ONGOING EVENTS
Wilderness environmental service programs | The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wildlands and key natural areas. RMFI accomplishes its mission through environmental service, education and research. RMFI programs are developed around comprehensive, multi-year or long-term projects developed in concert with land management agencies to meet critical preservation and restoration goals. A few Garden of the Gods workdays are planned to fill in a gully at Spring Canyon. Summer projects include restoring the old trailhead and putting in campsites at the new trailhead for South Colony Lakes Basin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Dates are July 10-12; July 17-19; August 7-10; and Aug. 29-Sept. 5. There will be an annual work weekend at Shelf Road Oct 10 and 11. Info: 719-471-7736 or .
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 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 | “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 .
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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
Homestead program | “Home on the Range,” a stationary hour-long program about life on a homestead, led by County Naturalist Bob, will be at 10 a.m. at Red Mountain Open Space, which is 15 miles north of Fort Collins. Info: 970-679-4561 or rnovak@larimer.org. Register: .
Natural area program | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is offering a free program, “What’s so Special About Soapstone Prairie,” at 10 a.m. 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. Meet at the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area north trailhead. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Colorado Trail workday | Trails2000 is hosting a trailwork event at Dry Fork, High Point and Wall’s Gulch Bridge on the Colorado Trail. Meet at 6:30 a.m. at the Dry Fork Trailhead in Durango. Horses will deliver tools and supplies to the worksites. Take plenty of water and a lunch. At 4 p.m., workers will hike out and there will be a barbecue. Register/directions: 970-259-4682 Info@Trails2000.org.
Guided hike | Naturalist Peter Laux will lead a 7-mile hike at 9 a.m. at Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. Take water, food and clothing appropriate for the weather. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
MONDAY
Plant walk | A volunteer naturalist will lead a walk at 10 a.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Participants can observe, identify and photograph the wide variety of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees that grow in the park. Historic uses of native plants will be discussed. The walk is 1-2 miles along an easy trail. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
TUESDAY
Artist/photographer nature event | Fort Collins Natural Areas Programs is hosting an “Artists Day” at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Join budding artists from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for drawing and painting; and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for photography. Take your art supplies or camera. 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. Meet at the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area north trailhead large picnic shelter. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Insect walk | Garden of the Gods Park is offering a free “insect walk” led by Garden of the Gods program coordinator Bret Tennis at 9 a.m. Meet in the Red Rocks Room at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
Crawdad program | “Let’s Catch Crawdads and Learn All About Them!” a free program led by naturalists Linda Pohle and Fran Tate, will be from 9 a.m. to noon along the Inner Canyon Trail in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. Follow the colorful signs along the trail to find Pohle and Tate. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Archaeology program | Jason LaBelle will lead a program, “Laramie Foothills Archaeology,” at 9 a.m. in Red Mountain Open Space, which is 15 miles north of Fort Collins. LaBelle will give participants an in-depth look at the archaeology of Red Mountain Open Space and will give them a sneak peak at field work in action during the 3-hour program. There will be some hiking involved; hike rating is easy. Info: 970-679-4561 or rnovak@larimer.org. Register: .
Dinosaur field trip | “Darwin and Dinosaurs,” a field trip to the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center and the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will start at 9 a.m. at Dinosaur Ridge, 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy. The trip is led by Richard Kerr and Beth Simmons and includes: transportation in a chartered van; admission to sites; and lunch at the Casa Grande restaurant in Woodland Park. Participants will return to Dinosaur Ridge around 5 p.m. Cost is $75; there is a discount for Dinosaur Ridge members and National Park Senior Pass holders. Info/register: 303-697-3466, ext. 10.
Astronomy program | “Moons and Lasers,”” a “matinee” astronomy program, will be at 1 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
WEDNESDAY
Bird/climate program and walk | Fort Collins Natural Areas Programs is hosting a free program, “Birds and Climate Change,” at 11:30 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural 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. Meet at the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area north trailhead large picnic shelter. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Astronomy program | “Two Small Pieces of Glass,” a “matinee” astronomy program, will be at 10 a.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Birthday event | Join Colorado State Parks in celebrating five decades of outdoor recreation at the 50th Birthday Bash at 9 a.m. at Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 S. Parker Road. Dean Winstanley, director of Colorado State Parks, will speak about the successes during the past 50-years in creating a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, teaching generations about nature and setting aside treasured landscapes. There will be refreshments, outdoor events and activities for kids. An $8 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-690-1166 or cherry.creek.park@state.co.us.
Astronomy program | “Laser: Symphony of the Stars,” a “matinee” astronomy program, will be at 1 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Wildflower walk | “Evening Wildflower Walk,” a wildflower program and leisurely walk, let by Naturalist Eileen, in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, will be at 5 p.m. The program is approximately 2-hours; hike will be approximately 2.5 hours; hike rating is easy. Take water. 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.
Bird walk | Birder Charlie Campbell invites birders of all ability levels to a 7:30 a.m. guided bird walk at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Limekiln Trailhead Parking Lot Center. Take binoculars, sturdy hiking shoes and water. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
THURSDAY
Night-time raccoon event | “Nature at Night: Raccoons,” a free program, will be at 8:15 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 1602 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Astronomy program | “Laser: Perseus and Andromeda,” a “matinee” astronomy program, will be at 10 a.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Wildflower walk | Fort Collins Natural Areas Programs is hosting a free wildflower walk at 10 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural 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. Meet at the Soapstone Prairie north trailhead. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Astronomy program | “Kids in Space,” a family-friendly “matinee” astronomy program, will be at 1 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Astronomy program | “Colorado Skies: Summer Skies,” a live talk, will be at 8 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, free for students with valid ID. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Landforms program | Fort Collins Natural Areas Programs is offering a free indoor program, “Natural Area Landforms, at 6 p.m. Learn how sedimentation, mountain-building, weathering and erosion have sculpted the landscape. Location will be given upon registration. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
“Accessible” outing | Fort Collins Natural Areas Programs is offering a free outing, led by a volunteer Master Naturalist, to the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area for seniors, people in wheelchairs and others who may have difficulty walking, at 10 a.m. Transportation will be provided from the Senior Center. Register: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Climate change program | Gavin Schmidt, climatologist, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies,” will discuss his new book, “Climate Change: Picturing the Science,” at 4 p.m. at the National Center for Atmospheric Research – Center Green Campus, CG1 Auditorium, 3080 Center Green Drive, Boulder. The book follows scientists around the world, from the ice caps at the poles to the coral reefs of the tropical seas. The program is free.
Kids nature program | “Canyon Kiddies: Butterflies and Moths,” 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.
Wildflower walk | Garden of the Gods Park is offering a free walk in search of wildflowers at 9 a.m. Meet at Red Rocks Room at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Take water and a jacket, and wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Register: 719-219-0108.
FRIDAY
Turkey program | “Walkin’ and Talkin’ Turkey,” a program about how turkeys are adapted for survival, will be at 7 p.m. at the Campground Amphitheater at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. An audience member will be transformed into a walkin’, talkin’; wild turkey. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Astronomy program | “Moons and Lasers,” will be at 8 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, free for students with valid ID. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Junior ranger camp | Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown, is offering a Junior Ranger Camp for kids ages 6-12 who want to become park rangers. The program is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on four consecutive Fridays starting June 19. Kids will learn about Colorado’s natural resources, outdoor safety skills, and will have an opportunity to explore the park. Participants must take a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes. Cost is $20 to cover the cost of materials. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Climate change program | Gavin Schmidt, climatologist, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies,” will discuss his new book, “Climate Change: Picturing the Science,” at 7 p.m. in the Ricketson Auditorium at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. The book follows scientists around the world, from the ice caps at the poles to the coral reefs of the tropical seas. Schmidt will also be signing copies of the book. Cost is $12 DMNS members, $15 non-members. Buy one ticket, bring a friend for free. Info: 303-322-7009 or .
SATURDAY
Birding program | Fort Collins Natural Areas Programs is offering a free program, “Beginning Birding Basics,” led by a naturalist, at 9 a.m. at the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Learn to use binoculars, discover easy ways to find birds in field guides and take a short bird walk. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Black bear program | “The Fear and Fascination with Black Bears,” will be at 7 p.m. in the Camper Services Activity Room at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program features a slideshow and discussion of black bears, including knowing how to interpret bear behavior so you can protect yourself and your family from bears. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Guided hike | “Life on the Edge,” a hike that demonstrates the variety of life found at Red Mountain Open Space, will be at 8:30 a.m. The program is approximately 3-hours long; hike rating is easy. Red Mountain Open Space is 15 miles north of Fort Collins. Info: 970-679-4561 or rnovak@larimer.org. Register: .
River tour | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a free walking tour of the Cache La Poudre River from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet at Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St., lower parking lot near the tennis courts. 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. Dress appropriately for the weather and take water. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is west of Fort Collins on County Road 38E. There is a $6 per vehicle entrance fee. Dress appropriately for the weather and take water. Info: 970-679-4561 or rnovak@larimer.org.
Bug hunt | There will be a free “Pollinator Bug Hunt,” at 10 a.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 1602 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
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 in the parking lot 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 and wear sunscreen. Info: 719-219-0108.
Rock fair | A Rock Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, 225 North Gate Blvd. The event includes gems, jewelry, minerals, fossil vendors; rock and mineral identification, educational mini sessions on rockhounding; a special kids’ fun area; face painting; food vendors; the museum exhibits and more. Cost is $5 adults, $2 children. Info: . or .#june.
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.
Trailwork event | Join the Rocky Mountain Flycasters/Colorado Trout Unlimited group to help maintain the OT and 3-Bar trails at Eagle’s Nest Open Space in Larimer County. Participants will meet at the Eagle’s Nest Open Space parking lot and work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register: 970-679-4489 or jscharton@larimer.org.
“Exercise” hike | A “Cookie Burner” hike, for people who want to do “more walkin’ and less talking,” will be at 8 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The trails are easy to moderately steep terrain. Meet at the Visitor Center. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Kids nature program | “Mammalogist – Mammals,” a program in the “Junior Scientists Series,” will be at 1 p.m. in the Camper Services Activity Room at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program is for children six years of ages and older, accompanied by a parent. Each participant will be awarded a Junior Scientist certificate on completion of the class. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Geology hike | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is offering a free hike, “Walking the Gangplank: Geology Hike,” at 9 a.m. on the short but steep Mahogany Trail. 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. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
June 21
Archaeology program | Historian and author Sharon Edgar Greenhill will give a “chocolate archaeology” lecture at 2 p.m. at the Anasazi Heritage Center, which is 3-miles west of Dolores on State Highway 184. Greenhill will discuss the meaning of chocolate to the Maya, Aztecs, Olmecs, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs who grew, produced, traded and fought over the prized substance at the center of Mesoamerican mythology for thousands of years. Info: 970-882-5600 or visit .
Homestead program | “Home on the Range,” a stationary hour-long program about life on a homestead, led by County Naturalist Bob, will be at 10 a.m. at Red Mountain Open Space, which is 15 miles north of Fort Collins. Info: 970-679-4561 or rnovak@larimer.org. Register: .
Family hike | A naturalist-led “Family Mystery Hike,” will be at 1 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Families are challenged to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for hidden clues along a 1 to 2-mile easy trail. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Early-human site exploration | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is offering a free program, “Discovering the Lindenmeier Valley,” at 10 a.m. Explore why people have been here for over 600 generations and what their lives were like. 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. Register/meeting location info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Guided bird walk | Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, is offering a naturalist-guided bird walk at 8 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.
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.
