Field Trips: 2025 Colorado Open Space Alliance Conference

Name	Description	More Info
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Become a Community Scientist with the Colorado Native Plant Society	At the trailhead, we will train folks to upload and begin using iNaturalist. We will then take participants on a hike. We will focus on botanical observations using iNaturalist on one's phone. We will teach participants how to add these observations to various partner projects occuring on the iNaturalist platform.
Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area River Restoration Walk and Talk with Colorado Parks and Wildlife	Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area (SWA) is located along the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs. This SWA is a popular destination among anglers. Last year, work was completed to construct multiple rock structures to direct stream energy away from banks, adding bankfull bench features with coir fiber wrapped sod/willow mats, regrading vertical eroding banks, and removing transverse bars and mid-channel bars to re-shape the channel bed to appropriate dimensions. What does all of this mean? Join us for a 1.5 - 2 hour walk along the river with CPW staff who will discuss the success of this river restoration project!
Conservation in Action at Carpenter Ranch Preserve with The Nature Conservancy	Join us for an immersive exploration of The Nature Conservancy’s historic Carpenter Ranch Preserve, where conservation and agriculture come together to shape a resilient landscape. We will stroll through working pastures, rare ecosystems, and restored habitats while learning how thoughtful land stewardship preserves biodiversity and cultural heritage. The Nature Conservancy’s staff and partners will share insights into innovative projects on the ranch and across northwest Colorado — such as the Yampa River Fund — that are advancing sustainable practices, supporting a healthy river system, and strengthening communities throughout the Yampa Valley and the broader Colorado River Basin.
Finger Rock Hatchery with Colorado Parks and Wildlife	The Finger Rock State Trout Hatchery and Rearing Unit is located 45 minutes south of Steamboat Springs near the town of Yampa. This hatchery raises rainbow and brown trout that are stocked in waters throughout the state. Learn alongside CPW hatchery staff the story “from egg to creel”. How do only three staff members run this hatchery? Come learn more with a behind-the-scenes tour (approx. 1.5-2 hours) with CPW hatchery staff. You may even be able to feed the fish!
Fly Fishing at Stagecoach State Park - Yampa Tailwater with Outway	Join Stagecoach State Park and Outway for a relaxing afternoon of fly fishing at the park’s scenic tailwater. Open to all experience levels, this trip offers a chance to slow down, learn the basics of fly casting, and spend meaningful time outdoors. If you’re new to fly fishing, we’ll kick things off with a quick crash course to get you started. If you’re already a seasoned angler, feel free to rig up and get fishing right away. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others and with nature in a peaceful setting that highlights the beauty and purpose of conserved public lands. All participants MUST have a valid Colorado fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online, at a nearby fly shop, or at the Stagecoach State Park Visitor Center.
Gravel & Grit with Marcus Robinson	Join our closing keynote speaker for a trail ride! This is an intermediate ride with Marcus Robinson on local Steamboat trails. This ride is intended for experienced mountain bikers- please consider another option if you are a beginner. Note that this will include some road riding before hitting the trail. Please make sure your bikes are ready to go (tuned up, no flat tires!) so we can hit the trail and get the miles in! Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets, and other necessary personal gear.
Howelsen Hill Explorative with the City of Steamboat Springs Staff	Allow the local municipal experts to show you around the impressive natural and built infrastructure of Steamboat Springs. The City of Steamboat Springs will host a guided tour of some key features of the area starting off with the iconic, locally operated ski hill and rodeo grounds, located near the historic downtown area. Ride the chairlift to the top of the hill to explore the inner workings of the ski jump structure and learn about its rich history. While at the top, city staff will share information about soil movement and the remediation efforts undertaken to preserve these recreational lands. The tour will continue with a visit to the Sulphur Cave, a designated National Natural Landmark. From there, enjoy a walking tour to Lithia Springs and Black Sulphur Springs, where you'll hear about the history, mineral composition, and unique features of these natural wonders.
Mindfulness & Multimedia: Observing Nature Through the Lens of iPhonography with Boulder County Parks and Open Space	In the conservation and parks world, many of us spend countless hours outdoors — yet rarely take the time to engage with the landscape through a creative and technological lens. This field trip offers participants an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature through the combined practices of mindfulness and mobile technology. Using smartphone photography (iPhonography), participants will explore how digital tools can enhance observation, storytelling, and connection to place. We'll begin with a short grounding exercise to awaken our senses, then we’ll embark on a guided walk using our phones not just as cameras but as instruments for capturing detail with our surroundings. Along the way, we’ll explore simple techniques which include the use of lens attachments and audio devices (provided by the instructor) for composing striking images and leveraging smartphone features to document and share the beauty of natural spaces. No photography experience is required — just a smartphone and a willingness to pause, observe, and explore.
Preserving the Past: A Walking Tour of Steamboat’s Historic Downtown	Step into the rich history of Steamboat Springs with a guided visit to the Tread of Pioneers Museum, where you’ll receive a behind-the-scenes tour highlighting the area’s cultural and architectural legacy. From there, embark on a walking tour through downtown to explore some of Steamboat’s most iconic historic buildings and learn about ongoing preservation efforts. Along the way, a special guest from Historic Routt County will join the group to discuss how grant funding supports local repair and restoration projects. The tour will include a stop at one of their current preservation sites, offering a unique, real-time look at the work being done to protect Steamboat's heritage for generations to come.
Self Guided Angling	Grab your rods and buddies before heading out to experience some of Steamboat's world class waters. Suggested locations and fishin holes will be provided and we'll help connect you with your fellow anglers, but you're on your own to experience everything the Steamboat area and Routt County have to offer.
Self Guided Gravel Ride	Grab your bikes and buddies before heading out to experience some of the world famous Steamboat Champagne Gravel! Suggested routes and rides will be provided and we'll help connect you with your fellow riders, but you're on your own to experience everything the Steamboat area and Routt County have to offer.
Steamboat Lake State Park with Colorado Parks and Wildlife	Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park is a true gem, catering to a diverse range of interests. Majestic Hahns Peak serves as a picturesque backdrop to this top-tier park. Enjoy a leisurely 1.1 mile walk with the park manager to learn about the history of park, history of area, flora/fauna and whatever we may stumble upon.
Waterfowl Walk with Yampatika and NAI Four Corners at Stagecoach Reservoir	Join Yampatika and the NAI Four Corners Region for an interpretive hike focused on waterbirds and their habitats. Participants will explore a local trail while learning how to identify common waterbirds and assess their habitat using a kid-friendly bird habitat survey. Designed with school-aged audiences in mind, this activity offers a hands-on opportunity to experience what an educational nature hike can look like in practice. You'll leave with ideas and resources—including the worksheet—to bring back and adapt for your own parks, open spaces, or educational programs.

field trips