Salamander Saturday (May 3rd) - Free Day at My Nature Lab!
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FAQ
On this page you will find Frequently Asked Questions about My Nature Lab, split into the following categories: About, Get Involved, Open Lab (Public Hours), and Supporting My Nature Lab.
Have a question we didn't answer? Email us at info@mynaturelab.org or fill out our contact form.
About
What is My Nature Lab? My Nature Lab is the living classroom and education facility of the Center for Snake Conservation. The Center for Snake Conservation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the conservation of snakes and their natural ecosystems and implementing positive change in human attitudes towards snakes. Our motto is “Conservation Through Education.” My Nature Lab offers open hours (Open Lab), homeschool/weekend/afterschool programs for Pre-K through high school, adult programs, offsite programs, field trips, and much more! Explore our website or email info@mynaturelab.org for more information.
What ages is My Nature Lab for? My Nature Lab is open to and curated for all ages! Minors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older.
What is the best way to contact My Nature Lab? The best way to contact My Nature Lab is by email at info@mynaturelab.org or by filling out our contact form.
Does My Nature Lab sell pet supplies or animals? No, we do not sell pet supplies or animals. My Nature Lab is an educational organization.
What is My Nature Lab's EIN? 27-4519810
Get Involved
Is My Nature Lab open to the public? Yes! My Nature Lab is open to the public during Open Lab, year-round. Check social media and the yellow banner at the top of this site for changes to our regular hours. Learn more about Open Lab here.
How can I become a member? Memberships are sold online and in person. Several membership levels are available, and each offers a unique array of benefits, including unlimited Open Lab visits, discounts, field trips, camping trips, and more!
How can my classroom, school, or other program get involved with My Nature Lab? Your classroom, school, or other program can engage with My Nature Lab in a variety of ways. Our most common option is our In-School Programs, where we bring the animals to you. Check out our Schools page for more information.
How do I get involved in local field trips and what do they look like? You can get involved in local field trips by becoming a Field, Adventure, Patron, or Sustaining member at My Nature Lab. Our field trips are led by Cameron Young, our Founder/Executive Director and wildlife biologist. They are limited to four families per field trip to guarantee the best and most personal experience. Most are open to all ages and run two hours on average. Field trips are run anywhere in Boulder County and are spent looking for a target species, generally local reptiles and amphibians but also birds, mammals, animal signs, and more!
Can I have my birthday party at My Nature Lab? Yes, My Nature Lab offers birthday parties for anyone turning 5 or older! We offer birthday parties for kids and adults. Check out our Birthday Party page for more information.
Open Lab (Public Hours)
How do I know if My Nature Lab is open today? Our current Open Lab hours are listed here. Please be sure to refresh your browser to check for a yellow banner at the top of our website with any important announcements. Our social media will also be updated with any updates to our schedule.
What does a visit to My Nature Lab look like? During Open Lab, our educators are running hands-on animal lessons all day long! Fridays are Feeding Fridays, where the animals at My Nature Lab get fed - often by visitors! We hope that every time you visit My Nature Lab, you will learn something new. Every day is different, so join us at Open Lab to see what’s going on today.
Do I need a reservation to come to My Nature Lab? No, you do not need a reservation to visit My Nature Lab.
Can I drop my child off at My Nature Lab? Children under the age of 14 cannot be dropped off at Open Lab and must be accompanied by someone 18 or older at all times. Looking for a drop-off program? Check out our homeschool, afterschool, and weekend programs!
How long should I expect to stay at My Nature Lab? While we invite you to stay as long as you'd like, most people stay 1-2 hours per visit.
What should I bring to My Nature Lab? Make sure to bring your brain (ready to learn!) and a water bottle. The building is nice and warm for the animals (usually around 80+ degrees), so dress appropriately. My Nature Lab does not sell or provide food or water bottles. We do have potable water for refilling personal bottles.
Will I get to touch or hold animals? Yes! You will most likely get to touch or hold any number of animals during your visit to My Nature Lab. This is contingent on the animal and the behavior of the guest.
What kinds of animals can I expect to see? My Nature Lab is focused on educating about reptiles and amphibians. You can expect to see snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and salamanders. Come visit and meet axolotls, anacondas, sulcata tortoises, reticulated pythons, and more!
Is there a feeding schedule for Feeding Friday? Every Friday we feed animals all day during Open Lab hours. Feeding schedules are occasionally created for Feeding Fridays, which can be found on our social media. Most Fridays do not follow a schedule and include nonstop feedings for a variety of species all day.
Supporting My Nature Lab
Can I donate my reptile or amphibian? Depending on the space and need we have at the time, we may or may not be able to take in your unwanted reptile or amphibian as an educational ambassador. Please do not bring any animals in to My Nature Lab for inquiry. Please contact us at info@mynaturelab.org if you would like to inquire about donating your animal.
Can I donate food for reptiles and amphibians? Yes! We will always accept reptile and amphibian food such as fruits and vegetables, feeder insects (ex. hornworms, mealworms, superworms, etc.), purchased frozen rodents or birds. We cannot accept wild-caught rodents or birds. If you would like to purchase live or frozen food for donation, please visit the Animal Sponsorships page or contact us for suppliers. Bring food donations on Fridays and you may be able to feed it to one of the animals!
How can I help support My Nature Lab? My Nature Lab relies on community support to keep our mission up and running. You can help support My Nature Lab by visiting Open Lab, becoming a member, donating, joining our Patreon, or otherwise getting involved in our programming. Sustaining Members and Gold Sponsors ($5000+ donated per year) receive public recognition on our wall in Open Lab.