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!

Enroll Your Child


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


OEP Handbook

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!

OEP created in Declan a desire and joy to be in nature and observe. . . and also to build forts out of sticks!

Jordanna, Declan's mother

Evelyn has made terrific memories in the group, learned so much, made new friends, and stayed safe and healthy throughout the program. She enjoys it so much that she has asked multiple times if she could just do nature school every day instead of our homeschool program. Nature school day is by far her favorite day of the week. We are very grateful to have this program and look forward to seeing what else is in store here.

Christina, Evelyn's mother

This program has been amazing for my son both academically and socially. He talks fondly about Evelyn too as she is a classmate for him.

Jennifer

SAVE THE DATE


June 30th: Summer Social!

View Flyer

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
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