Volunteer Opportunities/Donations Needed
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Race for the Cure | Hundreds of opportunities to volunteer to produce the Komen Denver Race for the Cure will be available at a community meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sterns Elder Room, 1835 Franklin St. Volunteers can coordinate teams, hand out T-shirts, and take pictures. Info: Contact Patricia Reed, Race Coordinator, 303-744-2088, ext. 301 or .
Xeriscape garden | Volunteers are needed at the six-acre Aurora Xeriscape Garden, on the east side of the Municipal Center on the corner of Alameda Avenue and Chambers Road. Help maintain a demonstration garden that educates the public on water conserving landscape. The work may include preparing the soil, planting, weeding, working on a seasonal project like trail building and general maintenance. Info: Contact Abby Schreiber, Volunteer Coordinator, at 303-739-7356 or aschreib@auroragov.org.
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.
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 .
Animal foster homes | The Larimer Humane Society, 6317 Kyle Ave., Fort Collins, needs volunteer foster homes to help take care of the animals they have already received and the hundreds more they expect to receive throughout the summer. Register: volunteer@larimerhumane.org. Info: . or e-mail foster@larimerhumane.org.
Canine Partners of the Rockies | Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., (CaPR) 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.
Canine Partners of the Rockies | Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., (CaPR) also needs a volunteer grant writer starting in September. The individual will coordinate the development, writing and submission of grant proposals to third-party entities. The volunteer is also responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting data on the performance of program activities that are funded by grants received. 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.
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. 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 Bernice Henrickson, 303-799-5096 or bernice.henrickson@trinity.com.
Hospital | Saint Joseph Hospital needs volunteers for the afternoon/evening shifts at its “Welcome Desks.” Volunteers will greet and assist patients and visitors by answering questions; direct visitors to patients’ rooms, department locations and meeting locations; look up patients’ room location for visitors and provide accurate information to visitors as directed by staff. Volunteers should have good interpersonal customer service skills; a positive attitude and ability to maintain a high level of professional composure under stressful conditions; ability to work with little supervision and flexibility in determining and meeting customer needs. Info: Contact Jordan Frost, volunteer coordinator, at 303-837-7667 or visit .
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.
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.
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. Info: ., 303-654-3378 or rhea@casa17.com.
Adult/family education tutors | The Learning Source for Adults and Families needs volunteer tutors for its adult classes in the Denver Metro area. Areas of instruction are English language, reading, writing, math and GED preparation. No prior teaching experience is required. Orientation and training sessions for volunteer tutors are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5 and Aug. 7 in Aurora. For info and training location, contact Tom Oatts, 303-922-4683 or tom@coloradoliteracy.org.
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.
Backcountry | Volunteers are needed for several multi-day environmental restoration projects this summer: Sept. 6-9 and Sept. 11-14 in the South Colony Lakes Basin in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area; and Sept. 17-18 at Shelf Road. 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 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Info: ., or call 303-871-5172 for reservations.
Wildflower tours | The Denver Botanic Gardens is offering free guided wildflower tours on the M. Walter Pesman Trail of Mount Goliath Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 7. The hike is a moderately difficult 1.5-mile downhill trek. Hikes begin at 8:30 a.m. and leave from the kiosk titled Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Adjacent to the Echo Lake Lodge parking lot off Highway 103. Register: 720-865-3539.
ONGOING
Eagle viewing | Barr Lake Nature Center, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, is offering public “Eagle Express” rides to view bald eagles on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the summer. Register: 303-659-6005.
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 | On the second Friday of every month through November, there is 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. 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 and fourth Friday every month at 9:30 a.m. (June through August). The August topic is “Things That Sting.” Register: 303-739-2428.
Kids nature programs | “Wet and Wild Wednesdays,” nature programs for kids ages 6-12 will be at 9:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at Aurora Reservoir, 5800 S. Powhaton Road. Kids will learn about plants and animals that live in and around Aurora Reservoir. There is a $7 per vehicle entry fee to Aurora Reservoir. The August topic is crawdads. Register: 303-739-2428. Info: .
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 .
“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. Info: . or 720-865-3500.
Natural area preview tours | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering informational, guided tours of the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. All the tours are led by naturalists; geology, ecology, archaeology and history are highlighted. The tours are free and participants on most tours will be transported to the site in City vehicles. Four types of tours are offered: van tours – with short walks to the Lindenmeier overlook and a lunch break; hiking tours – hikers must be able to hike 4-6 miles on uneven terrain with little cover; biking tours – bikers will cover several miles of gravel road and two-track trails on steep grades and must provide transportation for themselves and their bicycles to the entrance of Soapstone Prairie; equestrian tours: take your mount for a 5-hour ride through the shortgrass prairie with views of Cheyenne Ridge and the Big Hole. The tour schedule is at . Register at 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Nature seminars | The Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument sponsors a summer series of seminars and field trips relating to fossils, nature and geology. Info: 719-748-3253.
Junior ranger activity | Colorado National Monument in Fruita is unveiling a new Junior Ranger activity booklet for kids ages 5-12. The booklet is available at the CNM Visitor Center. Once kids have completed the required activities (usually takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete), they can return to the visitor center where a park ranger reviews their work and awards them an official Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Info: 970-858-3617 or .
Kids recycling events | Through Aug. 7, Larimer County’s waste and recycling education center, Garbage Garage, is offering free recycling-related classes for kids ages 6-10 years old, including “Making Music,” “Ride the Water Cycle,” and “Paper or Plastic?” The center is located at the Larimer County Landfill on South Taft Hill Road in Fort Collins. Register at 970-498-5775 or visit .
Guided bird walks | Joey Kellner, a member of Denver Field Ornithologist, Colorado Field Ornithologist and the American Birding Association, leads a free bird walk on the last Saturday of every month (excluding December) in Chatfield State Park, 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road. Meet at Platte River Parking Lot. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Dress for the weather. Info: . or 303-979-9115.
SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING
TODAY
Sensory hike | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering an easy, guided “silent sensory” hike on Zook Loop trail at 8:30 a.m. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the trail head parking lot. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Owl program | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering a program about owls at 11 a.m. at the Visitor Center. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Guided bird walk | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering a guided bird watching excursion at 6 a.m. Meet at the trailhead parking lot. Purchase a $6 park pass from the self-serve booth. Take binoculars and field guides, or borrow them from the Park. Register: 719-576-2016.
TUESDAY
Family astronomy program | “Kids in Space,” a family-friendly astronomy program for kids in grades K-5, will be at 1 p.m. in the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 children/seniors. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
WEDNESDAY
Kids nature program | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering an interactive program, “Sensory Science,” for kids ages 3-5, at 8:30 a.m. Meet at the trailhead parking lot. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Kids nature program | “Play in the Park,” led by Park Ranger Sarah Holton, invites kids to explore along Cherry Creek. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Canyon Point Parking lot in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Family astronomy program | “Space Storm,” a family-friendly astronomy program for kids in grades 5-12, will be at 10 a.m. in the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 children/seniors. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
THURSDAY
Longs Peak history program | “East Longs Peak Trail: a History,” a free program by historian Sierra Standish, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. Info: 970-586-1206.
Live astronomy program | “Colorado Skies: Perseid Meteor Shower,” will be at 8 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, $3.50 child/senior, free for students with valid ID. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Rock and mineral sale | “Contin-Tail,” an outdoor “tailgating” sale by rockhounds and dealers of rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, etc., will be Aug. 7-10 at the Buena Vista rodeo grounds. Parking and admission are free.
Evening hike | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering an evening hike at 6 p.m. Meet at the trail head parking lot. Purchase a $6 park pass from the self-serve booth. Info: 719-576-2016.
Family astronomy program | “Stars and Lasers,” a family-friendly astronomy program, will be at 1 p.m. in the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 children/seniors. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Weed pulling | Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown, needs volunteers to help rid the park of noxious weeds from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ranger Sarah Holton will discuss weed identification before hitting the trails to remove noxious weeds. Info: 303-688-5242.
FRIDAY
Astronomy program | “Deep Impact with Live Update,” will be at 8 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, $3.50 child/senior, free for students with valid ID. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Sunset stroll | A free sunset stroll in search of wildlife will be at 7:45 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Register/info: 303-739-2428.
SATURDAY
Coyote program | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering an interactive presentation about coyotes, hosted by a Park Naturalist, at 1 p.m. Meet at the trailhead parking lot. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Guided bird walk | Morrison Nature Center is offering a free guided bird walk at 7:30 a.m. at Ponderosa Preserve in Aurora. Directions/register: 303-739-2428.
Observatory open house | Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E. Warren Ave., is having an “Open House” event from sunset to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Info: 303-871-5172.
Evolution workshop | Louise Mead, of the National Center for Science Education in California is leading a workshop, “Evolution and the Nature of Science: Phenomena, Fossils and a Fishpod,” at 9 a.m. at Colorado College, Tutt Science Center Lecture Hall, first floor, 1112 N. Nevada Ave. Cost is $25. Register by contacting the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (ask for seminars) at 719-687-9204.
“Cookie burner” hike | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering a moderately-paced, guided “exercise” hike on an easy-to-moderate trail at 8:30 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Kids nature event | Chatfield State Park, 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, is offering a free hands-on class about entomology for kids ages 6-12 at 10 a.m. A $7 daily State Park pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: Contact Interpretive Ranger Heather Lay at 303-979-9115 or chatfieldgoco@gmail.com.
Hound hike | Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown, is offering a two-mile hike for hounds and humans. Ranger Sarah Holton will discuss trail etiquette, training and keeping your dog sane and comfortable while exploring the outdoors together. Take a leash and water for yourself and your dog. This is a canine social event, so be sure your dog is friendly to other people and dogs. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Event Facility Shelters. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Guided hike | GOCO Interpreter Ron Claussen will lead a 4-mile hike on the East Canyon Preservation Trail at 5 p.m. Meet at the Bridge Canyon Overlook parking lot. Wear sturdy footwear and take a camera, raingear, water and a snack. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Kids nature program and hike | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering a program and hike for kids at 11 a.m. The program challenges kids to find color matches in nature on the Zook Loop trail to match “color cards” provided by the Park. Meet at the trailhead parking lot. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. The program will be repeated at 11 a.m. on Aug. 10. Register: 719-576-2016.
Aug. 10
Guided bird walk | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering a guided bird watching excursion at 6 a.m. Meet at the trailhead parking lot. Purchase a $6 park pass from the self-serve booth. Take binoculars and field guides, or borrow them from the Park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Sensory hike | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering an easy, guided “silent sensory” hike on Zook Loop trail at 8:30 a.m. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the trail head parking lot. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Nature walk | South Suburban Parks and Recreation is offering a free naturalist-guided walk in the Cooley Lake wildlife area at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive. The area is closed to general public access to protect wildlife. Info: 303-730-1022.
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.
