LOVELAND, Colo. – Boyd Lake State Park continues to offer interpretive and educational programs at the park through Labor Day Weekend. These programs are open to the public, suitable for all ages and free. All vehicles that enter the park must purchase a daily park permit for $8, or display an annual parks pass. Contact the park for details and questions at (970) 669-1739.

The following programs are offered through Labor Day Weekend, 2011:

• Aug. 6, 2011 – “Burnin’ Down the House”
  Come to Boyd Lake State Park and learn about how to build a safe campfire, what role fire plays in our environment, how you can be fire safe, and enjoy gooey marshmallows! Meet the ranger at 8 p.m. at the campfire ring in the Cottonwood Campground between loops A and B. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the flames and stars. Program is for all ages. Park entrance fee applies. One hour.
• Aug. 13, 2011 – “Starry Eyed”
  Join the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society for an exploration of our night sky from the shores of Boyd Lake. Meet at 9 p.m. just southwest of the Cottonwood Campground for some relaxing skygazing. Bring your own binoculars for when waiting to look through the telescopes, there’s many wonderful sights to discover! Program is for all ages. Remember to bundle up! Park entrance fee applies. Weather permitting. Two hours.
• Aug. 20, 2011 – “Water World”
  Water is a precious resource in dry Colorado. But how precious? And what does that mean for you? Come to Boyd Lake and see what makes water such an important issue. Discover where the most and least water is available, and find out what you can do to help conserve it. Meet at the Cottonwood Campground, at the campfire ring between loops A and B at 8 p.m. Bring the whole family, and don’t forget something to sit on! Park entrance fee applies. One hour.
• Aug. 27, 2011 – “The Purpose of a Squirrel”
  Bushy tails, bright eyes, and lots of jobs to do – that’s the Fox Squirrel! Come and experience life as a squirrel. Meet at the Cottonwood Campground, at the campfire ring between loops A and B at 8 p.m. Bring the whole family and something to sit on! Park entrance fee applies. One hour.
• Sept. 3, 2011 – “The Purpose of a Squirrel”
  Bushy tails, bright eyes, and lots of jobs to do – that’s the Fox Squirrel! Come and experience life as a squirrel. Meet at the Cottonwood Campground, at the campfire ring between loops A and B at 8 p.m. Bring the whole family and something to sit on! Park entrance fee applies. One hour.
• Every Sunday in August, and Sept. 4, 2011 – “Birds of Boyd Lake”
  Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shores of Boyd Lake to discover the variety of bird species that call the area home. Spot a Great Blue Heron wading for fish or thrill to the songs of Red-Winged Blackbirds and Meadowlarks. Bring your binoculars, bird book, patience, and water and the whole family! Meet every Sunday, at 9 a.m., between Memorial Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, at the Heinricy parking area southwest of the Cottonwood Campground, where the Loveland Recreational Trail comes into the park. Park entrance fee applies. Program lasts 90 minutes.

Colorado State Parks 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 State Parks 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: Jessica Miller, (970) 669-1739, ext. 19, interp@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