CLARK, Colo. – Steamboat Lake State Park has settled comfortably into summer with new naturalist guided programs. The programs for the week starting July 18 will cover everything from local wildlife education to an early morning wildflower hike. The featured event will be held on Saturday, July 23 with renowned Colorado photographer Bill Hitz and a musical campfire performance! It not only will be informational, but also inspiring! All programs are free with a valid daily or annual park’s pass.

• Thursday, July 21 at 2 p.m. – Attack of Steamboat Lake’s Bats! Ever wonder what those curious, night creatures are that fly uncomfortably close to your campsite? Join Steamboat Lake State Park’s Interpretive Naturalist, Desiree Wilcox, in an educational program about local bats and bat caging/housing methods! Meet at the visitor center, and wear comfortable shoes!
• Friday, July 22 at 2:30 p.m. – WHOo-WHOo’s Out There? Learn about the owls nesting at Steamboat Lake State Park, and participate in an owl pellet dissection! Meet on the back patio at the visitor center.
• Saturday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. – May all your Weeds be Wildflowers. Summer has bloomed at Steamboat Lake. Come join Clark locals, the Wiggins family, on a wildflower identification hike in the morning sunshine. Meet on the visitor center’s back patio.
• Saturday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m. – Building a Bird’s Nest! Embrace the outdoors and tremendous wildlife on this guided program about the local birds. Challenge yourself to an educational, bird identification hike. There will also be a building bird nest activity for the little ones! Meet on the back patio at the visitor center and wear comfortable shoes.
• Saturday, July 23 at 8 p.m. – Colorado Photography and Musical Campfire Performance!

Join renowned photographer, Bill Hitz, as he talks about Colorado and the amazing sights he has skillfully captured on film. Sit by the campfire and enjoy an opening musical performance and a slideshow of Bill’s photos. He will also bring copies of his published book, Roads Less Traveled, to sell to interested attendees. You do not want to miss this incredible evening program! It will be held at Sunrise Vista Campground. Dress warmly and feel free to bring the fixings for S’MORES to roast at the campfire.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife get 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.

CONTACT:
Desiree Wilcox, (970) 879-3922 steamboat.lake@state.co.us
Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203 ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us
This news release is also available at www.parks.state.co.us

Photo: araddon on Flickr