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 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 .
Self-guided junior ranger program North Cheyenne Canon Park, is offering a self-guided junior ranger program. Young rangers between the ages of 8 and 12 can earn “Steward Level” badges using Junior Ranger booklets which may be picked up from either the Starsmore Discovery Center, at the entrance of North Cheyenne Canon, 2120 S. Cheyenne Road, (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday) or at the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center, 4075 N. Cheyenne Canon Road,(9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Sundays). Young Rangers receive a booklet, pencil, patch and certificate of completion. Cost is $5 per person. Info: 719-385-6086 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 .
“Ute days” and activities An authentic Ute-style tipi will be on display with trained staff and volunteers presenting artifacts and answering questions about the Ute Indians from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 15 at the Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Canon Road. A tipi-raising workshop is available for group reservations at $8 per person. Recommended for all ages. A Ute activity is planned from 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 15 at Starsmore Discovery Center. Activities may include painting with yucca fronds, beading, making a Ute game or making twine from plant fibers. Cost is $3 per person. Recommended for ages 5-adult. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Info: 719-385-6086 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 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.
MONDAY
Apollo 11 events “Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11,” a program by Steve Lee, curator of planetary science, will be at 10 a.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. The program includes an overview of the Apollo missions to the moon, and screening of a film from the archives that was shot out Eagle’s window as it descended to the lunar surface. At 10:30 a.m., visitors can join a live simulcast from the Newseum in Washington, DC, via NASA TV. Veteran journalist Nick Clooney will moderate a panel discussion featuring astronauts who walked on the Moon during three Apollo missions, a current space shuttle astronaut, and the deputy director of NASA’s Goodard Space Flight Center. They will discuss the past, present and future of space exploration. Both activities are included with Museum admission. Info: . or 303-322-7009.
Free day The Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., is offering free admission to Colorado residents from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: . or 720-865-3500.
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.
Kids raptor class The City of Lafayette is offering a program for kids, “Raptor Adaptations,” at 7 p.m. Kids will study the wings, talons and skulls of North American birds of prey in an outdoor classroom. For location and to register, call 303-665-0469.
Bird program “Why Our Birds Love West Mexico,” a slide show and lecture by Arvind Panjabi, director of the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s International Program, about the connection between Colorado’s birds and west Mexico, will be at 5 p.m. at Chautauqua’s Community House, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. Cost is $5. Tickets: .
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.
TUESDAY
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.
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 Parker Library, 10851 S. Crossroads Drive. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Register: . or 303-791-7323.
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 .
WEDNESDAY
Kids nature event “Bobcat Tales – Animal Homes,” 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. For reservations, call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
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 Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Register: . or 303-791-7323.
Astronomy program “Space Primer,” 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 .
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.
Natural area program Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is offering a free program, at 10 a.m., “Ranching at Soapstone Prairie.” 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.
Native American program “The Utes – Our Neighbors,” a lecture by Park volunteer Bette Lamore, featuring photographs and replica artifacts, will be at 7 p.m. at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center Theater, 7805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
THURSDAY
Natural area equestrian outing Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is offering a guided equestrian ride at 7 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie. 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 your own horse. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Astronomy program “Colorado Skies: Our Dynamic Sun 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 .
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 .
Australian park program “Alpine National Park: Victoria, Australia,” a free talk by Elaine Thomas, a visiting ranger from Australia, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. Info: 970-586-1206.
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.
Telescope program Info: The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is having a program, “History of Telescopes,” at 7 p.m. Explore the history of telescopes and how they have advanced science, from Galileo’s first telescope to today’s giant telescopes on the ground and the famous Hubble Space Telescope in the sky. Tickets are $12 members, $15 non-members and are “buy one get one free). Info: . or 303-322-7009.
Astronomy program “Adventures Beyond the Solar System,” 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 .
Night program “Bobcat Ridge Stars,” a program where participants get to “discover the beating hear of Scorpio and learn about other summer constellations,” before viewing of the skies with help from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society, 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.
“Accessible” nature area outing Coyote Ridge Natural Area is offering an “accessible” outing at 10 a.m. for participants to discover this natural area with a Master Naturalist. This property is located between Loveland and Fort Collins approximately 1 mile south of the Larimer County Landfill on the west side of County Road 19 (Taft Hill Road from Fort Collins – Wilson Street from Loveland). Transportation will be provided from the Senior Center. Register at 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
FRIDAY
Astronomy program “Exposing Pseudo Astronomy,” a talk by Stuart Robbins, 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 .
Cheetah program Vanessa Bouwer, executive director of DeWildt Cheetah Centre, Pretoria, South Africa, will give a talk about the Centre at 7 p.m. at The Crazy Merchant, 1700 W. Belleview; and Tango, a 3-year old cheetah from Cat Haven, near Fresno, Calif., will be on hand. There will be food, a silent auction and a cash bar.
SATURDAY
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 11 a.m. at the Neighborhood Library at Lone Tree, 8827 Lone Tree Pkwy. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Register: . or 303-791-7323.
Cheetah program Vanessa Bouwer, executive director of DeWildt Cheetah Centre, Pretoria, South Africa, will give talks about the Centre at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Wildlife Experience, 10035 S. Peoria; and Tango, a 3-year old cheetah from Cat Haven, near Fresno, Calif., will be on hand. Programs are free with paid admission to The Wildlife Experience.
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.
Astronomy event The 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 hike GOCO Interpreter Ron Claussen will lead a short hike at 9 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. Claussen will introduce hikers to the park’s gargoyle, who can be “hugged or kissed for good luck.” Meet at the Homestead Parking Lot. Wear sunscreen and take water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Weed removal event Learn about non-native plants that are invading natural areas and what you can do to help at 9 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. The program includes about 2-miles of easy hiking. 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.
Nature/culture event “9 a.m. with a Naturalist – Sketching and drawing,” a volunteer Master Naturalist-led program, 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. Take your own art supplies for a morning of art and nature experiences. The program includes one-half-mile of easy hiking. Meet at the picnic shelter, one-half-mile from the trailhead. Info: call 970-416-2815.
Guided bird walk Garden of the Gods Park 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.
Nature hike Volunteer Naturalist Carl Sandberg will lead a nature 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.
Book presentation Colorado photographer and author Frank Weston will give a presentation on his new book, “Colorado State Parks and Natural Areas,” at 6 p.m. at Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. The presentation will include a slide show of Weston’s photographs and a book signing. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register/info: 303-688-5242.
July 26
Ecology program “Water, Wind, Women and the West,” a program about how the ecology of the prairie greatly influences the plants, animals and people of the West, will be at 10 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. 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. Register: 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 5 to 7 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.
For more Scientifically Speaking, go to .
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.
