The Wheat Ridge City Council has adopted the Parks and Recreation Pathway, a new 10-year master plan that will guide investments, programs, and facilities through 2035. The plan replaces the 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and was developed through an 18-month process shaped by thousands of community voices. The Pathway captures the community’s vision
This month we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We celebrate the end of 2025. And we welcome a hopefully healthy and prosperous 2026. It is a time of bright lights, beautiful music, wonderful family time, crazy good food, and of course delectable sweet treats. And high on most peoples lists
Happy November nature lovers. Ken Hall, aka Bird Nut here. Autumn is a time of fashion changes. If you’re an experienced birder the bright colors of summer are shoved to the back of the t-shirt drawer. Dingy weathered, flannel shirts and coffee-stained shredded jackets make their appearance. If you’re new to birding and have to
Happy October, my nature-loving friends. Ken Hall, aka Bird Nut, here. Using the words of a famous Bob Dylan song for my heading—but not for the same purpose—I leave politics and protests to someone else. October is an amazing time of change in nature, much like March: in like a lion, out like a lamb.
Happy September, my nature-loving friends. Ken Hall here—aka, Bird Nut. September is one of my two favorite months of the year, the other being April. One is four months into the new year; the other is four months from its close. One announces the season of renewal, the other a season of rest. September 22nd
For more than six decades, Cub Scout Pack 240 has been shaping young lives right here in our Wheat Ridge community. Since 1957, when the Wheat Ridge Kiwanis Club first chartered the pack, hundreds of local children have discovered courage, made lifelong friendships, and learned what it means to “do their best.” Today, Pack Leaders
Happy August my nature loving friends. Had but a couple hours of wandering time with my Sis before the heat became uncomfortable last Friday. Thought I’d take you on a slow motion step by step of what can be enjoyed in that two hours. As I’ve mentioned before, birding is but an excuse to get
Happy July my nature loving friends. Ken Hall aka Bird Nut here… The title of this article is a question that will get a bit of a frown from this old guy. Some will say birding is just not for them. Well my response is, it should be. One of my greatest regrets is that
Happy June my nature loving friends. Ken Hall aka Bird Nerd here. As a bird nerd, June is the last of my favorite three months of the year. It is the culmination of watching the orchestration of life over the previous two months. As the trees began to bloom so did the drive of our
Quite often, I like to discuss what has become the greatest game changer for me as it pertains to gardening successfully in Colorado; and that is mulching. 10 years ago, I adopted deep mulching methods in my permaculture landscape, and have been blown away at just how beneficial it has been. Here are just a
Happy May my nature loving friends. Ken Hall, aka the bird nerd here. This month I’m going to introduce you to a fairly common, rarely seen little bird; a Snipe. Technical name, Wilson’s Snipe. But since I have no idea who Wilson is, and knowing this little one has been around longer than Wilson, I
Anderson Pool is more than just a place to swim in the City of Wheat Ridge. Since 1979, it’s been a community hub where families gather, kids learn to swim, and friends meet up to enjoy the outdoors during the summer weather. The community pool welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors each year. In 2008,
March, what a wonderful month. Glimpses of spring. Yet winter does not wish to let go. Many of our spring and summer birds will be returning. As well as many of our winter guests will be departing. I want to introduce you to a fascinating little water bird that stays with us year around, quite
As I write this article, the weather outside reflects the extreme cold of the Rocky Mountain West. And while our gardens are “dead” and dormant, I’ve learned that this is the best time for pruning and restructuring. I am not only referring to fruit trees, but our gardens as a whole. In fact, we can
Hello, and happy February nature lovers. Ken Hall aka Bird Nut here. I just finished a fascinating, well written book called Mozart’s Starling, writteBy Lyanda Lynn Haupt. It brought me back to a frequently seen bird, and considered the villain of the bird world. The European Starling. There is no middle ground with these birds.
Welcome to December nature lovers. Ken Hall, aka Bird Nut, aka Nature Nut, here. On an almost weekly wander last week with my sister along the greenbelt, I was going through the many positives of a certain plant seen there. I’m speaking of Rabbit Brush. A commonly seen, native plant in Colorado. Wheat Ridge Parks
For many of us in developed countries, such as the United States, food security is a non-issue. Grocery stores, restaurants, and even local farms are common sights, and often easily accessible. Even during a global crisis, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, I heard more people express concern over the dwindling supply of toilet paper
As ski season approaches, enthusiasts eagerly await the thrill of fresh powder and mountain vistas. However, while the appeal of skiing is undeniable, it’s also a demanding sport that requires a blend of strength, endurance, and flexibility. Without adequate preparation, injuries can sideline even the most passionate skiers. Here’s how to ensure your body is
Happy November my nature loving friends. Ken Hall here. Formerly known as the Bird Nut. Changing my title to Nature Nut, just because I want to. First I want to thank some reader questions I received pertaining to my October article. I will always do my best to answer your emails or inquiries. And if
Autumn has arrived and soon there will be children jumping into leaf piles. (At least I hope, if they are not glued to electronic devices indoors.) Yet there are other purposes for fallen leaves that are too profound not to share here in our October article, as gardeners prepare a crucial rest period for their
Happy Fall nature lovers. Ken Hall here , aka Bird Nut. I would like to share something that occurs each Spring and again in Fall, bird migration. Many folks will say, “what, bird migration?” That is because most birds make their travels between sunset and first light. Resting during the day. Visiting local feeders and
The planting season is upon us! Yes, you heard that right. Fall is actually a great time for planting a variety of things. If you have been planning to add new trees, shrubs, and various perennials to your garden, you may not have to wait until Spring. In fact, many plants will benefit from a
Hi all. Happy September. Ken Hall, aka Bird Nut, here again. After talking bees, spiders, and dragonflies, I’ve decided to return to my bird nut roots. Rather than talk of fleeting migratory, here today gone tomorrow birds, I’ve singled out a most common , frequently seen feathered friend. The Northern Flicker. Other than the fact
In the July issue I had mentioned I rarely go on a wander without discovering a new mystery to be solved, or researched. This held true again on a recent outing. This article has to do with those eight legged terrors known as spiders. We have all at one time walked directly into a spider
