OUT THERE BRIEFS: Firefly watch 2009

Firefly watch 2009

Contrary to popular belief, fireflies live in the Pikes Peak region - just not very many, and only in a few special places. They are usually most active in the next two weeks. Last year, readers spotted populations at Fountain Creek Nature Center and in marshy meadows on Palmer Divide. Are there other firefly flash points? E-mail your sightings to dave.philipps@gazette.com.

No more free parking

Manitou Incline and Barr Trail hikers be warned: The Iron Springs Chateau on upper Ruxton Avenue, where hikers could once park for free in the mornings, began charging $5 for parking in its spots this week. Manager Bob Kelly said an attendant will collect fees starting at 6 a.m.

There are still six free spaces by the Paul Intemann Memorial Trail, but expect them to fill fast.

Outdoor art

Fountain Creek Nature Center is looking for artists who have captured colorful images of nature for the center's third annual art festival, Sept. 25 and 26. This year's theme, "nature's colors," is open to all mediums. The nature center is also looking for artists who would like to demonstrate an art project or technique, or help coordinate a children's mural or art activity. Entries and inquiries should be submitted by Aug. 10, preferably in JPEG form, by e-mail to nancybernard@elpasoco.com. For more information, call Nancy Bernard at 520-6745.

Camp out in the backyard

Saturday is the Great American Backyard Campout - a day when families are encouraged to unplug, pitch a tent and roll out the sleeping bags for some outdoor fun, even if it is just in the backyard. After all, you don't have to go very far to enjoy some of the best parts of camping out, such as roasting s'mores (do it over the grill if you don't have a campfire) and telling ghost stories.

The National Wildlife Federation has created a Web site to help campers find a campground nearby. Check it out at backyardcampout.org.

United We Serve

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar just kicked off the Department of the Interior's United We Serve campaign as part of the national effort by President Barack Obama to get more Americans to serve their communities.

As part of United We Serve, he called for adults to mentor a child outdoors this summer.

That could mean hiking, biking, catching butterflies, climbing trees or just playing in a creek. It doesn't take much to get outdoors.

"Children today spend half as much time outdoors as their parents and this has significant implications for our children's health, the economy and the future of American conservation," Salazar said.

To find more information on the program, visit serve.gov.