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 program | “AWQUA Tots,” a free program for kids ages 5 and under with puppets, stories and activities, will be at 11 a.m. Thursdays at Aurora Reservoir, 5800 S. Powhaton Road, Aurora. A $10 per-vehicle entry fee is required at Aurora Reservoir. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
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.
TODAY
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.
Raptor Program’s open house | The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s annual Mother’s Day Open House will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at RMRP’s main facility, 720B E. Vince Drive, Fort Collins. Visitors can tour the center, learn about RMRP’s work to rehabilitate and release birds of prey, and have an opportunity to see raptors up close. Refreshments will be served. Info: 970-484-7756, e-mail info@rmrp.org or visit .
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.
TUESDAY
Boulder Green Building Guild talk | “Green ROI,” 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. Info: . or 303-447-0901.
WEDNESDAY
Trailwork event | Join team B.O.B. to help maintain the Westridge 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 am. To 2 p.m. Register: 970-679-4489 or e-mail jscharton@larimer.org.
Kids nature event | “Canyon Kiddies: Bears,” 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.
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.
SATURDAY
Wildflower walk | “Wildflower Treasure Hunt,” a hike in search of wildflowers with Naturalist Linda, will be at 10 a.m. at the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, west of Fort Collins on County Road 28E. The program is free, however, a $6 per vehicle entrance permit is required. The approximately 2-hour hike is rated easy and is great for all ages. Dress appropriately for the weather and take water. Info: 970-679-4561.
“Family Fun” walk | South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites all ages to South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive at 1:30 p.m. for a nature walk where children participate in activities using all five senses to make discoveries. Cost is $9 adults, $7 youth, $24 family ($6 adults, $5 youth, $17 family District rate). Register: . or 303-347-5999.
Trailwork event | Join In-Situ employees and help to maintain the Horsetooth Rock 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.
Guided hike | Volunteer naturalist Ben Parker will lead a hike at 10 a.m. on the East Canyon Trail in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. He will discuss topography and geology. Meet at the Visitor Center. Dress appropriately for the weather, and take water and a lunch or trail snacks. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Guided hike | Volunteer naturalist Mike Zipparo will lead a long, 8-10 mile hike of the entire canyon at 10 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. Meet at the Canyon Point parking area by the restrooms Dress appropriately for the weather, and take water and a lunch or trail snacks. 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.
Nature journaling | A free program on nature journaling for ages 10 and up will at 10 a.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
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.
Birthday bash | Celebrate Colorado State Parks’ 50th Birthday Bash at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. There will be activities for the whole family. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Birds of prey presentation | “From the Egg to the Sky,” a presentation by Sigrid Ueblacker from Birds of Prey on how eggs develop into birds and how they fly in the sky, will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cherokee Ranch and Castle 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Info/register: 303-688-5555, ext. 3 or visit .
Yucca program | “Yucca’s Not Yucky!” a program for adults and children ages 7 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 information about the symbiotic relationship yuccas share with a small, whitish moth. In addition to investigating the yucca life cycle, explore its historic uses for food, utensils, footwear and soap. The program concludes with a nature walk to see yucca in its natural habitat. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Mineral exploration seminar | The Western Museum of Mining and Industry, Colorado Springs; Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society; Gold Prospectors of Colorado; and the Lake George Gem and Mineral Club are presenting a seminar, “The Colorado Mineral Exploration Seminar,” from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 16 and 17. Explore gold panning, prospecting and mineral collecting. Travel through a mine drift, study geological and topographic maps, see how GPS is used, learn how to file a mineral claim, lease mineral property, and buy mineral lands outright at Colorado Sales tax sales. There will be presentations on the geology of the Pikes Peak region, the gold mine in Cripple Creek and on fossils. Cost is $15. Register: 719-488-0880.
Habitat reclamation event | Volunteers are needed to help reclaim critical habitat for two threatened or endangered species in a riparian area in the Trout Creek and Eagle Creek drainages on the Rampart Range. Volunteers will hike into the work area up to 2 miles, with steep slopes in some areas. Teams will install barriers, rehabilitate the closed ATV route surface and broadcast native grass seed, fertilizer and mulch. Teams will be led by trained crew leaders; tools and lunch are provided. Work days are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 and 30th, with a backup date in the event of rain on June 6. Wear sturdy boots, gloves and a hat.Info: .
Astronomy program | Metropolitan State College astronomy professor Larry Sessions will share updates on various NASA missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Mars Rovers, the Cassini Saturn missions and probes to other planets at 10 a.m. at Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd. The program is designed for students in 6-th to 12th grades and adults and is presented in association with the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador program. Register: 303-791-7323 or visit the “programs and events” calendar at .
May 17
Geology hike | Volunteer naturalist Peter Laux will lead a 4-mile hike at 12:30 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. He will discuss the rocks, cliffs and the creek, and “forces at work” now and in the past. Dress appropriately for the weather, and take water. Meet at the Event Facility Shelters. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Bluebird program | Meet at 1 p.m. at Camper Services at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, for a program called “All About Bluebirds.” The program, for ages 10 and up, includes a PowerPoint presentation on bluebird natural history, information on how to build a nest box and information on which species use the nest boxes in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Guided bird walk/hike | Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, is offering a naturalist-guided bird walk/hike up the Carpenter Peak trail at 7:30 a.m. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Take binoculars and a bird book and dress for the weather. Info: 303-973-3959.
Wildflower hike | Naturalists and Native Plant Masters Susan Dunn and Betty Timson will lead a short hike and answer questions on wildflower identification at 11:30 a.m. at Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 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.
