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.

"Courage through Challenge" isn't just a tagline... It's what happens when you sign up for something that's really hard....
08/23/2026

"Courage through Challenge" isn't just a tagline... It's what happens when you sign up for something that's really hard. See you October 3rd.😜

We built the West Elk Challenge around a simple idea: When adults choose to take on something hard the payoff reaches farther than the finish line. Your registration fee goes straight to our Summer Camp Scholarship Fund so that more kids in Delta County get the to live the outdoor experiences that inspired you.

This summer, over 75 kids attended scholarships thanks to this race. Last call to sign up. Are you in? https://thenatureconnection.net/west-elk-challenge-trail-marathon/

Get your float on under the full moon with the Nature Connection! 🌊🌝Saturday August 29th is our last float of the season...
08/20/2026

Get your float on under the full moon with the Nature Connection! 🌊🌝Saturday August 29th is our last float of the season, 7-10pm. We have SUPs, paddles, and lifejackets for all ages. $10/SUP suggested donation. Enjoy the late summer season on the lake with us! 🌅

School is back in session, but that doesn't mean outdoor adventures have to end! ⛺️🥾Nature Connection has gear to help y...
08/17/2026

School is back in session, but that doesn't mean outdoor adventures have to end! ⛺️🥾Nature Connection has gear to help you get outside including backpacking, tents, sleeping bags and pads, cooking equipment and bear boxes. Whether you’re planning a weekend in the mountains or a quick overnight, we’ve got you covered.

Get outside, explore, and make the most of the late-summer season! 🌄 Learn more and reserve gear at https://thenatureconnection.net/family-gear-lending/

We wrapped up summer camp, with a real camp out at Island lake Campground on the Grand Mesa. It was an amazing time fill...
08/12/2026

We wrapped up summer camp, with a real camp out at Island lake Campground on the Grand Mesa. It was an amazing time filled with paddle boarding, talent shows, and lots of marshmallows. I can’t think of a better way to end the summer!! 😎💜.

On Saturday- kids, teen interns and staff of the Nature Connection summited Mt. Lamborn as part of the Colorado Day cel...
08/04/2026

On Saturday- kids, teen interns and staff of the Nature Connection summited Mt. Lamborn as part of the Colorado Day celebration. Our climb of Uncompahgre Peak was shifted due to fires. As many of you know- Lamborn is probably harder than many of the 14ers as it climbs over 4000 ft of elevation in just under 4 miles! These kids rocked it! Lamborn looms over almost every program that Nature Connection offers... from XC skiing on the Grand Mesa to our Learn to Bike at each school in Delta County. This was an unforgetable day and quite an achievement!

The project was an effort led by Colorado Mountain Club to showcase the strength of Colorado's outdoor community by simultaneously summiting all 58 of Colorado's 14ers on August 1st in celebration of Colorado's 150th birthday/America's 250th birthday. Thanks to all the project sponsors and organizers!



Camp magic is in the air! This week, we turned plain tees into vibrant masterpieces with tie-dye fun. Who knew creativi...
07/29/2026

Camp magic is in the air! This week, we turned plain tees into vibrant masterpieces with tie-dye fun. Who knew creativity could feel this colorful? Cheers to creativity, fun, and the best vintage vibes! Can’t wait to see what these mini Picasso’s whip up next! 👨‍🎨

Fish week was a very successful week! Kids had a blast! Catching fish and other interesting things! 🐟
07/28/2026

Fish week was a very successful week! Kids had a blast! Catching fish and other interesting things! 🐟

Our Executive Director, Jess McGrath, stepped away from the busy NC headquarters to learn what the Healthy Forest Crew i...
07/28/2026

Our Executive Director, Jess McGrath, stepped away from the busy NC headquarters to learn what the Healthy Forest Crew is all about! This three-year-old program partners with the Forest Service to collect data on plantability, natural regeneration, and survivorship of spruce, fir, and aspen in previously harvested timber sales.

Joining us for a day, Jess has a better understanding of the impact we make on local forest health, and what a day on the Grand Mesa can do for the soul.

Fish week has officially started! 🐠Are little fishes are getting into the water!
07/21/2026

Fish week has officially started! 🐠
Are little fishes are getting into the water!

07/21/2026

The slip and slide is a HUGE hit!!

Address

397 Miners Way
Hotchkiss, CO
81419

Telephone

+19708725910

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