Luck was with me during my last visit to Fountain Creek Regional Park, as the Fountain Creek Nature Center was open. I tend to go in off-hours when the center is closed.

But this time, I got to wander in and be delighted by all the taxidermied animals hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. They were all found in the park or donated. I’ve never considered myself a fan of stuffed creatures, but I did love seeing a great blue heron and great horned owl up close. It’s open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain; parks.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-nature-centers/fountain-creek-nature-center. – Jennifer Mulson, The Gazette