Walking Mountains Curious Nature | Walking Mountains (9)

Walking Mountains

Our mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education.

Teamwork in Nature: Parasites

Posted by Walking Mountains on Apr 25, 2016 1:24:48 AM

Parasites. When most people think of a parasite, it often brings to mind images of worm-like creatures infesting other animals. While that is one correct perception, there is a lot more to these..

Topics: Curious Nature

Mud on Everything: It Must be Spring

Posted by Walking Mountains on Apr 18, 2016 2:20:21 AM

Spring is like a scavenger hunt for the senses. Each spring I find once again my nose being tickled by sweet smells, my ears filled with melodies I haven’t heard in months, and I revel in the warming..

Topics: Curious Nature

Stories in the Trees: Scars On Aspen Trees

Posted by Walking Mountains on Apr 4, 2016 2:41:52 AM

Aspens form the backdrop to so many of our recreational activities here in Colorado. Hiking, skiing, camping and snowshoeing seem to be much more enjoyable when done in the shade and beauty of our..

Topics: Curious Nature

Water We In For

Posted by Walking Mountains on Mar 28, 2016 1:43:57 AM

The scare is over as more snow has been piling up over the past week. An unusually dry and warm February had many of us thinking an early spring. We lost a lot of snow as it melted, but there is..

Topics: Curious Nature

Rufous Hummingbird In Colorado Migration

Migration Madness: Swainson’s Hawk, Rufous Hummingbird, Warblers, Red-naped Sap Sucker

Posted by Walking Mountains on Mar 21, 2016 1:56:54 AM

Winter is on its way out and spring is on its way in! It’s time for budding aspens, rushing rivers, bare feet, and clear highway conditions. This time of year can go by in the blink of an eye, and if..

Topics: Curious Nature, Birding

February doldrums bring March Gnar-Pow

Posted by Walking Mountains on Mar 14, 2016 2:37:33 AM

On February 2nd, 2016, alias Groundhog Day, the mascot of this historic and beloved tradition, Punxsutawney Phil, was hoisted high in the air at Gobbler’s Knob, PA, amidst a chorus of cheers.

Topics: Curious Nature

Crazy Corvids

Posted by Walking Mountains on Mar 7, 2016 1:49:47 AM

As a naturalist up at the Nature Discovery Center on Vail Mountain, I am commonly asked about the large black and white bird they see hopping around town. Perhaps to a local, this bird has lost its..

Topics: Curious Nature, Birding

How to Identify the Douglas Fir in Colorado

Douglas-Fir – A Case of Mistaken Identity

Posted by Walking Mountains on Feb 29, 2016 12:59:39 AM

It’s difficult to see the forest for the trees, especially when most of those trees are conifers. After all, conifers all tend to look the same, especially from a distance. People don’t come from all..

Topics: Curious Nature

Living with Mountains Lions in Colorado

Posted by Walking Mountains on Feb 22, 2016 1:53:02 AM

I want you to imagine the wildest place you can. It doesn’t have to be a place you’ve been, I just want you to create that space, as you understand it, in your mind. What does it look like? Is it hot..

Topics: Curious Nature

A Lifetime of Stories in the Snow

Posted by Walking Mountains on Feb 15, 2016 1:26:04 AM

You can’t be in the Rocky Mountains in the winter without interacting with snow. Snow facilitates all kinds of winter recreation. Snow makes it challenging to drive on the roads. Snow provides..

Topics: Curious Nature

Pine Marten in Colorado Rocky Mountains and Vail

The Secretive Pine Marten: How to Spot One

Posted by Walking Mountains on Feb 8, 2016 1:20:05 AM

If you’ve had the opportunity to explore the trails this season, you have probably seen a network of footprints decorating the blanket of snow around our valley. Although winter can seem quiet and..

Topics: Curious Nature

Animal Tracks are Stories in the Snow

Posted by Walking Mountains on Jan 25, 2016 1:27:26 AM

We have all seen them. Sometimes we see them as the chair lift steadily climbs up the mountain. Other times it we might see them during a snowshoe hike or even in our own backyards. Animal tracks are..

Topics: Curious Nature

Curious Nature