Summer programs at Lory State Park offer opportunity for discovery

Nature programs at Lory State Park offer family members of all ages opportunities for discovery. All programs are free with the purchase of a $7 daily park pass or the display of a $70 annual state park pass. For times, meeting spots and to sign up, call the Lory State Park Visitor’s Center at 970-493-1623. Programs typically feature an adventure hike, so attendees are asked to come prepared with closed-toe supportive shoes and water bottle to beat the heat.

Junior Ranger Programs
Children ages 7 to 10 can earn their Junior Ranger patch by attending two or more of the following programs or by stopping by the Visitor’s Center to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet to complete. All programs start at 9 a.m. and end at noon. Parents and guardians are invited to stay for the program but are not required to do so. Space is limited, so call the Visitor’s Center to reserve your spot!

July 9: Exploring Habitats
Lory is a transition zone between the plains and Rocky Mountains. Transition zones often have many types of habitats or homes for animals. Come take a closer look at Lory’s transition zones and learn about the different components of animal habitats with naturalist Alicia Goddard. Meet at the Eltuck Parking area.

July 16: Take Flight with Nature Notes
Lory is home to all kinds of birds, from song birds to raptors. Come take a closer look at some feathers, learn bird calls, take a hike to see feathered friends and learn how to keep a nature journal. Meet at Homestead picnic area.

July 23: Lory Living History
Step back in time to yesteryear. Play some games, make old-fashioned toys and be a historian in this fun-packed program. Meet at Homestead picnic area.

Aug. 6: Tree-ology
A lot of animals make trees their home or depend on trees for their food. Trees also record history. In this program, you will learn how to study trees and find out the stories they are telling. Meet at the Visitor’s Center.

Aug. 13: In a Grasshopper’s World
Grasshoppers can live almost anywhere there is vegetation. Each species favors specific plants that are found where they live. In this fun-packed program where we will be getting acquainted with and observing the different kinds of grasshoppers in Lory. Meet at the Visitor’s Center.

Full Moon Hikes
Full moon hikes are fun, guided night hikes that let you explore the park as the sun goes down and the moon rises. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a flashlight and water. Space is limited, so call the Visitor’s Center at 970-493-1623 to sign up.

July 31: Blue Moon
Meet at Homestead picnic area at 7 p.m. to hike the Overlook Trail. This will be just over a three-mile round trip moderate hike. Find additional parking at Eltuck.

Aug. 29: Sturgeon Moon
This moon is also known by the Arapaho as “When the Buffalo Bellows.” Meet at the Shoreline Trailhead at 7 p.m. for a two-mile easy-to-moderate hike to view the moon over Horsetooth Reservoir.

Nature Programs
Come learn more about your park in these informative and enjoyable nature-based programs.

July 18: Marvelous Butterflies!
Did you know that butterflies are pollinators and very sensitive to environmental changes? Lory is participating in a national butterfly monitoring program, and you can help – whether you just want to know more about butterflies or if you would like to become a citizen scientist this program. There will be an hour-long presentation with some fun activities. Then for those who are interested, a mile hike. Please wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a water bottle. Program is at the Visitor’s Center from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., hike is from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please call the Visitor Center at 970-493-1623 to sign up.

July 25: Geology Rocks!
Join us for a two-mile interpretive hike to learn the geologic story of how this area came to be and why there is such a unique diversity right here at Lory. Wear sturdy closed-toed shoes and bring water. Space is limited, so please call the Visitor’s Center to sign up. Meet at Arthur’s Rock Trailhead at 10 a.m.

Lory State Park is located in beautiful Bellvue and offers visitors a variety of rugged terrain and stunning vistas of the northern Colorado Front Range. The park covers almost 2,600 acres and features 26 miles of trails that lead through forest, meadows and rock-outcroppings, offering visitors great terrain for mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, bouldering and horseback riding. Additional information on Lory State Park is available at: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/lory.