This is the last month that the Durango Nature Center will be open before shutting down for the winter — but Durango Nature Studies is offering plenty of ways to enjoy the Nature Center and the Great Outdoors before snow blankets everything.

Here’s a list of what Durango Nature Studies has going on this month:

Geology of the Colorado Plateau Workshop

When: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Durango Nature Center
What: Instructor John Duwe will lead a hike and workshop on the Colorado Plateau that examines geologic landforms and billions of years of environmental changes
How much: $10 for nonmembers, free for members. To register, email sally@durangonaturestudies, call 970-769-1800 or register online.

For The Birds 

When: 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16
Where: Durango Nature Center
What: Durango Nature Studies has teamed up with For The Birds to offer bird walks along the Animas River. A DNS naturalist will guide the group as they learn about the many types of birds that live along the river.
How much: Free, but donations or memberships to Durango Nature Studies are always welcome. No registration necessary.

Full Moon Hike

When: 6-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18
Where: Animas Overlook, Junction Creek Road (wheelchair accessible)
What: Durango Nature Studies instructor John Duwe will lead a full-moon hike while the group learns about natural history, nocturnal animals, local landforms and moon facts and legends.
How much: Free for members, $10 for nonmembers. To register, emailsally@durangonaturestudies.org, call 970-769-1800 or register online.

Durango Nature Center

The Durango Nature Center is open to the public on Saturdays through Oct. 26, so get out and enjoy the crisp mountain air and (what’s left) of the fall colors. The center is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and offers miles of hiking trails, interpretive trails, river access, wildlife watching and more. Visit the Durango Nature Studies website for more information and directions. Access is free for members and $5 for nonmembers.

Whatever brings you to Durango, you’ll find plenty to do in Southwest Colorado’s Great Outdoors. To experience the Great Indoors, be sure to book your room at the Durango Quality Inn during your stay.