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.
Kids nature programs | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, offers a “kids hour” with activities, stories and/or short nature hikes. Programs vary depending on kids ages and are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on April 6, 13, 20 and 27; May 4, 11, 18 and 25; and June 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Kids nature programs | The Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo, 5200 Nature Center Road, has several free programs for kids the second and third Fridays of the month now through the end of may. On the second Friday of each month, there is a “Knee High Nature Hour” program for 2-3 year olds from 10 to 11 a.m. where a parent/guardian will explore nature with their toddler through music, crafts and games. On the third Friday of the month there is a “Raptor Tales Story Series,” program for kids ages 3-5 years old from 10 to 11 a.m. The program includes nature-themed stories, outdoor exploration and activities. The programs are free; there is a $3 parking fee. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Info/register: 719-549-2414 or visit .
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.
Junior rangers program | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department is accepting applications for the Junior Ranger Program. Junior Rangers are teens ages 14-17 who conduct trail maintenance, weed removal and other maintenance projects for five weeks during the summer. Junior Rangers also participate in environmental education and team building activities. Info: 303-413-7615. Applications are due by March 31 and can be downloaded online at .
Junior rangers program | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a free junior rangers program for kids ages 6-12 at 1:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. For information or to register, call 303-739-2428.
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 .
Roxborough Ride | Naturalist-guided tours in a seven-passenger golf cart around the Fountain Valley Trail are offered at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day rides are at 11 a.m. on May 9 and June 20. A Memorial Day ride is at 11 a.m. May 30. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Reservations are required for the rides; donations are accepted for vehicle maintenance. 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
Guided bird walk | Volunteer Naturalist Doris Cruze will lead a bird walk at 8 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.
TUESDAY
Storm spotter class | A free storm spotter class, for people of all ages who have an interest in learning about High Plains’ storms, weather safety or storm spotting, will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the MDT City Complex on Main Street in Cheyenne Wells. Info: 785-899-6412 or e-mail david.l.floyd@noaa.gov.
Kids nature program | “Spring Scavenger Hunt,” a program for kids ages 3-5, features a scavenger hunt in search of green shoots, spring crocus and other discoveries that signal the start of spring. The program is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to noon at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. Cost is $10 members, $12 non-members. Pre-register: call 720-865-3580 or visit and click on the “programs” link.
Historical program | “Two Twenty-Something Girls Talking About Glen Eyrie,” a program by Susan Fletcher, historian at Glen Eyrie, will explore General Palmer’s family life with excerpts from the diary of Dorothy Comyns Carr. The program will be at noon at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
Family astronomy laser show program | “Stars and Lasers,” a family-friendly astronomy program, will be at 10 a.m. at Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5. Info: 303-492-5001, e-mail fiske@colorado.edu or visit .
WEDNESDAY
Warm weather/Antarctic penguin program | As part of the “Wondrous Cold – An Antarctic Journey” exhibition at the Wildlife Experience, 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker, Travis Garrett of the Denver Zoo will give a talk at 5:30 p.m. about warm weather vs. Antarctic penguins. His presentation will be followed by a screening of the National Geographic film “Antarctica: The Last Wilderness.” Info: 720-488-3300 or visit .
Family astronomy laser show program | “Moons and Lasers,” a family-friendly astronomy program, will be at 1 p.m. at Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5. Info: 303-492-5001, e-mail fiske@colorado.edu or visit .
National Center for Atmospheric Research talk | “Twisters, Chasers and Thunderstorms: A Half-Century of Severe Weather Science,” a talk by Robert Henson, will be at 7 p.m. in Boulder Public Library’s Canyon Theater, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Info: 303-441-3100.
THURSDAY
Behind-the-scenes Museum tour | “BODY WORLDS – Life After Death: The Journey of the Body” a behind-the-scenes look at BODY WORLDS and The Story of the Heart, will be at 7 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Cost is $8 members, $10 nonmembers. Info/reservations: or 303-322-7009.
Family astronomy program | “Adventures Beyond the Solar System,” a family-friendly astronomy program, will be at 10 a.m. at Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5001, e-mail fiske@colorado.edu or visit .
Raman spectrometer demonstration | Travis Thompson and Bryan Ray with DeltaNu will be demonstrating a hand-held point and shoot Raman spectrometer that is capable of identifying individual minerals as well as organic components of rocks, soils, sediments and vegetation in seconds. The demonstration will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Colorado School of Mines, (1500 Illinois St., Golden), Berthoud Hall 109, Classroom for GX-571. Info: contact Graham Closs, Geology and Geological Engineering, CSM, at 303-273-3856 or e-mail lcloss@mines.edu.
Family astronomy laser show program | “Symphony of the Stars,” a family-friendly astronomy program, will be at 1 p.m. at Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $5. Info: 303-492-5001, e-mail fiske@colorado.edu or visit .
FRIDAY
Gem and mineral show | The Fort Collins Gem and Mineral Show will be March 26-28 at Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St. Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. March 26; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 27; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 28. Info: .
SATURDAY
Guided hike | Volunteer Naturalist Deb Wright will lead a hike up the South Rim Trail at 1 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. The 3-mile round trip hike is rated “moderate to difficult.” Take water and a snack; dress for the weather. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Guided hike | Naturalists Sue and Bill will lead an early springtime park at 12:30 p.m.. at Hermit Park Open Space, located southeast of Estes Park on Highway 36. The hike is rated “easy.” Take water and dress appropriately for the weather. If it has been snowing take snowshoes if desired. Register: . Info: 970-679-4561.
Junior Naturalist hike/program | Naturalist Suzanne Hattery will lead a hike at 10 a.m. to teach kids ages 7-12 about the interactions of the plants, bacteria, fungi and animals in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Take water, dress for the weather and wear sunscreen. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Nature program | “The Slippery Side!” a free, 45-minute program with natural history information about herptiles (reptiles and amphibians, including frogs, toads and snakes). Learn how to identify local frogs by their calls and how to get involved in citizen science projects in natural areas. The presentation, suited for kids ages 10 and up, will be at 10 a.m. at the Drake Center, 802 W. Drake Road, Ste. 101, Fort Collins. After the presentation, there will be informational displays to browse, kids activities and more. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
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.
