ONGOING EVENTS
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 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Info: , or call 303-871-5172 for reservations.
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.
Nature programs and hikes | “Roxborough Revealed,” a program featuring naturalist-led programs and hikes, is at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays May 2 through June 27 at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959 or .
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.
Kids nature programs | Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, offers a kids nature program at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays April through June. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959 or .
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 .
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.
Nocturnal nature program | “Nature at Night,” a free program, is at 6:30 p.m. the third Friday of each month at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
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 .
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 8 p.m. Info: 303-492-6732 or .
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 nature program | “Animal Art and Awesome Activities,” an animal-related art and activity program for kids ages 6-10, is from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month at the Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Cost is $10/class. There is a $2 discount if registering for at least three sessions. Register: 720-898-7405.
Kids nature program | “Nature Adventures,” a free parent/child program for kids ages 4-6 and parents, is at 11 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Nature Center Specialist Dean Bernard tells stories and leads nature activities and games. Register: 720-898-7405.
Mineral group | The Rocky Mountain Micromineral Association, a new mineral group, will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. the second Sunday of each month at the Colorado School of Mines Museum. The group is informal, with no dues, officers or newsletter. Microscopes and free microminerals are available at the meetings. Info: contact Richard Parsons, 303-838-8859 or Richard.parsons@att.net.
Composting classes | Learn the basics of backyard composting by attending one of the free “Learn to Compost” classes from May through October at the Denver Backyard Composting Demonstration Site in the Gove community Garden at East 13th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. Classes are sponsored by Denver Recycles/Solid Waste Management, Denver Urban Gardens and the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District. Register: . or 720-865-6810.
Podcast walking tour | Download a free walking tour podcast about Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and listen to it while hiking. For downloading instructions, go to . Click on “SpringsTV on Demand” under the Quick Links section of the homepage, then click on “Podcasts.”
Podcast walking tour | Download a free walking tour podcast about Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and listen to it while hiking. For downloading instructions, go to . Click on “SpringsTV on Demand” under the Quick Links section of the homepage, then click on “Podcasts.”
TODAY
Wildflower walk | A walk in search of wildflowers will be at 1 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. Meet at the Visitor Center and take water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
“Going Green” lecture | “The Renewables: Wind, Solar and Geothermal,” a talk by representatives or Namaste Solar, PK Geothermal and Xcel Energy, will be at 2 p.m. at the Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Pkwy. Cost is $3 ($2 Aurora residents). Register: 303-326-8650.
Family hike | Volunteer naturalists Mike and Sonia Zipparo and their family will lead a family-oriented hike to the Lucas Homestead ruins at 12:30 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. Meet at the Lucas Homestead Parking Lot on the west side of the Park, accessed via Hwy. 86. Strollers will not work on the trail. Take plenty of water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Naturalist-led history event | Naturalists will lead a tour of the Historic Persse Place and share the history of this nationally registered historic home off the Fountain Valley Trail at noon at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Archaeology program | “A History of the Ancient Southwest,” a free talk by Stephen Lekson, an archaeologist from the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, will be at 2 p.m. in the meting room of the Tattered Cover Bookstore, LoDo, 1628 16th St. Info: .
Birding program | Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, is offering a naturalist-guided program, “Birding by Ear,” at 8:30 a.m. The presentation will be followed by a short walk outside to listen to the birds. Take binoculars, water and snacks. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
MONDAY
Kids nature program | South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites youth ages 4-5 to South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, on Mondays May 4-18 at either 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. for “Tremendous Trees.” Participants will get to meet a tree, explore it from the roots up, trace time through its rings and much more. Fees: $43 ($33 District rate). Includes snacks and crafts. Register: . or 303-347-5999.
TUESDAY
Conservation talk | “Conservation or Commercialism? What’s Right for Saving Rare Plants?” a talk by the Research and Horticulture staff of Denver Botanic Gardens, will be at 6 p.m. in Gates Hall, Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. Cost is $5. Info: . or 720-865-3500.
WEDNESDAY
Bird walk | Birder Charlie Campbell invites birders of all ability levels to join him for a stroll at 9 a.m. to view the feathered migrants and residents of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center. Take binoculars, sturdy hiking shoes and water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Weeding event | Volunteers are needed to help remove noxious weeds at 6 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. Weed identification will be discussed at the beginning of the event. Take water. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Kids nature event | “Canyon Kiddies: Seeds and Flowers,” a naturalist-led program for kids ages 2-5 (with a parent), will be at 2 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. There will be stories, a walk and a craft. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Archaeology talk | “Digging History: Unearthing a 17th Century Estancia in New Mexico,” a lecture by author Marianne Stoller, will be at noon at Colorado College, Worner Campus Center, 902 N. Cascade Ave. Cost is $15 per person. Register: 719-389-6649.
Boulder Green Building Guild talk | “Energy Model,” is the topic of the BGBG Commercial Brown Bag Series talk at 11:30 a.m. at the REI Community Room, 1789 28th St. Cost is free for BGBG members, $20 for non-members. Register: .&eventId=42630&EventViewMode=EventDetails.
Colorado sustainability conference | The US Green Building Chapter Colorado Sustainability Fair ’09 will be May 6 and 7 at the Colorado Convention Center and Westin Tabor Center, Denver. There will be numerous presentations, trade show exhibits and evening programs with members of the green building and sustainability community and keynote speakers. Info: 925-701-0225 (then press 0).
FRIDAY
Clean energy expo | The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association is presenting the first-ever Clean Energy Expo from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Community Center, 100 Wulfsohn Road. Over 40 booths will feature “green” products and services. There will be live displays, panel discussions and a keynote address at 5:30 p.m. by Vince Matthews, Director of the Colorado Geological Survey. He will discuss the global effect of China and India and their hunger for Colorado’s resources. Info: . or 970-945-6589.
Moonlight hike | Larimer County Natural Resources is offering a naturalist-led moonlit hike at 7:45 p.m. at Hermit Park Open Space, off of US Hwy 36. The hike is rated easy to moderate and focuses on the moon in myth and legend, as well as nocturnal creatures. Dress appropriately for the weather, and take a flashlight and water for the trail. A $6 user fee applies. Register: . Info/directions: 970-679-4561.
Moonlight hike | Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, is offering a naturalist-guided moonlight hike at 7 p.m. Reservations are required. Cost is $7.50 per hiker. Checks, made payable to Friends of Roxborough, can be mailed to 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, 80125. The hike takes place rain or shine. Reservations: 303-973-3959.
SATURDAY
Trailwork event | Join Larimer County Horseman’s Association to maintain the Mill Creek Trail at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, west of Fort Collins on County Road 38E. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space parking lot. Volunteers will work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register: 970-679-4489 or e-mail jscharton@larimer.org.
Bird count | The 10th annual International Migratory Bird Day Bird Count will be at 7:15 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. Meet volunteer naturalists Karen and Ken Metz at the West Side Trailhead parking lot. Take water, binoculars and a bird guide. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Guided “water” hike | Meet volunteer naturalist Ben Parker at 10 a.m. at the Falls Parking Area on the “west side” of Castlewood Canyon State Park, accessed via Hwy. 86, Franktown, for a guided hike with a focus on surface water and ground water resources. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Dress appropriately for the weather and take drinking water. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Guided nature hike | Meet interpreter Ron Clausen at 9 a.m. at the Visitor Center in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown, for a guided hike in search of waterfalls, pools and grottos. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Take drinking water. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Guided hike | A guided “Cookie Burner” hike, for people who want to “do more walkin’ and less talkin’,” will be at 9 a.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Hiking trails are easy to moderately steep terrain. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Wildflower walk | A walk in search of wildflowers will be at 9 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. Meet at the Visitor Center and take water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Wildflower hike | Naturalist Oscar will lead the first hike in a four-part series of hikes in search of wildflowers at 9 a.m. at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, west of Fort Collins on County Road 38E. The programs are free, however, a $6 per vehicle entrance permit is required. The program is weather dependent. Hike rating is easy and will take approximately 2.5 hours. Dress appropriately for the weather and take water. Info: 970-679-4561.
Belated “Earth Day” hike | USGS Geologist Pete Modreski and others will lead an “Earth Day” hike at 9 a.m. on Green Mountain. Meet at the cul-de-sac at the end of West Exposition Drive, 5 blocks west of South Alkire Street in Lakewood. Info: 303-202-4766 or e-mail pmodreski@usgs.gov.
Osprey watch and hike | Join Naturalist Carl for an Osprey Watch and hike at 9 a.m. at Fossil Creek Regional Open Space, just west of the Windsor/I-25 interchange off of Hwy. 392. The hike is rated easy. The approximately 2-hour program is free. Dress appropriately for the weather and take water. Info: 970-679-4561.
Bear program | Naturalist and former veterinarian Bob will give a program on local bears at 10 a.m. at the Hermit’s Cabin at Hermit Park Open Space, east of Estes Park off of Hwy. 36. The program is free, however, a $6 per vehicle entrance permit is required. Info: 970-679-4561 or e-mail rnovak@larimer.org.
Guided bird walk | There will be a free, guided bird walk for birders of all ability levels at 8:30 a.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. For ages 10 and up. Register: 303-739-2428.
Spring flower hike | Naturalists Lila and Peter Laux will lead a leisurely tour thorough meadows and brush along the Willow Creek Trail in search of early wildflowers and other signs of spring at 1 p.m. at Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Bird count | South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites experienced bird-watchers ages 16-adult to South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, from 6 to 11 a.m. to assist with counting birds during the annual migration survey. Join a team on a morning walk to count all the birds you see. Register/info: 303-730-1022.
Full moon walk | South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites ages 8 and up to South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, will have a naturalist-guided walk at 5 p.m. to explore the park by moonlight. Cost is $9 adults, $7 youth ($6 adults, $5 youth District rate). Children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Register: . or 303-347-5999.
Flower program | “Pursuing the Pasque Flower,” a program for adults and children ages 10 and up, will be at 1 p.m. at Camper Services in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program begins with an indoor discussion on the natural history of the Pasque flower, followed by a short, guided hike along park trails to search for photographic opportunities of this early bloomer. Take a camera. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
May 10
Family hike | A naturalist-guided “Family Mystery Hike,” will be at 1 p.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Families are challenged to solve a puzzle, mystery or riddle as they hike and search for hidden clues along a 1-2 mile easy trail. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Meet at the Visitor Center. 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 invites ages 5-adult to South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, at 9:30 a.m. to explore the Cooley Lake wildlife area on a free naturalist-guided walk. The area is closed to general public access to protect wildlife. Children ages 5-14 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Register: 303-730-1022, ext. 11.
Bird watching event | Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, is offering slow paced, 2-3 hour naturalist-guided hike focusing on basic birding skills at 8:30 a.m. Take binoculars, water and snacks. Children ages 12 and older are welcome. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
To publicize upcoming science events geared toward and open to the public, 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.
