Your Guide to Spring Nature Events in the Cody Area
One of the great benefits of living in this area is the ease with which we can connect with nature. And in this fast-paced world, finding pockets of time to be out there allows us to reset. Whether it’s taking time in the morning to listen to the dawn chorus of birds, going out for a daily walk, or taking a hike, it’s easy to see that nature refreshes us.
The more you learn about the natural world, the deeper the enjoyment. Going from listening to the dawn chorus to knowing that the ruby-crowned kinglets have returned because you recognize their song takes it to another level. It deepens the appreciation the more knowledge you gain.
This spring, there are many opportunities to learn more about nature through various events in the area.
Birding
Birding is one of the easiest reasons to head out, and there are plenty of opportunities to jump in on this hobby that is a passion for so many.
Beck Lake Survey
The Spring Beck Lake Survey has started. Just like the Fall Survey, you can join them on Fridays, one hour after sunrise, at the back parking lot at Taco Johns out by Beck Lake. If you miss them, look for the cars gathered along the Beck Lake Complex. Whether you’re new to birding or an expert, everyone is welcome. The information from years of this survey is kept at the Draper Natural History Museum.
Week 6 – April 24 | 7:17 AM
Week 7 – May 1 | 7:06 AM
Week 8 – May 8 | 6:57 AM
Week 9 – May 15 | 6:48 AM
Week 10 – May 22 | 6:41 AM
Week 11 – May 29 | 6:36 AM
In addition, the Cody Library received a grant last year from Flight Path, part of the Spark of Science @ My Library Initiative. Through this grant, there will be programs and birding walks. More details will be posted on the calendar.
May 4 | Denver Hold with the Owl Research Institute will give a talk at the Cody Library | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
May 7 | Birding Walk at the Paul Stock Nature Trail, hosted by the Cody Library
May 14 | Birding Walk at the Belfry Bridge, hosted by the Cody Library
June 6 | Birding in Shell Valley – Free, but space is limited. Register here.
Fishing
Fishing is another great activity that gives you a reason to get outside. If you’re interested in learning how to fish, stop by North Fork Anglers.
May 9 | Community Fishing Fair | Cody Game & Fish Office | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
May 12 | Fishing updates for Yellowstone Presentation | East Yellowstone Trout Unlimited | Cody Game & Fish Office | 6:00 pm
June 6 | Kids Fishing Day & Derby | Beck Lake | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
June 6 | Wyoming Free Fishing Day
All Creatures Great and Small: Connecting with Nature’s Web
Sponsored by the Christ Episcopal Church Spiritual Committee, this group sees how we are all connected. They have begun holding meetings to discuss various topics. The next one is a panel discussion about the possibilities and perils of wildlife conservation in Northwest Wyoming.
The panelists are Corey Anco, curator of the Draper Museum of Natural History; Kathy Lichtendahl, a Wyoming naturalist; and Tony Mong, the senior biologist for the Cody Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
May 1 | Pardners Cafe | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Presentations at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (BBCW)
We are so fortunate to have access to top notch people that give presentations at BBCW. This spring there are many wildlife related presentations.
April 23 | Bison | Local Lore: Bison of Yellowstone | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
April 23 | Bighorn Sheep | Carrying Capacity: The Hunt for Resilience | 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Read the article on this event.
May 7 | Bison | Following the Herd: How the Social Lives of Buffalo Shape the Prairie | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
May 8 | Art | Art Workshop at the Draper: Many Ways to Look Closely at the Land | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Drop in anytime during these hours to visit with Austin Camille, a sculptor working on a piece for the Heart Mtn Ranch Preserve
June 2 | Geology | Mud Volcano helping to understand volcanism on Mars talk | TBD
June 2 | Bison | Talk by Dr. Shane Doyle | TBD
Sunlight Sports
Known for their Thursday Night Pint Nights and their passion for getting people outside, they’ve begun adding programs for the evenings.
April 23 | Wyoming Wildlife Federation | Class Outside: Camps and Classroom Resources | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
April 30 | Summer Youth Biking Opportunities | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Boot & Bottle Club
This club, established in 1939 is Wyoming’s oldest riding club. They are dedicated to getting you out on the trail on your horse. This year they will again organize trail rides for horse owners. If you don’t have a horse and are interested in getting out on horseback, check with the UXU Ranch and others who offer trail rides this summer.
May 16 | Trail Ride | Join their Facebook Group for details
June 13 | Trail Ride | Join their Facebook Group for details
Janet Jones
Owner, Publisher, Editor
Janet has a rich history in Cody with her grandparents moving here in the late 1930s. Her grandfather started Wyoming Well Service. Janet is a writer, photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. Cody Journal and Cody Calendar blends her skills and talents with her love of the area.
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