We lead bird walks, host public speakers, and organize birding events. All events are open and free to the public. All ages and abilities are welcome! We also host a number of citizen science programs - information on these events will be
posted here as they approach.
Please email us at laramie.audubon@gmail.com if you have questions about field trips or suggestions for future trips or evening programs.
Field Trips - Winter 2025
All are welcome, regardless of experience level or available equipment - birding in a group is a great way to learn the local birds! We try to include information regarding how strenuous/accessible the different trips are - please contact us if you have ideas regarding BIRDABILITY (i.e., making birding more accessible for all).
Please bring the following items on field trips: your binoculars (if you have them), an extra layer (perhaps two or three), sun protection, and water/snacks if you would like them. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are recommended. Most trips will last for two to three hours, but attendees are free to leave at any time.
Anticipate slow walking for the duration of most trips. Many trips will convene at First Street Plaza, located in downtown Laramie (corner of First Street and Grand Avenue) to allow for attendees to arrange for carpools and to facilitate caravanning to the final field trip location.
January 25: Winter Tracking Trip - NEW TIME: 9 a.m. Dr. Gary Beauvais, Director of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, will lead a snowshoe/cross-country ski trek through forest and riparian areas of the Medicine Bow National Forest. This outing will focus on identification of animal tracks and other signs written into the winter snow. The group will also discuss the natural history of the winter environment. This is a favorite annual trip and we learn something new each year! Meet at the intersection of Highway 130 and Sand Lake Road (approximately 6.3 miles west of Centennial). Attendees must provide their own equipment and be prepared for cold winter conditions. Please dress in layers and bring plenty of snacks, water, and sun protection. UW students can check with the UW Outdoor Program for equipment. Local outdoor stores also have daily rentals available. Backup date (in case of bad weather) - Saturday, February 1.
Kids and Families Programs - Winter 2025
Outdoor events meet at 9 a.m.; Indoor events meet at 10 a.m.
January 25: Hibernation Station! Hosted with Wyoming State Parks. Meet in
the Gruver Room (main floor) of Trinity Lutheran Church, 107 S. 7th Street, for
stories and crafts with a hibernation theme. Get the answers to these
questions and more: Why do animals hibernate? Who hibernates in
Wyoming? This event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon. Drop in at any time to join
the fun and take home your craft masterpieces to enjoy.
February 15: Wetlands Wander! In celebration of World Wetlands Day
(February 2), we will meander along the Laramie Greenbelt learning about
river and wetland habitats and looking for midwinter signs of wildlife activity. Park at the lot at Optimist Park by the river (along West Garfield Street) and meet at the picnic shelter next
to the trail. 9 a.m. meetup time. All kids and families will take home a wetland
activity pack.
Afternoon/Evening Programs - Winter/Spring 2025
Programs are typically held on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. We have moved our programming to a new location to allow easier access and parking: Trinity Lutheran Church, 107 S
7th Street. Snacks and bird chat at 6:30 p.m.
January 22 -
February 26 -
March 26 -
April 23 -
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DIRECTIONS TO SOME FIELD TRIP LOCATIONS
(AND OTHER LOCATIONS OF INTEREST)
Hutton Lake NWR: If coming from Laramie, head south on 3rd Street/ US-287, turn right onto County Road 22 (as if entering the cement plant), then turn left onto Sand Creek Road (parallel to railroad tracks - many people have missed this turn and mistakenly entered the cement plant parking lot). Stay on Sand Creek Road for about 8 miles, then turn right at the National Wildlife Refuge sign. To reach the viewing platform, continue west from the sign for approximately 0.75 miles, and then turn left (south) and follow the two track until it ends (approximately 0.4 miles).
Wyoming Hereford Ranch: From I-80, take Exit 367 (Campstool Road) and travel south approximately 1 mile to the entrance, which will be on the left. Follow the driveway for approximately 0.25 miles and park opposite the red barn.
Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center auditorium (Room 138). This building is located on the University of Wyoming campus at 10th and Lewis Streets. Due to recent construction in the area, there is no longer a parking lot across the street from the building - parking is available on surrounding streets.
Old Happy Jack Ski Area (a.k.a. the sledding hill): From Laramie, take Interstate 80 east 9.5 miles to WY 210 (Exit 323). Turn onto Exit 323 and go left at stop sign onto WY 210/ Happy Jack Rd, then 1 mile to Happy Jack Recreation Area sign.
Tom Thorn/Beth Williams WHMA: From Laramie, head north on 3rd Street (a.k.a. US HWY 30 / US HWY 287) to the junction with WY HWY 34 (a.k.a. Sybille Canyon Road). Proceed east on HWY 34 toward Wheatland for approximately 24.6 miles to entrance (gravel road) on the left. The entrance is very easy to miss! Watch for a paved pullout on the right, followed by a small brown sign stating "The Tom Thorne/Beth Williams Wildlife Habitat Management Area" - the entrance is approximate 1/4-mile past that pullout and 700 feet past the sign.
