The local nature preserve and nonprofit gives back to local coffee shops with their limited-edition collection of the highly popular animal-themed cups.

Ogden Independent News

It’s time to scurry in to your favorite coffee shop—the Ogden Nature Center’s CUP HOP is back by popular demand for a third year, this time toting a cheeky squirrel cup from November 15-December 14 at five participating local coffee houses in Ogden.

In celebration of the Ogden Nature Center’s end-of-year friend drive, and to give back to the coffee shops that always support the Ogden Nature Center (ONC), a portion of the donations will go to the ONC, and a portion will go to local coffee shops, stated ONC in a media release.

Every $20 donation comes with the new squirrel mug filled with a specialty coffee, tea or cocoa at any participating location on its selected dates.

Ogden Nature Center, founded in 1975, is a 152-acre nature preserve that provides a place for the community to enjoy and learn about the nature world through hands-on classes and exhibits, community events, and 1.5 miles of walking trails.

“We wanted to raise awareness of the Ogden Nature Center and create a ‘friend-raiser/mini fund-raiser’ and the local O-town coffee shops are always very, very supportive of the Ogden Nature Center—so this gets a few folks into their shops too,” said Brandi Bosworth, ONC Public Relations Coordinator.

Bosworth got the idea from a promo that KUER was doing in Salt Lake City, but added their own style. Since the first two CUP HOP events, that debuted with an avocado green tortoise followed by a sky blue bluebird the second year, she said people often ask about the next CUP HOP and what the animal will be, creating a “fun fall buzz” in the community. The cups have become collector items for some.

The squirrel cup is the newest addition to the first two CUP HOP cups, a tortoise and bluebird, that sold out quickly at participating local coffee shops.
Photo provided by Ogden Nature Center

The new spry squirrel mug belongs in your set, Bosworth said, and matches the bluebird and tortoise mugs from years past. But note, only the newest mug is available; the first two mugs sold out quickly.

CUP HOP cups are available on the following dates and locations while supplies last: 

Nov. 15 & 16 
Grounds for Coffee Harrison Blvd., 3005 Harrison Boulevard

Nov. 22 & 23 
Kaffe Mercantile, 1221 26th Street

Nov. 29 & 30 
Daily Rise, 2314 Washington Boulevard

Dec. 6 & 7 
Grounds for Coffee 25th Street, 111 Historic 25th Street

Dec. 13 & 14 
Coffee Links, 287 Park Ave.

Each shop will have a limited supply beginning on their starting date.

ONC Fun Fact: “It’s not the coffee…. squirrels are wired that way!  Generally, squirrels have hyper movement; however, certain species are more restless than others.  Their speed coupled with jittery movement limits predators like hawks and snakes from catching and killing them.  They can also get away from cats and dogs.”

For more information contact the Ogden Nature Center at 801-621-7595.