Just outside the Pavilion along Big Dry Creek is our 1/2-mile nature trail loop. Explore Colorado's native insects in their natural habitat, laugh at the antics of prairie dogs and rabbits, and if you're lucky, catch sight of a heron, hawk or eagle perched in a nearby tree!
Wildlife Viewing
Vertebrates and invertebrates alike take refuge along the nature trail.- beavers
- bald eagles
- egrets and herons
- kingfishers
- prairie dogs
- owls
- Swainson's hawks
- native butterflies, bees, beetles, aquatic insects, spiders
Colorado Native Plants
Our nature trail also promises a glimpse of Colorado's riparian and shortgrass prairie habitats. Horticulture staff and volunteers remove invasive weeds, and plant grasses and native wildflower species.Click here to see our shortgrass prairie plants
Look for:
- Gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa)
- Blazing Star (Liatris punctata)
- Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata)
Critical Riparian Habitat
Riparian habitat is land next to water sources such as rivers, creeks, lakes and springs. These areas often shelter plants and animals that could not survive in other areas. At the Butterfly Pavilion, our nature trail provides a protected environment in which many species of insects, birds and other animals thrive.
The Butterfly Pavilion, in partnership with the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and the City of Westminster, is currently restoring the Big Dry Creek Open Space. This project will take several years of planting native grasses and wildflowers, as well as improving water drainage on the site.
Volunteer! Join our horticulture team to maintain our outdoor landscape or teach visitors about gardening, habitat and butterflies.
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Catch & Release Bugs!
Sweeping for bugs is a great way to discover what lives in your own backyard. All you need is a sweep net and a magnifying glass. Lightly and quickly brush the rim of the net across nearby plants, then look to see what has landed inside. A magnifying glass will help you to get a closer look at your find!
Keep a Nature Journal
Explore an area of a park or yard in detail. Choose a specific plant and observe it over several months, tracking growth, types of animals it attracts and other changes. You'll be amazed at the variety of activity you'll find!
