Volunteer Opportunities/Donations Needed
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Firefighters safety event | West Metro Fire Rescue needs volunteers at the Family Fire Muster June 14 at Red Rocks Community College. Kids get to be a “Firefighter For A Day.” Volunteer shifts are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers help staff activities and teach valuable life safety lessons on this day of “firefighting fun and life saving learning.” Volunteers receive breakfast, lunch, an event t-shirt and hat, as well as an appreciation gift. Volunteer info: Susan Saito at 303-989-4307, ext. 537 or ssaito@westmetrofire.org. Info about the Muster: .
Library literacy program | BoulderReads!, the adult and family literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, needs volunteers to commit to at least six months to the program, with an expectation of donating about four hours per week planning time and tutoring time. Volunteers and students meet at times that are convenient for the volunteer and the learner. The deadline to set up an interview and register for the training is April 11. Tutor training starts April 14. Info: 303-444-5599 or .
Website research | Compass of Larimer County is a website containing current statistics, reports and studies about Larimer County. Larimer County’s Health and Human Services Division needs Compass research specialist volunteers and interns to provide research and data analysis to update the Compass website. Specialists set their own schedule and work at home. Apply online at . Info: awolsey@larimer.org or 970-498-6877.
SouthWest Improvement Council | SWIC needs volunteers in several areas. Class Leader volunteers plan and coordinate classes in the Westwood Community Center. Reception Ambassador volunteers will work at the reception desk answering phones and welcoming patrons. Office Assistant volunteers will do computer data entry and assist with staff projects. Fitness Center Monitor volunteers will use the fitness office to monitor open times in the weight room and check out balls for use in the gymnasium. Info: 303-934-4780.
Recording for the blind and dyslexic | The Rocky Mountain Unit of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) is recruiting volunteers for its Colorado Springs satellite studio at East Library. Volunteer opportunities include: reading, directing, bookmarkerings, outreach and fundraising. Info: 303-692-9213 or e-mail betsyrfbd@qwest.net.
Photography | The Jefferson Center for Mental Health needs a professional photographer willing to donate services photographing guests and presenters for its 50-year Anniversary Gala, hosted by the Jefferson Mental Health Foundation. The event is from 5 to 9 p.m. April 17 at the Arvada Center. Info: Mindy Klowden at 303-432-5170 or mindyk@jcmh.org.
Running coaches | Volunteer coaches are needed for a girls ages 8-11 afterschool program, “Girls on the Run.” Coaches work with teams of girls twice a week for 10-weeks, finishing with a 5K run/walk event. Coaches are trained and are given detailed curriculum for the program. Info: Sarah Holst, 720-849-9085 or .
Health fairs | Volunteers are needed to do office work for the 9Health Fair, 1139 Deleware St. Work includes sorting and organizing materials, packing boxes, stuffing envelopes and more. Medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to work at the Metro Denver and Statewide 9Health Fairs. Info: Contact Allison Fineberg at 303-698-4455, Ext. 1207, Allison.fineberg@9healthfair.org or visit .
Animal shelter | The Denver Municipal Animal Shelter, 678 S. Jason St., needs volunteers to walk dogs and to socialize with cats. Volunteers are also needed to work in the administrative office doing filing, proof-reading Dog/Cat Licenses and assisting with other administrative duties. Items accepted for donation to the shelter are: blankets, laundry detergent, hand sanitizer and treats. Info: Contact Lisa Sanchez at 303-698-5553 or visit .
Puppy raisers | Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., needs puppy raisers. The base requirements for puppy raisers include raising the puppy for 18 months and attending scheduled training classes with other puppy raisers. Info: 303-364-9040, Linda@caninepartnersoftherockies or .
Animal sanctuary | Denkai Animal Sanctuary needs volunteers to help feed, water, drain hoses, clean pens and repair fencing for the many animals housed at the sanctuary. Dog-walkers are also needed. Info: 970-897-3122 or e-mail info@denkaisanctuary.org.
Birds/raptors program | The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s Urban Forestry division needs volunteers for its Birds of Special Concern/Raptor Monitor Program at the Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N. 51st St. Monitors should be able to work independently and own binoculars. Skilled birders are preferred, but some identification training will be provided for beginners. Responsibilities include monitoring, observing and documenting nests, wildlife closures and surrounding areas for birds of prey, reporting significant events and assisting with educating the public. Commitment is flexible but would preferably be from one to three hours on a weekly basis, through early August. Training and orientation for new and returning volunteers will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 12. Info: Mary Malley, volunteer coordinator, 303-413-7245.
Birds/raptors program | The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s Urban Forestry division needs volunteers for its Birds of Special Concern/Raptor Monitor Program at the Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N. 51st St. Monitors should be able to work independently and own binoculars. Skilled birders are preferred, but some identification training will be provided for beginners. Responsibilities include monitoring, observing and documenting nests, wildlife closures and surrounding areas for birds of prey, reporting significant events and assisting with educating the public. Commitment is flexible but would preferably be from one to three hours on a weekly basis, through early August. Training and orientation for new and returning volunteers will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 12. Info: Mary Malley, volunteer coordinator, 303-413-7245.
Bird education and science | Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, with offices in Brighton and Fort Collins, conserves birds and their habitats through research, monitoring, outreach and education. Volunteer are needed to help plan or staff various public events, such as festivals and RMBO’s annual member event. These events are at various locations along the Front Range at various times between April and October. Time commitment is variable and no knowledge of birds is necessary Info: . or 303-659-4348.
Raptor program | Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, based in Fort Collins, needs volunteers. RMRP encourages preservation of our environmental and cultural resources through excellence in raptor rehabilitation, community education and research. Info: 970-484-7756 or e-mail info@rmrp.org.
Railroad museum | The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden needs volunteers to work in the office, on the track crew, in restoration projects in the roundhouse, in the library and as tour guides. Contact volunteer coordinator David Williams at 720 274-5147 or e-mail david@crrn.org.
Airport ambassadors | Denver International Airport needs volunteers for its Ambassador Program. Candidates must be outgoing and able to work directly with the public, and be physically capable of standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. Prospects must be over 21, pass a background check and complete a day of training. Info: corinne.christensen@diadenver.net or 303-342-2242.
Travelers assistance | The Travelers Assistance Program at the Denver International Airport needs mature volunteers to provide comfort; information and referrals; lending of wheelchairs, car-seats, strollers; assistance for people with disabilities; and provide social services to the DIA traveler. Shifts are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Flexible schedule and stations. Once a week or twice a month would be great. Volunteers undergo a complete background check. Training is provided. Contact TAP at 303-342-0400 or dentravler@aol.com.
Alzheimer’s residents | Volunteers are needed to spend time with Alzheimer’s residents at Bear Creek Nursing and Rehab in Morrison. Volunteers spend time with residents, talking to them, helping to read and write letters, sending holiday greeting cards, playing cards and more. Info: Karen Fletcher, 303-697-8181.
Elder care | Life Care Center of Aurora, an elder care facility, needs volunteers in the areas of administration and activities, flexible to volunteers’ personalities and schedules. Info: Contact Kim at 720-222-4242 or visit the Center at 14101 E. Evans Ave.
Hospice | Sol Amor Hospice needs volunteers who are compassionate, have transportation and can attend a comprehensive volunteer training course. Info: 720-200-1036.
Hospice | The Visiting Nurse Association needs volunteers to work with VNA’s Hospice at Home program. Volunteers provide support to patients, respite for family members, child care assistance, bereavement support, fundraising and administrative work. Volunteers receive specialized training and ongoing support. The VNA will host training sessions April 16, April 19 and May 3. Info: Nora Simmons Daly, 303-698-6387.
Hospice | Affinity Hospice of Life, 2121 S. Blackhawk, Ste. 110, Aurora, needs volunteers to visit with patients. Hospice volunteers are offered a free training program and are involved in a wide range of activities including writing letters, supervising visits with pets, grocery shopping and support for primary caregivers. Info: . or 303-745-3197.
Hospice | Trinity Hospice of Colorado needs volunteers to provide visits, companionship and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families. Contact Kathy McCune at 303-799-5096, or e-mail kathryn.mccune@trinityhospice.com.
Seniors/finances | AARP ElderWatch needs volunteers to help fight fraud and to protect older adults from financial exploitation. Volunteers are needed to work with the AARP Foundation and Colorado Attorney General’s Colorado Consumer Line in the Denver Call-Center. References and background checks are required. Info: Contact Amy at 720-947-5306 or visit .
Consumer Fraud education | AARP ElderWatch needs volunteers with public speaking experience to educate seniors about financial security, fraud and scams. Documented speaking experiences and references are required. Info: Contact Amy at 720-947-5306 or visit .
Money management | Seniors Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps people maximize their personal independence, needs volunteers for its Money Management Program – Bill Payer Service. After training, volunteers will go into the residences of low income disabled or elderly persons, at no cost, to assist them with organizing and paying their bills, balancing their checkbook and providing guidance on personal budgeting and related matter. Info: Tim Cusick at 303-300-6933 or tcusick@seniorsinc.org.
Tax preparation | The Denver Asset Building Coalition needs volunteers to assist low-income families with income tax preparation services during the tax season through April 15. No specialized tax experience is necessary; all training is provided. Info: 303-388-7030 or volunteer@denverabc.org.
Volunteers of America | RSVP, a program sponsored by Volunteers of America, assists over 80 agencies in Denver, Douglas and western Arapahoe counties recruit volunteers. Participants must be 55 or older and can sign up for volunteer positions at partner agencies during RSVP’s “Inside Scoop” meetings. Info: Jan Munoz at 303-297-0408, ext. 13128.
Luggage donations | The Colorado Baggage Company is accepting donations of used luggage at its nine retail store locations throughout the month of April to be donated to foster children in Colorado. In addition to collecting the luggage, they will take the luggage to its repair company where it will be deodorized and repaired if needed before being donated to county foster care agencies. Each piece traded in will be valued at $20 toward the purchase of a new piece of luggage or business case. Info: .
Food donations | The Jeffco Action Center, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood, needs soup, macaroni and cheese, canned meats, cereal, powdered milk, and baby food and formula for its food bank. The Jeffco Action Center is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency services to needy residents in Jefferson County. Info: 303-237-7704 or .
Food bank | Food Bank of the Rockies needs volunteers in the Distribution area of the warehouse filling orders, packing boxes, sorting products for delivery and more. FBR can accommodate groups from 1-30 individuals for two shifts per day as well as one Saturday morning per month. Info: Contact Olive at 303-371-9250, ext. 236 or e-mail volunteer@foodbankrockies.org.
Medical relief | Project C.U.R.E. delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to people in need of medical relief around the world. Project C.U.R.E. Corps needs groups of volunteers to sort items, load containers and for warehouse organization. Individual volunteers are needed to work as truck drivers, volunteer coordinators, couriers, sorting team leaders, and in procurement and general administration. Info: . or 303-792-0729.
Child assistance | CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that trains, supports and supervises community volunteers who advocate for the physical, emotional and educational needs of abused and neglected children. Volunteers attend 30 hours of training in order to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected. Applications are being accepted for the upcoming training class, beginning June 28. Info: ., 303-654-3378 or rhea@casa17.com.
English tutors | Central Denver Language School (CDLS) is a non profit English language program that teaches English to non English speaking adults. The school was founded by a group of volunteer teachers and has been in operation for one and a half years. CDLS’s student population has grown from thirty to over 70. CDLS needs more teachers. If you enjoy interacting with foreign students, in a classroom setting or one-on-one as a tutor, become a volunteer. Training and guidance will be provided. Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, located near Broadway and 1st Ave. Info: call Bud at 303-520-4466.
English tutors | The Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language program needs volunteers to teach English to recently-arrived refugees. Tutoring takes place in the student’s home. Info: Sharon McCreary at 720-423-4843 or sharon_mccreary@dpsk12.org; or refugee-esl.org.Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative BCWI needs volunteers to help with forums, to work on StreamTeams to protect local waterways, to write articles and take photographs, to help with general clerical duties and more. Info: . or 303-413-7365.
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. Info: or 720-579-4161.
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. Info: RMFI at 719-471-7736 or rmfibox@qwest.net.
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. Info: 303-973-3959.
Trailwork | The Department of Community Resources and the City of Lakewood’s Regional Parks division needs individuals, community groups and businesses to adopt a section of trail at William Fredrick Hayden Park on Green Mountain. The Adopt-A-Trail Program encourages volunteers to “adopt” a half-mile section to be inspected three times a year. Once a year, each Adopt-A-Trail team will join other teams in the park to clean up and maintain trail sections. Everyone who adopts a section of trail will be recognized with a special sticker on the trail mile marker of the adopted section. Info: ., 303-697-6159, or e-mail erinil@Lakewood.org.
Morrison Museum | The Morrison Natural History Museum, 501 Colorado 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. Info: 303-697-1873 or .
Museo de las Americas | The Museo de las Americas is recruiting and training volunteers for art, programs and events. Contact Kristi Martens at 303-571-4401, ext. 28, or e-mail Kristi@museo.org.
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. Info: Education Department at 303-360-5360, ext. 106 or 116, or education@wingsmuseum.org.
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 Department of Energy’s NREL Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden. Info: Ivilina Thornton at 303-384-6566 or ivilina_thornton@nrel.gov.
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. Info: . or 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. Info: 303-697-3466 or .
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. Info: Volunteer Services Office, 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. Info: Sue Schafer, 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. Info: . or Kris Desmarais, 720-974-1868.
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 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Info: ., or call 303-871-5172 for reservations.
ONGOING
Mining club | The Denver Mining Club is a free (except for purchase of lunch) weekly meeting each Monday except on holidays with a mining-related speaker. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Country Buffet Restaurant, 8100 W. Crestline Ave., Littleton. Purchase of buffet lunch is required.
River table | Visit South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s Carson Nature Center in South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, the first Saturday of each month and manipulate a river in the 12-foot stainless steel river table. The table is filled with plastic sand and recirculating water powered by pumps that can be controlled by participants. Visitors can create a city landscape and see how natural river actions affect their creation. Naturalists are on hand from 2 to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of each month to guide individuals and families through the free, hands-on experience. Info: 303-730-1022 or .
GPS, map and compass class | The second Friday of every month through November, a free USGS GPS, Map and compass class at Building 810, Federal Center, Lakewood. Class schedule is: Map and Compass from 9 to 11 a.m. and GPS from noon to 4 p.m. Info/register: 303-202-4689 or e-mail gpsworkshops@usgs.gov.
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 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month. Register: 303-739-2428.
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. Info: 303-497-1174 or .
Renewable energy | The U.S. 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. Info: . or 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 programs | The Starsmore Discovery Center, at the entrance of North Cheyenne Canon at 2120 S. Cheyenne Road, has guided “wildlife tracks and signs” walks at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays on the Columbine Trail. Info: 719-385-6086.
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. Register: 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 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. with puppets, stories, activities and outdoor exploration. Info: 303-739-2428 or .
Kids “junior ranger” nature program | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a free program for kids ages 6-12, “Junior Rangers,” which meets the second Sunday every month at 1:30 p.m. Register: 303-739-2428.
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 . or call 303-730-1022.
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 .
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. Info: 303-973-3959 or .
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. Info: 303-289-0930 for times and reservations, or visit .
Natural history seminars | The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers a series of outdoor seminars on natural history topics in Rocky Mountain National Park. Info: 970-586-3262 or .
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. Info: 303-492-5002 or .
Public viewing at observatory | The Sommers-Bausch Observatory on the University of Colorado Boulder campus is open to the public for stargazing (weather permitting) every Friday at 9 p.m. Info: 303-492-6732 or .
Earth Day activities | In celebration of Earth Day, kids ages 6 and up can participate in a program, “Earth Transformed,” during 90-minute programs between now and May 13 at each Jefferson County Public Library location. Knott’s Kids, a Jefferson County Public Library interactive literacy program for children ages 6-12 and the city of Lakewood’s ArtVentures are collaborating on this program, which allows kids to create custom-designed, experimental artwork while learning about recycling. Tickets are required and are available free at each library. Info: ./pdf/Earth_Transformed.pdf.
“Family Days” at Gardens | The Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., is having family days on selected weekends this summer with fun garden activities and projects to take home. Activities will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each of the selected days. “Plants We Eat From Around the World,” will be May 31, June 1, June 21 and June 22. Info: . or 720-865-3500.
SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING
TODAY
Wildlife area walk | South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites participants ages 5 to adult to explore Cooley Lake wildlife area on a free naturalist-guided walk from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive. This area is closed to general public access to protect wildlife. Register: 303-730-1022.
THURSDAY
Astronomy program | “The ‘Apollo Moon Hoax’ Hoax,” a program by Stuart Robbins of the University of Colorado Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the CU Boulder campus. The program will be repeated at 7:30 p.m. April 18. Cost is Adults: $6 adults, $3.50 for children and seniors, $5 students/staff with valid ID (student/staff admission to the April 18. show is waived). Info: . or 303-492-5002.
Climate change program | A free panel discussion addressing climate change will be at 6 p.m. on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, in the Center for British and Irish Studies on the fifth floor of the Norlin Library. The event is free and will be moderated by author Richard Brenne. Info: 303-492-8302.
SATURDAY
Ice program | “Extreme Ice with James Balog,” featuring award-winning photographer James Balog, begins with a presentation by Balog, followed by a dessert reception and a chance to see more than 24 of his images of glaciers that reflect the rugged beauty of some of the most extreme and remote environments on Earth, at 8 p.m. in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Phipps IMAX Theater, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Cost is $15 DMNS member; $18 nonmember. Info: .
Waterbirds program | A free program, “Waterbirds: ducks, herons, pelicans and more,” will be at 10 a.m. at the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Register: 303-739-2428. Info: .
Wildlife area walk | South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites participants ages 5 to adult to explore Cooley Lake wildlife area on a free naturalist-guided walk from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive. This area is closed to general public access to protect wildlife. Register: 303-730-1022.
Environment/conservation event | The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., is having a “Party for the Planet” celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will discover ways to connect to the local environment to make a collective difference in conservation on a national and global level. Activities are free with paid admission to the Zoo. Info: 303-376-4800 or .
Earth Day activities | The Wildlife Experience, 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker, is having many activities and programs focused on our planet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children will have a variety of earthy crafts to participate in, including recycling common household items to make bird-spotting binoculars, creative pencil holders, votive candle holders and necklaces. Visitors can also discover other habitats around the world as The Denver Zoo introduces rainforests with live animals native to these misty regions. Info: . or 720-488-3300.
Earth Day festival | “Wild Earth Featuring Dirt Day Challenge – Boulder’s Biggest Earth Day Fest,” a free event hosted by Wild Bear Center for Nature Discovery, the National Center for Atmospheric Research and Boulder Adventure Film, will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at NCAR’s Mesa Lab, 1850 Table Mesa Drive. There will be interactive activities, presentations and films exploring climate change, the natural world and sustainability. You can also interact with raptors and other live animals. The “Dirt Day Challenge” is an all-ages outdoor sports course with climbing, trail running and other human-powered fun. Info: 303-258-0495 or visit . or .
Earth Day celebration | The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, is having an Earth Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Free family activities include: park clean up at 9 a.m. (registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with There will be complimentary food and beverages for volunteers); live wolf presentations at 10 and 10:30 a.m.; live birds of prey at 10 a.m. and noon; other live animals throughout the day; arts and crafts for kids; guided nature walks every hour; Mr. Science Chemical Magic Shows at 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.; American Indian dances throughout the day; Rock Ledge Historic Ranch open for visitors; Search and Rescue demonstrations by the Peterson Air Force Base Fire Department; and live music. Info: 719-219-0108.
Physics program | “Einstein, the Early Universe and Everything,” a free talk by University of Colorado at Boulder Assistant Professor Oliver DeWolfe of physics, will be at 2 p.m. in Duane Physics room G1B30 on the CU Boulder campus. Info: 303-735-5993 or visit .
“Spring Color” family hike | South Suburban Parks and Recreation is offering a family-friendly hike to discover open space as it bursts into springtime splendor from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive. Cost is $9 adults, $5 youth, $24 family ($6 adults, $4 youth, $17 family District rate). Register: . or 303-347-5999.
Geology and nature hike | Pete Modreski of the USGS will lead a geology and nature hike on Green Mountain. The morning hike will begin at a trailhead in the residential areas on the east side of Green Mountain. Details: 303-202-4766 or e-mail pmodreski@usgs.gov.
April 20
Full moon walk | South Suburban Parks and recreation invites participants ages 8 to adult to challenge their senses as a naturalist guides a themed moonlight adventure through a riverside forest from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive. Cost is $9 adults, $7 youth ($6 adults, $5 youth District rate). Info: 303-730-1022; register: . or 303-347-5999.
Museum free day | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering free admission to the Museum all day. Paleopuppeteer “Mr. Bones” and his life-size dinosaur puppets will be in the Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; “Secrets of the Dioramas,” a tour and program on how artists make the Museum’s dioramas look so lifelike, will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; a scavenger hunt around the Museum will be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will also be a drawing for a free family membership to the Museum between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Separate admission fees to Phipps IMAX Theater and Gates Planetarium remain in effect during Free Days. Info: 303-322-7009 or .
To publicize upcoming science events geared toward and open to the public; or volunteer opportunities/donations needed notices, 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 Scispeak@denverpost.com.
