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. Volunteers are needed for Wilderness Environmental Service Program No. 4, Oct. 8-11. They will work and camp close to South Colony Road south of Westcliffe. 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 nature programs | “Fall into Halloween,” a series of nature programs exploring different animals through hands-on, interactive games and activities, will be at 10 a.m. Saturdays through Oct. 24 at Camper Services in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-646-1977 or 719-576-2016.
Kids nature programs | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, offers “Kids Hour” programs at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 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 .
Junior naturalist program | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, offers a “junior naturalist” program for children. Kids can earn a Certificate of Completion or continue on for an official Junior Naturalist Patch. Two hikes are required for completion. Kids will use their artistic skills and gain knowledge of the outdoors in this program. Ask the Visitor Center for details. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
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. Sunday rides are also available at 1 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 11. 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.
MONDAY
Desolation Canyon presentation | Author James M. Alton will speak about his new book, “The River Knows Everything: Desolation Canyon and the Green,” at 7 p.m. in room 111 of the news classroom building at Mesa State College, 1100 N. Avenue, Grand Junction. The talk is free.
WEDNESDAY
Guided bird walk | Birder Charlie Campbell will lead a morning stroll to view bird activity at 9 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center; take binoculars and drinking water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. If you do not have an annual State Parks Pass, take exactly $6 to purchase a daily pass at the self-serve station next to the entrance booth. Info/reservations: 719-576-2016.
Nature/children program | Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder,” will give a free lecture intended to increase public awareness of the importance of nature and outside activity in the growth and development of children at 7 p.m. at the University of Denver’s Davis Auditorium in Sturm Hall, 2000 E. Asbury Ave. Register: . or call the Denver Botanic Gardens at 720-865-3506.
Green building talk | “Seven Residential Green Building Case Studies,” a talk in the “Green After Dark” series, will be at 6 p.m. at the Center for ReSource Conservation, 2639 Spruce St., Boulder. Cost is free for Boulder Green Building Guild and CRC members, $10 nonmembers. Register: .&eventId=32865&EventViewMode=EventDetails.
THURSDAY
Nature photography hike/class | Naturalist and photographer Derald Hoffman will lead a “photo-hike” from 9 to 11 a.m. on the Fountain Valley Trail in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. He will focus on landscape, close-up and animal photography, and how to use the creative menu on a digital camera for the best photos. Take water, snacks and clothing appropriate for the weather. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
FRIDAY
Navajo weaving talk | Artist Melanie Yazzie will give a free talk, “Images From My American Indian Experience,” at 6 p.m. in Paleontology Hall at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History on the CU Boulder campus. Her talk will coincide with the opening of the second installation of the Navaho Weaving exhibition at the Museum. Info: 303-492-6892 or .
SATURDAY
Moonlight hike | Naturalists will lead a hike by the light of the moon at 6 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. There will also be refreshments and opportunities to get a telescopic view of the moon. Reservations are required; send a check for $7.50 per hiker to; The Friends Of Roxborough, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, 80125. Non-refundable tickets for your confirmed hike will be mailed to you. Info: 303-973-3959.
Full moon hike | A free full moon hike for all ages will be at 6 p.m. at the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 e. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
“Stress buster” hike | A guided hike aimed at helping participants “forget about life’s travails,” will be at 9 a.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The hike is tailored to the group’s ability and covers 2 to 5-miles. Meet at the Visitor Center; take drinking water and wear sturdy hiking shoes and sunscreen. If you do not have an annual State Parks Pass, take exactly $6 to purchase a daily pass at the self-serve station next to the entrance booth. Info: 719-576-2016 or 719-646-1977.
Golden eagle hike | Naturalist Bob will lead a hike in search of Golden Eagles at 9 a.m. at Red Mountain Open Space, located 25-miles north of Fort Collins on County Road 15. The hike is rated easy. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sunscreen and take plenty of water for the trail. Register: . or 970-679-4561.
Nature program | “Observe the Natural World,” a program with Naturalist Sarah McKelvey, will be at 10 a.m. at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-973-3959.
Family wildlife event | “Go Wild!” a program led by local wildlife expert Jackie Sanderson, about the wide variety of animals that live in our backyards, will be at 11 a.m. at Lone Tree Library, 8827 Lone Tree Pkwy. Register: 303-791-7323.
Solar homes tour | The 2009 Denver Tour of Solar Homes features tours of a dozen different homes and other buildings in the West- and Central-Denver Metro areas. This year’s tour also features a Green Jobs Fair. Info: cres-energy.org/tour.
Oct. 4
“Family Mystery” hike | A naturalist-led hike which 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, will be at 1 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center; take drinking water and wear sturdy hiking shoes and sunscreen. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/reservations: 719-576-2016.
Touch table programs | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, is offering a “Trailhead Touch Tables” programs at 10 a.m. Sundays in October. Explore some of the animals of the park by touching skulls or skins, making animal tracks, viewing insects and spiders, creating a bird nest or making plant rubbing. There are different activities every week. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-646-1977 or 719-576-2016.
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.
Historic home open house | A Volunteer Naturalist will lead a tour of the historic home of Henry Persse off the Fountain Valley Trail at 2 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.
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.
