Community Naturalist in Colorado

Environmental education and community science in southwest Colorado.

Students catch insects at Four Mile Ranch. Photo: Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies

Environmental Education for Kids

People of all ages are more willing to conserve what they care about and feel connected to. Through the many programs offered by our Southwest Colorado Community Naturalists, we see every day the benefits of introducing children to environmental education and community science. Both in and out of the classroom, our Southwest Colorado Community Naturalist program allows children to get hands-on with nature, discover their local environment, fall in love with the natural world, and learn how they can conserve it.

Originally based out of Four Mile Ranch in Pagosa Springs, our Colorado environmental education programs have expanded throughout the region. Led by award-winning Community Naturalist Keith Bruno and supported by a team of volunteer educators, the programs not only teach children about the environment but also empower them to make a difference in conservation and in their communities today and long into the future.

Our programs in southern Colorado are just one piece of Audubon Rockies’ Community Naturalist program, which offers programs and resources for educators across Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. Through hands-on environmental education programs in the classroom and outdoors, our community naturalists excel in connecting children and adults to bird conservation in their communities.

To request an environmental education program for your students, click here.
 

Get Involved

News and Stories

Meet Moe: Nature Journaler
Community Naturalist

Meet Moe: Nature Journaler

Moe helps others enjoy nature by slowing down and noticing the details.

Feeling Stressed? Birds Can Help With That
Community Naturalist

Feeling Stressed? Birds Can Help With That

Weminuche Audubon Society members in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, discuss wildfire research and how it helped them destress this summer.

Surprise Appearances and Concerning No-Shows in Northern Wyoming
Christmas Bird Count

Surprise Appearances and Concerning No-Shows in Northern Wyoming

While several uncommon bird species were recorded during Bighorn Audubon Society's 2022 Christmas Bird Counts, some historically frequent species were notably absent.

Meet Sage, Pagosa Springs’ Emerging Bird Mentor
Community Naturalist

Meet Sage, Pagosa Springs’ Emerging Bird Mentor

Learn how her father, grandparents, and the Christmas Bird Count sparked a family tradition and a passion for birds.

Annual Christmas Bird Count begins around the nation
Community Naturalist In Colorado

Annual Christmas Bird Count begins around the nation

Community Naturalist Keith Bruno explains the value of the Christmas Bird Count for KUNC.

Thank You, Volunteer Educators!
Community Naturalist In Colorado

Thank You, Volunteer Educators!

Our volunteer environmental educators helped inspire hundreds of students in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, this fall.

Keith Bruno Receives Outstanding Educator Award
Community Naturalist

Keith Bruno Receives Outstanding Educator Award

Audubon Rockies Community Naturalist recognized for excellence in environmental education.

Community Collaboration in Pagosa Springs Creates Habitat Hero Garden
Habitat Hero

Community Collaboration in Pagosa Springs Creates Habitat Hero Garden

An interview with Community Naturalist Keith Bruno on KSUT.

A Legacy of Connecting People to Nature
Giving

A Legacy of Connecting People to Nature

How Cheryl Miller is helping Audubon bring environmental education to thousands of kids in southwest Colorado.

New Habitat Hero Garden in Pagosa Springs
Habitat Hero

New Habitat Hero Garden in Pagosa Springs

With partners and volunteers, we’ve completed a new bird-friendly garden at the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership site.

Learn about birds and get involved.