Durango Nature Studies - The Durango Herald

Wildfires scare us but yield opportunity for nature

The 416 Fire has consumed thousands of acres of treasured forest this week. It is safe to say it has also consumed many of our thoughts since it broke out June 1. People have res...

DATE: Jun 9, 2018 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

On Earth Day, commit to protecting our natural resources

The topic for this month’s column came easily to mind – Earth Day. It is April, after all. The 48th anniversary of Earth Day is April 22. My predecessor, Sally Shuffield, has elo...

DATE: Apr 16, 2018 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

Students, Buffleheads remind us to savor our time in nature

At Durango Nature Studies, we’ve already wrapped up our winter education program, “Surviving and Thriving in Winter,” and educators are preparing for our spring programs at the Nature Center...

DATE: Mar 10, 2018 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

Understanding our environment is an important step to loving it

It’s February already – that time of year when pink and red hearts invade our world and implore us to declare our love to our partners, children, peers and anyone else who happens to cross o...

DATE: Feb 9, 2018 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

Discover the natural world’s wonders at the Durango Nature Center

Happy New Year, everyone. I love the start of a new year. I’m not one to make the typical resolutions, but I relish the hope and renewal ushered forth each January. In addition, ...

DATE: Jan 19, 2018 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

Celebrate the power of place during the holidays

I’m writing this column after spending a crisp Tuesday morning on a street corner along with other nonprofit representatives, waving at commuters and reminding them to “give where they live”...

DATE: Dec 9, 2017 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

Stay connected to nature this winter for the health of it

The changing clocks and return to seasonal temperatures have changed the tempo in this town. It’s dark and chilly. That warm bed may seem way more inviting than the cold outside, ...

DATE: Nov 10, 2017 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

I tamed my fear of tarantulas by understanding them

Had I known when I was interviewing for this position that one of the resident species at the Nature Center was the tarantula, I would have quickly placed it into the category of animals to ...

DATE: Oct 13, 2017 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

For kids, real connections to nature have a lasting impact

With summer temperatures hanging on relentlessly, it seems surreal that we are already three weeks into the new school year. But the flurry of youthful activity around town confi...

DATE: Sep 8, 2017 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

The season for migration brings me back to Durango

As fall approaches, we are starting to see signs of migration throughout the Four Corners. Flocks of geese are seen flying overhead in their “V” formation. Elk and deer are star...

DATE: Aug 11, 2017 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

For humans, metamorphosis is part of life, too

One of my favorite games we play at the Nature Center is the metamorphosis relay. The relay allows kids to act out the change that happens when a caterpillar transforms into a b...

DATE: Jun 9, 2017 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies

Durango Nature Center an oasis for wildlife – and humans

The Durango Nature Center opened to the public on May 6. The day was sunny and beautiful, and our volunteer docent, Sheila Payne, was there to open the gates. Grace Gordon, our ...

DATE: May 11, 2017 | CATEGORY: Durango Nature Studies