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 .
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 nature/science programs The Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, has several science and nature activities for kids. Super Science Sundays at 3 p.m. on Sundays gives children a chance to try their hand at chemistry by mixing up and engineering their own toothpaste. Bubble Brigade at 11 a.m. on Sundays teaches kids about pressure with an explosive science experiment. Info: 303-433-7444 or .
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 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. and 1 p.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. Ranger-guided snow-shoeing tours are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 7. at the Black Canyon. Snowshoes, including kids’ sizes, are available for loan free of charge at the visitor’s 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. 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. The program includes stories and nature activities, crafts, short hikes 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.
GPS, map and compass class On the second Friday of selected months (subject to staff availability) starting Jan. 8, there are free USGS GPS, Map and compass classes at Building 810, Federal Center, Lakewood. Class schedule is: Map and Compass from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and GPS from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Info/register: 303-202-4689 or e-mail gpsworkshops@usgs.gov, or visit .
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
Historic Persse Place program From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Volunteer Naturalists will be at the Historic Persse Place off the Fountain Valley Trail in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. They will answer questions and discuss history lore while participants tour the nationally registered historic home. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
TUESDAY
Kids nature program “Painting With Plants” a program for kids ages 3-5, will be at 9:30 and 11 a.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. In this program, kids can “explore the world of natural pigment using items they collect on their own for plant-based inks.” Cost is $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Pre-register at: 720-865-3580 or .
Anthropology/paleontology/computer graphics talk”Recreating Ardi, Our Oldest Human Ancestor,” a free presentation, will be at 7 p.m. at Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton. Computer graphics artist Ed Kramer will discuss working with anthropologists and paleontologists to illustrate, in today’s CGI technology, what the 4.4 million-year-old Ardi looked like as she moved through the ancient forest habitat in Africa. Info: 303-795-3961.
WEDNESDAY
Guided bird walk Volunteer Naturalists Paul and Phoebe Thayer will lead a bird walk at 9 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Meet at the park’s Visitor Center; take binoculars and a bird identification book. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Water/Middle East peace talk “Water: A Significant Issue for Middle East Peace,” a talk by Robert Raynolds, consulting geologist and research associate at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, will be at noon at the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies, Ben Cherrington Hall, Cyber Café, 2201 S. Gaylord St., Denver.
Science Cafe lecture “Sprinting for Health: A Quick Fix?” a free talk by Christopher Bell, Colorado State University Professor, Department of Health and Exercise Science,” will be at 6 p.m. at Dempsey’s, 160 Oak St., Fort Collins. If you plan to order food, arrive at 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY
Live astronomy talk “Giant Jupiter,” a talk by Fran Bagenal, will be at 7:30 p.m. at Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, free for students with valid ID, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001, e-mail fiske@colorado.edu or visit .
FRIDAY
Live astronomy talk “Giant Jupiter,” a talk by Fran Bagenal, will be at 7:30 p.m. at Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, $5 for students with valid ID, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001, e-mail fiske@colorado.edu or visit .
SATURDAY
Kids science program “Light, Polarization and Liquid Crystals,” a free program by University of Colorado, Boulder Professors David Walba and Noel Clark, will be at 9:30 a.m. in Duane Physics room G1B30 on the CU Boulder campus. This program is geared towards students in grades 5-9; however, all ages are welcome to attend. Info: 303-492-5011 or visit .
Geology program Volunteer Naturalist Mary-Margaret Coates will give a talk about the origins of the Lyons Formation at Roxborough and along the Front Range at 1 p.m. on the sandstone patio at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Environmental program The Garbage Garage Education Center at the Larimer County Landfill, 5887 S. Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins, is offering a free class from 10 a.m. to noon on ways to environmentally help your home, school and community. The program is suitable for all ages. Register: 970-498-5772 or e-mail rwatson@larimer.org.
Guided “ology” hike Volunteer Naturalists Lila and Peter Laux will lead a walk at 12:30 p.m. on the Fountain Valley Trail in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. They will discuss the interrelationships of geology, biology and ecology in a winter setting along the trail. Take drinking water, dress appropriately for the weather and wear sunscreen. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Guided bird walk A free, guided bird walk for birders of all ability levels, ages 10 and older, will be at 8:30 a.m. at Coal Creek Arena, 21000 E. Sixth Ave., Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Big Horn Sheep Day The fifth annual Big Horn Sheep Day will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Free activities include children’s programs, a “bighorn biology” presentation, and a “Colorado nature” presentation. There will also be free cookies and cider, as well as an array of door prizes. Info: 719-634-6666 or .
Bird counting day activities Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and Hudson Gardens are joining for a day of education and observation for the Great Backyard Bird Count. A bird walk for experienced birders will be at 8 a.m. at Hudson Gardens, 2888 W. Maplewood Ave., Littleton. A beginner bird walk will be at 9 a.m. A “Birding 101” presentation to help birders identify the birds they see and learn something about those species will be at 9 and 10 a.m. At 10 a.m., Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory will tell participants how they can get more involved in citizen science activities. At 11 a.m., participants can learn more about RMBO and Hudson Gardens. The day will end with a compilation of all the count data. Binoculars for the bird walks and refreshments will be provided. Cost is $2. Info: visit or , or call 303-659-4348, ext. 16 or 303-797-8566, ext. 303.
Feb. 14
Environmental living talk “Helping Everybody Save,” a free lecture by local nonprofit Conservation Hardware about living in a more energy efficient way and saving money, will be at 2 p.m. in the theater at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St, Colorado Springs. Info: 719-634-6666 or .
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.
