VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Xeriscape garden | Volunteers are needed at the Aurora Water Xeriscape Garden, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. For information, contact Abby Schreiber via e-mail at aschreib@ci.aurora.co.us or at 303-739-7356.
Stream cleaning | The Keep it Clean Partnership” needs volunteers for its new StreamTeam program. Program members help protect local waterways through pollution prevention and water conservation activities. For information, visit KeepItCleanPartnership.org or call 303-413-7365.
Anasazi Heritage Center | The Anasazi Heritage Center, (located three miles west of Dolores), needs volunteers to provide visitor information and to help maintain the museum’s grounds. Volunteers usually work one four-hour shift a week in the morning or afternoon. Benefits include attending field trips, special programs, events and workshops. For information, contact Victoria Atkins at 970-882-5610.
Park ranger assistant | Larimer County is training people to be park ranger assistants at Carter Lake on May 21. Training at Carter Lake will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Bison Visitor Center. To register, e-mail Dutch Fla Havhan at dflahavhan@larimer.org or call 970-679-4552.
Botanical gardens | Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., needs volunteers for its 58th annual plant sale in May. Both morning and afternoon shifts are available on May 13. Volunteer benefits include a ten percent discount on plant sale purchases, a free t-shirt, free refreshments and lunch. For information, e-mail volcoord@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3565.
Trail guides | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks needs trail guides to visit trailheads and hike trails on OSMP lands six-10 hours per month, providing visitors with information on area features, seasonal changes and local and natural history. Free classroom and field training is provided in four sessions. For information, visit osmp.org or call 720-579-4161.
Trail work | The Colorado Trail Foundation needs volunteers to do trail work and other volunteer tasks. Trail work happens from June to August and work events are from a single day to a week-long. For information, visit coloradotrail.org.
Bird observatory | The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory needs volunteers to teach educational programs at Barr Lake State Park and Dinosaur Ridge through June. Training will be provided in specific program-content and teaching techniques. Programs are approximately 2 hours in length and occur in the morning. Eligible volunteers should be able to commit to 20 hours between now and June. Contact Amanda Morrison, Assistant Education Director at 303-659-4348, ext. 6# or via e-mail at Amanda.Morrison@rmbo.org.
Trail work | Trails 2000 builds and maintains trails and educates trail users. Volunteers are needed to do trailwork. To sign up for details and weekly trailwork reminders, sign up for Trail 2000’s EList at trails2000.org.
Morrison Museum | The Morrison Natural History Museum, 501 Colo. Highway 8, needs volunteers to teach about local fossils and rocks using hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Training and mentorship provided. Volunteers are also needed to assist with reptile collection care, fossil molding and casting, and information desk/gift shop operations. Call 303-697-1873 or visit mnhm.org.
Park weeding and trail maintenance | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, needs volunteers to work with trained crew leaders to pull, snip and collect noxious weeds and help maintain the hiking trails. For information, call 303-973-3959.
US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitor Center | School field trip program guides and docents are needed to serve as hosts and conduct programs appropriate for school groups, youth and scouting organizations, senior citizen and civic groups at the US Department of Energy’s NREL Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden. For information, contact Ivilina Thornton at 303-384-6566 or e-mail ivilina_thornton@nrel.gov.
Air and Space museum | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., needs volunteers to help with youth and adult education programs offered by the Museum’s Education Department. Volunteers conduct tours, assist with hands-on activities, teach in the flight simulator lab and conduct our Project Pilot course. Project Pilot is a team building course in which students learn the basics of flight planning and then fly a mission in the Museum’s Flight Simulator Lab. Wings offers progressive training for all of these volunteer positions. Aviation experience is a plus, but is NOT required. Contact the Education Department at 303-360-5360, ext. 106 or 116, or education@wingsmuseum.org for information.
Zoo | The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., needs volunteers to assist with special events, to assist zookeepers and to work in the zoo’s membership, education and administration departments. For information, visit denverzoo.org or call 303-376-4894.
Dinosaur Ridge | Volunteer tour guides are needed to teach people about the paleontological, geological, natural resources and history of Dinosaur Ridge. Applicants must be at least 18 and must complete required training. For information, call 303-697-3466 or visit dinoridge.org.
Science Museum | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., needs volunteers to work with visitors in the Museum’s diorama halls, galleries and activity areas. Also needed are volunteers to be guides, interpreters, collections assistants and classroom prep assistants. Call the Volunteer Services office for information, 303-370-6419.
Nature Center | Bluff Lake Nature Center, East 30th Avenue and Moline Street, needs volunteer naturalists to work with kids, using games, science experiments and hands-on activities to teach them about nature. No experience is required. For information, call Sue Schafer at 303-468-3245.
Butterfly Pavilion | The Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, needs volunteers to work with visitors and to help in its tropical butterfly conservatory, tide pool, touch cart, and garden areas. For information, visit butterflies.org or call Kris Desmarais, 720-974-1868.
Wilderness environmental service programs | The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wildlands and key natural areas. RMFI accomplishes its mission through environmental service, education and research. RMFI programs are developed around comprehensive, multi-year or long-term projects developed in concert with land management agencies to meet critical preservation and restoration goals. Regular workdays are scheduled in the spring and fall at Garden of the Gods. Contact RMFI at 719-471-7736 or e-mail rmfibox@qwest.net for information.
TWICE WEEKLY
Telescope viewing | Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E. Warren Ave., on the University of Denver campus, has astronomy presentations and allows use of the 20-inch Alvan Clark refractor telescope beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. For information, visit thedas.org, or call 303-871-5172 for reservations.
ONGOING
“Eagle Watch” program | Larimer County Parks and Open Lands will be conducting an Eagle Watch program each weekend through this spring. Park rangers will lead a four-mile, round-trip hike through spring flowers and vast panoramas of Eagle’s Nest Open Space to the viewing location. With the aid of a telescope, you will be able to see one of the adults sitting on the cliff face nest hundreds of feet above the North Fork of the Poudre River. Soon, participants will be able to see fuzzy head of the chicks appear as the adults bring the food. May through June, you can see the chicks grown larger and change to dark plumage, and even learn to stretch their wings and practice flight. Register by calling Park Manager Charles Gindler at 970-498-5606 or e-mail cgindler@larimer.org. After registering, you will be called or e-mailed with a date and time to meet at the Eagle’s Nest Open Space trail head for a hike to the viewing site. For more information, visit larimer.org/parks.
Guided flowerbed tours | Denver Parks and Recreation will host five guided flowerbed tours throughout the summer focused on perennials, annuals and new features at City Park. Park horticultural experts will guide the tours. Each tour is $15 for adults, $7 for seniors 60 and older and youth 17 and younger. Tour costs include transportation, refreshments and a small gift. Register for the tours by calling 720-913-0700.
Wildflower tours | The Denver Botanic Gardens is offering free wildflower tours on Mount Goliath Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 19 through Aug. 2, and Saturdays June 30, and July 7 and 28. The hike is a moderately difficult 1.5 mile downhill trek, and is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and leaves from the US Forest Services Clear Creek Visitor Center in Idaho Springs. To register, call 720-865-3533.
Nature movies | Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road, offers a free nature movie, popcorn and hands-on projects at 2 p.m. the 3rd Sunday monthly. To register, call 303-739-2428.
Kids nature programs | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a free program for kids ages 5 and under every Thursday with puppets, stories, activities and outdoor exploration. The same topic is covered at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., choose which time works best for you. For information, call 303-739-2428.
Kids nature programs | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a free program for kids ages 6-10, “Junior Rangers,” which meets the second Thursday and Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. To register, call 303-739-2428.
Science open house | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, offers a free open house with hands-on science activities from 1 to 4 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month. To register, call 303-739-2428.
Map and compass class | The US Geological Survey hosts a free map, compass and orienteering class at 1 p.m. the first and third Fridays monthly in the map department at the Denver Flagship REI, 1416 Platte St. For information, call 303-756-3100.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research | NCAR’s Mesa Lab, a working research laboratory at the west end of Table Mesa Drive in Boulder, has a free visitor center that is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The visitor center has a climate exhibit, an eclipse telescope, working supercomputers, a gravity well, and hands on demonstrations of lightning, tornados and fluid dynamics. For information, call 303-497-1174or visit ucar.edu.
Renewable energy | The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Visitors Center features an interactive exhibit hall and DOE public reading room. For information, visit nrel.gov/visitors_center/ or call 303-384-6565.
Children’s workshops | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., has many children’s workshops and events for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. For a list, call the Children’s Workshop coordinators at 303-370-8225 or 303-370-8347.
Nature activities | South Suburban Parks and Recreation naturalists lead many outdoor, nature and environmentally related activities and events at Carson Nature Center, 3000 W. Carson Drive, Littleton. For a list of events, visit sspr.org or call 303-730-1022.
“AWQUA Lounge” kids nature programs | Morrison Nature Center is offering a free plants and animals program for kids ages 6-10 the third Wednesday monthly. The May 16 program is called “Explore the Shore,” and will be at 3:30 p.m. at Aurora Reservoir, 5800 S. Powhaton Road. There is a $5 per vehicle entry fee to access Aurora Reservoir. To register, call 303-739-2428. For information, visit auroragov.org/parksandopenspace.
Wildlife refuge programs | The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, East 56th Avenue at Havana Street, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. There are various exhibits at the Visitor Center, and free nature programs and refuge tours. Call 303-289-0930 for times and reservations, or visit .
Nature programs and hikes | “Rox-Revealed,” a program featuring naturalist-led programs and hikes, is at 11 a.m. Saturdays at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. For information, call 303-973-3959 or visit parks.state.co.us.
Natural history seminars | The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers a series of outdoor seminars on natural history topics in Rocky Mountain National Park. For information, call 970-586-3262 or visit rmna.org.
Nature programs | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a variety of nature programs for children and adults. For a list of events, call 303-739-2428 or visit auroragov.org.
Astronomy events | Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, has a variety of astronomy shows, talks, and family matinees. The evening talks and shows are $6 adults, $5 students with valid I.D., and $3.50 for children and seniors. Saturday family shows are $5 adults, $3.50 children and seniors. Laser shows are $5. For more information, call 303-492-5002 or visit colorado.edu/fiske/.
Field ecology internship | Colorado State University’s Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory will host a field ecology internship for high school science teachers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18-29. The focus of the workshop will be ecological complexity. Participating teachers will work with Colorado State scientists on an authentic research project that can be transferred into high school classrooms. Participants will receive a $750 stipend. To apply, send your name, address, phone number, home and school e-mail addresses and a list of the current subjects you teach. Include a brief statement of how this training will be used in your classroom. Information must be on school letterhead; limit the application to one page. Send the application information to Kim Melville-Smith, NREL, 1499 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, 80523-1499. Deadline for registration is May 18. For information, contact Melville-Smith at 970-491-7715 or e-mail Kimberly.Melville-Smith@colostate.edu.
TODAY
Mother’s Day guided hike | “Mother’s Day at Eagle’s Nest,” a three-hour naturalist-led hike will be at 9 a.m. at Eagle’s Nest Open Space at Livermore, north of Fort Collins. The hike includes an educational look at nesting eagles. Take plenty of water and dress for changing weather. The hike is rated “easy to moderate.” For information, call Ann Dewey at 970-679-4561.
Zoo mothers event | The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., is celebrating Mother’s Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the zoo’s newest babies and learn how mother of the wild kind care for their young. Activities are free with admission. For information, call 303-376-4800 or visit denverzoo.org.
MONDAY
Archaeology program | “Current Findings at the Recently Revealed and Phenomenal Range Creek Site,” a free presentation by Duncan Metcalf, a University of Utah archaeologist, will be at 7 p.m. in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Ricketson Auditorium, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Enter through the west (Leprino Atrium) entrance. For information, contact Red Couts at 303-752-4044.
Contemplative hike | Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Naturalist Jake Davis is leading a tranquil, introspective hike from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, 900 Baseline Road. For information, visit osmp.org or call 303-441-3440.
TUESDAY
Cafe Scientifique | “China and India’s Ravenous Appetite for Natural Resources: Their Potential Impact on Colorado,” a free talk by Vincent Matthews, Director, Colorado Geological Survey and Colorado State Geologist, will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Mercantile Room at the Wynkoop Brewery, 1638 18th St., Denver. For information, visit .
Wildflower hike | Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Botanist Megan Bowes is leading a wildflower hike from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Meet at the South Mesa Trailhead, 1.7 miles west of Highway 93 on Eldorado Springs Drive. Take a magnifying glass and wildflower book if you have them. For information, visit www.osmp.org or call 303-441-3440.
WEDNESDAY
Guided tree walk | Alan Nelson, Grounds Manager, Facilities Management, Physical Plant, Grounds Division, at the University of Colorado, Boulder, will lead a free “Spring Tree Walk” at 5 p.m. The campus forest consists of about 5,000 trees, most of which are cared for by CU’s Facilities Management Department. Meet at the south entrance of the CU Museum of Natural History on the CU Boulder campus. A reception will follow at the CU Heritage Center. For information, call 303-492-6892 or visit cumuseum.Colorado.edu/.
THURSDAY
Kids nature event | “Critter Tails Creepy Crawlies,” a program for kids ages 3-6, with a parent, will be at 10 a.m. in the Visitor Center at Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. Naturalist Linda Pohle will tell stories and lead outdoor activities. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. To register, call 303-688-5242.
FRIDAY
Guided wildflower hike | “What’s in Bloom?” a two-hour naturalist-led hike will be at 5:30 p.m. at Devil’s Backbone Open Space west of Loveland. The hike includes an educational look at wildflowers blooming along the Devil’s Backbone. Take plenty of water and dress for changing weather. The hike is rated “easy to moderate.” For information, call Ann Dewey at 970-679-4561.
Overnight nature event for “tweens” | Morrison Nature Center is offering an overnight event for kids ages 8-12, at 5:30 p.m. at Aurora Reservoir, 5800 S. Powhaton Road. Kids will learn about constellations and more. Cost is $20 per child. For information or to register, call 303-739-2428. There is a $5 entry fee per vehicle to enter Aurora Reservoir. For information, visit auroragov.org/parksandopenspace.
SATURDAY
Aurora plants program | Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road, is offering a free program, “Poisons and Potions,” exploring the culinary, curative, itchy, scratchy and/or deadly side of Aurora’s varied flora. To register, call 303-739-2428. For information, visit auroragov.org/parksandopenspace.
Nature photography hike | A nature photographer will lead a hike at 7 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. For information, call 303-973-3959 or visit parks.state.co.us.
Red Mountain Open Space tour | “Sneak Preview of Red Mountain Open Space,” an all-day tour of Red Mountain Open Space, a primitive area north of Fort Collins, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The tour is primarily a hiking tour to Larimer County’s largest open space and will allow visitors a sneak preview of the area before it is open to the public. The hike is rated “moderate to difficult.” Wear hiking shoes and take water, lunch, binoculars and a camera. To register, call Ann Dewey at 970-679-4561.
Guided wildflower hike | “All in the Family” a 2 1/2-hour naturalist-led hike will be at 9 a.m. at Horsetooth Mountain Park, beginning at the original trailhead off of County Road 38E west of Fort Collins. The hike includes an educational look at wildflower families. Take plenty of water and dress for changing weather. The hike is rated “easy to moderate.” A $6 Park Entrance Permit is required per vehicle. For information, call Ann Dewey at 970-679-4561.
Parent/child nature program | Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., is offering a free nature program for kids ages 4-6 and parents, with nature activities, stories and games, at 11 a.m. To register, call 720-898-7405.
Guided hike | “Hummers … the Birds, Not the Vehicle!” a two-hour naturalist-led talk and hike will be at 1 p.m. at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space north of Loveland. The hike includes an educational look at the natural history of hummingbirds. Take plenty of water, dress for changing weather and wear comfortable shoes. The hike is rated “easy.” For information, call Ann Dewey at 970-679-4561.
Wildflowers week event | The Denver Botanic Gardens, US Forest Service and US Bureau of Land Management are partnering for a weekend of wildflower hikes and garden tours to celebrate Colorado’s native flowers. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 19-20 at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. For information, contact Jennifer Ramp Neale at 720-865-3562 or via e-mail at NealeJR@botanicgardens.org.
Hiking safety class | A member of the Douglas County Search and Rescue team and a Metro District of Highlands Ranch Park Ranger will give a class on hiking safety at 9 a.m. at the Metro District Parks, Recreation and Open Space Service Center, 3280 Redstone Park Circle. Cost is $6 residents, $7 non-residents. To register, call 303-791-2710 or visit highlandsranch.org.
Boulder community cleanup day | Volunteers are needed to help beautify Boulder by removing trash/recyclables and pulling weeds from parks, greenways and trails from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. When work is complete, participants are invited to a post-event celebration with food, drinks and prizes at Central Park. Visit bouldercolorado.gov/pwplan or call 303-441-3440.
Dry Creek cleanup event | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department needs volunteers to help clean up dog excrement and other litter from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the Dry Creek trailhead on Baseline Road, east of Baseline Reservoir and west of 75th Street. Volunteers will get a chance to learn about riparian areas and how they are affected by litter. To register, visit osmp.org or call 720-564-20059.
Hiking/stories event | Douglas County Libraries and Castlewood Canyon State Park are offering a program, “Tales and Trails,” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. The Douglas County Chapter of Spellbinders will talk during stops on a hike in the canyon. Hiking groups will be started every 15 minutes. The last group starts at 3:30 p.m. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. For information, call 303-688-5242.
May 20
Family hike | Volunteer Naturalists Mike and Sonia Zipparo and their family will lead a hike and discuss the history of the Lucas Homestead ruins in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. Meet at 11 a.m. at the Lucas Homestead Parking Lot. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. To register, call 303-688-5242.
Bear program | An informational bear program will be at 1:30 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. For information, call 303-973-3959 or visit parks.state.co.us.
Guided hike | USGS geologist Pete Modreski will lead a hike up Green Mountain at 9:30 a.m. Meet at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor’s Center, 16831 W Alameda Pkwy,Morrison. Take a backpack with water, snacks and a jacket. To register, call 303-697-3466.
To publicize upcoming events geared toward and open to the public, please mail details at least two weeks in advance to Andrea Labak, Scientifically Speaking, The Denver Post, City Desk, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202, or e-mail to Scispeak@denverpost.com.
