Scott Rashid, Director of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI), will join us for a lively bird-banding demonstration. This is a wonderfully interactive and educational citizen-science opportunity for the whole family. Songbirds are caught in mist nets, and carefully measured and banded. Depending on the number of birds that arrive, attendees may have the opportunity to hold the birds and observe them up close before releasing them.  Bird banding is a national program administered jointly by the US Geological Survey and the Canadian Wildlife Service to support avian research. The information recorded at our bird bandings is sent to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory in Laurel, MD to be utilized for scientific research. No registration is required. All ages are welcome. Meet at the HPEC visitor's center 5 minutes before 8:00 a.m.

Sheila Webber, seasoned birder of Ft. Collins Audubon, will lead a casual bird walk at Equalizer Lake.  Fall migration is underway, so you will likely see song birds, raptors, shore birds, and waterfowl. Birders will be given a bird checklist of species typically seen in our area, and the bird count for the day will be sent to eBird. Binoculars, water bottle and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.  Easy walk on natural-surface trails. No registration is required. All ages are welcome. Meet at the HPEC barn 5 minutes before 9:00 a.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Come browse our end of season native plant selections at this pop-up live plant sale. HPEC's native plant nursery operation and On-line Native Plant Sale is our primary restoration ecology outreach and education program throughout the growing season from January through September. Native plants not only use less water and are adapted to our arid and variable climate, but they are also the best for attracting native pollinators which have evolved with native plant species. Through this program, we are restoring nature by onsite cultivation and distribution of native plants, throughout the front range landscapes, educating gardeners, landscapers, developers, and government agencies on the importance of native plants, thereby supporting pollinators and water conservation. All proceeds of the ongoing sale go to support HPEC's ecology and horticulture programs. Please bring plant flats or bags to transport your purchases. Bank cards only. No cash transactions.