Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

Birds of the Bluff
2025-05-31 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-07 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-21 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-28 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-05 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-12 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-19 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-02 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Denver) and 1 more date | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
Western Nebraska offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. It is also a fantastic place for birds!
Whether you are local or visiting Scotts Bluff National Monument as part of your vacation plans, please join a Bird Conservancy educator on Saturday mornings to learn about the amazing birds that call Scotts Bluff National Monument and western Nebraska home for the summer.
We will have a table set up on the visitor center’s front lawn and look forward to sharing our passion for birds and western Nebraska wildlife with you! In the event of inclement weather, this program will move inside the visitor center.

Birding Adventure Day Camp (Ages 12-13)
2025-06-02 09:00 - 2025-06-06 16:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Birding Adventure Camp
Ages: 12-13
When: June 2-6, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Daily
Tuition: $340/week; scholarships are available
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
Take your birding to the next level by visiting different birding hotspot locations along the front range. Campers will go on three field trips away from Barr Lake to find new birds to add to their life lists while exploring some of the different ecosystems that birds thrive in.
REGISTER HERE!

Fort Collins Foothills Day Camp (Ages 9-12)
2025-06-02 09:00 - 2025-06-06 16:00 | Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Dr, Bellvue, CO, 80512
* New Camp for 2025!
Ages: 9 – 12
When: June 2 – 6, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily
Tuition: $240/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Lory State Park, Bellvue, CO
Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and Lory State Park for a day camp week of birding through the park. We’ll explore each of the ecosystems, learning about bird species that call each of them home. Throughout the week, we’ll be putting a specific emphasis on understanding the natural history of each species, becoming better acquainted with our variety of summer and year-round species!
REGISTER HERE!

The Big Week Day Camp (Ages 10-11)
2025-06-09 09:00 - 2025-06-13 16:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
The Big Week Camp
Ages: 10-11
When: June 9- 13, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily
Tuition: $285/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
In The Big Week, campers will hone their observational and scientific skills in order to see as many bird species as possible. We will explore different habitats and seek out the birds that call them their home. All of our Day Camps strive to balance learning and fun through games, hikes, crafts, scavenger hunts, and structured outdoor play.
REGISTER HERE!

Evening Bird Walk
2025-06-18 18:30 - 20:00 | YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 Beltline Hwy W., Scottsbluff, NE, 69363
Whether you are new to birds & birding or an avid birder, we invite you to join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies educators for a relaxing summer evening walk through Riverside Park, as we look for birds along the North Platte River and within the YMCA Trails West Camp. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and meet fellow bird and nature lovers. Come for a little while or stay as long as you’d like!
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for up to the duration of the program.
Registration is limited to 15 people. Click Here to Register.
Evening Birding Walk will be gathering at YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 S Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE 69363.
For more information: Delanie at 308-633-1013 or delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program.
All are welcome. Our community of practice is to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds, beliefs, colors, and creeds to join in, benefit from, and contribute to our mission. We strive to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

On the Wing Overnight Camp (Ages 15-17)
2025-06-19 - 2025-06-27 | Cal-Wood Education Center, 2282 Co Rd 87, Jamestown, CO, 80455
On the Wing Overnight Camp
Ages: 15-17
Dates: June 19 – June 27, 2025
Tuition: $1,400/week
Location: Camp takes place in Jamestown, CO. Drop-off and pick-up take place at the Environmental Learning Center in Brighton, CO
In our longest running camp program, we aim to provide our eldest campers with opportunities to learn about careers in natural resources, spot new lifer species and create an investigative research question about the things that inspire them. From trekking through the tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park to camping among the woodland forest in the foothills, we aim to truly take these campers soaring over different unique spaces learning and having fun throughout.
REGISTER HERE!

Summer Block Party
2025-06-21 12:00 - 17:00 | Maxline Brewing, 2724 McClelland Dr #190, Fort Collins, CO, 80525
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 21st from 12 – 5 p.m. for our third annual Block Party.
Join us on Saturday, June 21st from 12 – 5 p.m. at Maxline Brewing for our third annual Summer Block Party. The Block Party is a warm weather celebration of birds, conservation and community partners! Over 150 guests will soak up the sun at Maxline Brewing as they enjoy amazing beer, fun activities and live music. The Summer Block Party is on its way to becoming the premier environmental event of the year in Fort Collins. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your support of the natural world and the community of Fort Collins!

Taking Flight Overnight Camp (Ages 12-14)
2025-07-06 - 2025-07-11 | Cal-Wood Education Center, 2282 Co Rd 87, Jamestown, CO, 80455
Taking Flight Overnight Camp
Ages: 12-14
Dates: July 6 – 11, 2025
Tuition: $950/week
Location: Camp takes place in Jamestown, CO. Drop-off and pick-up take place at the Environmental Learning Center in Brighton, CO.
Learn the ecology of the Rocky Mountains and the birds that call these spaces home. Our Taking Flight campers work toward a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna that exist here and the ways that they interact with our avian residents. We aim for these campers to come away with better observational skills and lasting memories of hiking, birding and so much more.
REGISTER HERE!

Birding by Kayak
2025-07-09 18:30 - 20:30 | NE
Gain a new perspective on birds — from the water!
After an introduction to kayaking, we will head out on the water to discover the incredible birds that love Winters Creek Lake as much as we do. Kayaks, life jackets, and binoculars will be provided. Have your own kayak? We’d love to welcome you to join, too! Email delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org to let us know you’ll be bringing your own kayak, canoe, or even paddleboard!
Provided kayaks are limited to 8 people. Participants needing to use one of our kayaks must be 10 years of age or older by the time of the event.
Registration is required if you need to borrow a kayak and closes July 7th at 11:59 p.m..
Click here to register!
Birding by Kayak will be gathering at Winters Creek Lake, off of Stonegate Road & Jenkins Road, Minatare, NE 69356. Heading north on Stonegate Road, you will turn left on Jenkins Road, then take an immediate left onto the first path/road on Jenkins. This will lead you to a dead end at the parking lot and meeting location for Birding by Kayak at Winters Creek.

Thirsty Bird - Science on Tap - 7/10/2025
2025-07-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Funkwerks Brewing, 1900 E. Lincoln Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80524
Join us at our Thirsty Bird – Science on Tap programs this year! Guests will learn about what we do as an organization, our programs in local communities and get a glimpse into our research. We hope you’ll join us throughout 2025 to raise a glass to birds and learn more about Bird Conservancy of the Rockies!
Each Thirsty Bird starts at 4 p.m. From 4 – 5 p.m. you can mingle with Bird Conservancy staff and supporters, grab a drink and get a good seat! Starting promptly at 5 p.m. a staff member will begin a presentation focused on their work at Bird Conservancy as well as fun natural history facts about local birds. These presentations are engaging, thoughtful and you will walk away with new knowledge! Last year our Thirsty Bird events were very well attended. If you are hoping to get a seat at a table we recommend arriving at 4 p.m. Otherwise it may be standing room only.
Our July presenter will be Dr. Jacob Job, our Communications Director. On any given night, dense clouds of dark, ghostly figures pass over your head as you sleep. Maybe you never knew they were there, but there are people out there who are deciphering all the unseen movement that happens amid the darkness. Dr. Jacob Job will reveal the mysteries of nocturnal bird migration through the monitoring of their nocturnal communications, a field of study still very much in its infancy.
All Thirsty Bird events take place at Funkwerks Brewing in Fort Collins.

Raptor Day Camp (Ages 8-9)
2025-07-14 09:00 - 2025-07-18 16:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Raptor Camp
Ages: 8-9
When: July 14-18, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily.
Tuition: $240/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
Raptors are top predators here on the grassland! Campers will learn all about the variety of raptors that live in Colorado, as well as their adaptations and the food webs that they dominate. All of our Day Camps strive to balance learning and fun through games, hikes, crafts, scavenger hunts, and structured outdoor play.
REGISTER HERE!

Evening Bird Walk
2025-07-16 18:30 - 20:00 | YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 Beltline Hwy W., Scottsbluff, NE, 69363
Whether you are new to birds and birding or an avid birder, we invite you to join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies educators for a relaxing summer evening walk through Riverside Park, as we look for birds along the North Platte River and within the YMCA Trails West Camp. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and meet fellow bird and nature lovers. Come for a little while or stay as long as you’d like!
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for up to the duration of the program.
Registration is limited to 15 people. Click Here to Register!
Evening Birding Walk will be gathering at YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 S Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE 69363.
For more information: Noelle at 308-633-1013 or noelle.grunwald@birdconservancy.org
Thanks to generous support from individual donations, our programs are offered at NO COST to you! Want to help keep our programs at no cost? Consider donating to Bird Conservancy’s – Nebraska Education Program. All are welcome. Our community of practice is to be an organization that empowers people of all backgrounds, beliefs, colors, and creeds to join in, benefit from, and contribute to our mission. We strive to ensure everyone feels safe and included at our programs and events, and can find a place for themselves in nature.

Budding Birders Day Camp (Ages 6-7)
2025-07-21 09:00 - 2025-07-25 16:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Budding Birders Camp
Ages: 6-7
When: July 21-25, 2025. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily.
Tuition: $240/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
Hone your birding skills in this camp designed to take your birding to the next level! Campers will become experts in binocular and field guide use, and build their observational and scientific skills. All of our Day Camps strive to balance learning and fun through games, hikes, crafts, scavenger hunts, and structured outdoor play.
REGISTER HERE!

Wild Nestlings Mini-Camp (Ages 4-5)
2025-07-28 09:00 - 2025-08-01 12:00 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Wild Nestlings Mini-Camp
Ages: 4-5
When: July 28-August 1, 2025. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Daily.
Tuition: $120/week; scholarships are available.
Location: Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO
Our youngest campers will explore the great outdoors through nature walks, crafts, stories, games, and structured outdoor play. Mini-Camps focus on building connections to the outdoors through sensory experiences, and building friendships among campers.
REGISTER HERE!

Nature Music Bingo
2025-07-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Papa Moon HQ, 3109 Ave B, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361
We are excited to partner with Papa Moon Craft Ciders to bring you Nature Music Bingo!
What does Nature Music Bingo mean? There will be music with “nature” words in the song title and artists’ names, OR actual calls from some of our local western Nebraska wildlife. You may hear coyote calls, songs like Fishin’ in the Dark, music by Earth, Wind & Fire! Phones and apps like Shazam and Merlin Bird ID (sound identification) can be used to help you identify the songs.
No cost to play! Bring your friends, family, and bird nerds to enjoy this interactive edition of Nature Music Bingo at the Papa Moon HQ on Avenue B.

Four Wings, Infinite Impact - Stories of Modern Bird Conservation
2025-07-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO, 80205
Step into an inspiring evening at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science as we explore how the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is reshaping the future of conservation. Discover how the powerful synergy of science, stewardship, and education is not only protecting bird populations—but also offering bold, innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Join us for thought-provoking presentations and an in-depth panel discussion moderated by the Museum’s Director of Zoology and Curator of Ornithology, Dr. Garth Spellman; and featuring leading voices with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies focused on conservation, ecology, and community engagement:
Panelists: Tammy VerCauteren, Executive DirectorSherry Nickolaus Education DirectorEmily Chavez, Stewardship Director

Together, we’ll explore how saving birds can help save the planet—and why that matters for all of us. We can’t wait to see you at the Museum!

Get your tickets HERE!

Birds & Brews
2025-08-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Papa Moon Craft Ciders – The Farm, 230975 County Road J, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is excited to announce our second annual Birds & Brews fundraiser! Guests will soak in the late summer sunset at Papa Moon Craft Ciders – The Farm, enjoy delicious cider, fun activities, and friendly bidding competitions with the silent auction. This exciting event continues to unite bird lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and community members from Scottsbluff and beyond while showcasing your support of the natural world and the community of the Nebraska Panhandle!

All proceeds raised will directly support environmental education projects across the Nebraska Panhandle.
Bird lovers of all ages are welcome!
*The first 75 tickets sold will receive a commemorative glass.
**Every ticket sold will receive their first pour free.
Questions? Please contact Delanie Bruce at (308) 633-1013 or delanie.bruce@birdconservancy.org.

Birds of Nebraska
2025-08-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
From the melodious song of a western meadowlark calling out across the prairie, to the epic world-renowned spring migration of over half a million sandhill cranes, Nebraska is a haven for birds and a bird lover’s paradise.
This indoor presentation will highlight why Nebraska is such a great state for birds as well as introduce participants to several of Nebraska’s most notable species.

Nebraska Statewide Kayak Cleanup
2025-08-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Lake Minatare SRA, 290415 The Point Road, Minatare, NE, 69356
Join us for this special STATEWIDE Kayak Clean Up. Other locations across Nebraska will also participate and clean up their respective habitats. Together, let’s see how many pounds of trash we can remove from our ecosystems in just one evening!
We will be providing trash bags & gloves for all those interested in helping to clean up trash while on the water. We will meet at the West Wind Bay Boat Ramp. Safety and basic instructions will be given at the beginning of the event. You will be emailed prior to the event to confirm your registration and any needed details.
This event is free, and we welcome you to either borrow a kayak or bring your own! Due to limited kayak supply, we do require registration. To register to use a kayak from Nebraska Game and Parks, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGHJVQZ (Kayaks are available to people ages 10 & up, and are limited on a first-come first first-serve basis)
To let us know you plan on coming and that you’re either bringing your own kayak, or cleaning up on land, visit the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGMCCJN

Barr Lake Banding Station
2025-08-23 - 2025-08-24, 2025-08-26 - 2025-08-31 | Barr Lake Banding Station, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, CO, 80603
Migration is a magical time of year! Join us for a unique opportunity to experience science in action and observe a wildlife biologist banding and collecting important scientific data on live, migrating birds. The data collected gives us insight to many aspects of avian life history and can be used to inform conservation decisions.
Click Here to Register!
Scholarships are available! Please apply before registering for your visit. You can apply by clicking here.
Open to the public August 23 through October 23, six days a week (closed Mondays). Weekday programs available from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m., and weekend programs are available from 8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., and 10-11 a.m.
Schedule is weather permitting. Station is closed during precipitation or high winds, and may close early during very hot weather and open later if very cold.
Access to the Banding Station requires traveling ~1/4 of a mile on a gravel trail. Please let us know if we can offer any accommodations or assistance to help you get to the Station. Please note, the Banding Station is in a new temporary location this year. Instructions will be included in your confirmation email.
Parking is available at the Barr Lake State Park Nature Center Parking lot ($10/vehicle Daily Entrance Fee; Annual State Park Pass; or Keep Colorado Wild Pass entrance fee applies) – 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, CO 80603. Accessible parking and accessible restrooms are available.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Doxon, Education Manager, at sarah.doxon@birdconservancy.org or (303) 659-4348 x53

Girl Scout Journey in a Day: Think Like a Citizen Scientist
2025-08-23 10:00 - 14:30 | Environmental Learning Center, 16500 Lark Bunting Ln, Brighton, CO, 80603
Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies for a Journey in a Day on Saturday August 23rd, 2025! This event will help you work toward the requirements for the Think Like A Citizen Scientist Journey. Learn all about birds, wildlife, and how you can contribute meaningful data to science by observing the natural world around you!
The formal program will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. but you are welcome to arrive early or stay late and enjoy Barr Lake State Park. We will break for lunch on your own (we’ll provide the space, you provide the lunch) from 12-12:45 p.m. and reconvene at 1 p.m. Be sure to bring water bottles, hats, sunscreen, insect repellant, and anything else you need to be comfortable in the outdoors all day.
This event is for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF EVENT. All scouts must be accompanied by their caregiver or attend with their troop. Adult safety ratios must be followed.
Click here to register!
Please note a $10 daily or an annual Colorado State Park Pass will be required for entry into the park. Daily passes are valid until noon the following day.
We will send out final details two days before the event with parking and driving directions but feel free to reach out if you have any questions prior to that.
Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-served need basis. If you would like to apply for a scholarship please reach out to Sarah Doxon at sarah.doxon@birdconservancy.org BEFORE completing registration. Scholarship funds must be awarded before you register. Thank you!
