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Guided Insect and Plant Hikes
Explore Colorado with a Biologist and Ant Expert 

Army of Insects is a science communication company/brand run by Josiah Kilburn and his family. Not only do we manage the Ant exhibit MyrmecoPortraiture,  produce the board game ANTerprize, and the newsletter Field Notes, but we also want to offer guided hikes and insect experiences to anyone who is interested in an unforgettable nature experience in Colorado.

 

Josiah has been studying the ants of Colorado for over a decade. He has written a book about the ants of the state, and photographed most of the species present in Colorado. He has also ran guided hike experiences in Colorado since he was a boy scout, and is CPR and First Aid trained.

Additionally, Josiah has a special Black Light Setup which he uses to attract insects for a unique nocturnal experience which can be very interesting for adults as well as children.

¡Soy Bilingüe! ¡Puedo enseñar esta experiencia en español!

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How it Works

01

DETERMINE
LOCATION

02

SELECT DATE,
TIME, HIKING
OPTIONS

03

GO ON AN
INSECT/PLANT
NATURE HIKE!

04

PHOTO SHARING, *LUNCH, Q&A

How an Insect/Nature Experience Works

Unique Colorado Flora & Fauna We May See:

  • Thief ants that steal eggs from other ants

  • Slave Raider Ants

  • Harvester Ants

  • Cocktail Ants

  • Giant Carpenter Ants

  • Cactus Bugs

  • Penstemon Beardtongues

  • Wild Onions

  • Great Plains Yucca

  • Gambel Oak Acorn moths/weevils?

  • Red Fox

  • Red-Tailed Deer

  • Red Hawk

  • 10 lined Skink

  • Colorado Butterflies

I offer excursions that last from 60 minutes to 3-hour sessions tailored to your interests and my expertise. We can hike at one of several locations, or set up a black light trap at my house for a unique nocturnal insect experience. If your party desires, we can also make a hot lunch which we carry with us, prepared by me and my partner at home.

Basic Excursion Locations

  • The Castle Rock Park

  • Hidden Mesa Open Space

  • Ridgeline Open Space

  • The MAC Recreational Center

Premium Hike Excursion Locations

  • Castlewood Canyon (+$15)

  • Rampart Range (+$40)

  • Garden of the Gods (+$50)

  • Mt. Blue Sky ($100)

  • Rocky Mountain National Park (+$150)

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park (+$150)

Private Half-Day Trip and Group Experiences

  • Castlewood Canyon ($300)

  • Rampart Range ($320)

  • Garden of the Gods ($400)

  • Rocky Mountain National Park ($450)

  • Great Sand Dunes National Park ($450)

Trip Add-Ons

  • Hot Lunch (see options below; $20/person)

  • Photo of an insect from the trip ($25)

  • Preserved insect from the trip ($25)

What Does Each Experience Consist of?

An engaging and interesting lesson on:

Location's Natural History

Habitat and Ecology

Interesting Plants and Insects

Poem or stories of insects in the region

Taste, Smell, Hear, See plants and insects

Finally, All guest will take home a "field card" from the trip.

Who Is it For?

Anyone who is curious to explore something completely unique would enjoy this experience. It is engaging for children and adults. The pace of the hike can be adjusted to guidees of any hiking level.

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The fastest way to contact me is via text at:

+1 720 419 4642

Testimonials

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"Josiah was one of my best students. He has run bug hikes our entomology club for 3 years and taught several lectures in my classes"

Dr. Sean Thomas O'Keefe, Entomology Professor, MSU

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Book a Hike!

Pricing is subject to flexibility. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you worry that pricing may be a barrier to you or your students. Discounts may be offered in addition for the production of promotional materials. Please contact me for details! 

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