The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds

FLFO Night Sky Program
2014-11-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Come see the night sky the way it used to look before city lights crowded out the stars. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers an ideal balance between convenient location – an easy drive from Colorado Springs– and a sky dark enough to reveal the countless stars that once lit the night for our ancestors.
Join us for a stargaze on Saturday, November 29th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM that will explore the wonders and secrets of our dark sky. The program will begin with a 20-30 minute interpretive talk in the Visitor Center. Then we will step outside for 90 minutes of stargazing with telescopes, binoculars, and laser-guided tours of the stars and constellations.
Please dress warmly, as evenings at the park’s high elevation can be cold even in the winter. Bring binoculars or a flashlight if you wish (red-filtered lights only please). Also, please note that viewing is weather-dependent, and takes place only if the sky is clear. Indoor presentations take place no matter the weather, although the roads may be hazardous and you should call ahead for more information.
Admission for the program is the regular park entrance fee which is $3 per adult (16 years and older) children and federal pass holders are free. Please call (719) 748-3253 or flfo_information@nps.gov for more information.

Program Details:
Saturday, November 29, 2014 – 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Thank Your Lucky Stars… and Moon
Join us for a Thanksgiving Weekend treat, as we explore the stars and constellations of the Fall evening sky. Featured objects include the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters, the Andromeda Galaxy, and an epic cast of constellations. This night also features the first-quarter Moon, giving us the chance for a close-up look at the cratered surface of our nearest neighbor. Meet at the Visitor Center.
For more information call the Monument at (719) 748 – 3253.

Freinds Annual Meeting
2014-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds annual meeting is scheduled for October 25th at 10:a.m. in the Monument Visitor Center auditorium. The highlight of the meeting will be Dr. Herb Meyer, Monument Paleontologist, who will provide Friend’s members an exclusive talk about his recent trip to Thailand where he participated in the “Seminar and Workshop on Petrified Wood Conservation of the Petrified Forest Park in Tak Province, Thailand.” Invited and hosted by the Government of Tak Province, Bantak Petrified Forest Park, and Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University,
Dr. Meyer gave the keynote presentation entitled “Fossil Tree Conservation Project at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado and at Sexi, Peru.” Support for international airfare was provided by The Friends of The Florissant Fossil Beds. He also participated in an on-site conservation workshop at the Petrified Forest Park, which has the world’s longest petrified trunk at 69 meters (226 feet) in length. The trip provided a unique opportunity to meet not only with colleagues in Thailand, but also with the world’s leading conservator on petrified wood and trees from Greece, who was the other invited participant. This interaction will be critical for developing a conservation and stabilization strategy for the large petrified stumps at Florissant, which is an approved project to be funded by the National Park Service beginning in 2019.
In addition to Dr. Meyer’s presentation, Superintendent Michelle Wheatley and Board President Jeff Proper will present the Annual Service award to recognize Park Rangers and provide recaps of the year.
The meeting will conclude with election of new Board members – if you or someone you know are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please contact Sally McKinder sammckind@aol.com.
The board is also looking for members to serve on the Publicity and Fund Raising Committees for the upcoming year. Be a Friend of the Fossil Beds – Get Involved!!

Elk Hike at Fossil Beds
2014-10-05 16:45 - 19:15 UTC, 2014-10-03 16:45 - 19:15 (America/Chicago), 2014-09-28 17:00 - 19:30 UTC, 2014-09-27 17:00 - 19:30 UTC, 2014-09-26 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago), 2014-09-21 17:00 - 19:30 UTC | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Take part in a Rocky Mountain tradition: listening for the bugling of the bull Elk (Wapiti) on an autumn evening. Join a ranger at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument to learn about listen to the wild Wapiti.
These programs will include a brief presentation about these magnificent animals, followed by an off trail hike of up to 2 miles during which we will look and listen for the elk in the wild. Normal entrance fees to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will apply ($3 per adult, 16 and older). Annual passes to the Fossil Beds are available for $15 (good for the cardholder and 3 other adults).
Large numbers of people tend to make the elk wary and elusive, so the number of participants will be limited. Advance registration is required. In the past these programs have filled up quickly, so call early for reservations. Tables and grills are available near the visitor center for picnics before the program.
For reservations call (719) 748 – 3253 ext. 202

National Public Lands Day
2014-09-27 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by visiting the Pikes Peak region’s closest national park area – Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument on Saturday, September 27, 2014. In honor of National Public Lands Day, fees will be waived at Florissant Fossil Beds as well as the 400 plus other national park units across the United States.
Late September can be one of the most beautiful times of year to hike at the Monument. There are over 14 miles of trails in the Monument. From short, self-guide loops, to longer hikes, there is plenty of opportunity to find the hike that is just right for you and your family.
Calling all teens! The first 75 teens (13-19yrs) that come to the park this day and complete a hiking challenge (The Hornbek Wildlife Loop, 4 miles round trip) receive a free t-shirt. The teen hiking challenge is part of the Trails4Teens program at Florissant Fossil Beds. This program encourages teens to explore the Monument’s trails through hiking, playing, serving, and working. http://www.nps.gov/flfo/parknews/trails4teens.htm
Public Lands Day will include the following programs:
10:00 AM Interpretive Talk: Join a Ranger in the amphitheater behind the visitor center for a 25 minute talk about the area’s natural and human history.
10:00AM – Teen Hiking Challenge: Sign up in the visitor center to hike the 4 mile Hornbek
4:00 PM Wildlife loop. 2 – 3 hours. Complete the challenge and earn a t-shirt.
11:00 AM Ranger/Student Worker Guided Trail Hike: Learn about the Monument’s trails on a 1 hour guided hike. The guides will be Sarah and Emma our two teen trail workers and a park ranger.
1:00 PM Awards Ceremony: Come to the amphitheater behind the visitor center and learn celebrate the success of the teens that worked and hiked at the Monument this summer. Cake, fruit, and refreshements will be served by the Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds. 1 hour.
1:00 PM-3:00PM Fossil Learning Lab: Join a Park Ranger in the Yurt (tent) in the picnic area of the visitor center and see how fossils are discovered in the fragile lake shales of the Florissant valley.
3:00 PM Hornbek Homestead: Take a tour of the historic Hornbek Homestead. The homestead is located 1 mile north of the visitor center. The homestead will be open from 3:00PM – 4:00PM
For more information please call the Monument at (719) 748 – 3253 ext 202 or email at flfo_information@nps.gov.
The Monument is located at 15807 Teller County Road#1 in Florissant, CO. The park is approximately 35 miles (1 hour) west of Colorado Springs off of Highway 24.
Follow us on Twitter at @FlorissantNPS and on Facebook/FlorissantNPS or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/flfo
Photo: Wayne Johnston

Elk Hike at Fossil Beds
2014-09-20 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Take part in a Rocky Mountain tradition: listening for the bugling of the bull Elk (Wapiti) on an autumn evening. Join a ranger at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument to learn about listen to the wild Wapiti.
These programs will include a brief presentation about these magnificent animals, followed by an off trail hike of up to 2 miles during which we will look and listen for the elk in the wild. Normal entrance fees to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will apply ($3 per adult, 16 and older). Annual passes to the Fossil Beds are available for $15 (good for the cardholder and 3 other adults).
Large numbers of people tend to make the elk wary and elusive, so the number of participants will be limited. Advance registration is required. In the past these programs have filled up quickly, so call early for reservations. Tables and grills are available near the visitor center for picnics before the program.
For reservations call (719) 748 – 3253 ext. 202
Photos: Wayne Johnston

Meet Aspens Up Close
2014-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Are you heading into the mountains to see the changing leaves this year? Would you like to “get to know” those beautiful aspen up close? If you are interested to know more about the amazing aspen, then join a Park Ranger at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument for a 1-2 hour guided-hike on the Sawmill Trail (2.2 miles) on Saturday, September 20, 2014. The hike will start at the visitor center at 10:00AM.
Florissant Fossil Beds is the site of easily accessible (on foot) smaller aspen groves rather than the sweeping color vistas seen at distance from local highways. On this hike you will get to explore these small pockets of golden wonder and learn up close about the aspen tree’s natural history. For example, did you know aspens can reproduce from sucker roots underground? To learn more, come on the hike.
The regular park entrance fee of $3.00 per adult (16 and older) covers the program. Interagency Federal Passes are accepted.
Space is limited, please call ahead for details at (719) 748 – 3253 ext. 202
Follow us on Twitter at @FlorissantNPS and on Facebook/FlorissantNPS or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/flfo
Photo: Wayne Johnston

Farewell Saturn, Hello Uranus
2014-09-12 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
The seasons are changing, and so is the sky! Saturn and Mars are low in the West, and this may be our last chance to see Saturn before it disappears into the sunset for the rest of the year. Fortunately, another planet is rising in the East to take its place: Uranus! Fall constellations, and the famous Andromeda Galaxy, are making their first appearances as well. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Please dress warmly, as evenings at the park’s high elevation can be cool even in the summer. Bring binoculars or a flashlight if you wish (red-filtered lights only please). Also, please note that viewing is weather-dependent, and takes place only if the sky is clear. Ranger-led talks take place rain or shine.
Admission for the program is the regular park entrance fee which is $3 per adult (16 years and older) children and federal pass holders are free. Please call (719) 748-3253 ext. 202 for more information.

Wildflower Walk
2014-08-31 09:00 - 11:00 UTC, 2014-08-24 09:00 - 11:00 UTC, 2014-08-17 09:00 - 11:00 UTC, 2014-08-10 09:00 - 11:00 UTC, 2014-08-03 09:00 - 11:00 UTC, 2014-07-27 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago), 2014-07-20 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Join Ranger Shawn and learn about the colorful world of wildflowers. Meet at the visitor center at 9:00 AM. Bring water, snacks, and layered clothing.

FLFO 45th Anniversary Celebration
2014-08-23 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Celebrates 45th Anniversary Saturday, August 23rd, 2014.
Special Guest, Mary Burton, one of the original members of the Defenders of Florissant will co- present an interpretive talk on how Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument was established. This program will take place in the amphitheater behind the visitor center at 10:00AM. Following the talk, on the upper level of the amphitheater, the Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds will be providing birthday cake for visitors. The cake will be followed by a Junior Ranger Concert performed by Park Ranger Jeff Wolin. This will be a fun musical dance party about our national parks for the kids as the school year starts. There will be other guided hikes and program taking place. Below is a list of times of the all the events and programs. Come celebrate with us!
9:00 AM – Yoga Hike with Ranger Denise Ackart
10:00 AM – Special Guest Mary Burton and Ranger Talk in Amphitheater
10:45 AM – Friends of Florissant Fossil Beds Provides Birthday Cake
11:00 AM – Ranger Guided Hike on the Petrified Forest Loop
11:15 AM – Junior Ranger Concert in Amphitheater
1:00 PM – Fossil Learning Lab (1:00 – 3:00 3:00 PM – Hornbek Homestead (3:00 4:00 PM)

The Stars of Summer
2014-08-22 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
The summer sky is full of wonders. Join us as we explore stars and constellations, the Milky Way at its best, and a host of other treasures for amateur sky-watchers. Special treats tonight include the planets Saturn and Mars, flybys by the International Space Station and other satellites, and many of our favorite star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Please dress warmly, as evenings at the park’s high elevation can be cool even in the summer. Bring binoculars or a flashlight if you wish (red-filtered lights only please). Also, please note that viewing is weather-dependent, and takes place only if the sky is clear. Ranger-led talks take place rain or shine.
Admission for the program is the regular park entrance fee which is $3 per adult (16 years and older) children and federal pass holders are free. Please call (719) 748-3253 ext. 202 for more information.

Yoga Hike with Ranger Denise Ackart
2014-07-30 09:00 - 10:30, 2014-07-26 09:00 - 10:30, 2014-07-17 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Join Ranger Denise Ackart for 1.5 hour long yoga hikes at Florissant Fossil Beds NM every Wednesday and saturday morning through August at 9:00 AM. Meet at the visitor center. Bring water, comfortable clothes, and shoes with flexible soles.

Family Day at Hornbek Homestead
2014-07-26 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Family Day at the Hornbek Homestead in Honor of Florissant Heritage Day, Saturday July 26, 2014, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Florissant Fossil Beds will be participating in Florissant Heritage day by hosting a family friendly day at the Hornbek Homestead from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Park staff will be conducting tours of the homestead and leading period crafts and activities for kids and families. Participating children can earn their Junior Ranger Badge.
The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds will be providing light refreshments. There is no charge for this event beyond the normal park entrance fee of $3 per person over the age of 16.
The Hornbek Homestead is located in Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument on Teller County #1 a mile south of the town of Florissant. From Colorado Springs, travel 35 miles west on US highway 24. The Monument visitor center is about a mile south of the Homestead. For more information call 719-748-3253.

School in the Woods
2014-07-24 08:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | School in the Woods, 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, 80908, United States
Jonathan Wuerth and Carol Stansfield
Lessons Learned from Creating a Nature Based School.
Description: The two teachers who created Academy School District #20’s School in Woods will share learning experiences inspired by nature which teachers can implement in their classrooms, on their school grounds, or on field trips. Activities will be integrated with state standards in Science, Reading, Writing, and Social Studies. Participants should come prepared to spend an active day outdoors. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing (no sandals).

Meet at: School in the Woods, 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, CO, 80908.
Cost:
Friends Members: $15.00
Non-Members: $25.00

Yoga Hikes with Ranger Denise Ackart
2014-07-23 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States

From Pikes Peak to South Park
2014-07-20 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Bud Wobus
Mid-tertiary Volcanism and the Shape of the Land
Late Eocene volcanic activity of vastly different styles produced a variety of products and landforms between Pikes Peak and South Park. They mantled and modified the landscape which had been developed on the Precambrian basement rocks more than a billion years older. Pyroclastic flows from the Sawatch Range blasted across a surface of low relief 36 million years ago, filling valleys with the resistant Wall Mountain Tuff. Lava flows, mudflows, and ash from the Guffey volcanic center created and then buried Lake Florissant about 2 million years later. This seminar begins with an introductory overview at the Monument followed by a 3/4-day field trip to the Guffey area and back via two different routes to visit the rocks produced during these volcanic episodes.

Meet at the Yurt at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

Cost:
Friends Members: $15.00
Non-Members: $25.00

Astronomy Program
2014-07-19 20:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, CO, United States
Join Ranger Leo Sack and see the night sky the way it used to look before city lights crowded out the stars. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers an ideal balance between convenient location – an easy drive from Colorado Springs – and a sky dark enough to reveal the countless stars that once lit the night for our ancestors.

Yoga Hikes with Ranger Denise Ackart
2014-07-19 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
