Winter 2017
EL PASO COUNTY PARKS NATURE CENTERS
Naturalist Notes
MISSION
El Paso
Paso County
El
County
Parks Nature
Parks
Nature
Centers
connect
Centers
will
people people
to their to
connect
natural and
their
natural and
cultural resources
cultural resources
and inspire them to
and inspire them
become stewards for
become
the to
parks
and our
stewards
for the
environment.
parks and our
environment.
Volunteer Corner
2
Volunteer Highlight 3
Rick’s Cartoon
3
2016 Donors
4-5
2016 Annual
Snapshot Insert
Nature Camper
Profiles
6
Fountain Creek
Happenings
7
Bear Creek Sightings 7
Upcoming Programs 8
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
Rene Chatham, Meg Poole, Shirley Gipson, Sue Luenser, Sally
Miller. Not pictured, Jim Mariner, Anne Schofield, Risë Foster- centers!
Bruder.
Naturalist Notes
Page 2
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
Volunteer Corner by Paula Megorden, Volunteer Consultant
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
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].
Environmental Education
Leader Training Dates:
Fountain Creek
Tuesday & Wednesday,
March 21 & 22
Bear Creek
Thursday & Friday,
March 23 & 24
Bear Creek
Nature Center
245 Bear Creek Road
El Paso County Volunteer of the Year
Colorado Springs, CO
80906
719-520-6387
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
El Paso County Parks Advisory Board with Sarah Kay deserved award!
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!
Winter 2017
Page 3
Volunteer Highlight by Paula Megorden
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.
G
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.”
Jutta and Star
Thank you, Jutta, for your outstanding commitment
of time, energy and service!
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].
Rick Flores, an Interpretive Volunteer, keeps us laughing with humorous cartoons
of his experiences at the nature centers.
Naturalist Notes
Page 4
Thank you to 2016 Donors and Sponsors!
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
KOHLS Associates #1319
KOHLS Associates #462
KOHLS Associates #687
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
Winter 2017
Page 5
Thank you to 2016 Donors and Sponsors!
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
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
Page 6
Nature Camper Profiles by Maria Petkash
Name:
Age & Grade:
School:
Years in Nature Camp:
Donovan Corbett
11 years old, 5th grade
Chipeta Elementary School
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
Donovan enthusiastically wading in Bear Creek
of nature camp with amazing campers like Donovan!
3rd Annual Pikes Peak Bird-
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
Page 7
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 dog near Fountain Creek
Nature Center
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?
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
Lone coyote waiting for mate
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.
Fox Squirrel at Bear Creek
El Paso County Nature Centers
245 Bear Creek Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Spring Program Highlights
Same Tree, Different Day
Environmental Education Leader Training
Wednesday, March 1, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, March 21 , 22, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Active Adult Series: Urban Art Hike
Spring Break Nature Camp “Keepers of the Water”
Saturday, March 11, 10-11:15 AM
Monday-Friday, March 27-31
Environmental Education Leader Training Beginning Birding Workshop
Thursday, Friday , March 23, 24, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Fundraiser at Gold Hill Mesa
Friday, April 7, 5-8:00 PM
Saturday, April 1, 8:00 AM-Noon
Chocolate Bunny Walk & Egg Hunt
Saturday, March26, 9-10:00AM, 11:00 AM-Noon, 1-2:00PM
Sustainability Series: Back to Nature with
Girl Scout Day
Essential Oils
Saturday, April 29, 9:00 AM—12:00 Noon
Saturday, April 29, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Kids Quarterly: Water and Fire Kids’ Night Out Fountain Creek Family Fun Day Festival
Friday, May 12, 5:30-9:00 PM
Saturday, May 3, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
For a full listing of Spring programs visit www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com