DENVER – Colorado’s State Parks have celebrated Earth Day since the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 and will offer a series of events this year on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday. April 22, to commemorate the international environmental awareness day. The state parks throughout Colorado are a great place to celebrate Earth Day and get outdoors to enjoy nature. Earth Day was created to inspire the public to take better care of the environment and take pride in clean water, air, land and other natural resources.
We hope that you will be able to join us! All programs are free, but please remember that all vehicles entering the park must purchase a $7 daily pass or display a $70 annual pass, except as noted below.
Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) and Salida Recreation in celebrating Earth Day 2012. Pick and choose events or come for the entire program. Programs include: Recycling and worms: Live birds of prey from the famous Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo; "Human Impact in Shangrila," a presentation by Masood Ahmad of Adams State College. Events will be held at the Scout Hut in Riverside Park, Sackett Ave., Salida. Call AHRA at (719) 539-7289 for more details.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
Earth Day Geology Hike
Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m. – noon
Join Castlewood Canyon volunteer naturalist/geologist Scott Knight for an Earth Day hike. Come observe how the rocks in the park "tell their story." Please meet at the Canyon Point Parking lot picnic pavilions for this 2-3 hour hike. Reserve your place early by calling (303) 688-5242. This will be a moderately strenuous hike into the canyon
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Volunteer Open House and Event
Sunday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park will be hosting a volunteer open house and an organized volunteer event on Sunday, April 22. The volunteer open house will be held at the visitor center. Snacks and refreshments will be served. From approximately 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. the park will then lead an organized volunteer project. The details of the project have yet to be determined due to the unpredictable nature of weather at that elevation in April. If you are interested in attending, you can RSVP by calling (303) 582-3707.
Lake Pueblo State Park
Earth Day Spring Cleanup
Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m. – noon
Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to celebrate Earth Day by helping with the annual Lake Pueblo State Park Earth Day cleanup. Bring the whole family and show your support for our environment by working to beautify Lake Pueblo. Refreshments will be served, park entrance fees are waived for volunteers and there will also be prizes given away. Don’t forget your work boots, hat, sunscreen, gloves and water. Meet at the Lake Pueblo Quail Run Group Picnic Area, located between the visitor center and the South Shore Marina.
Lathrop State Park
Earth Day Volunteer Celebration
Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day at Lathrop State Park. Volunteers are needed to improve shoreline habitat and fishing access through Russian-olive removal and traditional shoreline cleanup. Food and fun will be provided and no experience is necessary. This is a family friendly event. Call Lathrop State Park at (719) 738-2376 or email brian.kerrigan@state.co.us to sign up.
Mueller State Park
Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 22, 1 – 3 p.m.
Join volunteer naturalist Rose for a family, fun-filled celebration of Earth Day 2012, starting at the Mueller State Park Visitor Center! Parents and children will enjoy stories, crafts and a hike. Bring your Earth Day spirit, craft hands and sturdy shoes for hiking! Please RSVP/sign up by April 17 if you are interested in attending. The celebration will be limited to 35 child participants. Sign up by visiting the visitor center, emailing Chelsea.Murray@state.co.us or calling (719) 687-2366, ext.107.
Roxborough State Park
Earth Day Geology Hike
Sunday, April 22 at 9 a.m.
Join Naturalist Peter Laux on a three mile hike on the South Rim Trail to view the rocks that show the fascinating geologic history of the Denver area. Along the way we’ll discuss what makes the earth such a hospitable planet. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (303) 973-3959.
Trinidad Lake State Park
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 21 at 1 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help with the planting of over 100 trees. Kids will also be able to color pictures celebrating Earth Day. T-shirts and prizes will be distributed! Contact the Trinidad Lake State Park visitor’s center at (719) 846-6951 for more information and to register.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
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