Outdoor Explorations Program
"We don't own the Planet Earth, we belong to it" ~ Steve Irwin
NWDC's Outdoor Explorations Program (OEP) offers a nature-based enrichment experience that fosters adventure, learning, and environmental stewardship.
Now expanding to serve high school students in our "Soaring Stewards" Friday program!
2025 – 2026 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
This program is run in partnership with Alpine International Preparatory Academy and is ideal for students seeking an alternative, outdoor-centered education.
< Click "Enroll Your Child" to register your child.
Hint: select
“AIPA (Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center, Pueblo) – Kinder-12th Grade."
Outdoor Explorations Program
Grades K - 12 | Ages 5 - 17
Now Enrolling for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Where We Explore
OEP is primarily based at our River Campus in Pueblo, with opportunities to explore the Mountain Campus in Beulah, immersing students in riverbanks, prairies, and mountain trails. At the Raptor Center, students experience up-close learning with ambassador birds of prey, gaining a deeper connection to conservation and ecology.
A Nature-Based Learning Experience
The Outdoor Explorations Program emphasizes preparedness, mindfulness, and environmental responsibility through respectful expedition behavior. Students practice Leave No Trace principles, participate in stewardship projects benefiting local wildlife, and collaborate with organizations like the Raptor Center and Pueblo Zoo to make meaningful local conservation impacts.
Hands-On Learning & Outdoor Skills
Throughout the year, OEP students engage in practical outdoor skills, including:
- Fishing techniques and archery
- Animal tracking and wildlife identification
- Gardening and ecological restoration
- Annual science fair featuring student-led natural science experiments
These hands-on activities provide real-world experience, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity in a supportive outdoor setting.
Contact Us
- Elise Lokey – NWDC Program Manager, elise@hikeandlearn.org
- Jay Zarr – AIPA Director,
jzarr@aiprepacademy.org
Ages Accepted:
5 – 17
OEP serves children ages 5 - 17, from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade!
Students must be at least 5 years old by September 30th.
Enrollment Information
Our chartering partner is the
Education reEnvisioned Board of Cooperative Education Services (ERBOCES).
While enrolling your child, select “AIPA (Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center, Pueblo)”. Then, you will be contacted to specify your selection for the Outdoor Explorations Program.
Schedule & Age Ranges
OEP meets once a week for 34 weeks during the school year, with groups divided by age for developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Classes run from 9 am - 3pm.
Monday: Pygmy Owls
K-1st grade, ages 5-7
Tuesday: Kestrels
2nd-3rd grade, ages 7-10
Wednesday:
Ospreys
4th-5th grade, ages 9-12
Thursday: Hawks
6th-8th grade, ages 11-14
Thursday: Eagles
9th-12th grade ages 14-17
Locations
With the NWDC River Campus as our home base, students will also get to explore the Pueblo Mountain Park, Lake Pueblo, City Park, the Pueblo Zoo, and of course, our very own Raptor Center!
SAVE THE DATE
June 30th: Summer Social!
We are hosting a SUMMER SOCIAL to help you & your family mix, mingle, and get involved with the OEP community! There will be ice cream, games, nature, and prizes!
- Monday, June 30th
- 12 - 2 pm
- NWDC's Riverfront Room, 5200 Nature Center Rd 81003
- Contact elise@hikeandlearn.org for more info
