News Release

Spring Programs at Colorado National Monument

Date: March 15, 2019
Contact: Arlene Jackson, 970-858-3617 x363
Contact: Alicia Lafever, 970-858-3617 x364

Fruita, CO – The weather is warming and it is a perfect time to take a walk at Colorado National Monument. Two special programs will be offered in the next two weeks.

Wind, Water and Words: A Poetry Seminar and Workshop

March 21, 2019 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

• Join Brian Palmer for this two-hour “Walk and Write” workshop in recognition of UNESCO’s World Poetry Day. We will head out into the field to write poems about the elements of the Colorado National Monument that make it unique and vital. We’ll discuss the idea that as nature constantly changes the planet and is, in turn, changed by planetary life, our human approach and response to nature also changes. It is a deeply cultural issue to explore, consider, and record with craft and feeling our treasured relationship with the natural world, as culture itself is created by language, art, and action.
• This seminar will frame an informal definition of poetry and cover a few poetic meaning and structural terms such as metaphor, imagery, meter, and rhyme.
• We will meet at the Visitor Center to get things started. Then we'll walk an easy mile or so, with time given for journaling and drafting some poetry. After the walk, we’ll read some of our poems (for those who want to participate) at the amphitheater at the Saddlehorn Campground.
• Registration is required. 15 participants max

Family Bird Hike

March 24, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• It is early spring and migratory birds are beginning to arrive in Western Colorado! Join Cary Atwood, local teacher and bird enthusiast for a family friendly walk exploring the birds of Devil’s Kitchen and lower No Thoroughfare Canyon. During this two hour walk-about, families will learn about bird identification, habitats and some of the special birds who live and nest in the Monument.
• Recommended ages: 6-12 year-olds and parents. Binoculars and Bird Bingo cards will be available to help kids identify what we discover. 
• Limit: 15 children, plus parents.  Please register for this event.

 

Registration for either event can be made by calling the staff at the visitor center at 970-858-3617 x360. Both events are free, however, regular entrance fees apply.

Save the dates for our April programs, more information to follow.
•  April 5 - Star Party with Western Colorado Astronomy Club
•  April 6 – CCC Program and Photo Exhibit
•  April 13 – Flutes
•  April 20 – Junior Ranger Day

All programs are presented with the support of Colorado National Monument Association. 

Spring hours are now in effect at Colorado National Monument. The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For additional information please visit www.nps.gov/colm or call 970-858-3617, ext. 360.

-www.nps.gov-

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 418 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.