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 July 17-19; August 7-10; and Aug. 30-Sept. 5; and stream restoration work on Ski Creek near the Glen Cove Inn on Pikes Peak July 25-26 and Aug. 8-9. There will be an annual work weekend at Shelf Road Oct 10 and 11. Info: 719-471-7736 or . 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. 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 .
Nature activities | Curecanti National Recreation Area, between Montrose and Gunnison on Highway 50, offers two free programs: “Saturday Night Sky Programs,” featuring astronomy when the moon is small and moonlight hikes at the Dillon Pinnacles when the moon is full or nearly so (July 4, Aug. 8 and Sept. 5); and “Junior Ranger” programs for kids every Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Elk Creek Visitor Center. Info: 970-641-2337, ext. 205.
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. today. 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
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.
Free day | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is offering free admission on June 21, July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16. Junior ranger programs are offered at the Visitor Center Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. There are also family-friendly activities led by park rangers on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Info: 970-249-1914, ext. 423.
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.
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.
Wildflower walk | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is offering a free wildflower walk at 10 a.m. Meet at the Soapstone Prairie north trailhead. 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.
TUESDAY
Astronomy program | “Laser: Space Odyssey,” 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 .
Wind energy program | “Greensburg, Kansas – a Wind-Wind Situation,” a free presentation, will be at noon at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Pkwy., Golden. Take a lunch if desired. Register: 303-384-6565. Info: .
Nature photography clinic | Red Mountain Open Space, located 15 miles north of Fort Collins is offering a program, “Intermediate SLR Photography Clinic,” at 5 p.m. Join professional photographer Charlie Johnson for an in-depth clinic focusing on film and digital SLR cameras. Johnson will give participants tips to “make every picture worth framing.” The clinic is approximately 3-hours long; some hiking involved. Hike rating is easy to moderate. Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a jacket; take water. Info: 970-679-4561 or rnovak@larimer.org. Register: .
Archaeology program | Archaeologist Jason LaBelle from the Colorado State University, will discuss the archaeology of the Lindenmeier Site at 9 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. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Kids nature program | The city of Fort Collins Natural Areas Programs is offering a 3-day “Junior Bobcat” program for kids ages 8-12 with a parent. The program is from 9 to 11 a.m. June 23; from 8:30 to 10 p.m. June 24; and from 9 to 11 a.m. June 25. The program teaches kids about critters from nose to tail through hands-on activities and explorations. Children receive a certificate and prizes. An adult must attend with children. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
WEDNESDAY
Astronomy program | “Laser: Great Space Chase,” 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 .
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.
Astronomy program | “Space Storm,” 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 .
Photography walk | Garden of the Gods Park is offering a free “photography walk” led by scenic photographer and artist Paul deBerjeois, at 5 p.m. 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 a jacket, and wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Photographers of all experience levels welcome. Take a cell phone camera or digital camera, and tri-pod if desired. (A polarizing filter is suggested). Register: 719-219-0108.
Kids nature program | Fort Collins Natural Areas Programs is offering a free program, “Bobcat Tales – Clever Clyde’s Animal Secrets,” for kids ages 3-7 and their parents, at 10 a.m. at the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Clever Clyde, a fox puppet, takes kids on a journey to discover the wonderful adaptations of wildlife. Directions/registration: call 970-416-2815 or visit naturalareas@fcgov.com.
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.
THURSDAY
Astronomy program | “Moons and Lasers,” 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 .
Wildflower walk | Garden of the Gods Park is offering a free walk in search of wildflowers, led by master gardener Suzanne Jarvinen, at 1 p.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.
Astronomy program | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program offers a free program, “An Introduction to Summer Skies,” at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Discover how to find summer constellations and hear some of the stories behind the stars, followed by stargazing with telescopes courtesy of Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Time/location of program given upon registration. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fc.gov.
Elk program | “Elk Research,” a free talk about ongoing research into the health of the Rocky Mountain National Park elk herd, focusing on population numbers and chronic wasting disease, by Jenny Powers, National Park Service Wildlife Veterinarian, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in RMNP. Info: 970-586-1206.
Astronomy program | “Colorado Skies: Hubble Update with Matt Benjamin,” a live astronomy 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 .
Guided hike | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program offers a free guided hike at 9 a.m. on the Canyon and Towhee Trails at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. The hike is rated “moderate” and is a 5-mile loop. 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. Wear sunscreen and sturdy boots or shoes, and take water. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Exhibit tour | “The Making of Expedition Health: An Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look,” an adults-only event for a behind-the-scenes look at the Expedition Health exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science,
2001 Colorado Blvd. | Curator of the exhibit, Bridget Coughlin, and exhibit educator Nancy Walsh will be on-hand at the event to tell stories and answer questions. Info: 303-322-7009 or .
FRIDAY
Alpine tundra program | “Colorado Above Treeline,” a narrated slideshow will be at 7 p.m. in the Camper Services Activity Room at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Learn about the scenic wonder of Colorado’s treeless ecosystem and how its inhabitants are adapted to the harsh environment. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Astronomy program | “Two Small Pieces of Glass,” 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 .
Kids nature program | “Canyon Kiddies: Pollinators Bees!” 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.
SATURDAY
Bat program | “Bats – Separating Fact from Fiction,” will be at 7 p.m. at the Campground Amphitheater in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Learn about bats and their adaptations for survival. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Slow-paced hike | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a slow-paced, naturalist-guided hike at 9 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Enjoy this slow-paced hike while learning fun facts about the birds and plants you’ll see along the way. Info/directions: visit . or call 970-416-2815.
“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. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
“Natural living” fair | The “Down to Earth,” Natural Living Fair, will be from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. The goal of the event is to educate visitors about how to live healthier and more sustainable lives while encouraging people to slow down and improve every aspect of their lives. There will be presentations, demonstrations, educational lectures and fitness classes. There will be dozens of green living exhibitors. Also, guests can learn eco-friendly gardening and composting techniques from the Gardens’ Green Team. Info: 720-865-3500 or .
Kids nature program | “The Antics of Ants,” a program for kids ages 3-5 (with an adult), will be at 10 a.m. in the Camper Services Activity Room at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program includes information on ant anatomy, a craft project and a short walk to observe an ant mound. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Kids nature program | “Herpetologist – Reptiles and Amphibians,” 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.
Kids nature program | “The Antics of Ants,” a program for kids ages 3-5 (with an adult), will be at 10 a.m. in the Camper Services Activity Room at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program includes information on ant anatomy, a craft project and a short walk to observe an ant mound. A $6 daily parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016 or visit ./Parks/cheyennemountain.
Guided hike | GOCO Interpreter Ron Claussen will lead a leisurely hike at 9 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. Birders may see western tanagers and black headed grosbeaks; geology fans will see Landslide Meadows, which was formed by a landslide that occurred within the last 100 years. Meet at the Horse Trailer Parking Lot on the west side of the park. A $6 Daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Pollinator event | The 3rd annual National Pollinator Week will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. Take a walk with volunteer naturalists in search of pollinators and learn about their close relationship with plants. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $6 Daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Recycling event | The City of Denver is hosting a “Garden Plastic Pot” recycling drive. Plastic garden pots of any size and color will be collected for recycling from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. In addition to plastic garden pots, hanging baskets (with wires removed), plastic carrying trays and flower pack holders will be collected for recycling. Plastic garden pots are also accepted for recycling anytime at local participating garden stores. For a list of participating stores, visit .
Mineral and fossil sale | The annual mineral and fossil sale at GEOdyssey will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 15339 W. Ellsworth Drive, Golden. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Info: 303-279-5504.
Astronomy open house | Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E. Warren Ave., is offering an open house event, weather permitting, from sunset to 10 p.m. Info: 303-871-5172.
Guided bird walk | Garden of the Gods is offering a free guided bird walk, led by birding expert Mark Pleimann, at 8 a.m. 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; wear sturdy shoes, a jacket and sunscreen. Info: 719-219-0108.
BioBlitz | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is having a 24-hour all species count, “BioBlitz.” Meet scientists and participate in interactive family-friendly activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Transportation from Fort Collins will be provided. 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.
Bird watching/geology program | Roxborough Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, is offering a naturalist-guided hike focusing on bird watching and geology 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.
Environmental film showing | “Flow,” a documentary by Irena Salina investigating what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century – The World Water Crisis, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. at the American Mountaineering center, 710 10th St., Golden. Doors open at 6 p.m. The showing is sponsored by the Colorado Environmental Film Festival. There will also be a speaker discussing water issues in Colorado and a reception following the showing. Cost is $15. Info: .
Reptile open house | The Colorado Reptile Humane Society’s 7th annual Open House will be from noon to 5 p.m. June 27 and 28 at the Colorado Reptile Humane society, 13941 Elmore Road, Longmont. There will be presentations every hour starting at 12:30 p.m. See naturalistic habitats; watch shelter residents feed the reptiles; learn about native Colorado reptiles; and receive information on how to care for your pet. Cost is $3 per person. Info: 303-776-2070 or .
June 28
Geocache programs | “How to Geocache La Poudre,” a hands-on program to using your GPS unit on a virtual geocache course, will be at 1 to 3 p.m. and will be repeated from 3 to 5 p.m. Take your hand-held GPS unit on this 2-mile easy hike. Meet at Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St., lower parking lot near the tennis courts. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Long hike | Volunteer Naturalist Mike Zipparo will lead a long hike of the entire canyon at 10 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. Meet at the Canyon Point parking area by the restrooms. Total distance hiked should be in the 8-10 mile range. Dress for the weather, wear sunscreen, and take a snack, lunch and plenty of water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
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. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com
River tour | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a free walking tour of the Cache La Poudre River from 9 to 11 a.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.
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.
