The Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo (NRCP) was formed 30 years ago by the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, who was looking for a place to provide environmental education programs. The group set up the NRCP in a perfect spot, just along the Arkansas River, where one can easily bird watch and hold other outdoor activities for visitors. 1981, the NRCP expanded with a raptor rehabilitation center, opened to take in injured birds of prey. Throughout the years, the group has seen many changes, but today, the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo and its small staff (including the approximately 200 injured and orphaned birds of prey they take in each year) provides a place for thousands of students and other community members to learn about conservation, recreation, and the environment.

Each year, the Nature and Raptor Center holds a number of programs both on- and off-site to increase Pueblo County community members' awareness, appreciation, and support for their natural environment. They are now wrapping up their summer programs, which includes a 7 week long Free Range Camp focused on getting children outdoors and discovering what they are most interested in about the environment. There are a handful of different Free Range Camps for children of different ages and with different interests, such as Fort and Shelter Building and Raptor Camp.

With school starting up soon, staff and volunteers are busy preparing materials for teachers and school groups they will work with throughout the school year. They provide a variety of programs for different age groups, which can be found on their website. The NRCP is also working with Puebloans Improving Our Community and other non-profits throughout Pueblo on a half-cent sales tax ballot measure which would support 6 Pueblo non-profits.

Being right along the Arkansas River, the Nature and Raptor Center also has a River Watch site, which has been sampled for the last few years by John Gallagher, Program Director, along with the occasional school group. However, one of the NRCP's dedicated volunteers, Alysia, recently attended the River Watch training in Beulah, CO, and she is now very prepared to join John in his sampling or even do it herself! The Colorado Watershed Assembly and River Watch are excited to see such enthusiastic volunteers eager to carry on with their water quality monitoring. Alysia said she had a great time at the training and that she learned a lot about both water quality monitoring technique and background. She was very interested to learn about where the data she collects goes, who throughout Colorado is utilizing it, and how important water quality monitoring really is. For more information about River Watch and its data, click here.

Have you ever been to Pueblo? If you've never been, now is the time and a visit to the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo might be in order! Not only does the NRCP have a raptor center where the public can view rehabilitating birds of prey, but they also have a number of biking, hiking, and walking trails both paved and unpaved for visitors who want to want to get out and explore the site. While you're in town, be sure you check out the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. And don't forget to try some Pueblo chiles, if you need something to spice up your day!

If you're looking for a unique place to stay in the area, the Mountain Park and Education Center (MPEC) in Beulah is only 30 minutes away from Pueblo and offers picturesque views of forested mountains and clear creeks flowing through its campus. The most recent River Watch training was held at MPEC, and everyone loved it. They have beautiful bed and breakfast style rooms for rent or you can hold your next group retreat there in their dorms! No matter what, we know you are bound to have a wonderful time. For more information on visiting Pueblo, click here.