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. The summer project includes restoring the old trailhead and putting in campsites at the new trailhead for South Colony Lakes Basin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains Aug. 30-Sept. 5. 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 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. Starting Sept. 3, there will be an additional program at 1 p.m. Info: 303-739-2428 or .
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.
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. *The Sept. 18 program begins at 6:45 p.m. 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; 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.
TODAY
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.
GPS/geocaching program | A program teaching the basics of operating a GPS, followed by practice finding geocaches hidden in the park, will be at 1 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Camper Services Activity Room. GPS units will be provided. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-646-1977.
MONDAY
Bird program | Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s Executive Director Tammy Vercauteren and Stewardship Division Director Seth will give a program, “Banded Bird Stories,” at 7 p.m. at Chautauqua, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. They will discuss how birds are banded, what information is gathered while a bird is in the hand, and what can be learned when banded birds are recaptured or their bodies are recovered. They will also provide details about how the gathered information is used to manage and conserve bird populations. Cost is $5. Info: 303-659-4348.
TUESDAY
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.
Geology walk | Garden of the Gods Park. 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.
Residential energy talk | Boulder Green Building Guild is hosting a talk, “Prioritizing Energy Retrofits,” 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=64998&EventViewMode=EventDetails.
WEDNESDAY
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. Register: 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.
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 Parker Library, 10851 S. Crossroads Drive. Register: 303-791-7323 or at .
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.
Guided bird walk | Volunteer Naturalists Phoebe and Paul Thayer will lead a bird walk at 8 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. Register: 303-973-3959.
THURSDAY
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.
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.
Butterfly talk | “Butterflies of Rocky Mountain National Park,” a free talk by citizen scientists Rich Bray, Stephanie Mason and Jan Kilgore, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in RMNP. Info: 970-586-1206.
Sky program | “The Sky is Falling,” a program by volunteer naturalist Richard Brandt, will be at 6 p.m. at the Visitor Center in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-688-5242
Meteor shower program | Participants can view the Perseid Meteor Shower at 7:30 p.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. There will be an 8″ telescope on hand, and participants can also take their own “optical enhancers” and lawn chairs for viewing the shower. Wear warm clothing and insect repellent. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-688-5242
FRIDAY
River tour | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a free walking tour of the Cache La Poudre River at 8 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.
Kids nature/raptor program | The Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo, 5200 Nature Center Road, is offering a program in its “Raptor Tales Story Series,” for kids ages 3 to 5-years old. The program is from 10 to 11 a.m. and includes nature-themed stories, outdoor exploration and activities. Cost is $3 for members, $4 for non-members. Register: 719-549-2414. Info: .
SATURDAY
Naturalist-led hike | “9 a.m. with a Naturalist – Wee Wildlife: Insects,” a guided hike with information on “small wildlife that are often overlooked,” will be at 9 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area located off of County Road 38 C. Meet at the shelter, one-fourth of a mile from the parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
“Exercise” hike | A 3-6 mile hike for individuals who want to do “more walkin’ and less talking,’ will be at 8 a.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center and bring $6 exact change to purchase a daily pass at the self-service station next to the entrance booth. Register/info: 719-646-1977.
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.
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.
Skunk program | “Skunk-a-roma!!” a program for ages 8 and over about the “secret and sometimes stinky” world of skunks, will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
History program | A program about early pioneers who settled in the Cheyenne Mountain State Park area, with a narrated slideshow exploring the property’s transition from wild countryside, to ranch property, to State Park, will be at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Camper Services Activity Room. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-646-1977.
Compass program | A program about setting and following bearing on an orienteering compass, followed by a chance to practice skills on a simple compass course, will be at 7:30 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-646-1977.
Ute workshop | A “Tipi-raising and Ute Heritage” workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Starsmore Discovery Center at the entrance of North Cheyenne Canon, 2120 S. Cheyenne Road. The workshop gets everyone involved in raising an authentic Ute tipi in North Cheyenne Canon. Participants can handle real artifacts that the Ute people used every day, paint with yucca fronds and follow the history of the Ute Indians from 14,000 years ago to the present day. Take a water bottle and a snack; wear sunscreen, a sun hat and sturdy shoes. Cost is $8 per person. Register: 719-385-6086 or .
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.
Trail work event | Join Northern Colorado Outdoors and Full Cycle 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 trailhead 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.
Kids science program | “Herpetology,” a free program for kids ages 6-years and older (with an adult), will be at 1 p.m. at Camper Services in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the 1.5-hour course. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register/info: 719-646-1977.
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.
Bird walk | County Naturalist Carl will lead a free birdwalking excursion at 7 a.m. at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, west of the I25/Windsor interchange off of Hwy. 392 Hiking is rated easy. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sunscreen and take drinking water. Info: 970-679-4561.
Free days | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is offering free admission on 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.
Aug. 16
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.
Family “mystery” hike | A naturalist-led hike at 1 p.m. challenges families to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for hidden clues along a 1 to 2-mile easy trail in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center; wear sunscreen and take drinking water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-646-1977.
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.
Hiking/dog program | “Trail Savvy Dog,” a free program teaching participants “how to teach their dogs trail manners so they can both have a safe and enjoyable hike,” will be at 10 a.m. at Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St., Fort Collins. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Art hike | Castlewood Canyon is planning an exhibit of local artists’ depictions of Castlewood canyon for the fall of 2010. A series of hikes to introduce artists to the park will start with a volunteer-naturalist guided morning hike at 8 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. The pace will be leisurely, with frequent stops for sketching and taking photos. Meet at the Falls Parking Lot on the west side of the park. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Bird watching and history hike | The Front Range Birding Company and Roxborough State Park Naturalists are offering a bird watching and history hike at 8 a.m. Take binoculars, water and snacks for this easy, slow-paced hike. Children ages 10 and older are welcome. To register and for meeting location: call 303-973-3959.
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.
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.
