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.

Equipment Needed: Smart Phone- Plus participants should dress for variable weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring own sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water, etc.

Transportation Information: Participants must carpool to trailhead. Directions will be provided

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!

Accessibility: This is outdoor terrain, along rocks and natural surface. Overall, there is very good and relatively easy walking access throughout the project reach. We can also accommodate individuals with limited mobility on this tour if we know needs ahead of time. There may be slight elevation changes while walking along the river. Attendees should bring their own drinking water. There is no bathroom on site.

Equipment Needed: Participants should dress for variable weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring own sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water, etc.

Transportation Information: Participants must carpool to park. Location is a 15-20 minute drive from conference center.

From Highway 40 in Steamboat Springs, go south on Highway 131 to County Road 14F. Take CR 14F west to County Road 14. Go north to the parking area. See link for Map and Information

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.

Equipment Needed: Participants should dress for variable weather. Bring own sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water, etc.

Transportation Information: Carpool- plenty of parking available at Carpenter Ranch.

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!

Accessibility: walking path is flat, dirt surface. Wheelchair accessible. Attendees should bring their own drinking water. There is a bathroom on site.

Equipment Needed: Participants should dress for variable weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring own sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water, etc. Tour will take place mostly outdoors with some indoor time.

Transportation Information: Participants must carpool to the hatchery. Location is 45 minutes from Conference Center. Finger Rock Rearing Unit 27750 Co Rd 7C, Yampa: Follow CO-131 S to Co Rd 7C (31 miles) Turn right onto Co Rd 7C (1.4 miles) Drive to the main hatchery office (pass the house on the right); park in the designated parking on the left (signage indicates public parking)

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.

Accessibility: Be prepared for rocky, wet streambanks and cold water. Amenities such as shade and restrooms are available at the State Park.

Equipment Needed: Please bring your own fly-fishing gear. Please come prepared for variable weather conditions. If you have waders, we recommend bringing them. Otherwise, wear clothing and shoes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, as we'll be spending time outdoors in and by the water. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. See description for more details.

Transportation Information: Carpool- limited parking is available at Stagecoach Reservoir

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.

Accessibility: Intermediate trail ride for experienced mountain bikers.

Equipment Needed: Participants will bring all of their own gear- bike, helmet, clothing, water, sunscreen

Transportation Information: Participants must carpool down into town to start the ride together 26 mile ride. See link for meeting location.

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.

Accessibility Info: Natural and uneven surface at various points throughout the tour. Riding on a chairlift to access the top of Howelsen Hill and walking down the hill with stops along the way. Then, attendees will walk from the base of Howelsen Hill to hot spring locations further downtown.

Equipment Needed: Participants should dress for variable weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring own sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water, etc.

Transportation Information: City of Steamboat Recreation Center Vans from the Grand Lodge to Howelsen Hill, then to Sulfur Caves, then back to Grand Lodge. City of Steamboat Recreation Center Vans from the Grand Lodge to Howelsen Hill, then at the conclusion of the tour, the vans will pick up attendees at West Lincoln Park and bring them back to the Grand Lodge for those who don't want to remain downtown. Near the Grand Lodge entrance for van pick-up. See link for Tour Commencement off Point.

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.

Accessibility: Easy trail walking

Equipment Needed: Smart Phone- Plus participants should dress for variable weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring own sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water, etc.

Transportation Information: Participants must carpool to trailhead. Directions will be provided

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.

Accessibility: Indoor museum tour will transition into a walking tour along downtown's sidewalks and streets.

Equipment Needed: Participants should dress for variable weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring own sunscreen, water, etc.

Transportation Information: Self Transport- Carpool- Bus from Gondola Transit Center to Downtown. The tour will begin at The Tread of Pioneer Museum. See link for map.

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.

Equipment Needed: Participants will need to bring all of their own gear—fishing rod, tackle, appropriate clothing, water, and sunscreen.

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.

Equipment Needed: Participants will need to bring all of their own gear- bike, helmet, clothing, water, sunscreen

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.

Accessibility: This is considered a nature trail, natural surface, 1.1 miles, approximate 150 ft elevation change, small hills, no stairs, single track, up and down slight inclines, up to 2 hours, stop and talk, water and bathroom available at the visitor center 

Equipment Needed: Participants should dress for variable weather. Bring own sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water, etc.

Transportation Information: Participants must carpool to park. Location is a 45 minute drive from the conference center. Steamboat Lake State Park Visitor Center 61105 Rcr 129, Clark, CO 80428: Take Co Rd 129/ Elk River Rd approx 29 miles. Visitor Center is on your left.

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.

Accessibility: The trail is approximately 3-feet wide and a composite dirt surface. The total trail length (out and back) is 2 miles long, but we may not go the whole way depending on how the group is feeling and how many birds we see. We will be on the trail for about 75 minutes. Afterwards, we will go to a picnic area with seating to conduct a work-sheet based activity, which does require some movement. There is a restroom and water fountain about a quarter mile from the trailhead/picnic area. This area is mostly exposed, but we will have a 10x10ft canopy set up for shade breaks as needed. The park should be fairly quiet at this time of year. Some biting insects are possible. Red foxes have been seen in the area frequently.

Equipment Needed: Binoculars, if available- Plus participants should dress for variable weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring own sunscreen, bug spray, hat, water, etc.

Transportation Information: Yampatika has 1, 15 passenger van available, the rest will need to carpool.