Spending time outdoors is a proven method for combatting stress, anxiety or depression – even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado say helping kids stay active, despite colder temperatures and shorter days, has countless mental and physical health benefits.
For those who might not know where to start, scheduled group activities can allow children to experience a wide range of programming while they fine-tune what really interests them. Outdoor School at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a year-round program with offerings for all ages. In January and February, middle- and high-school aged programs focus on endangered species wild reintroduction methods and animal tracking.
Attendees get a personalized small-group tour of the Zoo, led by an EdVenture team member who specializes in teen education, conservation and nature-based topics. During these interactive tours, Outdoor School students visit animals at the Zoo and discuss how each animal is relevant to the topic at hand.
“For our Rewilding & Reintroduction course in January, we’ll visit a variety of endangered species at the Zoo, then learn how conservation activities are supporting their recovery in the wild,” Russell Friedman, EdVenture education specialist at CMZoo, says. “We observe animals up-close while we discuss the delicate details of their wild reintroductions. We talk about how we can help, and students have opportunities to ask questions about the animals, their challenges in the wild, and what conservationists are doing to help.”
Black-footed ferrets, Wyoming toads, Mexican wolves, African penguins, Amur tigers, giraffe, African elephants, Eastern black rhinos, and more CMZoo species, are endangered or critically endangered. Conservation organizations dedicated to these species receive funding from CMZoo, so just by visiting the Zoo or participating in a program, guests and Zoo members are funding efforts to save wildlife.
Winter is a great time to learn about animal tracks, because they can be fun to spot in the snow. At the Art of Animal Tracking program in February, students will explore CMZoo’s behind-the-scenes Nature Trail. There, they will learn to recognize native species’ paw and hoof prints, and will then learn about those species that call the Rocky Mountains home.
“We’ve hosted this program several times, and I love hearing that our students have gone home and encouraged their entire families to go on a short hike to spot animal tracks,” Russell says. “Witnessing evidence of these species in our local wild places helps students make deeper connections with them, while encouraging them to get outside and enjoy nature. Imagine how exciting it would be to take a short winter hike and spot tracks and then share what you know about that animal that with your family.”
Additional Outdoor School programs are added to the calendar regularly. Advance registration is required, and it includes admission to CMZoo for that day. Visit cmzoo.org/outdoorschool for more information.
Rewilding & Reintroduction
Date: Sat., Jan. 18, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $36.75* per student
Ages: Middle School & High School
Trail Tales:The Art of Animal Tracking
Date: Sat., Feb. 1, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $36.75* per student
Ages: Middle School & High School
Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo