COYOTE

Discover Aurora’s True Nature

Aurora NaturalistPublic Program Calendar

June-August 2018

AuroraGov.org

Urban Mosquito Safety and Awareness

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Does the city help control mosquitoes?Aurora is responsible for mosquito control in all city-managed parks, natural areas, stream corridors, trail corridors and public properties. The city uses larvicide that specifically targets the larval life of the mosquito, preventing maturation. Larvicide is a cost-effective method of treatment that does not harm humans, wildlife or waterfowl. Aurora does not employ space sprays or airborne methods for controlling mosquitoes. Application of larvicide pellets is done by hand to stagnant bodies of water and is effective 10 – 14 days. Application typically occurs May through September, dependent on moisture levels and temperature. Most parks with large bodies of water, such as Expo and Utah Park, are designed to allow water to flow through and also have aerators to move the water. Since mosquitoes will not lay eggs in moving water, these ponds do not need treatment. What can I do to help control mosquitoes?Many homeowners living near a park or greenbelt assume that the mosquitoes they see must come from these areas. In fact, homeowners must carefully inspect their own property for standing or stagnant water. Mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs in still water, which hatch in 7 to 10 days. If overwatering and pooled or standing water is eliminated from the areas around your home weekly, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place. What is West Nile Virus (WNV)?West Nile virus is a disease that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Common in Africa, west Asia and the Middle East for decades, it first appeared in the U.S. in 1999. Less than one percent of mosquitoes carry this virus and less than one percent of people infected with the virus will develop severe illness. West Nile Virus symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, stupor and disorientation. If you experience these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.

How is the virus spread?The virus is carried long distances by infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then pass the virus to birds, humans and animals, particularly horses. Household pets do not spread the illness. TIPS FOR AVOIDING EXPOSURE TO MOSQUITOES:Personal Protection• Be aware that mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If you are going to be out at these times, be sure to take measures to protect yourself from bites.• Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you will be outside and exposed to mosquitoes. • Apply insect repellent to exposed areas. Be sure to follow directions for all insect repellents. • Install or repair window and door screens and keep screen doors closed at dawn and dusk to keep mosquitoes out of your home.Community ProtectionWatch for and DRAIN standing water around the house weekly, including tires, cans, flowerpots, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, pool and hot tub covers, rain barrels, toys and tarps.

Aurora Nature CentersMorrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch 16002 E. Smith Road • 303.326.8445Wed.-Fri. noon—4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

Senac Creek Nature Center5800 S. Powhatan Road • 303.326.8429Wed.-Fri. noon—4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

Plains Conservation Center21901 E. Hampden Ave. • 303.326.8380Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.—2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.—7 p.m.

AuroraGov.org/Nature

21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora, CO 303.326.8380 • AuroraGov.org/NatureMon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Exciting New Programs at the Plains Conservation Center offered by the City of Aurora and Denver Botanic Gardens. Registration for these events and more, including botanical soap making and photography, are on the Denver Botanic Gardens website: BotanicGardens.org/Plains-Conservation-Center.

NATIVE AMERICAN LIFE ON THE PLAINSAges 12 and older Immerse yourself in Native American culture with a short presentation followed by learning how to set up a tipi and make Native American style crafts to take home. Snacks included! Be sure to dress for the weather and bring your sense of adventure. • June 16 and Aug. 4• Sat., 10 a.m.-noon• $12/per person, per program

PRAIRIE ECOLOGY WAGON RIDE IN SPANISHAges 6 and olderJoin us for a prairie adventure. Come and learn about prairie wildlife and ecology while you sit and relax on a fun wagon ride at the Plains Conservation Center. The whole program will be done in Spanish. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring your sense of adventure. • Sat., June 23, 10-11 a.m.• Sat., Aug. 18, 4-5 p.m.• $12/per person, per program

BIRD NERD SATURDAYSAges 7 and olderWhether you are new to birding or a seasoned pro, this is a great opportunity to socialize with other bird enthusiasts and enjoy some light refreshments. Experienced naturalists will lead you onto the 1,100 acre prairie to watch birds and other wildlife. • June 9, July 28 and Aug. 18• Sat., 9-11 a.m.• $5/per person, per program

Plains Conservation Center

NATURE AT NIGHT Explore nature after the sun goes down.Coyotes255462 June 15• Fri., 8:15-9:15 p.m.Raccoons255461 July 20• Fri., 8:15-9:15 p.m.Bats255460 Aug. 17• Fri., 7:45-8:45 p.m.• Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch

SUNSET STROLL Enjoy an evening walk to look for wildlife.255476 June 5 Tue., 8-9 p.m.• Pronghorn Natural Area255475 Aug. 15 Wed., 7:45-8:45 p.m.• Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC

NATURE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOODStroll the trails in your neighborhood park with a naturalist to see what animals are out in the evening. 255464 Aug. 10 Fri., 7:45-8:45 p.m.• Red-tailed Hawk Park, meet in parking lot

FAMILIES◄◄BIRD WALKSAges 8 and olderJoin us to look for hawks, owls and other birds as we walk the trails. 255444 June 9 Ponderosa Preserve255569 July 14 Spring Hill Trailhead255445 Aug. 11 Confluence Open Space• Sat., 8-10 a.m.

NATURE WALK Ages 8 and olderEnjoy a morning walk at this beautiful Aurora open space area not yet open to the public. 255467 Aug. 25 Sat., 8-10 a.m. • Confluence Open Space

KAYAK EXPLORATIONSAges 15 and olderExplore Aurora Reservoir by kayak. Instruction included. 255440 June 8255555 June 22

255441 July 6255556 July 20

• Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m.255442 Aug. 3 255557 Aug. 17• Fri., 6-8 p.m. 255574 Aug. 31• Fri., 5:30-7:30 p.m.• Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC

FULL MOON HIKEJoin us for a walk as the full moon rises to see who's out at night. 255452 July 27 Fri., 8:15-9:15 p.m.• Quincy Reservoir

KIDS◄◄JR. RANGERSAges 6-12Learn about the plants and animals that call Star K Ranch home in this fun and educational class at the Morrison Nature Center. Life under a Log255455 June 10Creek Critters255457 July 8

Insect Safari255456 Aug. 12

• Sun., 9:30-11 a.m.• Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch

STAR K KIDSAges 5 and youngerDiscover Aurora's true nature through puppets, interactive activities and discovery time on the trail. No registration required.• Every Thu., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. • Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch

LITTLE NATURALISTSAges 5 and underBring your child to the Aurora Reservoir to discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, activities and exploration time on the trail. No registration required.• Every Fri., 9:30 a.m.• Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC

STAR K NATURE CAMPAges 6-12Your child will love exploring and learning about wildlife at our adventurous day camp.255449 June 19-22 255451 July 10-13• Tue.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon• $50 per child• Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch

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Cover photo by Bert Philippus. Other photos by Victoria Samuel and Meg Reck.

Registration is required for all programs, except for Star K Kids. To register for nature programs, call 303.326.8650 or go online at AuroraGov.org/Recreation. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult for all programs except Junior Rangers and school break camps. Programs may be canceled due to low participation or poor weather. For information call 303.326.8445 or nature@auroragov.org.

Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch 16002 E. Smith Road303.326.8445 • AuroraGov.org/Nature

Hours: • Wed.-Fri. 12-4:30 p.m. • Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Closed Mon. and Tues.• Registration Line: 303.326.8650

ADVANCED JR RANGER CAMPAges 10-14Advanced Jr Ranger Camp is for kids who have participated in at least 1 year of Star K Nature Camp or Tween Camp.255447 June 25-29• Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.• $100• Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch

TWEEN CAMPAges 8-12Your child will love exploring and learning about wildlife at our wet and wild day camp at the Aurora Reservoir.255448 July 24-27• Tue.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon• $50 per child• Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC

WET and WILD WEDNESDAYS Ages 6-12Nature adventures at the Aurora Reservoir.Aquatic Critters255478 June 13Insects and Spiders255479 June 27Reptiles and Amphibs255480 July 18Explore the Shore255481 Aug. 1• Wed., 9:30-11 a.m.• Aurora Reservoir/Senac Creek NC

POLLINATORS AND PLANTSAges 10 and olderCelebrate National Pollinators Week! Find out why plants are important to pollinators and vice versa. Visit our sensory garden and learn how to make your garden more pollinator-friendly. 255482 June 16 Sat., 10-11:30 a.m.• Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch