Wildlife is waking up for Spring

Spring weather is more or less here to stay, which means wildlife is more active in Jeffco Open Space parks.

Black Bears have woken up from hibernation, so it's more important than ever to be diligent about locking vehicle doors and windows while parked in bear habitat, and storing food, trash, and scented toiletries in bear-resistant containers while camping. The best thing to do if you encounter a bear, is to remain calm, make yourself look big and tough, and firmly yell at the bear. If you see a cub, immediately leave the area.

Rattlesnakes are also emerging with the warm weather. The best way to avoid conflict with rattlesnakes is to remain aware of your surroundings, wear closed-toed shoes, and keep pets on leash. If you see a rattlesnake, practice the 30/30 rule: Walk 30 feet away from the snake and give it 30 seconds to leave the trail. Never attempt to move or harm a rattlesnake. Give snakes space and time to move away from you.

Best practices for recreating in wildlife habitat of any kind are to always stay on trail, remain aware of your surroundings by leaving one earbud out, leash pets, and view wildlife from a safe and respectful distance.

To report wildlife posing an immediate threat to human health and safety, call 911 or Jeffco Dispatch at 303.980.7300.

Report human-wildlife interactions in Jeffco Open Space parks

Wildfire mitigation work continues at Flying J Ranch Park

This forestry project will reduce risk of devastating wildfire, improve forest health, enhance wildlife habitat, and maintain aesthetic and ecological value. As of April 22 the northern side of the park and trails are closed Mondays-Thursdays for visitor safety while the work continues. Learn more about this project.

Let your kids explore the outdoors this summer

Registrations are now open for ENOR Environmental Discovery Camp, which connects 3ʳᵈ-6ᵗʰ graders with the cultural and natural history of Colorado! ENOR is celebrating 45 years of educating and inspiring youth in open space parks and public lands. Space is limited, register now!

Break-ins happen!

Remember to leave valuables at home or take them with you on the trails. Do not leave items in your cars or your cars unlocked.

Reminder, parks do NOT have live recording cameras in the parking lots. Please report all suspicious activity to 911 or Jeffco dispatch at 303.980.7300. Reporting issues in real time helps us get a ranger or deputy on scene right away.

Get to know Jeffco plants through a Native Plant Master Class

Native Plant Master classes offer learning opportunities for all skill levels through CSU Extension in Jefferson County. These classes range from entry level exploration like Plants and Birds of Green Mountain or Sketch and Learn Wildflower Walks to more complex three-session curriculum courses like the plant identification course at Reynolds Park.
Browse all upcoming classes.

Special location for tonight's Open Space Advisory Committee Meeting

This month's Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) meeting will take place tonight, May 2, at Lookout Mountain Nature Center. Regular session starts at 6:00 p.m..

Join us every month at Wild Tails, a preschool library program

Come to Evergreen Public Library the third Tuesday of every month from 11-11:30 a.m. for nature education with your young ones. The next program is May 21.
Learn more.

May Events

May 5: C offee With a Ranger
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Lookout Mountain Nature Center
May 12 and 26: Yoga in the Grove
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Hiwan Heritage Park
May 12: Foothills Wildflowers
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., South Valley Park
May 15: L and Stewardship Series: Animal Traces
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Jeffco Open Space Headquarters
May 18: Colorado Public Lands Day Volunteer Project
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Flying J Ranch Park
May 19: Foothills Wildflowers
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Reynolds Park
May 21: Wild Tails
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m., Evergreen Library
May 25: The Monthly Naturalist
7:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m., Welchester Tree Grant Park
May 26: S pring Storytelling and Walk
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., Lookout Mountain Nature Center
May 31: Nature Journal Club- L andscape Mapping
5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Lair o' the Bear Park

View the full events calendar

Photo of the Month

You know spring has sprung when you start to see the white, pink, and reddish flowers of the Rocky Mountain Spring Beauty. This long-lived perennial herb flowers from March through May. You can find this species in foothill shrublands and Ponderosa Pine forests from 5,500 to 8,500 ft. Next time you're enjoying the spring weather keep and eye out for these beauties. Please remember to never pick wildflowers and leave them in place for others to enjoy. ⁣

Have you taken any great photos in Jeffco Open Space parks recently? Send them to us at jeffcoparks@jeffco.us or on social media, and you could be featured in next month's Panorama!