Parks and Open Space Department

Aurora’s Morrison Nature Center Located at Star K Ranch

Center Hours:

NOON – 4:30 PM Wednesday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday)

Contact Us:

Phone: 303-739-2428 FAX: 303-739-2429 E-mail: nature@auroragov.org

Mailing Address:

16002 E. Smith Road Aurora, CO 80011

Star K Ranch is a 200-acre natural area and outdoor learning center located along the Sand Creek Greenway. The area is located south of Smith Road and north of Colfax Avenue between Chambers Road and Airport Boulevard. To get there, travel ½ mile east of Chambers Road on Smith Road, turn south on Laredo Street and look for the green tile roof of the Morrison Nature Center at the bottom of the hill. Star K Ranch Trail Map Sand Creek Greenway Trail

WILD NEWS!

TEACHERS – Call for updated information about school programs – bring your students to our sites or we will come to you. Call 303-739-2428.

ANIMAL CHECKLIST – We’ve compiled a checklist of animals commonly found in Aurora’s open space and natural areas. Challenge yourself and see if you can find all the species listed. Stop by the nature center for field guides and hints on the best place to see all the animals listed. CHECKLIST

Park and Open Space System MAPS – Pick up your guide to Aurora’s parks, trails, natural open space areas, and golf courses. Available at the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, the Aurora Reservoir or the Parks main office at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, room 4600. Or call us at 303-326-8948 or e-mail your name and address to opensp@auroragov.org.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS and EVENTS

NATURE SERIES – Join us on the 3rd Saturday of each month for a special program about a plant or animal commonly found in Aurora. April 19 – Waterbirds – 10:00 AM, all ages, Morrison Nature Center (MNC) May 17 – Wildflowers – 9:00 AM, ages 10 and over, Ponderosa Preserve June 21 – Bluebirds – 10:00 AM, all ages, MNC

GUIDED BIRD WALKS – Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month for a guided bird walk. Grab your binoculars and a book (or borrow them from us) and get to know our feathered folks. FREE, ages 10 and over, all birding ability levels welcome. April 12 – 8:30 AM, Ponderosa Preserve May 10 – 8:30 AM, Coal Creek Arena June 14 – 7:30 AM, Star K Ranch

Girl Scout Badge Day – April 20 – 10 AM & 1 PM Water Badges for Brownies and Juniors, Aurora Reservoir. $1 per child, reservations required, call 303-739-2428

WEEKEND PROGRAMS (Call 303-739-2428 for information and to pre-register.)

Waterfowl Walk – April 5 – 8:30 AM, Aurora Reservoir Wildflower Walk – May 3 – 9:00 AM, Aurora reservoir

2008 Program Schedule

JUST FOR KIDS Nature Center Overnights!! Discover the “night life” in Aurora natural areas, learn the constellations, and more at these awesome overnights. Ages 8-12, $20 per child, registration required! Star K Stay May 31-June 1 5:30 PM – 9:00 AM MNC AWQUA Lock June 21-22 5:30 PM – 9 AM AR Day Camps Kids will love exploring and learning about nature at our day camps! Tues – Fri from 9-noon. $50 per child, registration required! Star K Nature Camp June 17-20 Ages 6-12 MNC AWQUA Tween Camp July 29 – Aug 1 Ages 8-12 AR Wet & Wild Wednesdays at Aurora Reservoir 1st & 3rd Weds. of the month, June-August. FREE! Ages 6-12. Programs offered at Aurora Reservoir have a $7 per vehicle entry fee.

Newsletter

CALLING VOLUNTEER STEWARDS – Do you want to learn more about your local wildlife, plant life and Natural Areas? Do you want to help preserve and protect these resources by sharing your passion with others? Please call 303-739-2428 or e-mail nature@auroragov.org for an application and more information.

Nature as your Neighbor – Thinking about moving in next to a natural area? Learn more about the joys and responsibilities of having Nature as your Neighbor.

Project Funding: Learn more about the funding sources used to complete this facility.

Morrison Family Charitable Trust