ONGOING EVENTS
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.
Self-guided homestead tours | Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown, has a new one-fourth-mile trail and self-guided booklet that takes visitors on a tour of Park’s old homestead and its out-buildings. The trail booklet is available at the homestead and the Visitor Center. Info: 303-688-5242.
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. 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
Bird-a-thon event | Take a chair and binoculars to the 15th annual Big Sit, a non-competitive bird-a-thon where participants tally as many bird species as can be seen or heard within 24 hours. Birders will create a real or imaginary circle and sit or stand in one location to count different species. The bird-a-thon event will be held at the Heronry picnic area near the park office in Chatfield State Park, 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/hours: 303-791-7275.
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: .
MONDAY
Kids science program | “Ooey Gooey Science,” a hands-on science program for kids ages 8-12, will be at 4:15 p.m. at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock. Program is “not for the faint at hear, nor weak of stomach.” Register: 303-791-7323.
Green building class | “Green Building 101,” a 5-hour class, will be at 9 a.m. at the Sundquist Building, 3482 Broadway, Boulder. Cost is $35 for Boulder Green Building Guild members, $50 nonmembers. Register: .
TUESDAY
Residential green building talk | “Low-Income Housing,” a talk in the Boulder Green Building Guild Residential 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: .
Geology and nature hike | USGS geologist Pete Modreski will lead a short geology and nature hike. Meet at 4:30 p.m. at the small, paved trailhead parking lot off Wyoming Circle at the north end of Golden, just east of the intersection of Highway 93, Pine Ridge Road and Ford St. Info: pmodreski@usgs.gov, 303-202-4766 or 720-205-2553
Green energy/transportation talk | “Transportation Blueprint for the New Energy Economy: Reducing Vehicle Use and Improving Efficiency,” a free talk by Mike Salisbury of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, will be at 7:30 p.m., following a 7 p.m. introduction with “Clean Energy Action” updates, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1419 Pine St., Boulder. Info: e-mail Andy Lenec at alenec@cleanenergyaction.org or visit .
Earth/space program | “Digital Earth: Explore the World from Space,” a program by Ka Chun Yu, Curator of Space Science, and Bob Raynolds, Research Associate, Earth Sciences Department, will be at 7 p.m. in the Ricketson Auditorium at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Cost is $12 members, $15 nonmembers. Info: or 303-322-7009.
WEDNESDAY
Photography walk | Paul deBerjeois, will lead a free photography walk at 4:30 p.m. at Garden of the Gods. Take a camera, tri-pod and polarizing filter if you have them. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and take water, a hat and a jacket. Meet in the Red Rocks Room at the Visitor Center. Register: 719-219-0108.
Guided bird walk | Naturalists Paul and Phoebe Thayer will lead a bird walk at 9 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Take water, snacks and clothing appropriate for the weather; as well as a bird book and binoculars if you have them. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Environmental film screening | The Colorado Environmental Film Festival will hold a screening of “Homo Toxicus,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Denver REI Flagship store, 1416 Platte St. Short Films (Sneak Peeks of films shown at the 2009 CEFF) will begin at 7 p.m. Cost is $5.
THURSDAY
Wilderness/writing program | “Wilderness As Muse: Selected Readings,” a program by author and conservationist Terry Tempest Williams, will be at 7 p.m. in Mitchell Hall at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. A book signing will follow the program. Cost: pre-registration for individual Bonfils-Stanton programs is $17 member, $22 non-member. Day of the event tickets are $25 if space is available. Register: visit and click on the “classes” link, e-mail registrar@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3580.
FRIDAY
Night nature program | “Changing Night Sky,” a free “Nature at Night” program for all ages, will be at 6 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Science, technology, engineering and math event | STEMAPALOOZA, an “exploration of science, technology, engineering and math in Colorado, will be Oct. 16 and 17 at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St. Admission is free. Info: .
SATURDAY
Owl program | “Owls of Aurora,” a free program 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.
Cultural history program and hike | “12,000 Years in the Making – Culture of Red Mountain Open Space,” a program and easy hike led by Naturalist Thom, will be at 9 a.m. at Red Mountain Open Space, 25-miles north of Fort Collins off of County Road 15. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sunscreen and take drinking water. Register: , or call 970-231-4203.
“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.
Trailwork event | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department and the city’s Sesquicentennial Committee need volunteers to rehabilitate sections of South Boulder Creek from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will install additional fence, signs and willows to revegetate stream banks. Native grass seed will be collected for future restoration projects. Volunteers should dress in layers, wear sunscreen and sturdy boots, long pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt. Volunteers should also take rain gear, work gloves, a water bottle, snacks, and a hat that will protect ears and necks. Lunch and tools will be provided by OSMP. Info: 303-441-3440. Pre-register at ; day-of-event registration and volunteer parking will be at Manhattan School of Arts and Academics, 290 Manhattan Drive.
Guided nature hike | Naturalist Jo Desrosiers will lead a “fall color and discovery” 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.
Bear program | “Bear Necessities, a program by Naturalist and former veterinarian Bob, will be at 5 p.m. in the new outdoor classroom at Devil’s Backbone Open Space (located west of Loveland off of Hwy. 30). Bob will talk about local bears and how they prepare for the wintertime. Register: or call 970-231-4203.
Guided bird walk | American Birding Association staff will lead a bird walk and answer questions on bird identification, behavior, birding optics and equipment during a 9 a.m. hike in Garden of the Gods Park. Meet 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.
Park anniversary celebration | The 100-year anniversary celebration of the gift of Garden of the Gods Park to the City of Colorado Springs is concluding with a “Parade to the Park,” starting at 9 a.m. at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center parking lot, 1805 N. 30th St. All “categories” of Park visitors are invited – hikers, bikers, rock climbers, bird watchers, scout, troops, history revelers, etc. A shuttle bus will escort those who are not able to walk the route. At 10 a.m., the Garden’s Perkins plaque will be re-dedicated. (The plaque is on North Gateway Rock, at the south end of the Central Garden Trail, next to Signature Rock). Info: 719-634-6666 or .
Oct. 18
“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.
Guided bird walk | Naturalist Doris Cruze will lead a bird walk appropriate for birders of all ability levels at 8 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Take water, snacks and clothing appropriate for the weather; as well as a bird book and binoculars if you have them. 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.
