Trail News - Hosted outdoor and trail opportunities around Niwot-Gunbarrel

Boulder County Open Space and Parks is offering some hosted hiking and trail-related activities during the month of August. Use the embedded links to register and find additional information for each event.

Cancelled due to Stone Canyon Fire Trail Closure: August 2, 8:15-10:30 p.m. Milky Way and Night Sky Viewing at Ron Stewart Preserve, Rabbit Mountain. Naturalists and astronomers from the Longmont Astronomical Society will be leading an informational night sky viewing session at Rabbit Mountain. Telescopes are provided by the Longmont Astronomical Society. Registration is required. Click here for Registration.

August 3 and August 31, 10 a.m.-12 noon. Blacksmithing demonstration and education for all ages at the Agricultural Center, 8348 Ute Highway, Longmont. While registration is not required, click here to register to be notified of cancellation.

August 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wander, Wonder and Watercolor. Guided nature walk at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat (off of 75th Street between Jay Road and Valmont Street), then instruction on nature watercolor and journaling. All ages welcome and supplies are provided. Register here.

August 28, 9-11:00 a.m. Hikes for Seniors - A Walk around the Ponds. A guided easy 3-mile hike for seniors to study and appreciate the habitat at Walden Ponds. An easy walk with benches along the way. Registration required.

Boulder County Public Safety reminder regarding mosquito-born West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. While most infections are mild, the more serious infections can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain's lining), loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions and death.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, body aches, and occasionally skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Generally, symptoms appear three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult their health care providers.

There is no treatment, cure, or human vaccination for the virus. Health care providers can only treat the symptoms to help patients feel better and recover quickly. BCPH officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves.

Be safe this summer and remember the 4Ds:

1. Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternative.

2. Dress in long sleeves and pants.

3. Avoid the outdoors from Dusk until Dawn.

4. Drain standing water outside your home.

Generally, the mosquito season extends from late April until mid-October, with the end usually signaled by the first freeze in the fall.

Visit www.boco.org/WNV for more information about West Nile virus, mosquito activity in Boulder County and steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones this summer.