This training is a look at the new history program to be hosted at Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park. The program will be offered to school groups, youth groups, homeschool families, and during our summer Mountain Park History Day(s) to the general public.  Please register in Offero, so we can reach you in case plans for training need to change.

Participants/students rotate through small group learning stations (about 30 minutes each), which include an audience engagement activity at each stop. Volunteers can choose to learn one station or several. All stations will be presented during the training, including:  

Colorado History: It Happened Here!  Local events anchor learning about territorial, state, and national history as it relates to Colorado’s development.

Louis Papa’s Cabin / Homestead |  The 1862 Homestead Act and how Louis Papa and his family supported development of this area. (@ Louis Papa's cabin site)

US 34 /Game Trail to National Highway |   A discussion around access for natural resources - game & fish, fur, gold, water, land, grazing land, hydro-electric power, and tourism. (@ ADA river fishing access)

Civilian Conservation Corps |   Young men built structures, planted trees, and fought forest fires with the CCC during the Great Depression. Their work gave Loveland a Mountain Park and a picnic site since 1937.  (@ Large picnic shelter)

Colorado Geology - Where's the Gold? |  About the geological activity of the Big Thompson canyon, types of rock, and gold in Colorado.  (@ Amphitheater)

Sign up for training on Offero.  Check the calendar for public program dates.

Questions?  Contact Michele Van Hare, Environmental Education Coordinator, at michele.vanhare@cityofloveland.org or 970.962.2643.  

Environmental Education Brochure

Open Lands & Trails Program

Parks & Recreation Department