OGDEN NATURE CENTER

The Ogden Nature Center is located at 966 W. 12th St. in Ogden. For more information, please visit www.ogdennaturecenter.org or call 801-621-7595.

Wild Wednesdays: Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Free for ONC members/ $2 children/ $3 seniors / $4 adults. Meet in the visitor center. All ages welcome. Today’s topic is “Fantastic Falcons.” What can dive at over 200 miles per hour? What has a beak that acts like a can opener? Falcons! Head to the Ogden Nature Center and spend time observing a live falcon, watch it take flight, learn about the art of falconry, and discover what makes these birds so fast and so fascinating.

Aug. 8: “Scaley Tales.” Have you ever wondered what a snake feels like? What about a tortoise shell? Come find out and get an up close look at the Ogden Nature Center’s resident reptiles. Learn what makes reptiles so special in the animal world while meeting two live Desert Tortoises and a Great Basin Gopher Snake.

Aug. 15: “Crazy and Curious Corvids.” Join Ogden Nature Center teacher/naturalists for one of their favorite Wild Wednesday programs focused on some of the smartest birds in the world — corvids. Listen to a true tale about a special raven and then meet the Ogden Nature Center’s most curious and playful raven, Cronk.

Aug. 22: “Accipiters — Aces of the Forest.” Sharpies! Coops! Goshawks! Utah is home to these three types of accipiters, also known as the true hawks. Meet the Ogden Nature Center’s own goshawk and discover how accipiters survive in forests.

Aug. 29: “Hooked on Fish.” Did you know there are eight endangered or threatened species of fish that call Utah home? Spend an hour with a teacher/naturalist and learn other cool facts about Utah’s diverse fish. Observe Least Chub in the aquarium and meet some fish-eating birds.

Horse Feathers — Live Outdoor Concert: 7 p.m. Aug. 9. Gates open at 6 p.m. $20 adults/ $12 children (12 and under). Purchase tickets online or in person. Boxed picnic dinners from Union Grill may also be ordered when purchasing concert tickets. The outdoor concerts at the Ogden Nature Center combine gorgeous sunsets and an unrivaled outdoor setting with lively, fresh musicians. Pack a picnic, bring low-rise chairs or a blanket, and get ready for a fabulous summer night.

Free Summer Saturdays: Saturdays through Aug. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission for everyone, all day, thanks to Weber County R.A.M.P. funding. Also free nature activities at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Saturday. Join an Ogden Nature Center naturalist for a guided nature walk, lesson, animal presentation or craft. Lessons will vary every week. Check the website for details.

Summer Camps: Join in the summer fun and expand your nature knowledge! Registration is required. For more information, pricing, and to register campers, please call 801-621-7595. Full details are posted online at www.ogdennaturecenter.org. This month’s camp, “A Day in the Life of a Wildlife Scientist,” will be held 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 13 for ages 12-16.

WEBER PATHWAYS

Wasatch Hikers: Wednesday evening hiking group can be found every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. hiking a different trail in the Ogden area. Our creed is exercise is good for the body, mind and soul. The trails in the area are better than the gym. So if you want a group to hang with, or just have time for just one hike, we look forward to meeting a new friend. For information on our next outing visit: http://www.meetup.com/webercountyoutdoors/ and check the calendar under the meetups tab.

Singles Mingles Hikes: If you’re 45 years old or older, single, and want to mingle…come join Polly on a wonderful series of trail outings. These outings are on most Thursdays at 6 p.m. and won’t last longer than two hours. Outings will run until Sept. 29. This is a great way to meet other singles in the area and enjoy nature together. To register and for location, please call Polly at 801-645-3236.

Longer Distance Hiking: Come along for guided long-distance hiking to see some of the best views Weber County has to offer! These hikes will generally occur at 7:30 a.m. Friday mornings during the season and end around noon. Please check with the leader for specific times and locations. Call Helene for hike location at 801-745-1799.

Trail Mixer 2012: 5-9 p.m. Aug. 17 at Snowbasin. BBQ, live and silent auctions, and raffle. Auctions and raffle will include great outdoor gear and activities for all seasons! Tickets are $40, all but $14.40 of each ticket is tax deductible. Please call 801-393-2304 to purchase. All proceeds benefit pathways in Weber County.

Science Hike: 9-11 a.m. Aug. 18. 27th Street Trailhead to Taylor Canyon. Backpack science for kids. Geology and botany leaders will bring a multitude of tools and supplies to do fun and engaging scientific investigations with kids. Call 801-682-5545 or email sciencehikes@gmail.com for more information.

Family Fitness Festival: 8 a.m.-noon Aug. 25 at MTC Park in Ogden. Includes 5K, mile senior walk, breakfast, and other activities for the whole family. For the 5K, registration is $15 for pre-registered runners before Aug. 10 (runners will be guaranteed a T-shirt), $20 for late registration. For the senior walk, registration is free, breakfast is $3 and T-shirts are $5. Group discounts available. For more information, visit www.familyfitnessfestival.blogspot.com.

OGDEN SIERRA CLUB

Full Moon Hike to Ogden Overlook: Friday. The Ogden Canyon Overlook trail is a very popular trip because of the wonderful views at the end, into Cold Water Canyon and Ogden Canyon. On a full moon night, a view of the stars on the east side of Ogden. About five miles round trip. Bring a flashlight or head lamp and water. Call Joanie at 801-399-0034 for meeting time and place.

Notch Peak Uinta Trail: Aug. 18. Eight miles, four hours, most of the trail is above 10,000 feet (flatlanders be warned), moderate. This hike is very scenic with outstanding views of numerous small lakes and exquisite Bald Mountain to the east and Trial Peak to the west. We should see many wildflowers. Call Larry at 801-690-4335 for more details.

Baker’s Spring/Gobblers Knob Backpack: Saturday-Sunday. Join Rebecca and Fred, who will lead an overnight backpack up the Terraces/White Fir Pass trail in Millcreek Canyon to Baker Spring, which is nestled near the saddle of Mt. Raymond and Gobblers Knob between Millcreek and Big Cottonwood Canyons. We will climb Gobblers Knob from our base camp for awesome views in all directions. The next day, we will exit down Big Cottonwood Canyon’s Butler Fork, and meet our shuttle. Experienced hikers only, as the hike will be moderately strenuous. Call Rebecca at 801 557-5261 or email at rebeccawallace38@msn.com for more details.

WASATCH AUDUBON

Bird Walks: Today at Fort Buenaventura. Meet at McDonald’s (Riverdale Road and 900 West) at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast or at 8 a.m. to carpool.

Aug. 8: North Arm Pineview Reservoir. Meet at Dylan’s (12th and Monroe) at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast or at Smith’s parking lot to carpool at 8:15 a.m.

Aug. 15: Willard Bay State Park. Meet at McDonald’s (1838 W. 2700 N. just east of Exit 349 on I-15) at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast or 8 a.m. to carpool.

Aug. 22: Morgan’s Mickelsen Mile. Meet at McDonald’s (5745 S. Harrison, Ogden) at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast or at 8 a.m. to carpool.

Aug. 29: Maples Campground, Snowbasin. Meet at Dylan’s (12th and Monroe) 7:30 a.m. for breakfast or at 8:15 a.m. at Smith’s parking lot to carpool.

Board Meeting: 7 p.m. Aug. 7 at Ogden Nature Center (966 W. 12th). All members are welcome.

Annual WAS Potluck: 7 p.m. Aug. 21 Tuesday at Ogden Nature Center (966 W. 12th). The grills will be fired up and soft drinks will be provided. Bring a dish to share, your own meat to barbecue, dishes and utensils.

Don’t forget insect repellant. After dinner will be a time for socializing and sharing experiences.

Field Trip: 8 a.m. Aug. 25 at Bear River Meadows. This is a good opportunity to see Black Terns. There are also usually a lot of waterfowl along the meadow. Meet at Smith’s (12th and Harrison, Ogden) at 8 a.m. Bring a lunch and water. We’ll stop at the creek turnoff to check out the Purple Martin. RSVP to Les Talbot at 801-589-2591.

WEBER STATE OUTDOORS

Summer Summit Series: Aug. 12 to Willard Peak via Cutler/Bicentennial Trail. Meet at North Fork Park Trailhead. Plan to hike by 5 a.m. Moderate, non-technical, but excellent fitness required. For more specific information, please e-mail Brandon at ogdenoutdooradventure@gmail.com.

Weber River Inflatable Kayak Trip: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 18. $20 WSU students, $30 non-students. The Weber River has some great opportunities for novice whitewater enthusiasts. Come join us as we attempt to beat the summer heat. Please bring snacks, water, and some dry clothing to change into. All participants must be able to swim confidently. Ages 18 and up. Meet at the Outdoor Program, 3301 University Circle, WSU campus. For more information, call 801-626-6373.

Weekend Snake River Raft Trip: Aug. 24-26, $90, WSU students only. If you are looking to liven up your summer, look no further. The WSU Outdoor Program presents “Big Waves, Big Fun” in Alpine Canyon on the Snake River near Jackson, Wyo. Transportation and equipment included in cost of registration. Mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Outdoor Program (annex 9 on campus). For more information, call 801-626-6373.

Cooperative High Uintas Climbing Trip: Aug. 31-Sept. 3. WSU students only. Escape the summer heat as we venture into the high uintas for some amazing climbing. Lakes, rock, and spectacular scenery are just a sampling of what you can expect to encounter. Basic climbing equipment will be provided. Mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Outdoor Program (annex 9 on campus). For more information, call 801-626-6373.

MISCELLANEOUS

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge will host a “Shorebird Saturday” event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 to celebrate the annual migration of shorebirds. See what it takes to survive migration through games and crafts. Utah4Kids! will be on-site to help with crafts and family fun. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy presentations about shorebird biology and tales of the amazing migrations that several species of refuge shorebirds undertake each year. In addition, the grand opening of the refuge’s new Marsh Meander trail will be at 10:30 a.m. The refuge is also offering two guided tours along the Auto Tour Route, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended by calling 435.723.5887. All activities are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Bear River Refuge.