Nature Exploration
Blackhawk offers countless opportunities to explore nature, and our outdoor exploration programs for children teach them skills like fire building and cooking. If you're interested in volunteering to lead or help with nature exploration activities, please email board@blackhawkskiclub.org.
Fall 2022 Nature Exploration Days
In Fall 2022, kids explored large-scale nature art, Leave No Trace principles and fun, and Building for Winter.
Spring 2022 Outdoor Exploration Days
HUGE thanks to board member Jill Stevenson and intern Lily Hubanks for putting this program together! 40 kids, grades 1-8, enjoyed exploring Blackhawk’s land in active, age-appropriate ways, with an emphasis on stewardship. Kids learned about creating shelters by exploring the needs of animals who live at Blackhawk and using natural materials to build shelters. They explored the role of fire and practiced outdoor cooking skills. They studied native plants, learned to identify native and non-native plants, created plant superhero capes, and planted hundreds of native seedlings. They also learned about fish and went fishing.
Blackhawk’s Outdoor Explorers learned to make campfires, build rocket stoves and cook outdoors in May. They enjoyed making pesto with foraged stinging nettle, roasting sweet potatoes and munching on breadsticks cooked over the fire.
Hiking

Blackhawk offers plentiful hiking trails to enjoy in all seasons, whether you're wearing running shoes in the summer, hiking boots in the fall, or snowshoes in the winter. Enjoy our Story Trail on foot in warmer months or on Nordic skis in the winter. Join us for quarterly night hikes.
Birdwatching

In the spring of 2021, we held our first birding hike, with Ben Lizdas, nordic skier and professional birder. We plan to continue to hold birding events and encourage members to enjoy birdwatching on their own.
Camping

Our first family campout took place October 15, and our second was 4/29. Stay tuned for more campout dates coming up!
Otter Den Nature Center

Blackhawk membership gives you access to the best picnic spot in town: the Otter Den Nature Center! A green heron is a regular on the partially-submerged log in front. The Otter Den hosts regular events for all ages: Walk our new story trail, try out letterboxing, enjoy a nature craft, use our new selfie stand, go fishing in the pond, explore the stream, and build fairy houses.