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.
Guided nature ride | Take a naturalist-guided tour around the Fountain Valley Trail in Roxborough Park in a seven-passenger golf cart at 1 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 11, 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.
TODAY
“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.
Buffalo talk | “Buffalo Ghosts,” a free program by Park Volunteer Bette Lamore, will be at noon in the Red Rocks Room at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
MONDAY
Agriculture talk | “The New Politics of Agriculture,” the second installment in the Sate of the Rockies Speaker Series: Food and Agriculture in the Rockies, will be at 7 p.m. at Colorado College, Gates Common Room, third floor of Palmer Hall, 1025 N. Cascade Ave. Speakers are Dan Morgan, a Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and Elaine Shannon, editor-in-chief at the Environmental Working Group. Admission is free with a CC I.D. Info: 719-389-6607 or visit .
TUESDAY
Kid nature program and hike | Naturalist Suzanne Hattery will lead a program, “What’s for Dinner?” for kids ages 7-12, at 4:30 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. The program will explore the interactions of the plants, bacteria, fungi and animals in the Park. 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.
Science/sea monsters talk | A screening of the IMAX film, “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure,” will be at 7 p.m. in the Phipps IMAX Theater at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science,2001 Colorado Blvd. “The Science Behind Sea Monsters,” a talk by Ken Carpenter, Curator of Lower Vertebrate Paleontology, Earth Sciences Department, and scientific advisor on the IMAX film Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure, will follow the screening. Cost is $12 members, $15 nonmembers. Info: . or 303-322-7009.
WEDNESDAY
Commercial green building talk | “ClimateSmart Loan Program for Commercial Properties,” a talk in the Boulder Green Building Guild Commercial Brown Bag Series, will be at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Boulder REI, 1789 28th St. Cost is free for BGBG members, $20 nonmembers. Take a sack lunch if desired. Register: .&eventId=72317&EventViewMode=EventDetails.
THURSDAY
Native American images slideshow | “Restoring an American Legacy,” a free slide presentation by Paul Unks, will be at 7 p.m. at Curtis Arts and Humanities Center, 2349 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village. Info: 303-797-1779.
SATURDAY
Guided nature hike | Naturalist Jo Desrosiers will lead a “fall color” hike at 10 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Take water, snacks and clothing appropriate for the weather. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-973-3959.
“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.
“Dinosaur Discovery” day | The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge will celebrate Earth Science Week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Visitor Center, 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison. Guides stationed along the Dinosaur Ridge trail will point out dinosaur fossils and answer questions. Info: 303-697-3466, ext. 13.
Elk program | “The Elk Rut,” a program by Naturalist Bob, exploring the importance of elk habitat, the rut season, and the amazing adaptations of elk, will be at 10 a.m. at Hermit Park Open Space, south of the Town of Estes Park off of Hwy. 36. Info: 970-679-4561.
Trailwork weekend event | The Rocky Mountain Field Institute’s 17th annual Shelf Road Volunteer Weekend event will be Oct. 10-11. For directions and to register, call 719-471-7736 or e-mail rmfi@rmfi.org.
Oct. 11
Guided nature hike | Naturalist Lee Heflebower will lead a nature hike focusing on “using your visual senses,” at 1 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. The hike is appropriate for school-aged children and adults. 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.
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.
Migration hike | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering a program, “The Great Migration Challenge Hike,” at 1 p.m. at the Day Use Trailhead. Pretend to be a migrating bird and meet the challenges involved in migrating to warmer climates in the winter. Migrate around a short trail and see if you survive to nest and have chicks. Info: 719-646-1977 or 719-576-2016.
Kids nature program and hike | Naturalist Ann Sarg will give a program, “Roxborough’s Web of Life,” geared for children ages 7-12, at 1 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. There will be discussions, games and a hike while children learn about the many connections between the animals, plants, rocks and climate of the Park. 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.
Peak oil conference | The 2009 International Peak Oil Conference – “System Reset: Global Energy and the New Economy,” will be Oct. 11-12 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place. The ASPO 2009 International Peak Oil Conference zeros in on the vital links between oil, money and the worldwide economy. Info/register: aspo-usa.com/2009denver.
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.
