Learn about nature and celebrate the awakening of spring with
Castlewood Canyon State Park programs in March.

The park is at 2989 S. Highway 83 in Franktown.

Park naturalists will lead visitors on a journey of discovery
through the park’s guided hikes and activities. Programs are free,
but all vehicles entering the park must purchase a $5 daily pass or
an annual Colorado State Parks pass. Annual passes are $55 and are
good at all the state parks for the calendar year.

Unless otherwise indicated, programs require reservations. For
information and reservations, call (303) 688-5242.

* Wake Up, It’s Spring in the Canyon, 1-3:30 p.m., March
7.

Join volunteer naturalists Judy and Marv Kieca on a 2-mile hike
and explore the transition from winter to spring in the park. Learn
how the native animals and plants have adapted to Mother Nature’s
fickleness in the unpredictable season.

Bring binoculars, hiking sticks and questions, and wear footwear
and clothing to match the weather. All ages of hikers are welcome.
Meet at the visitor center.

* Junior naturalist: The Five Senses and Trees, 1-2 p.m., March
21. Recommended for children ages 7-12.

Program features hands-on activities and discovery time on the
trail. Meet a park naturalist at the visitor center.

* Critter Tails: Wake Up, It’s Spring, 10-11 a.m., March 25.
Recommended for children ages 3-6 with a parent.

Join a park naturalist for stories, fun and outdoor activities
and get to know the wild residents of Castlewood Canyon. Meet at
the visitor center.

* The Beginnings of Waterfalls, Pools and Grottos Part 2, 10
a.m. to noon, March 27.

This will be the second trip this year to a nearby side canyon
to see the changes that take place as spring approaches. The area
will change quite a bit in the months to come. There will be lush
ferns, mosses, and small flowers as spring unfolds. Meet
interpreter Ron Claussen at the visitor center.

* Explore the East Canyon Preservation Area, 1-3:30 p.m., March
27.

Sharpen nature observation skills and explore the ever-changing
landscape of the nature preserve. Meet volunteer naturalist Linda
Pohle at the visitor center. The East Canyon Preservation Area is
accessible only by joining this park naturalist-led hike. There are
no trails, so be prepared for uneven terrain.

* Medicinal Plants of Castlewood Canyon, 1-3 p.m., March 28. For
adults only.

Castlewood Canyon is home to many plants known to have medicinal
properties. Volunteer naturalist and herbalist Gary Schroeder will
take visitors on a canyon hike where they will learn to identify
some of these plants and how they might be used medicinally. Meet
at the event facility shelters. For adults only.