winter 2017 e l pa s o c ou n t y pa r k s n a t ur e c e

El Paso County

Parks Nature

Centers will

connect people to

their natural and

cultural resources

and inspire them

to become

stewards for the

parks and our

environment.

E L P A S O C O U N T Y P A R K S N A T U R E C E N T E R S Winter 2017

Naturalist Notes

MISSION

Volunteer Corner 2

Volunteer Highlight

Rick’s Cartoon

3

3

2016 Donors 4-5

2016 Annual

Snapshot Insert

Nature Camper

Profiles

6

Fountain Creek Happenings

7

Bear Creek Sightings 7

Upcoming Programs 8

El Paso County

Parks Nature

Centers connect

people to their

natural and

cultural resources

and inspire them to

become stewards for

the parks and our

environment.

Friends of EPC Nature Centers Elect New Board Members

T he El Paso County Nature Centers are fortunate to have an incredible,

unmatched partner for nature center operations in the 501-c-3, non-profit

organization, Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers. This volunteer

organization and its board, made up of elected volunteers and community

supporters, conduct fundraising for seasonal staff salaries, exhibit expansion,

provide volunteer support for programs and much more. They are the fiduciary

proprietor of program fees, grants and donations that eventually go directly back

to both Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers to support programs,

exhibits and general operational support.

During the November election, the membership voted in three board positions:

Shirley Gipson, Treasurer, and Rene Chatham and Meg Poole, At-Large

Board Members. Jim Mariner, President, Anne Schofield, Vice President and

Sue Luenser, Secretary continue to fill their terms. Immediate Past President

Risë Foster-Bruder also continues to benefit the organization with her

institutional knowledge and serves as Co-Chair of the Pikes Peak Birding and

Nature Festival. Staff and continuing board members thank outgoing Treasurer,

Melody Agruso for her dedicated years of service and diligent record keeping.

New Board Members, Rene Chatham and Meg Poole, bring new enthusiasm to

their work on the board. Rene’s children grew up attending nature camps at both

nature centers. She lives

in the neighborhood of

Bear Creek and runs the

trails regularly. Meg

Poole is a talented

interpreter who worked

for a short time as

Program Coordinator at

Bear Creek and is now

Program Coordinator for

the Colorado Springs

Pioneers Museum. We

welcome both to their

new roles in supporting

the mission of the nature

centers! Rene Chatham, Meg Poole, Shirley Gipson, Sue Luenser, Sally

Miller. Not pictured, Jim Mariner, Anne Schofield, Risë Foster-

Bruder.

I t is time to refresh and re-energize

for the busy year ahead. Why not

attend training as a refresher?

This year Environmental Education

Leaders that have not taken training

in the past four years are required to

attend the Environmental Education

training in March.

New Volunteer Orientation

Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m.-12:00,

Fountain Creek Nature Center

Environmental Education Program

Leader Training

March 21-24, 8:30 a.m.-12:00,

Fountain Creek and Bear Creek Nature

Centers

Interpretive Volunteer Recognition

Night

Thursday, March, 2, 2017, 5-7 p.m.

Please join us for an evening of fun,

recognition and appreciation extended

Naturalist Notes

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers

President

Jim Mariner

Vice President

Anne Schofield

Secretary

Susan Luenser

Treasurer

Shirley Gipson

At Large members

Sally Miller

Rene Chatham

Meg Poole

Past President

Risë Foster-Bruder

STAFF

Division Manager

Todd Marts

BCNC Supervisor

Mary Jo Lewis

FCNC Supervisor

Nancy Stone Bernard

Bear Creek Nature Center

245 Bear Creek Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

719-520-6387

Fountain Creek Nature Center

320 Pepper Grass Lane

Fountain, CO 80817

719-520-6745

Editor: Todd Marts

Layout & Design: Nancy Bernard

Like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter!

Volunteer Corner by Paula Megorden, Volunteer Consultant

Environmental Education

Leader Training Dates:

Fountain Creek

Tuesday & Wednesday,

March 21 & 22

Bear Creek

Thursday & Friday,

March 23 & 24

to our Interpretive Volunteers and

guests.

Please check with the nature centers

for desk and program leader

opportunities. We appreciate your

assistance and so do the visitors!

Recruitment

Anyone interested in becoming a

volunteer may contact the Volunteer

Consultant at

[email protected].

El Paso County Volunteer of the Year

The El Paso County Park Advisory Board awarded Sarah Kay, Fountain Creek

Nature Center Teen Volunteer, Volunteer of the Year for 2016! Sarah’s love for

the environment and the nature center are evident in her actions: attendance at

over thirty nature camps,

volunteered in nine camps and

many special events. She has an

environmental stewardship ethic

that kicks in whether at nature

camp, with friends or running the

trails with her Mesa Ridge High

School Cross-Country team.

Thank you Sarah for your

commitment to the environment

and congratulations on your well

deserved award! El Paso County Parks Advisory Board with Sarah Kay

mailto:[email protected]

Winter 2017

G rowing up in Kronberg, Germany, Jutta

developed a love for the outdoors and animals,

particularly horses, dogs and cats. Fond memories

of horseback rides through the woods, outdoor

camps, Haflinger horses and other childhood

experiences undoubtedly paved the way for her

lifetime of adventures.

Jutta holds a degree in Computer Science and

worked for Computer Sciences Corporation.

Photography, aroma therapy, yoga, gardening and

traveling to other countries to backpack and bike are

favorite pastimes. Apart from cycling in Cuba with

a friend, she spent time in Costa Rica, volunteering

at Manuel Antonio National Park where she

observed a turtle laying eggs on the beach, a very

impressive experience.

After moving to Colorado, Jutta rode 100 miles near

Moab, fundraising for the Leukemia and

Lymphoma Society. Fortunately for us, in 2010

Jutta visited Fountain Creek Nature Center and

found an opportunity to volunteer. Now you find

her greeting visitors at the information desk and

helping wherever she is needed. Why does she

enjoy volunteering? “I had time and I love nature.

This is the best way to educate people to carry

forward, to conserve and take care of our

surroundings.”

Thank you, Jutta, for your outstanding commitment

of time, energy and service!

Volunteer Highlight by Paula Megorden

Jutta and Star

Rick Flores, an Interpretive Volunteer, keeps us laughing with humorous cartoons of his experiences at the nature centers.

New Junior Docent Opportunity!

Students entering 9th-12th grades may apply to

become Junior Docents at Fountain Creek Nature

Center. Training for summer will take place in

May. Contact Nancy Bernard for details.

[email protected].

Naturalist Notes

Sponsors Black Bear Diner

Buffalo Gals

Millberger Farms

RXP 103.9

Kristy Mullen, Farmer’s Insurance

Major Exhibit Donors—

$5,001-$10,000 Estate of Robert B. Mollo

Foster-Bruder, Risë and Bruder, John

Steward-$1,000 -$5,000+ Aiken Audubon Society Burke, Lucinda

Crabtree Family

Dillon, Jane

KOHLS Associates #1064




KRD Foundation

Mariner, Jim and Anne

Miller, Rex and Sally

Pikes Peak Community Foundation

Champion-$500-$999

Conboy, Chris

Gipson, Shirley and Royce

Lewis, Bobbie and Sandy

Megorden, Frank and Paula

Plute, Allison

Schofield, Anne and Jeff

Guardian-$250-$499

Bernard, Nancy

Hieronymus, Walt and Katherine

Lambert, Russell

Marts, Todd and Jennie

Nichols, Ann

Nordstrom, Dana

Petkash, Maria and Ian

Wolken, Tim and Veronica

Sustainer-$100-$249 Agruso, Melody

Bailey, Ed and Thelda

Bassein, Beth Ann

Bentley, Nancy

Burns, Christine

Chatham, Richard and Rene

Couch, Ann

Dorff, Scott and Jennifer

French, Diane

Goroski, Sara

Hartzell, David and Jacki

Hofmeister, Art and Jennifer

Infinity Social Network

Jensen, John and Lindsay

Leveille, Patricia

Lewis, Dan and Mary Jo

Dailey PC, Lisa M.

Luenser, Susan and Brtis, John

Mahoney, Christa and Jim

Marts, Tom and Coral

McAuliffe, Teresa

McCracken, Sally

McLeod, Lucy

Metzler, Sharol

Mullaney, Kathleen

Overlin, Dave and Linda

Pals, Ken and Christie

Smith, Mary and Jeff

Smith, Phyllis

Somers, Eileen

Stith, John and Karen

Thompson, J. Robert

Vincent, John and Brinah

Wilson, Mark

Advocate-$51-$99

Aden-Smith, Deirdre

Anonymous

Brent, Francie and Greg

Bucher, Christine

Foster, Tad and Melissa

Jurgensen, Shani

Kaufman, Miranda

Friend $1-$50

Allen, Sam and Ann

Amadu Family

Anderson, Andrea and Terry

Backer, Madi and Olivia

Bales, Amy

Berger, Terence and Gina

Bernard, Jacob

Bever, Penny

Bieda, David J.

Biron, Jean-Marc

Biron, Patrick

Bishop-Bleidorn, Jean

Black, Mary Lynn

Bliss, Elizabeth Erskine

Bodoczky, Kristina

Breen, Erin

Brown, Sharon

Brown, Stephen

Byrnes, Richard and Carolyn

Carroll, Ron

Cronbaugh, Jeanne

Cusick, Katy

Dawson, Ruth and John

Day, Mary

Decaro Family

Duisen, Heather

Duncan, Hannah

Edwards, Sylvia

Edwards, Tonya

Engen, Zachary

Erickson, Hanna and Brian

Ferona, Vanessa

Flores, Rick and Donna

Follari, Lissanna

Funk, Gregory J.

Furman, Amy

Gearhart, Judy

Thank you to 2016 Donors and Sponsors!

Winter 2017

Giacoma, Katie

Griffin Family

Guthery, Mary

Halla, Michael and Sandra

Healy, Eileen

Heinz, Phil and Carolyn

Henke, John

Herrin, Jessica

Hockersmith, Stephanie

Hodges, Linda

Huffman, Richard

Huskey, Ingrid

Izer, Robin

Jackson, Ashley

Jacobson, Stephanie

Jensen and Gustaf Families

Jeppson, Theron

Johnson, Jenny and Mayes, Mark

Killough, Kathleen

Kittiel, Linda

Kluge, Patricia

Knorr, Marge

Kollars, Jason and Tricia

Kraus, Suzanne and Glenn

Kriley, Kaci

Kriley, Kay

Kuhlman, Margory

Lamb, Robert

Larrabee, Joan

LaVoie Family

Leftwich, Melissa and Grant, Tim

Lickers, Carol Ann

Lisbon, Dawn

Long, Ashley

Lopez, Manuel and Carol

Low, Denise

Malenky and Polomka Family

Manley, Jodi

Mann, Stacey

Marsh, Pamela

Matison, Johanna and Jennifer

McCollum, Curtis Leon

Michelfelder, Martha

Mickelsen, JJ and Masson

Montoya, Trisha

Maertens, Mr. and Mrs. Hank

Nelson, Heather

Nelson, Mary Jean

O’Boyle, Megan

Olden, Linda

Operhall, Rebecca and Richard

Phillips, Tracy

Proper, Jeff and Robyn

Ragain, Jessica and Nick

Ramaglia, Connie

Ramaglia, Regina

Ramsey, Linda

Randall, Paula

Residence, Tack

Rhodes, Debra

Ribich, Rachel

Rist, Lee

Roberts, Hanna

Ruzicka, Jeanine

Santana, Bobbie

Schaffer, Ford

Schmidt, Jennifer

Schooler, Karen

Scofield, Debbie

Secker, Laure

Shaw, Kevin

Sierra, Mel

Sorenson, Brandy

Sparks, Joy

Star, Asta

Stevens, Henry

Stookey, Bill and Hance, Joan

Strunsky, Lauren

Taylor, Helen

Popkin-Hoffman Family

Theune, Bob

Thompson, Sharon

Thorson, Kathy

Traenkle, Anna

Triplett, Shannon

Turner, Dorothy

Urick, Melissa

Walker, Candace

Walker, Judith C.

Walker, Melissa

Weaver, Deb

Webb, Rose

Wilhelm, Sara

Wills, Kristin

Winstead, Shonda

Wright, Tamara

Zaremba, Joanna

Thank you to 2016 Donors and Sponsors!

Donation from the Estate of

Robert B. Mollo

F ountain Creek Nature Center

received a very generous

donation of $10,000 from the

Estate of Robert B. Mollo, in

memory of Ann M. Mollo,

specifically to enhance the nature

center. Robert and his wife, Ann,

were volunteers at the nature

centers back in the 1990s. Staff is

very grateful to acknowledge that

this donation kick-started funding

for the new Cultural History

Exhibit which will be titled,

“Fountain Creek is the Pathway of

History.” This new, interactive

exhibit will explore how the

landscape, specifically Fountain

Creek, shaped and continues to

shape human history and

development in the area. Many

thanks to the Estate of Robert B.

Mollo.

Naturalist Notes

3rd Annual Pikes Peak Bird-

Nature Camper Profiles by Maria Petkash

Name: Donovan Corbett

Age & Grade: 11 years old, 5th grade

School: Chipeta Elementary School

Years in Nature Camp: 4 going on 5

D onovan is Bear Creek Nature Center’s well seasoned camper! Not only well seasoned, attending

camp since 2013, but he is a great role model for his fellow campers. His positivity and desire to

stay active rubs off on every child and even every

counselor. Dono encompasses many traits of a true

Colorado child—he’s a hiker, climber and board gamer!

Did I mention he’s a soccer player? Donovan says he

hopes to be a soccer coach when he grows up and there is

no doubt that his happy energy would make him perfect for

the job. Anyone that meets him couldn’t help but walk

away with a stronger desire to get active and get outside.

Donovan is now joined by his younger brother and sister at

camp. We love that the Corbett clan is able to take what

they learn and apply it to moments outside with their

family and friends. Dono says, “We talk and point out

plants and animal tracks that we see when we hike up Ute

Valley.” He most certainly would be a perfect Bear Creek

“spokes-camper” remarking that his tag slogan would be

“Just Hike.” We cannot wait to kick start another summer

of nature camp with amazing campers like Donovan!

Donovan enthusiastically wading in Bear Creek

2017 Festival Highlights

Birding to the North Pole Seminar

2 trips to Brett Gray Ranch

Trip to Chico Basin Ranch

Trip to Fountain Valley School

Insect Talk & Walk

Venetucci Bird Walk

Flamulated Owl Trip

Photography with Bill Schmoker

Winter 2017

Bear Creek Sightings by Mary Jo Lewis, BCNC Supervisor

W inter may be muted compared to the bloom and buzz of spring and

summer, but its treasures are apparent if we are observant. The lack of

grassy vegetation and the bareness of branches afford unique opportunities to

view wildlife or see nests tucked in trees that in other seasons are obscured by

growth. The twitching of the oversized ears of mule deer sometimes gives

away their location as they stand otherwise motionless among the scrub oaks.

Rustlings in the fallen leaves alert us to the

presence of Towhees that scratch and scuff the

ground searching for food. Days are brightened

by the amusing antics of fox squirrels as they

scramble along tree limbs and peer boldly at

passers-by. Winter has also brought numerous

sightings of two apex predators. A bobcat makes occasional appearances

outside the windows, creating a memorable and exciting experience for any

volunteers or visitors who are fortunate enough to be here! Coyotes have been

seen with their noses to the ground, seemingly in search of a tasty morsel. One

morning I encountered a coyote behind the nature center on the Regional Trail.

We both stood still; silently regarding each other until a second coyote,

presumably its mate, emerged from the shrubs. I watched as they disappeared

higher into the foothills together, a reminder of winter’s treasures.

Fountain Creek Happenings by Ian Wilson, FCNC Interpretive

Program Coordinator

F ountain Creek Nature Center staff is jumping for joy with the arrival of a commonly misunderstood, but

valuable mammal to the area—the prairie dog! Prairie dogs are known as a “keystone species,” an

animal so important to an ecosystem, that if it were removed, the ecosystem

would change drastically. The ecosystem building that occurs with prairie

dogs entails engineering underground burrows, which create habitat for

animals like burrowing owls and mountain plovers to black-footed ferrets,

snakes, and more! Burrows also act as aquifers holding rainwater

underground, preventing flooding, and keeping ground temperatures cool.

Digging aerates the soil which is beneficial to native grasses and minimizes

damage from compaction. In addition, prairie dogs are also an important

food source for coyotes, bobcats, and many species of raptors including

golden eagles, Cooper’s hawks, and prairie falcons. The gravest danger

prairie dogs face is a bad reputation. Despite the good they do for the

prairie, many land managers see them as pests and a candidate for

eradication. Reasons cited include everything from crop loss to risk of

spreading plague. Burrowing may initially halt plant growth, but in time prairie plants thrive because of

their presence. While prairie dogs are susceptible to catching the plague, the real culprit is the flea that

spreads the disease. Furthermore, plague is more often spread to humans by domestic cats not prairie dogs!

Are these reasons enough to eliminate a beneficial and native keystone species from the prairie?

Prairie dog near Fountain Creek Nature Center

Fox Squirrel at Bear Creek

Lone coyote waiting for mate

Same Tree, Different Day Wednesday, March 1, 6:00 PM

Active Adult Series: Urban Art Hike Saturday, March 11, 10-11:15 AM

Environmental Education Leader Training Thursday, Friday , March 23, 24, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Fundraiser at Gold Hill Mesa Friday, April 7, 5-8:00 PM

Sustainability Series: Back to Nature with

Essential Oils Saturday, April 29, 9:00 AM—12:00 Noon

Kids Quarterly: Water and Fire Kids’ Night Out Friday, May 12, 5:30-9:00 PM

Environmental Education Leader Training Tuesday, Wednesday, March 21 , 22, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Spring Break Nature Camp “Keepers of the Water” Monday-Friday, March 27-31

Beginning Birding Workshop Saturday, April 1, 8:00 AM-Noon

Chocolate Bunny Walk & Egg Hunt Saturday, April 15, 9-10:00 AM, 11:00 AM-Noon, 1-2:00 PM

Girl Scout Day Saturday, April 29, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Fountain Creek Family Fun Day Festival Saturday, May 6, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Spring Program Highlights

For a full listing of Spring programs visit www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com

El Paso County Nature Centers

245 Bear Creek Rd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

winter 2017 e l pa s o c ou n t y pa r k s n a t ur e c e

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