Standley Lake Regional Park Programs
Park rangers offer programs throughout the year for visitors of all ages. Additionally, rangers can work with schools to create customized programs to fit into classroom curriculum. Here are some examples of programs offered through the park.
Edible Forage Walk - Sunday, June 2, 4-6 p.m. - Summer is the season to welcome growth, longer days, and lots and lots of sprouting green stuff! But wouldn’t it be great to actually be able to identify all of that plant life in your neighborhood? And wouldn’t it be even better to be able to pick out those plants that are actually edible? Indeed, there are many wild edibles to be had in your own backyard, but it helps to know what they are and what they’re good for. Wild edibles are often the source of very valuable nutrients and can make a lovely, delicious and unique addition to your diet.
Not only are there great health benefits, but learning the local edible plants in your neighborhood is an empowering experience. To be able to forage plants and know why they are beneficial will bring you closer to your local ecology and understanding ecosystems.
Come join us at Standley Lake Regional Park for an informative and fun walk to discover everything you will need to know to make a delicious and healthy meal.
$10 suggested donation. Call the Standley Lake Nature Center at 303-425-1097 for details.
History of Standley Lake Regional Park - Saturday, June 15, noon to 2 p.m. - Standley Lake Regional Park is a 3,000- acre park located in unincorporated Jefferson County. Ever wonder how it was formed or how it came to be a regional park? At the nature center, we have all that information and more! Join us for our third nature program of the season to discover and learn all about the fascinating history of this beautiful area. From the first homesteading claims on the area in the 1800s to what it has become today, there is a ton of history within our park. Please join us and learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the history of Standley Lake. Call the Standley Lake Nature Center at 303-425-1097 for details.
Discovering Bald Eagles - Take a free, guided nature tour through Standley Lake Nature Refuge to get an “up-close” look at our resident eagles. This tour will discuss every aspect of an eagle’s life from cultural significance and mating rituals to what they eat for breakfast. This tour is interactive, fun and exciting, while at the same time, you will learn everything you want to know about the bald eagle. Call the Standley Lake Nature Center at 303-425-1097 for details.
Timeline Cottonwood Display: The Timeline Cottonwood trunk section was originally taken from a diseased tree in Westminster open space in 2010. The slab is approximately four feet in diameter and weighs nearly four hundred pounds. Utilizing Dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), it has been determined that the tree first began growing in 1890. Significant historical dates have been marked on the tree, and they include many historical highlights relating to local, state, national and international events. The tree lived throughout the terms of twenty-two American Presidencies, the Spanish – American War and into the Iraq – Afghanistan Wars. Visit the Standley Lake Visitors Center to see this amazing “time capsule” and discover some new and interesting facts about our history.
Snake Awareness: Learn about the different species of snakes that slither about the park. There are 28 different species of snakes that call Colorado their home, but only three of those are venomous. Out of those 28 species, only seven can be found in the area and four others have been found, but don't commonly live here.
Hooked on Fishing: In this fishing class, you’ll learn many things like how to tie a hook, the anatomy of a fish, what it is to be an “ethical angler” and how to handle fish. Fishing poles will be provided to children only. Adults must have a fishing license and their own fishing pole. Some bait will be provided. This class is for kids aged 6 & up and is limited to 30 children and 30 adults.
Birds of Standley Lake: Learn about the Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons and Cormorants - all which live at the park. You’ll get to touch a heron nest, see the bald eagles/eaglets from a spotting scope, go on a 1-mile hike and see how both the heron and cormorant hunt for food. This class is free and is appropriate for all ages; space is limited to 30 people.