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.
Nature/arts seminars Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers field-based, hands-on seminars in Rocky Mountain National Park. Seminar topics include: wildflowers, mammals, birds, cultural history, outdoor skills, photography, painting and writing. Info/register: call the Field Smeminar Center at 970-586-3262.
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 .
Nature/science programs The Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center, 200 Matthews St., Fort Collins, has many activities, programs and events for children and adults, ranging from lectures to stargazing to hands-on science labs. Also, the Museum offers free admission every third Sunday of the month. Info: or 970-221-6738.
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 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 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 .
Green Building Group discussion group “Talking Green,” a Steamboat Springs Green Building Group, meets for educational discussions at 5:30 p.m. the 4th Tuesday of every month at Harwigs/L’Apogee, 911 Lincoln Ave. Info: 970-879-7529.
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.
Free Park entrance Mesa Verde National Park is offering free entrance to the Park through the end of April to celebrate National Park Week and the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Info: 970-529-4465.
TODAY
Evening nature program “Moon Magic,” a free program with a moon light hike, moon stories and more, will be at 7:30 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, off of County Road 32 C in Fort Collins. For directions and reservations, call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com. Also, check the website for updates on weather cancellations: .
Earth Day celebration Earthfest Boulder is a free community celebration featuring music, sustainable food and drink, farmers market, speakers, Dirt Days outdoor activities, an expo of green businesses and more. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Boulder; the festival area will include Central Park, the Bandshell and the Farmer’s Market Area. Info: .
Mineral and Fossil show The Colorado Mineral and Fossil Spring Show, featuring a variety of minerals, fossils, gems and jewelry will be from 10 am. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St. Parking and admission are free.
MONDAY
Rocky Mountain Land Series Presentation and booksigning Bill McKibben, author of “The End of Nature,” “The Deep Economy,” and “Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet,” will give a presentation and sign books at 7:30 p.m. at the LoDo Tattered Cover, 1628 16th St., Denver. Info: 303-436-1070.
Environmental film screening “The Garden,” a film following the plight of farmers on a 14-acre community garden, the largest of its kind in the US, will be shown at 6 p.m. at Denver Public Library, 10 W. 14th St. Tickets are free. Info: 720-865-1472.
TUESDAY
Wildlife slideshow and presentation Bret Tennis, program coordinator at Garden of the Gods, will give a slideshow presentation and discuss popular species of wildlife in the Park. The free presentation will be at noon in the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register/info: 719-219-0108.
WEDNESDAY
Eocene precipitation talk “Eocine Precipitation: How Wet, and Where? A Proxymodel Comparison,” a talk by David Greenwood, Brandon University, will be at 4 p.m. at Benson Earth Sciences lecture hall (380) on the CU Boulder campus. Info: .
Sustainability seminar “Extreme Ice Survey: The Art and Science of Vanishing Glaciers,” a talk by Jeff Orlowski, director of post-production for the Extreme Ice Survey, will be at 7:30 p.m. in the 4th floor auditorium at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community, 350 Ponca Place, Boulder.
Fireside chat “When Crocodiles Swam the Seaway,” a free “Friends of Dinosaur Ridge Fireside Chat,” by Dan Fanelli, will be at 7 p.m. in the Chevron Classroom at the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center, 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison.
La Brea tar pits talk “La Brea: Murder and Mayhem on Wilshire Blvd.,” a lecture by Sue Ware, will be at 6 p.m. in the BioLounge at the University of Colorado Natural History Museum on the CU Boulder campus. The event is part of the “Month of the Wolf Program” at the Museum. For info on other free events at the Museum, visit .
THURSDAY
Live astronomy talk “Colorado Skies: ET Life,” a live astronomy program, 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 “Many Faces of Hubble,” a live astronomy program, 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 .
Arbor Day tree giveaway Local Ace Hardware stores are giving away 16,500 free trees to consumers on April 30 in recognition of Arbor Day. Varieties may vary by location but will include Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce and Fraser Fir. Free trees are available while supplies last at participating stores; each store will have 500 trees to give away. Customers must present a coupon to receive a free tree. Coupons and a video with tree planting instructions are available at .
SATURDAY
Hummingbird program “Hummers – the Birds, not the Cars!” a free program, will be at 10 a.m. at the Hermit’s Cabin in Hermit Park Open Space, located southeast of the town of Estes Park. A $6 per vehicle entrance permit is required. Info: contact Rob at 970-679-4561.
Photography walk Photographer Kevin “Doc” Holiday will lead a free walk in search of wildlife to photograph at 2 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center’s Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. For ages 10 and above; take a camera. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Guided hike Naturalist Deb Wright will guide a South Rim hike at 10:30 a.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.
“Dinosaur Discover” cub scout/boy scout day The first Dinosaur Discovery Day free public tour day of the year will be from 10 a.m. to3 p.m. at Dinosaur Ridge, 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison. There will be geology exhibits and hands-on dinosaur activities at the Visitor Center and expert guides at stops on the Dinosaur Ridge Trail. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts can participate in suitable activities to earn the belt loop, academic pin and the Geology Merit Badge. Scouts must register: 303-697-3466. Info: .
Birding program Naturalists and ASGD Master Birder Alison Kondler will give a presentation about learning bird songs in creative ways. A short walk will follow the presentation for participants to listen to the birds. The program is at 8 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Take binoculars, drinking water and snacks; dress for the weather. Register/info: 303-973-3959.
Junior naturalist hike As part of its “Junior Naturalist” program, Naturalist Roger Dowell will lead a hike at 1 p.m. and discuss the geology in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Pick up a Junior Naturalist booklet at the Visitor Center before the hike. The program is geared for children ages 7-12. Kids can earn a Certificate of Completion or continue on for their official Junior Naturalist Patch. Tow naturalist-led hikes are required for the patch. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Free admission at Greeley museums Admission will be free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Village, 1475 A St., at 1870 Meeker Home and at Greeley History Museum, 714 18th St. Info: 970-350-9220 or .
Hiking event Colorado National Monument and the Colorado National Monument Association are hosting the first-ever “Serpents Trail Centennial Challenge” from 7 a.m. to noon at Colorado National Monument in Fruita. Hikers of all ages and abilities are invited to this non-race event. Registration proceeds go to the Colorado National Monument Association and will support public events for Colorado National Monument’s Centennial in 2011. There will be two hiking options. “The Serpents Tour,” from 8 a.m. to noon, involves arriving anytime between 8 and 10 a.m. to take a leisurely hike up and down the Serpents Trail, stopping at kid-friendly activity stations to spot desert wildlife in the cliffs, make an animal track bandana and more. The “Serpents Endurance Challenge,” from 7 a.m. to noon, involves seeing how many trips up and down the historic Serpents Trail participants can make in 5 hours. There will be live music in the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area after the hiking. Registration is $25 adult; $90 team of four; $10 youth ages 12 and under (no t-shirt included); and $10 for extra t-shirts. Registration includes the entrance fee to the Monument, an event t-shirt, aid stations along the trail, kid-friendly activity stations, prizes and live music following the event. Pre-register (credit card only) at the Monument’s Visitor Center, by mail or by phone; or register from 6:30 to 9 a.m. the day of the event. Event/registration info: 970-858-3617, ext. 360.
Family astronomy program “Adventures Beyond the Solar System,” a family-friendly astronomy program, will be at 2 p.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 .
May 2
Kid’s astronomy workshop The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering a program, “Our Place in Space,” for kids ages 4 and 5, at 10 a.m. Kids can learn about the solar system’s planets, craters and meteorites; there will also be time to make a moon-related craft and to find out what astronauts eat while they travel through space. Cost is $25 members, $30 nonmenbers. Info/register: 303-322-7009 or visit .
Historic open house There will be an open house event from noon to 3 p.m. at the Historic Persse Place in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Hike the Fountain Valley trail to the home. Naturalists will be on hand to give tours and share historic details. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
Kid’s fossil workshop The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering a program, “Fossil Dig,” for kids in grades 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids will have the opportunity to “become a paleontologist for a day,” and learn how scientists uncover and identify fossils in a mock dig site. Kids will also get to make a fossil craft to take home. Cost is $40 members, $50 nonmembers. Info/register: 303-322-7009 or visit .
Bird watching and wildflowers hike Roxborough’s Naturalists at 9 a.m. for a morning hike to search for birds and wildflowers in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Children ages 12 and above are welcome. Take binoculars and drinking water. Register: 303-973-3959
Birding celebration “International Dawn Chorus Celebration,” a rite of spring celebrated around the world, offers participants a chance to experience an early morning songbird symphony. No birding experience is necessary. Meet at 5:45 a.m. at the entrance station at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Take binoculars, a bird book and a picnic breakfast (no eggs, please). Register/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.
