Holiday Closure
All City of Boulder administrative facilities, public libraries and Age Well Centers will be closed Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day holiday. Some facilities and services will be open.
Explore with Us: Request a Program
Join OSMP staff and volunteers for adventures in nature discovery. Programs are free and open to all.
Discover the natural world with OSMP staff and volunteers. Deepen your sense of place and get to know new people. Contact us to schedule educational programs, recreational excursions, accessible bike rides, contemplative experiences and more. Programs are free and open to all.
We accept requests during the specified windows below. Each group may request one program per window (up to two per year).
We offer programs Tuesday through Friday*, April 1-November 30.
Please reach out to Maggie Vest Engelman at englemanm@bouldercolorado.gov if you have questions.
Program Request Windows and Confirmation Dates
| Program Date | Request Window |
|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | Dec. 1, 2022 - Jan. 31, 2023 |
| Summer & Fall 2023 | Apr. 1 - May 31, 2023 |
How to Request a Program
Log into Count Me In or Create Account
The Program Request Form is found in Count Me In. You will need to login or create an Count Me In account to submit the request form.
Request in Advance
We require a minimum of four weeks advanced notice to try to schedule an activity.
Choose Location
OSMP naturalists lead hikes and other programs year round on open space and in classrooms. Choose your location.
Provide Details
Please use the boxes on the form to tell us more about your group’s needs. The more detail you can give us, the better we can provide you with the program you want.
If you are requesting a program for a school or youth group, please review the Schools and Youth Groups page first.
One Activity per Request
Please request only one activity per form.
Please email Maggie Vest Engelman at englemanm@bouldercolorado.gov if you have questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing! OSMP offers these programs free of charge as a community service, supported by City of Boulder sales tax. To pay for your program, shop in Boulder.
We accept requests during the specified windows. Each group may request 1 program per window (up to two per year).
You are welcome to sign up for two programs per group each year.
We offer programs Tuesday through Friday, April 1-November 30. We will try to accommodate your group on other days when possible.
Yes! Be sure and specify this option when you register.
Yes! People experiencing disabilities or having special needs are welcome! Participants must be accompanied by a trained aide or a teacher familiar with any special requirements.
Yes! OSMP can provide an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter to accompany naturalist-led hikes and programs, and some community events. Please let us know with as much advanced notice as possible. For more information, please Curry Rosato at RosatoC@bouldercolorado.gov.
Yes! Visit our Educators' Resource section for an ever-growing selection of resources to help you plan classes, workshops, and activities. Download information and fun hands-on activities for geology, flora, fauna, history and more. Or, visit our Families Page for downloadable puzzles, games and activities.
We offer public hikes on the White Rocks property from August through October. Two hikes per year are available to be reserved by organizations, the rest are open registration. To apply for a reserved group hike, submit a request to Curry Rosato at RosatoC@bouldercolorado.gov by April 30. If more than two requests come in per year, the recipients will be randomly chosen (assuming none of the groups have already had a dedicated hike within the last 5 years). Confirmation notifications (or wait-listing) will occur in mid-May. Questions - please email Curry Rosato at RosatoC@bouldercolorado.gov.
If you are bringing a group of 25 or more people without an OSMP guide, or charging a fee to bring any group size, you may need a permit.
No. Scout groups, home schools, adult classes, church groups, community clubs and organizations are all welcome and will not be charged for programs.
We offer a wide variety of options. View themes.
Yes! OSMP programs align with Colorado State educational standards.
Group size can be from 7 to 60 people based on naturalist availability. We can accommodate 60 participants based on naturalist availability.
Age limits are pre-school and up.
If you are bringing a group of 25 or more people without an OSMP guide, you may need a permit.
Program Themes
Choose a program theme from the list below. Most of these programs can also be given in Spanish for groups of all ages. If your desired theme or topic is not on this list, let us know; we may be able to accommodate your request.
Outdoor Safety: Caring for your land, Leave No Trace ethics, stewardship, outdoor and hiking safety
Ecology: general ecology; wetland ecology; fire ecology; winter ecology; habitats and ecosystems of Open Space and Mountain Parks
Wildlife: prairie dogs, mountain lions, bats, bears, birds & bird watching, raptors, predators, bones and skulls, animal tracks and sign
Evolution: evolution / natural selection and other mechanisms; adaptations
Seasonal Changes: fall, winter, spring, summer, climate (drought)
Plants: invasive weeds; wildflowers; seeds; pollination and plant / animal interactions; native plant gardening
Insects and Butterflies
Natural Resource Management/Careers
Boulder-area Geology
Boulder-area History: Open Space and Mountain Parks, Chautauqua, Boulder area
Arts: drawing, painting, writing, nature, journaling, music, dance
Leading Your Own Nature Hike
Information about Permits
- Outside organizations that are charging a fee, receiving money for a service or require a donation, and operate on OSMP lands, are required to get a Commercial Use Permit.
- Groups not requiring a commercial use permit with more than 25 participants are required to obtain a Special Use Permit, and must notify OSMP at least two weeks before the trip. OSMP will check if the field trip site can accommodate your group, and send low impact guidelines for you to follow.
Please direct your questions to osmppermits@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3440.
Learn Rules and Regulations
Familiarize your group with park rules and regulations before your trip.