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
Kids science event | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering a program, “Crazy Chemistry,” for children in grades 2 and 3, at 10 a.m. Kids will create “crazy” concoctions while and the dynamics of solids, liquids and gases, while learning about reactions, density and polymers using hands-on experiments. Kids will make ice cream to watch liquid become a solid. Cost is $40 DMNS members; $50 non-members. Info: . or 303-322-7009.
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.
TUESDAY
Renewable energy talk | “The Climate Change Crisis and The Role of Renewable Energy,” a free talk, will be at noon at the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Pkwy., Golden. Take a lunch if desired. Register: 303-384-6565. Info: .
WEDNESDAY
Homeschool science day | South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites home schooled students in grades K-4 to South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. for a naturalist-guided program on arthropods. Cost is $6 per child ($3.50 District rate). Register: . or 303-347-5999.
Kids nature event | “Canyon Kiddies: Baby Animals,” 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.
THURSDAY
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 and wear sunscreen. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
FRIDAY
Wildflower program | “Exploring Wildflowers,” a program by author and wildflower enthusiast Pamela Irwin, will be at 6 p.m. at Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. The program is weather dependent, call the park the day of the program. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
SATURDAY
Wildflower hike | Join Naturalist Oscar for the second hike in a four-part series in search of wildflowers at 9 a.m. at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, west of Fort Collins on County Road 38E. The program is free, however, a $6 per vehicle entrance permit is required. The approximately 2.5-hour hike is rated easy. The program is weather dependent. Dress appropriately for the weather and take water. Info: 970-679-4561.
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.
Guided bird walk | American Birding Association staff will lead a bird walk and answer questions on bird identification, behavior, birding optics and equipment during an 8 a.m. hike in Garden of the Gods Park. Meet at the Park’s Visitor Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Take water, a snack and binoculars. Info: 719-219-0108.
Bird watching/history program | Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, is offering a naturalist-guided hike focusing on bird watching and history at 9 a.m. Take water and snacks. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Archaeology program | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, will be displaying its collection of artifacts from 1 to 3 p.m. The collection includes scrapers, grinders, arrowheads and more. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. 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 10:30 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.
Exhibiting and judging seminar | Jordan Sawdo will give a seminar on judging or clerking. There will be some specifics related to fossils. The seminar is from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Adams County Museum, 9601 Henderon Road, and will include hand-outs, websites for downloading and hands-on activities. The seminar is open to all varieties of collectors with the afternoon emphasis on judging and fossil judging skills. Take a sack lunch. Info: 303-452-7792.
Homestead hike | Spring flower hike: Naturalist Peter Laux will lead a 5.5 mile hike around the south end of Roxborough Park to several old homesteads at 9 a.m. in Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. He will also discuss the early settlers in Roxborough. After the hike, there will be viewing on County Road 5 of three historic homesteads before returning to the Park via the Elk Valley Trail. Take water, a snack and appropriate clothing for the weather. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Osprey watch and hike | 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.
Kids nature program | “Whose Track Is That?” a nature program for preschoolers ages 3-5 and their parents, will be at 1 p.m. at Camper Services in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program includes a nature excursion to discover how to identify animal tracks. Learn to make plaster casts of real animal prints then make a track casting to take home. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
May 24
Wildflower hike | Join Naturalist Barbara at 9 a.m. for a hike in search of wildflowers at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, west of Fort Collins on County Road 38E. The approximately 2.5 hour hike is rated easy. The program is free, however, a $6 per vehicle entrance fee is required. Dress appropriately for the weather and take water. Info: 970-679-4561.
Guided hike | Naturalists Eileen and Daria will lead a trek at 9a .m. through Homestead Meadows from Hermit Park Open Space, southeast of Estes Park off of Hwy. 36. Tour the remaining homesteads and learn about the history of the area. Meet at Homestead Meadow’s trail head at the end of the main road in Hermit Park. The program is free, however, a $6 per vehicle entrance fee is required. The approximately 4-hour hike is rated moderate. Dress appropriately for the weather, and take a sack lunch and water. Info: 970-679-4561.
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.
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.
