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. 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. 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. 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.
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 .
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 monthly 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
Guided hike | “Hike Soapstone!” a free, half-day, volunteer Master Naturalist-guided hike, will be at 10 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. The 5 to 7-mile hike is rated “moderate.” Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Family hike | Join volunteer naturalists Mike and Sonia Zipparo for a hike to Lucas Homestead and the Rim in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Highway 83, Franktown. The round-trip distance will be a little over 2-miles and will be mostly uphill to the Rim and downhill back to the parking area. Strollers will not work on the terrain, so young children must hike or be carried. Participants will travel through four ecosystems on the way to the top of the Rim. Take drinking water and snacks; wear sunscreen and dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Homestead 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.
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.
Acoma Pueblo culture presentation | Connie Garcia of Acoma Pueblo will lead a two-hour interactive activity on the Acoma Pueblo culture at 1 p.m. at the Anasazi Heritage Center, 27501 Hwy. 184, Dolores. The activity is recommended for adults due to the content. The museum at the Heritage Center is also offering free admission all day. Garcia’s appearance is sponsored by the Cortez Cultural Center, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Fort Lewis College, Mesa Verde National Park and the Anasazi Heritage Center. Info: 970-882-5600 or .
MONDAY
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 Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Register: 303-791-7323 or at .
TUESDAY
Human evolution program | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering a program, “The Mysterious “Hobbits”: Homo floresiensis and Human Evolution,” at 7 p.m. Learn about the small-bodied, small-brained culture-bearing hominins that lived as recently as 17,000 years ago. Tickets are $12 members, $15 non-members and are “buy one get one free). Info: . or 303-322-7009.
WEDNESDAY
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 Neighborhood Library at Roxborough, 8357 N. Rampart Range Road, Ste. 200. Register: 303-791-7323 or at .
Space program | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering a free program, “60 Minutes in Space,” at 7 p.m. The Museum’s space scientists Steven Lee, Dimitri Klebe, David Grinspoon and Ka Chun Yu will use images and animation to help guests understand new developments in space science. Info: . or 303-322-7009.
Kids nature event | “Bobcat Tales – Wildlife Secrets,” 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.
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.
“Green After Dark” program | “Review Reduce Renew for your home and Financial Incentives,” a program hosted by the Boulder Green Building Guild, will be at 6 p.m. in the community room at REI, 1789 28th St. Cost is free for BGBG members, $20 nonmembers. Register: .&eventId=32864&EventViewMode=EventDetails.
THURSDAY
Night sky program | “Bobcat Ridge Stars,” a program about summer constellations, followed by viewing of the skies with help from the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society, will be at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, a Fort Collins natural area, which is located off of County Road 38 C. Time and meeting location will be given upon registration. 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. The second in a series of volunteer naturalist-guided hikes to introduce artists to the park will be 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.
FRIDAY
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.
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: .
Homestead hike | “Hike to a Homestead,” a 5 to 7-mile round trip hike (hike rating is moderate) exploring homestead remains that tell fascinating stories of life on the prairie, will be at 9 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. Wear sunscreen and sturdy shoes; take water and a lunch. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Renewable energy conference | The 2009 Colorado Renewable Energy Conference – “Clean Energy: Pathways to a Low Carbon Footprint,” will be Aug. 28-30 at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden. There will be presentation tracks in communities, utilities and carbon sequestration; tours of advanced energy facilities in Golden, an exhibit hall and more. Info: cres-energy.org/conference.
SATURDAY
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.
Wild turkey program | “Walkin’ and Talkin’ Turkey,” a program about the wild turkeys that live and nest in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 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.
Naturalist-led hike | “9 a.m. with a Naturalist – Especially for Seniors,” a guided, easy, 2-4 mile hike, 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. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Open Space program | “Red Mountain – The Whole Enchilada,” a free, 2.5-mile guided hike through the Red Mountain Open Space, will be at 8:30 a.m. The program will cover the area’s unique plants, animals, ecology, geology, history and prehistory. Hiking is rated easy; dress appropriately for the weather, wear sunscreen, and take drinking water. Red Mountain Open Space is 25 miles north of Fort Collins between I-25 and Hwy. 287. Register: .
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.
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.
“Junior Naturalist” program | A “Junior Naturalist” hike to Fountain Valley will be at 9:30 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Kids will see trees of the montane scrubland and the montane forest and learn how the trees define and dictate the changes of everything else that is part of these ecosysterms. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
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.
Trail work event | Join Rocky Mountain Flycasters/Colorado Trout Unlimited to help maintain OT and 3-Bar trails at Eagle’s Nest Open Space, Participants will meet at the Eagle’s Nest Open Space trailhead and will work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To reach Eagle’s Nest Open Space, take Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to Livermore. Take Red Feather Lakes Road (C.R. 74E) west for about 1/3 mile. The entrance is on the south side of the road. Follow the road about one mile to the trailhead parking. Wear sunscreen and sturdy boots or shoes; take plenty of water. Register: 970-679-4489 or e-mail jscharton@larimer.org.
Guided hike | A Volunteer Naturalist 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.
Aug. 30
River tour | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a free walking tour of the Cache La Poudre River at 9 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
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.
