FAQs: Dave’s guide to requesting a hike or starting a collaboration
How can I request a nature program from Dave?
Dave schedules free educational activities with local conservation and education organizations and schools in the Boulder area. Due to liability concerns, he cannot offer personal hikes for individuals, families, or groups that do not maintain a volunteer program. To request a hike or nature program with Dave, click here.
What are some of the hikes Dave can lead?
Wildflowers. Bird watching, for beginners or experienced birders. Wildlife watching. Geology. Telescope viewing. Gardening with Boulder native plants. And a lot more. See a list of Dave’s signature hikes here. If you want something different, contact Dave and ask!
How much does Dave charge for programs?
NOTHING! Programs are free to requesting community groups.
Naturalist Dave Sutherland leads an astronomy program with telescopes.
How can I use a photo from Dave’s website?
The photos are almost all copyrighted work. Contact Dave for permission to use a photo in print, digital or social media. If it’s not one of his, he can put you in touch with the original photographer.
Do requesting organizations need liability coverage?
Dave asks that requesting organizations recognize him as a volunteer while presenting hikes, and provide liability coverage for him (as for other staff and volunteers) while he is volunteering. Participants will be asked to sign a risk and release waiver - preferably supplied by the requesting organization.
What’s Dave’s background in Environmental Education?
In addition to over 25 years working in the Boulder area for Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) as an award-winning field naturalist, Dave has led outdoor environmental education programs in California, Idaho and Costa Rica, and has trained guides in the Galápagos Islands. Dave holds a MS degree from the University of Idaho, where he studied with Dr. Sam Ham, one of the architects of modern interpretation. In 2005 Dave received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education in recognition of his work in the field.
Does Dave work with all age groups?
Many of these programs can be adapted for any age group. Dave has long experience working with children and families. Click here to read reviews from program participants.
Dave has a 2024 Background Check on file with Boulder County Audubon Society for work with youth and families.
What community groups is Dave working with?
Dave has teamed up with many of Boulder’s environmental and educational organizations. See some of them here.
Does Dave offer multi-lingual programs?
Yes, Dave speaks fluent Spanish! Since 1997 he has provided Spanish-language nature hikes and presentations for the Boulder-area’s schools and community groups.
How do I find out about Dave’s upcoming public hikes?
Check out Dave’s program schedule here, with links to sign up pages.
If you would like to join Dave’s mailing list and stay up-to-date with what he’s doing, please use the Subscription link here. You can leave the list at any time. Your email address will always be kept private!
Prairie Falcon, Photo: Dave Sutherland
What’s the best way to find out what Dave’s up to?
In addition to subscribing to Dave’s Nature Mailing List, follow Dave on Instagram and Facebook and visit Upcoming Hikes to see the calendar of events.
