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. 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 .
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.
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 be at 11 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 6 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 | 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. 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 .
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.
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 | “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.
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. 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 through 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
Guided hike | Join a volunteer Master Naturalist for a half-day of guided trail exploration from 8 a.m. to 1 p.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. The 5 to 7-mile hike is rated moderate. Take water and a lunch; wear sunscreen and dress appropriately for the weather. To register and for meeting location, call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fc.gov.com.
Natural area tour | “Discovering the Lindenmeier Valley,” a program exploring the archaeological site and why people have been there for over 600 generations, will be 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 north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815.
MONDAY
Wildlife watch | Garden of the Gods Park is offering a “Wildlife Watch” program, led by Jeremy and Silvia Agnew with the Division of Wildlife, at 6:30 p.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.
Fox program | “Swift Foxes,” a free program, will be 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 north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815.
“LENSES” talk | “Living Environments in Natural, Social and Economic Systems,” a talk by Brian Dunbar, director of the Institute for the Built Environment and professor of Construction Management at Colorado State University; and Steph Hodgin, Fellow at the Rocky Mountain Institute, will be at 6 p.m. at the REI Flagship Store, 3rd floor meeting room, 1416 Platte St. The talk is presented by the US Green Building Council and the Boulder Green Building Guild. Cost is $15 USGBC or BGBG nonmembers, $10 for USGBC or BGBG members, $5 for students with valid ID. Register: .-calendar.html.
Renewable fuels talk | Former Astronaut Dale Gardener will speak about his work on renewable fuels science and technology for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory at the free July meeting of the Denver Space Society. The meeting is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Englewood Public Library, 1000 Englewood Pkwy. Info: contact Bill Nelson at 303-330-2888 or visit .
TUESDAY
Geology walk | Garden of the Gods, 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.
Night program | “Moon Magic at Bobcat Ridge,” a program where participants get to “experience nature’s night light in the wide-open spaces and discover moon folklore,” will be at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area, is located off of County Road 38 C. For directions, reservations and meeting time, call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Full moon hike | Spend a moonlit-night on the wide-open prairie at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Soapstone Prairie is 25 miles north of Fort Collins. There will be a nocturnal nature walk. 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. To register and for meeting time and location, call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fc.gov.com.
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 .
Space program | “Digital Earth: Explore the World from Space,” by Ka Chun Yu, curator of space science, Space Sciences Department, and Bob Raynolds, research associate, Earth Sciences Department, will be at 7 p.m. in the Gates Planetarium at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Use the Ricketson evening entrance. Cost is $12 DMNS member, $15 nonmenber. Info: 303-322-7009 or .
Kids energy program | “Energy at Play,” a program where children can explore the potential and kinetic energy that makes toys work at 4 p.m. at the Parker Library, 10851 S. Crossroads Drive. Register: . or 303-791-7323.
Guided walk | The City of Lafayette is offering a guided walking tour in the City’s largest undeveloped open space park on the Two Creeks property. Meet at 7 p.m. in Flagg Park, 12400 Flagg Drive. Register: 303-665-0469.
WEDNESDAY
Astronomy program | “Laser: Space Odyssey,” 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 .
Geology hike | “Walking the Gangplank,” a geology hike, will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. This 5 to 7-mile hike is rated moderate. 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.
Family nature outing | “Parents Guide to Getting Outdoors,” a free program with information about spending time outdoors with your kids, will be at 9 a.m. North Shields Pond Natural Area. North Shields Pond Natural Area parking lot is on Shields St., north of Shields/Vine, west side of road. Take your kids of all ages and plenty of water. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@vcgov.com.
Kids nature event | “Bobcat Tales,” a nature program for kids ages 3-7 with a parent or guardian, will be at 10 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area, is located off of County Road 38 C. Kids will explore what it’s like to “be a plant and drink with their feet.” Reservations: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
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.
Earth/sky presentation | Local songwriter Joe Uveges will teach kids about the solar system, water cycles and conservation using original songs and images during a free presentation at 6:30 p.m. at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Register: . or 303-791-7323.
THURSDAY
Water program | “Water Blitz: 185 Water Samples in One Day,” a free talk by Cheri Yost, McGraw Ranch Manager and Research Volunteer Coordinator, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yost will discuss spatial variations in water quality in water samples collected in August of 2008 by park staff, volunteers and researchers from 185 sites throughout RMNP. Info: 970-586-1206.
Poudre river tour | “Nature of the Poudre River,” a walking tour, will be at 4 p.m. at Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St. This 2-mile walk is on paved and soft surface trails and is rated easy. Meet at the lower parking lot by the tennis courts. Info: 970-416-2815.
Earth/sky presentation | Local songwriter Joe Uveges will teach kids about the solar system, water cycles and conservation using original songs and images during a free presentation at 6:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Library at Roxborough, 8357 N. Rampart Range Road, Ste. 200. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Register: . or 303-791-7323.
Astronomy program | “Colorado Skies: Telescope Design with Fabio Mezzalira,” 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 .
Astronomy program | “Adventures Beyond the Solar System,” 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 .
FRIDAY
Astronomy program | “Many Faces of Hubble,” a 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 .
SATURDAY
Guided hike | There will be a guided hike at 9 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. The hike is up the side of the canyon and requires stamina. Take water and snacks (and a camera if desired); and wear sunscreen and sturdy boots or shoes. Meet at the Homestead Parking Lot. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Nature/culture event | “9 a.m. with a Naturalist – Accessible History,” a volunteer Master Naturalist-led program of nature and cultural experiences, will be at 9 a.m. at the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area, is located off of County Road 38 C. Meet in the parking lot, near the restrooms. Info: call 970-416-2815.
Guided nature tour | A volunteer Mater Naturalist will lead a walking tour, co-sponsored by Fort Collins Audubon Society, at 8 a.m. in the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area, is located off of County Road 38 C. Meet in the parking lot. Info: call 970-416-2815.
Archaeological site talk | “Loren Eisley and the Ghosts of Lindenmeier,” a program by Master Naturalist Gary Raham, will be at 10 a.m. at the 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@fc.gov.com.
Paleontology talk | “The Sea Monsters of Fossil Creek,” a talk by Master Naturalist Gary Raham, will be at 3 p.m. at Redtail Grove Natural Area, a City of Fort Collins natural area. To register and for directions, call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Guided bird walk | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch is offering a guided bird walk for birders of all ability levels ages 10 and up at 7:30 a.m. at Quincy Reservoir. Cost is $ 7 adults, $3 for 10 to 15-year olds, and free for ages 9 and under. Register: 303-739-2428.
Kids insect class | The City of Lafayette is offering a program for kids, “It’s a Bug’s Life,” at 10 a.m. Kids will collect, identify and explore the world of insects in an outdoor classroom. For location and to register, call 303-665-0469.
Trailwork event | Join Full Cycle and Northern Colorado Outdoors to help maintain the Spring Creek Trail at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, which is west of Fort Collins on County Road 38E in Larimer County. Participants will meet at the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Open Space parking lot and work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register: 970-679-4489 or e-mail jscharton@larimer.org.
July 12
Natural area program | “What’s so Special About Soapstone Prairie?” a program highlighting interesting facets of the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, will be 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 north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815.
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.
