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 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, is 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 magpie program | Garden of the Gods Park offers a free magpie presentation, “Magpie Players,” at 4:45 p.m. Thursdays. A costumed group of visitor center staff and volunteers present, “A Walk Back in Time,” a half-hour spoof detailing the lives of the colorful characters associated with the Pikes Peak Region. Meet in the Red Rocks Room at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Info: 719-634-6666.
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.
Nature presentations | Garden of the Gods Park offers free daily nature presentations. For times and presentation topics, check the information kiosk at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Info: 719-634-6666.
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.
Prairie falcon walk | Garden of the Gods Park, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, offers free prairie falcon walks at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Meet at the north main parking lot trail head. Info: 719-634-6666.
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. 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.
Guided walks | Garden of the Gods Park, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, offers free daily guided walks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at the north main parking lot trail head. Take water, and wear sturdy shoes and a jacket. Info: 719-634-6666.
Afternoon hikes | Volunteer naturalist Doug Gantt will lead afternoon hikes at 1 p.m. the second Saturday June through August 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.
Bat walks | Garden of the Gods Park offers free bat walks Tuesdays at 6 p.m. beginning June 16. Meet in the Red Rocks Room at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Take water, and wear sturdy shoes and a jacket. Register: 719-219-0108.
Wildflower tours | The Denver Botanic Gardens is offering free wildflower tours on Mount Goliath Tuesdays and Thursdays June 23-Aug. 6 (and some Saturdays to be determined). Discover the life cycles and lore of alpine tundra on free, guide-led tours on the M. Walter Pesman Trail at Mount Goliath. The hike is a moderately difficult, 1.5 mile downhill trek. Register: 720-865-3539 or e-mail leonl@botanicgardens.org.
TODAY
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, 2001Colorado 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.
TUESDAY
Geology walk | Garden of the Gods Park, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, is offering a free geology walk led by geologist Jay Temple, at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the north main parking lot trail head. The walk will be along Perkins Trail and central Garden Zone. Take water and a jacket, and wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Register: 719-219-0108.
WEDNESDAY
Weed removal project | Volunteers are needed to help remove noxious weeds from 6 to 8 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. There will be a review of weed identification before work starts. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Rock/mineral event for teachers | Teachers may pick out free rock, mineral and fossil samples from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the USGS Rock Room, Building 810, west wing entrance, Denver Federal Center, south of 6th Avenue on Kipling Street in Lakewood. Info: pmodreski@usgs.gov or 303-202-4766.
FRIDAY
Free day | The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, is giving free admission to Colorado residents from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: . or 303-973-3705.
Kids nature program | “Canyon Kiddies: Ladybugs,” a free, naturalist-led program for children ages 2-5 (with a parent), will be at 10 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. The program includes a walk and an activity. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $6 Daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Photographer presentation | “Ranches, Landscapes and The Table Mountains,” a free presentation and slideshow by photographer John Fielder, will be at 7 p.m. at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden. Info: . or 303-278-7465.
SATURDAY
Moonlight hike | Larimer County Natural Resources is offering a naturalist-led moonlit hike at 8:15 p.m. at Red Mountain Open Space, 15 miles north of Fort Collins. The hike is rated easy 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.
Family hike/photography contest | Table Mountain Conservation Fund is sponsoring a “Family Nature Hike and Photography Contest” at 9 a.m. going up North Table Mountain. The hike starts at Table Mountain (Horse) Ranch, 190000 W. 58th Ave. The photo contest is by age groups with prizes. Info: . or 303-278-7465.
Dinosaur event | “Triceratops Trail Day: National Trails Day,” a free event sponsored by Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Experts will be stationed along the Triceratops trail on Dinosaur Ridge to explain fossils and answer hiker’s questions. Parking is one block east of 6th Avenue and 19th Street at Jones Road in Golden. Info: tom_moklestad@dinoridge.org or 303-697-3466, ext. 13.
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.
Bird hike | A hike led by Lynn Willcockson, will be at 9 a.m. at Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia. Hiking will be about two miles on mostly level ground. Take binoculars, sunscreen and water. Tickets are $25 and include lunch. Info/register: 303-688-5555, ext. 3 or visit .
Natural area grand opening | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is having grand opening festivities from dawn until dusk, June 6 and 7, with welcome and orientation activities to highlight its bike, foot and equestrian trails. There will be family-friendly activity booths, a time capsule art project, trail tours for bikers and hikers and orientation talks for the new area. Soapstone Prairie is 25 miles north of Fort Collins. From Fort Collins, take Hwy. 1/Terry Lake Road to County Road 15 north, turn north onto Rawhide Flats Road and continue north to the entrance station. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Wildflower hike | “Horsetooth’s Blooming,” a wildflower program and hike, let by Naturalist Oscar, in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, will be at 9 a.m. The program is weather dependent. The hike will be approximately 2.5 hours; hike rating is easy. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is west of Fort Collins on County Road 38E. There is a $6 per vehicle entrance fee. Info: 970-679-4561 or rnovak@larimer.org.
Trailwork event | Join trail enthusiasts on National Trails Day to help build a segment of trail at North Table Mountain Park outside of Golden. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers should be in good physical condition and able to hike 3-5 miles of mountainous trails and use a variety of gardening-type tools such as shovels, picks and rakes. Volunteers should wear hiking boots, long pants, and sunscreen, and should take work gloves, at least 2 quarts of water, rain gear, insect repellent, toilet paper and a day pack to hold their gear. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Jefferson County Open Space Administration Building, 700 Jefferson County Pkwy. Volunteers must pre-register at least 3 days in advance at 303-271-5922 or by e-mailing jjohns@jeffco.us.
June 7
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.
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.
