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Had I known when I was interviewing for this position that one of the resident species at the Nature Center was the tarantula, I would have quickly placed it into the category of animals to...
DATE: Oct. 13, 2017 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
With summer temperatures hanging on relentlessly, it seems surreal that we are already three weeks into the new school year. But the flurry of youthful activity around town confirms that it has...
DATE: Sept. 8, 2017 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
As fall approaches, we are starting to see signs of migration throughout the Four Corners. Flocks of geese are seen flying overhead in their “V” formation. Elk and deer are starting to move down...
DATE: Aug. 11, 2017 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
One of my favorite games we play at the Nature Center is the metamorphosis relay. The relay allows kids to act out the change that happens when a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. It is...
DATE: June 9, 2017 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
The Durango Nature Center opened to the public on May 6. The day was sunny and beautiful, and our volunteer docent, Sheila Payne, was there to open the gates. Grace Gordon, our program...
DATE: May 11, 2017 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
Earth Day has focused on many things since its inception in 1970. When it began, there was very little concern at a political level about the perils of human impact on the planet. Rachel Carson’s...
DATE: April 6, 2017 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
During times of uncertainty, it is essential to recognize the constants that provide joy and groundedness to transcend politics. Studies have shown that a connection between children and nature...
DATE: March 8, 2017 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
Milestones are often daunting and deserve recognition. But, at the same time, they are also just days in the year, and life keeps on going. I celebrated my 50th birthday over the holidays, and...
DATE: Jan. 12, 2017 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
Almost every child, when asked if they could wish for any three things around the holidays, usually includes a perfunctory “I wish for peace on Earth.” Yes, maybe this is thrown in as the final...
DATE: Dec. 7, 2016 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
November is a time of thanksgiving, and for some reason the turkey is the symbol of our thankfulness. I say “for some reason” because historians are not absolutely sure where this tradition...
DATE: Nov. 9, 2016 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
With Halloween just around the corner, I am going to indulge myself and write about the vampire bat. Although not found in Colorado, the myths and lore connected to this little creature are found...
DATE: Oct. 12, 2016 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
Tonight begins Durango Nature Studies’ Fall Naturalist and Educator training. The training is an adult education program that teaches participants about the natural history of the Durango Nature...
DATE: Sept. 7, 2016 | COLUMN: Durango Nature Studies
