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 b 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.
Guided nature ride | Take a naturalist-guided tour around the Fountain Valley Trail in Roxborough Park in a seven-passenger golf cart at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays May through October, trail and weather conditions permitting, at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. Special Father’s Day rides will be available at 11 a.m. June 21. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
TODAY
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 9 a.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.
WEDNESDAY
Kids nature event | “Canyon Kiddies: Insects,” 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.
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.
Sunset stroll | People of all ages are invited for an evening walk to look for wildlife at 8 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, invites Info/register: 303-739-2428.
FRIDAY
Navajo weaving exhibition | There will be a free opening event for “Navajo Weaving: Diamonds, Dreams, Landscapes,” a major exhibition of Navajo textiles, at 6 p.m. at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History on the CU Boulder campus. The event includes a talk by Ann Hedlund, director of The Gloria F. Ross Center for Tapestry Studies, Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona. Info: 303-492-6892 or .
SATURDAY
Boulder Green | Building Guild product and service fair The BGBG 3rd annual Product and Service Fair will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Boulder Central Park. The Fair features over 75 booths of green building products and services, a speaker’s tent and hands-on workshops for homeowners and green building enthusiasts. Info: 303-447-0901 or info@bgbg.org.
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 hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., A backup date in the event of rain is June 6. Wear sturdy boots, gloves and a hat. Info: .
Wildflower walk | A walk in search of wildflowers will be at 9 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State 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.
Botany program | South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites ages 8 to adult to South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, Littleton, for a program by Necrosearch Field Botanist Vickey Trammell from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn how plants offer clues about past events. Cost is $11 adults, $7 youth ($6 adults, $5 youth District Rate). Register: . or 303-347-5999.
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 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.
Geology hike | A hike led by geologist advisor Al Koch, will be at 9 a.m. at Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia. The hike will start with an overview of the Ranch geology. Hiking intensity is moderate, about two miles and two hours in duration. Take water. Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Info/register: 303-688-5555, ext. 3 or visit .
Astronomy event | The Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E. Warren Ave., is offering a quarter moon viewing opportunity, weather permitting, from 7 to 10 p.m. There will be extra telescopes in addition to the 26-foot refractor for viewing the night sky. Info: 303-871-5172.
“Junior scientist” program | “Ornithologists are Real Bird Brains,” a program in the Junior Scientist series, for ages 6 and up, will be at 1 p.m. Camper Services at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program will focus on common birds of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and will use interpretive activities to teach identification skills and the perils of bird migration. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Trailwork event | Join Larimer County Horseman’s Association to 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.
Audubon Society project program | Riverside Cemetery, 5201 Brighton Blvd., is having an open house event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 30 and 31. Part of an Audubon Society project, Colorado Bluebird Project, studying Colorado’s song and migratory birds, occurs in Riverside Cemetery. The Riverside Nestbox Trail is monitored by Cub Scout Pack 216; data collected is sent to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology as part of a national study. Learn about the study and how the trail was built from the Cub Scouts and Colorado Bluebird Project Volunteers. Info: 303-322-3895.
May 31
Owl program | Join volunteers for a training session on identifying owls. Learn which ones live and hunt in Cheyenne Mountain State Park and how to search for nest sites to monitor. Handouts include a simple identification guide Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Museum free day | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering free admission to Colorado residents today, made possible in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Separate admission fees still apply for Phipps IMAX Theater and Gates Planetarium. Info: . or 303-322-7009.
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.
