Jill Dreves, Nederland.  It is that time of year again, when many birds have flown to warmer climates, when the bears are hunkered into a deep slumber and when the Gray Squirrel is busy creating its kitchen. The days are getting darker and the night sky twinkles with the sparkle of the snow.

Let’s bring in the sunshine together on Wednesday, December 21 at Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center in downtown Nederland.

We will celebrate the mysterious night sky with a variety of educational and creative activities.  From 2pm-3:30, four live Owls will visit from HawkQuest, swooping through Wild Bear’s Eco-Arts Lounge as the silent hunters.  Look deep into their eyes, and imagine their amazing strength in the wild.  Then, enjoy live music with violinist Jukka Pawley, enjoy hand-crafting (beeswax candle dipping, winter paintings, dream catchers and Owl masks), and go inside Wild Bear’s planetarium to learn more about the constellations in the night sky.  Weather permiting, telescopes will be available outside with a local astronomer to identify the planets and the stars!

Meet the festive Wild Bear, and we’ve heard that Santa may appear as well!  Sit with the bear, share your wishes for the earth and take home a special gift!  Photos are welcome.

Be sure to take a ride on the Carousel, visit Brightwood Music, The Shop and the Mountain Man Store (all open until 8pm on December 21!)

Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center is the only all ages non-profit nature center in Boulder County. Offering year-round nature and science education for people of all ages, Wild Bear seeks to foster a life-long appreciation of the environment and promote an environmentally aware, responsible and ecologically sound community.  For more information about Wild Bear and the Enchanted Forest or to purchase tickets see www.wildbear.org.