ONGOING EVENTS
Online ranger talks | Yellowstone National Park is conducting live ranger talks for the online audience. Park Ranger George Heinz will present these programs from Geyser Hill, the location of the greatest concentration of geysers in the world. There will be two programs each Tuesday and Thursday through August 14. At 11 a.m., Ranger George will discuss the history of the area and the historic structures that still survive today, as well as those that have succumbed to time. Historic photos are used to illustrate the buildings that are no longer present. At 2 p.m. the discussion will turn to Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features with a program, “Geysers, Hot Springs and More.” The live programs can be viewed on the Old Faithful Live Streaming Webcam at .
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 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.
Nature activities | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a free program for Junior Rangers, “Black Canyon Wildlife Olympics,” between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at the South Rim Visitor Center. Info: 970-249-1914, ext. 423.
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 (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
Historic home open house | Volunteer Naturalists will lead a tour of the Historic Persse Place from noon to 3 p.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.
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
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.
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.
Green living program | “What it Means to be Green,” a program about saving money through smart, sustainable and healthy choices, will be at 7 p.m. at the Library at Lone Tree, 8827 Lone Tree Pkwy. Register: 303-791-7323 or at .
TUESDAY
River tour | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a free walking tour of the Cache La Poudre River from 4 to 6 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.
WEDNESDAY
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.
Green living program | “What it Means to be Green,” a program about saving money through smart, sustainable and healthy choices, will be at 7 p.m. at the Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd. Register: 303-791-7323 or at .
Commercial LEED talk | Boulder Green Building Guild is hosting a talk, “What’s New With LEED?” at 11:30 a.m. in the REI community room, 1789 28th St. Take a sack lunch if desired. Cost is free for members, $20 non-members. Register: .&eventId=64999&EventViewMode=EventDetails.
Astronomy program | “Space Storm,” 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 .
Moonlight hike | Friends of Roxborough State Park are offering a naturalist-led “Prairie Moon” hike at 6:30 p.m. After the hike, enjoy refreshments, a telescopic view of the moon and other “celestial delights.” Cost is $7.50 per hiker. Send check with phone number payable to: The Friends of Roxborough, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, 80125 to reserve your space. Non-refundable tickets for your confirmed hike will be sent to you. Info: 303-973-3959.
Astronomy program | “Laser: Perseus and Andromeda,” 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 .
THURSDAY
Kids science program | “Ooey Gooey Science: Sticky, Slimy, Sandy,” a program for kids ages 8-12, with experiments and hands-on activities, will be at 11 a.m. at the Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd. Register: 303-791-7323 or at .
Astronomy program | “Laser: Symphony of the Stars,” 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 .
Astronomy program | “Stars and Lasers,” a “matinee” astronomy program, will be at 1 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado on the Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001 or .
Owl and bat program | Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is offering a family-oriented program, “Mysterious Lives of Owls and Bats,” at 10 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area, which is located off of County Road 38 C. the program includes hands-on activities for kids. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Junior ranger program | The Starsmore Discovery Center, at the entrance of North Cheyenne Canon, 2120 S. Cheyenne Road, is offering a 3-session Junior Ranger program meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 6, 13 and 20. Young rangers ages 8-12 will explore the flora and fauna from the top of the Helen Hunt Falls to the bottom of the canyon at Starsmore Discovery Center. Junior rangers will receive a booklet, pencil, patch and certificate of completion when they finish this interpreter-led program. Cost is $24 per session/$8 per class. Info: 719-385-6086 or .
Astronomy program | “Colorado Skies: Celestial Navigation,” 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 .
“Buses in Rocky Mountain National Park” talk | “Protecting Resources and Experiences: Managing Buses and People,” a free talk by Peter Newman, assistant professor with the Department of Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism at Colorado State University, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in RMNP. Newman will discuss studies revealing the positive and negative effects of the shuttle bus system to park resources and visitors. Info: 970-586-1206.
FRIDAY
Moon program | “Moon Magic at Bobcat Ridge,” a program for participants to “experience nature’s night light in the wide-open spaces and discover the special adaptations that nocturnal animals use to survive in the dark, will be at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area, which is located off of County Road 38 C. Meeting time and location will be given upon registration. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Astronomy program | “City of Stars,” 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 .
Free day | The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, is giving free admission to Colorado residents from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: . or 303-973-3705.
SATURDAY
Nature tour | A volunteer master naturalist will lead a 3-mile tour at 8 a.m. in 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 in the north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Trail work 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 Parking Lot and will work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wear sunscreen and sturdy boots or shoes; take plenty of water. Register: 970-679-4489 or e-mail jscharton@larimer.org.
Natural area program | Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is offering a free program, at 10 a.m., “What’s So Special About 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. Meet at the north parking lot. Info: 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 8 to 10 a.m. Weed identification will be discussed before weed removal begins. For location and to register, call 303-688-5242.
Naturalist-led hike | “9 a.m. with a Naturalist – History Mysteries of Bobcat Ridge,” a program and guided hike 2-mile roundtrip hike to a pioneer cabin, will be at 9 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area located off of County Road 38 C. Meet in the parking lot near the restrooms. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Kids science program | “Ooey Gooey Science,” a program for kids ages 8-12, with experiments and hands-on activities, will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Register: 303-791-7323 or at .
Wildflower program | Volunteer Naturalist Betty Timson will give a program, “Survivor Rox – Wildflowers,” 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.
Art/nature program | “Artists’ Day at Soapstone Prairie: Nature Photography,” a free program, will be at 8 a.m. in Soapstone Prairie, which 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 equipment and join professional photographers and Master Naturalists while enhancing your skills. All ability levels welcome. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Bear program | “Bear Necessities,” a free talk by former veterinarian and County Naturalist Bob, will be at 5 p.m. at the outdoor classroom at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of Loveland off Hwy. 34. Learn about bears’ lifestyles, habits and habitats, as well as the best ways to avoid trouble with bears. Info: 970-679-4561.
Art/nature program | “Artists’ Day at Soapstone Prairie: Drawing and Painting,” a free program led by Master Naturalists, will be at 9 a.m. in Soapstone Prairie, which 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 art materials. All ability levels welcome. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Aug. 9
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.
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.
