The Nature Connection

The Nature Connection Eliminating barriers to getting outside for youth and families in our community

The Nature Connection Coalition received a Level 1 GOCO Inspire Planning Grant in October 2015 to survey the population of Greater Delta County and create a more comprehensive plan to get more kids and their families outside. In 2018, we were awarded the GOCO Generation Wild Grant to implement places, programs and pathways for our six communities.

We're excited to showcase one of our former campers who has returned as a counselor! Tiago enjoyed a summer with us in t...
06/05/2026

We're excited to showcase one of our former campers who has returned as a counselor! Tiago enjoyed a summer with us in the past, and now, several years later, he has chosen to give back to the Hotchkiss community as a counselor, eager to help create an amazing summer experience for the kids!

Paddle boards are now available starting this Friday! Come up to Sweitzer Lake State Park to meet our water sports inter...
06/04/2026

Paddle boards are now available starting this Friday! Come up to Sweitzer Lake State Park to meet our water sports intern and get a feel of the water!

🗓️Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from 10-6
🏄️paddle boards and life jackets provided
💲10$ suggested donation
⏰️2 hour lending

camp staff orientation week⁠archery training ✅⁠first-aid training ✅⁠⁠Our pathways camp counselors and leads are ready fo...
06/03/2026

camp staff orientation week⁠
archery training ✅⁠
first-aid training ✅⁠
⁠
Our pathways camp counselors and leads are ready for the fun-filled weeks to come! ⁠
⁠

Looks like the Wilder Bunch had a blast at orientation week! Now this crew is ready to head out and work on local hiking...
06/03/2026

Looks like the Wilder Bunch had a blast at orientation week! Now this crew is ready to head out and work on local hiking and biking trails for the community!⁠
⁠

Want to camp with your family, but not sure where to start?On June 27-28 (Saturday to Sunday), we are hosting a campout ...
05/30/2026

Want to camp with your family, but not sure where to start?

On June 27-28 (Saturday to Sunday), we are hosting a campout at Crawford State Park that makes it all simple. No experience? No problem. This weekend is for first-timers, curious folks, and anyone who wants to give camping a try without the commitment of buying a lot of gear. That's right - we have gear available for you to borrow!

You’ll learn how to feel confident outside in the outdoors with your family and care for the places we love.

🏕️ Gear available if you don’t have your own (bringing your own is encouraged if you have it)
🛠️ Workshops on Leave No Trace, how to set up a tent/use a camp stove, local places to camp, and MORE!
💸 $20 per adult (kids are free!)

Spaces are limited, so register soon at: https://thenatureconnection.net/camp-together-crawford/

Join The Nature Connection on WhatsApp to stay informed on our events! See you there!
05/14/2026

Join The Nature Connection on WhatsApp to stay informed on our events! See you there!

05/14/2026

Big things are happening in the Adobe Badlands 🧡

Delta County is excited to announce the 2026 Adobe Badlands Volunteer Clean-Up Day—and you’re invited to be part of it.

This is more than a clean-up. It’s a chance to come together, protect one of our most unique landscapes, and be part of something that’s making a real difference in our community.

✔️ Gloves & supplies provided
✔️ Water & snacks provided by Delta Compost
✔️ Ages 16+ welcome

All you need to bring: sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes ☀️

👉 Sign up today:
https://deltacountyco.gov/adobecleanup

Let’s show up for the adobes.

NEW DATE! Due to a quick moving Winter Storm ⛈️❄️ we are moving the Ride and Roll to School Day to Thursday May 7th. Hel...
05/04/2026

NEW DATE! Due to a quick moving Winter Storm ⛈️❄️ we are moving the Ride and Roll to School Day to Thursday May 7th. Help us spread the word!

Thursday looks like it'll be a perfect spring day to ride with friends to school. Check our website (https://thenatureconnection.net/ride-to-school/) for the schedule in your community and to RSVP.

Tag or invite a family friend to join on this ride. This is going to be so much fun!

🚨 Registration is OPEN for Bike Tech 101 Day Camp! 🚨Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yck3f929JUNE 15-19Bike Tech 101 c...
04/28/2026

🚨 Registration is OPEN for Bike Tech 101 Day Camp! 🚨
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yck3f929

JUNE 15-19
Bike Tech 101 camp will focus on developing the skills middle school riders need to take their riding to the next level and explore career skills in the bike industry! Camp days will be split between riding trails and learning skills bike techs need in a modern bike shop. We'll finish with a FULL day trip to Coal Basin Bike Park in Redstone to put together everything they learned for one epic riding adventure.

As part of DCSD's Summer Exploration Academy, this camp is FREE and open to current 5th-8th graders. Signups due by June 5th, but spots are limited and will fill quickly!

Camp Schedule:
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-11:45am
Friday: 8:30am-4pm (Bike Trip to Redstone)

Pickup and Drop Off at Delta Middle School.
FREE transportation from Paonia, Hotchkiss, & Cedaredge
FREE lunch and take-home breakfasts each day

Ever heard of a bike bus? 🚌🚲It's just like a school bus — except everyone's on wheels! Kids and adults meet at a neighbo...
04/27/2026

Ever heard of a bike bus? 🚌🚲
It's just like a school bus — except everyone's on wheels! Kids and adults meet at a neighborhood spot and ride to school together, picking up more riders along the way. It's more fun, much safer and a great way to start the school day.

On Thursday May 7th, we are organizing bike buses to roll through Cedaredge, Delta, Hotchkiss, and Paonia. Here are the routes and times. Out of town folks can meet at the start of each ride (green dot) or along the route. More details about the routes, times, and waivers are available at thenatureconnection.net/ride-to-school — see you out there!
Delta County School District 50J
🐾Hotchkiss P.A.W.S. Squad🐾
Paonia Parents Organization
North Fork School of Integrated Studies
Lincoln Elementary School Garnet Mesa Elementary School

Special thanks to our partners:
Delta County, CO - Government
Hotchkiss Police Department Delta Colorado Police Department
Town of Paonia, ColoradoTown of Cedaredge Police Dept

Address

397 Miners Way
Hotchkiss, CO
81419

Telephone

+19708725910

Website

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