring-billed Gull

Black-crowned Night-Heron (featured in cover image)

Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk

Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Bushtit
White-breasted Nuthatch
Townsend’s Solitaire
American Robin
European Starling
House Sparrow
House Finch

Total Species – 21

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

February 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 19:50:00 GMT

February 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window /tab)

January 28, 2023 AVAS Birdwalk

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 20:25:00 GMT

At 9 am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

The January 28, 2023 AVAS Birdwalk drew 7 participants, and 15 species of birds were spotted. Harry Rurup led the walk, and the weather was partly cloudy, with a light breeze and temperatures in the 30s.

Birds:

Wood Duck
Mallard
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Red-tailed Hawk (cover photo)
Ferruginous Hawk (photo at right)
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Bushtit
American Robin

Total Species – 15

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

January 2023 – Ranger Ramblings

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 19:02:00 GMT

January 2023 Ranger Ramblings PDF (opens in new window/tab)

December 24, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 21:36:00 GMT

At 9 am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

The December 24, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk provided folks with the chance to spend time outdoors with their family and friends before the Christmas holiday. Despite freezing temperatures 9 participants met up for the walk, and their fortitude was rewarded! A total of 17 bird species were seen and/or heard. There was even a special sighting of a Great Horned Owl; perhaps this was the young male that NWDC’s Raptor Center just released back into the wild on December 15? We can’t be sure, but it was a beautiful sighting indeed.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Gadwall
Mallard
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Great Horned Owl (featured in cover photo)
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
American Crow
American Robin
European Starling
Canyon Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco

Total Species – 17

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

November 26, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 23:09:00 GMT

At 9 am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

During the November 26, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk, 24 bird species were seen and/or heard, and 18 participants attended. Clif Smith led this beautiful fall morning walk.

Birds:

Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Northern Shoveler (featured in cover photo)
Redhead
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Pied-billed Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collard-Dove
American Coot
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Great Blue Heron
Cooper’s Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Townsend’s Solitaire
European Starling
Canyon Towhee
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco

Total Species – 24

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

October 22, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 21:08:00 GMT

At 9am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

During the October 22, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk, 18 bird species were seen and/or heard, and 15 participants attended. Clif Smith led this beautiful fall morning walk.

Birds:

Wood Duck
Mallard
Common Merganser (featured in cover photo)
White-winged Dove
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
European Starling
House Sparrow
House Finch
Spotted Towhee
White-crown Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird

Total Species – 18

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

September 24, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:49:33 GMT

At 9am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

During the September 24, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk, 23 bird species were seen and/or heard, and 12 participants attended. Harry Rurup, Clif Smith, and Brandon Percival all helped to lead this walk. A Cinnamon Teal Duck was identified – a highlight of the day, and a first for the AVAS birdwalks at the River Campus! Brandon Percival spotted it first among a few Blue-winged Teal Ducks and then he helped the rest of the birdwatchers identify it as well.

Birds:

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Blue-winged Teal

Cinnamon Teal (featured in cover photo)

Mallard

Mourning Dove

Killdeer

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Green Heron

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Red-tailed Hawk

Belted Kingfisher

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Black-capped Chickadee

European Starling

American Robin

House Sparrow

Common Grackle

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Total Species – 23

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

August 27, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:25:00 GMT

At 9am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a Birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds. During the August 27, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk, 19 birds were seen and/or heard, and ten participants attended. Harry Rurup and Clif Smith were co-leaders for this walk.

Birds:

Canada Goose (featured in cover image)
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Spotted Sandpiper
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Osprey
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Western Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
European Starling
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Yellow Warbler

Total Species – 19

NWDC Appoints Outdoor Explorations Coordinator

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:11:00 GMT

(August 22, 2022) – The Nature & Wildlife Discovery (NWDC) is pleased to announce that Elise Lokey has been hired as the new Outdoor Explorations Coordinator. In this role, Elise will coordinate our Outdoor Explorations Program (OEP) in partnership with the Alpine International Preparatory Academy . The Outdoor Explorations Program is a tuition-free program designed to supplement homechool curriculum with natural science, experiential learning, community-building, and self-discovery.

Elise Lokey received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University Pueblo, where she studied Wildlife and Natural Resources with an aquatic emphasis. As a college student and research intern at CSU Pueblo, she gained knowledge and experience in field research, wildlife handling, conservation, ecology, and public speaking. She has presented research on topics relating to severe weather due to climate change and its effect on prairie songbirds at three symposiums. After presenting her research to a large group of curious kids, Elise fell in love with the idea of inspiring young minds.

Before joining the team at NWDC, Elise worked as a seasonal naturalist at Lake Pueblo State Park. There, she gained experience and practical training in program development, community outreach, environmental education, volunteer coordination, archery instruction, and developing meaningful partnerships.

Elise strives to make a difference in the world by sharing her experiences with others in stewardship, outdoor recreation, and wildlife. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her dogs, kayak, hike, shoot archery, and travel.

About NWDC

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit environmental education and raptor rehabilitation center located in the City and County of Pueblo, Colorado. NWDC was founded in 2018 through the merging of two veteran organizations who bring 50 combined years of high-quality nature programming to the Pueblo community. NWDC now manages these two unique locations to better serve our community, engaging over 20,000 participants annually.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
P h one: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

July 23, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 17:04:00 GMT

At 9am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a Birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

During the July 23, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk, 22 birds were seen and/or heard, as well as a beaver and several insects. Ten participants attended, including one baby. Photos were taken by Pearle Sandstrom-Smith.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Mallard
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Common Nighthawk
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Double-crested Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Mississippi Kite
Red-tailed Hawk
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Barn Swallow
House Wren
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow (featured in cover photo)
Bullock’s Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Blue Grosbeak

Total Species – 22

Other Wildlife and Insects Seen:

Beaver
Black Beetle
Black and Gold Dragonfly
Orange Skipper Butterfly
White Cabbage Butterfly
Yellow Sulfur Butterfly

About AVAS

The Arkansas Valley Audubon Society (AVAS) is located in Pueblo, Colorado and is one of 500 Audubon chapters around the country. AVAS conducts birding activities, offers community
programs, contributes to pro-environmental legislative initiatives, and works with agencies that manage public lands and sponsors birding field trips. The mission of AVAS is to promote the conservation of nature through education, political action and field activities with a focus on birds, other wildlife and habitat in Southern Colorado.

Visit the AVAS website

June 25, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 19:38:00 GMT

At 9am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a Birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

During the June 25, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk, 31 birds were seen and/or heard. Fourteen participants attended, including a baby! The trip was led by Pearle Sandstrom-Smith.

Birds:

Mallard
Eurasian-collared Dove
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Double-crested Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Osprey (featured in cover photo)
Mississippi Kite
Red-tailed Hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee
Cordilleran Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Warbling Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Barn Swallow
Cliff Swallow
House Wren
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
Yellow-breasted Chat
Bullock’s Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Yellow Warbler

Total – 31

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

NWDC Appoints New Full-Time Maintenance Technician

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 04:29:00 GMT

(June 25, 2022) – The Nature & Wildlife Discovery (NWDC) is pleased to announce that Tanner Secora has been hired as the new Full-time Maintenance Technician.

Tanner is a Pueblo native and went to Central High School (Go Wildcats!). Tanner then attended college at Colorado State University Fort Collins. He is now studying to become an electrician at Intellitec College. A jack of all trades, in past years Tanner has worked as a cook, worked in construction, and even worked in medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tanner enjoys fly-fishing the Arkansas River and hunting elk in Grand Junction. He also shoots nature, landscape, and astro photography on his mirrorless Canon M200. His favorite lens is the 50mm for its versatility. When he is not working, Tanner is camping, fixing things, dirt biking, and off-roading.

About NWDC

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit environmental education and raptor rehabilitation center located in the City and County of Pueblo, Colorado. NWDC was founded in 2018 through the merging of two veteran organizations who bring 50 combined years of high-quality nature programming to the Pueblo community. NWDC now manages these two unique locations to better serve our community, engaging over 20,000 participants annually.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
P h one: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

May 28, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:42:00 GMT

At 9am on the fourth Saturday of every month, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society leads a Birdwalk at the NWDC River Campus for an enjoyable outing to view and identify a variety of birds.

During the May 22, 2022 AVAS Birdwalk, 27 birds were seen and/or heard. Ten participants attended, and they saw their very first Common Nighthawk! The trip was co-led by Harry Rurup and Clif Sandstrom.

Birds:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck (featured in cover photo)
Mallard
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Common Nighthawk
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Woodpecker Species (Heard)
Western Kingbird
Blue Jay
Swallow Species (Seen)
Bushtit
White-breasted Nuthatch
Bewick’s Wren
European Starling
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Canyon Towhee
Bullock’s Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Yellow Warbler

Total – 27

About AVAS

Visit the AVAS website

NWDC Appoints New Sales & Marketing Director

Thu, 19 May 2022 03:33:00 GMT

(May 18, 2022) – The Nature & Wildlife Di scovery Center (NWDC) is pleased to announce that Jennifer de Groot has been hired as the new Sales & Marketing Director.

Jennifer joined NWDC on Monday, May 16th. She brings several years of experience in the fields of digital marketing, non-profit operation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Electronic Media from Colorado State University Pueblo. She spent her college years facilitating outdoor excursions and working as the PR & Marketing Supervisor for CSU Pueblo Outdoor Pursuits. Her professional experience also includes a position as the Electronic Media & Foundation Specialist at Pueblo Community Health Center and a position as the Sponsorship & Media Assistant at the Colorado State Fair.

Jennifer has a demonstrated history of volunteer work for NWDC, including the execution of the Fall 2020 Volunteer River Campus Clean-Up Days. She also performed volunteer marketing duties for the 2018 Beulah Challenge Run when it was organized in collaboration with the Mountain Park Environmental Center. Jennifer is excited to enhance NWDC’s brand image, expand pathways of communication, and steward key partnerships for the success of the organization.

As Sales & Marketing Director, Jennifer is responsible for developing and implementing the sales and marketing strategies that assist NWDC in achieving its mission as well as raising awareness of the facilities, organization, programs, and initiatives. When she is not working at NWDC, Jennifer is painting murals on the Arkansas River Levee, hitting the trails with her dog Mayday, and stand-up paddle boarding at the Lake Pueblo reservoir.

About NWDC

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit environmental education and raptor rehabilitation center located in the City and County of Pueblo, Colorado. NWDC was founded in 2018 through the merging of two veteran organizations who bring 50 combined years of high-quality nature programming to the Pueblo community. NWDC now manages these two unique locations to better serve our community, engaging over 20,000 participants annually.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
P h one: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

NWDC Appoints Executive Director

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:20:00 GMT

(March 16, 2022) – The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center’s (NWDC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Taylor Driver has been appointed as the new Executive Director.

Taylor joined NWDC on Monday, April 4th, and brings over 9 years of non-profit experience in stewardship, environmental education, and volunteerism. She joins NWDC after almost 5 years with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC), though some might recognize her as the former Program Director of the Mountain Park Environmental Center.

Throughout her career, Taylor has honed her skills in developing innovative partnerships and strategic program development to support organization growth and relevancy. She is looking forward to bringing her passion for community engagement to bolster new partnerships, key stakeholders, and volunteer supporters to further increase the stability and reach of NWDC.

Taylor’s appointment concludes a thorough search process that evaluated many qualified candidates.

About NWDC

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit environmental education and raptor rehabilitation center located in the City and County of Pueblo, Colorado. NWDC was founded in 2018 through the merging of two veteran organizations who bring 50 combined years of high-quality nature programming to the Pueblo community. NWDC now manages these two unique locations to better serve our community, engaging over 20,000 participants annually.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
P h one: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org