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 volunteer naturalists. 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 throughout the year and all requests must be submitted prior to that season's request window deadline. Each group may request one program per year.

Please reach out to Maggie Vest Engelman at engelmanm@bouldercolorado.gov if you have questions.

Program Request Windows and Confirmation Dates

Program DateRequest Window Deadline
Fall Season (Sept. 1 - Nov. 30)May 31, 2024
Winter Season (Dec. 1 - March 31)Nov. 1, 2024
Spring Season (Apr. 1 - May 30)Dec. 13, 2024
Summer Season (June 1 - Aug. 31)May 1, 2025

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. For school groups, submitting program requests three months in advance increases the likelihood of program availability.

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. We offer school programs Tuesdays through Fridays.

One Activity per Request

Please request only one activity per form.

Please email Maggie Vest Engelman at engelmanm@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.

Submit your request using the Program Request Form on Count Me In. We accept requests throughout the year. Requests must be submitted prior to the season’s specified deadline windows. Each group may request up to two programs per year.

You are welcome to sign up for two programs per group each year.

We offer programs throughout the week except for Mondays. The best time to schedule a program is between April 1 and 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 contact Maggie Vest Engelman at engelmanm@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 Juanita Echeverri at echeverrij@bouldercolorado.gov. 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). Questions - please email Juanita Echeverri at echeverrij@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 a max of 60 people 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.

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