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 programs | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, offers a “Kids Hour,” program at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 29. Kids can enjoy fun activities, stories and short nature hikes. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-973-3959.
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
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.
MONDAY
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.
Kids “gross” science program | “Ooey Gooey,” a free hands-on science program for kids ages 8 to 12-years, will be at 4:15 p.m. at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. The program is “not for the faint at heart or weak of stomach.” Register: . or 303-791-7323.
Kids science program | “Storytime Science,” a program for children and their parents to explore the sense of sight with books and hands-on experiences, will be at 11 a.m. at the Parker Library, 10851 S. Crossroads Drive. Recommended for ages 3-9; parents are require to attend with 3, 4 and 5-year olds. Register: . or 303-791-7323.
TUESDAY
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 .
Spanish-language astronomy program | “Tormenta Especial con Tito Salas,” a Spanish-language astronomy program, will be at 8 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, $5 students with valid ID. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
“Greening your home” program | “Café Current – Principles of LEED and Greening Your Home,” a free program by Green design expert Bill Blomberg, covering the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, will be at 7 p.m. at the Warhorse Inn, 19420 E. Main St., Parker. Blomberg will also discuss specific home-related efficiency issues as well as the paybacks associated with various efficiency projects. Info: . or 303-791-7323.
Astronomy program | “Moons and Lasers,” 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 .
Natural area program | “The Nature of Soapstone Prairie,” a program with a 3-mile leisurely trail walk to explore the natural and human history of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, will be at 10 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area 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 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
WEDNESDAY
Astronomy program | “Two Small Pieces of Glass,” 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 .
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 .
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.
THURSDAY
Natural area program | “The Nature of Soapstone Prairie,” a program with a 3-mile leisurely trail walk to explore the natural and human history of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, will be at 10 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area 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 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Guided hike | The City of Lafayette is offering a guided history hike at 6 p.m. at the Harney-Lastoka property, located southeast of the intersection of State Highway 42 and South Boulder Road. Register: 303-665-0469.
Astronomy program | “Kids in Space,” a family-friendly “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 .
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 .
Weed removal event | Join volunteers to rid Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown, of noxious weeds from 6 to 8 p.m. Weed identification will be discussed before weed removal begins. For location and to register, call 303-688-5242.
Bear program | “Urban Bears,” a free talk Sharon Baruch-Mordo, PhD candidate from the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. Baruch-Mordo will discuss urban growth expanding into black bear habitat and the increase in bear-human conflict. Info: 970-586-1206.
Astronomy program | “Colorado Skies: Galaxies,” 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 .
Geology walk | Garden of the Gods Park is offering a free geology walk on the Ridge Trail, led by interpreter Beverly Cellini, at 6:30 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.
Nature walk | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001Colorado Blvd., is offering “Nature Walk,” a child/parent workshop, at 9:30 a.m. in City Park. Examine flowers, grasses and animal tracks. Hear a story and create a craft from nature’s “found” objects as you discover the wonders of nature. Cost is $20 DMNS members; $25 nonmenbers. Info: . or 303-322-7009.
FRIDAY
Coyote program | “Nature at Night: Coyotes,” a free program, will be at 8:15 p.m. at the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16003 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Register: 303-739-2428.
Astronomy program | “Galileo: Messages from the Stars,” a talk by Keith Gleason, 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
River tour | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a free walking tour of the Cache La Poudre River from 8 to 10 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.
Nature program | “9 a.m. with a Naturalist – Mountain Lions, Bobcats and Bears – Oh My!” a volunteer Master Naturalist-led program, with 2 to 4-miles of easy hiking, 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. Info: call 970-416-2815 or visit .
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 north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Guided hike | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is offering a half-day of guided hiking from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. The 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. Take plenty of water and a snack; wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen and dress for the weather. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Weed removal event | Join volunteers to rid Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown, of noxious weeds from 9 to 11a.m. Weed identification will be discussed before weed removal begins. For location and to register, call 303-688-5242.
Arthropod program | “LIVE Arthropods,” a free program with live critters from the Butterfly Pavilion, will be at 10 a.m. at the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16003 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Register: 303-739-2428.
Junior ranger classes | Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 S. Parker Road, is offering a “Junior Ranger” program for kids ages 8-11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on four consecutive Fridays starting July 17. Children will explore the park’s wildlife habitats, watershed and resource protection. Junior Rangers will hike, play games and engage in activities to “nurture a lifelong relationship with nature.” Participants will receive a certificate and a Junior Ranger badge. The program is free, but a valid parks pass is required to enter the park. Cost of the daily pass is $8; an annual pass is $60, plus a $3 fee to the Cherry Creek Basin Authority, which maintains water quality. Register: call Theresa Odello at 303-690-1166.
Trailwork event | Join Team B.O.B. to help maintain the Wathen 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.
Family hike | Volunteer Naturalists Mike and Sonia Zipparo will lead a family-friendly hike at 2 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. The 2-mile round trip hike is on sandy and rocky terrain. Strollers will not work on the trail. During the hike, there will be a talk on the history of the Castlewood Canyon Dam and of the park. Meet at the Event Facility Shelters. Wear sunscreen and take water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-688-5242.
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. Info: 719-219-0108.
Free days | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is offering free admission on July 18 and 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.
Bird watching and wildflower hike | The Front Range Birding Company and Roxborough State Park are offering a bird watching and wildflower hike at 8 a.m. on Vail Pass. To register and for meeting location: call FRBC at 303-979-2473.
Geology hike | Volunteer Naturalist Roger Dowell will lead a geology hike at 9 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
Wolf program | Ignacio Wolf Rescue and its live grey wolf ambassadors will be at Hermit Park Open Space to give live programs at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. July 18 and 19. Hermit Park Open Space is southeast of Estes Park off of Highway 36. A $6 per vehicle entrance permit is required. Info: 970-679-4561 or e-mail rnovak@larimer.org.
July 19
Guided bird walk | Volunteer Naturalists Doris Cruze and Nancy Crews will lead a bird walk at 7:30 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Dress for the weather and take a bird book, binoculars, water and a snack. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
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.
Wildflower program | Volunteer Naturalist Vickey Trammell will lead a field study/hike focusing on wildflowers and the role of the color yellow in the plant kingdom, at 8 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. 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.
