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.
TODAY
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 .
Guided hike | An easy, three-mile hike on the Towhee Trail will be at 10 a.m. in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, 25 miles north of Fort Collins. From Fort Collins, take Hwy. 1/ Terry Lake Road to County Road 15 north (towards Waverly). From County Road 15, turn north onto Rawhide Flats Road and continue north to the entrance station. Meet at the north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815, e-mail naturalareas@fc.gov or visit fcgov/naturalareas.
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.
MONDAY
Paleontology program | “Death in High Places: the Geology and Paleontology of Porcupine Cave,” a free talk by Sue Ware and Bob Raynolds at the monthly meeting of the Western Interior Paleontological Society, will be at 7 p.m. in Ricketson Auditorium, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.
TUESDAY
Hummingbird talk | “Jewels in Flight,” a free talk by Bette Lamore, will be at noon at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
WEDNESDAY
BODY WORLDS special event at Musuem | “Medical Shows – Fact or Fiction,” a special event in conjunction with the BODY WORLDS exhibit, will be at 7 p.m. at The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Watch clips from medical melodramas like House, Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy, CSI and E.R., and find out what separates these stories from fact. Cost is $8 members, $10 nonmembers. Info/register: 303-322-7009 or visit .
THURSDAY
Wildflower photography hike | Naturalist and photographer Derald Hoffman will lead a photo-hike at 9 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. The emphasis will be on photographing wildflowers close-up and also on the composition of landscapes. Meet in the Park’s Visitor Center; take your camera. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
FRIDAY
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield free day | The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, is offering free admission for Colorado residents starting at 9 a.m. Info: 303-973-1979 or .
Wildflower walk | Take a 1.5-mile easy walk at 10 a.m. in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and learn about wildflowers. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is 25 miles north of Fort Collins. From Fort Collins, take Hwy. 1/ Terry Lake Road to County Road 15 north (towards Waverly). From County Road 15, turn north onto Rawhide Flats Road and continue north to the entrance station. Meet at the north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815, e-mail naturalareas@fc.gov or visit fcgov/naturalareas.
SATURDAY
Space Day activities | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is having special events for Space Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Talk to the Museum’s space experts about the latest news on Mars; learn about the phases of the moon and what causes seasons; and make your own sundial; and enjoy a visit from Galileo. Cost is free with paid admission to the Museum. Info/register: 303-322-7009 or visit .
Hummingbird festival | The Hummingbird Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Cheyenne Canon Park, 2120 S. Cheyenne Road. There will be programs, activities and vendors. Info: 719-358-6086.
Guided birdwalk | A free guided bird walk for birders of all ability levels will be at 8:30 a.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. For ages 10 and above; take binoculars and a bird identification book if you have them. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Spring flower hike | Naturalists Lila and Peter Laux will lead a leisurely tour along the Willow Creek trail in search of early wildflowers and other signs of spring at 12:30 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Bear program | “Bear Necessities,” a free program by Naturalist Bob, 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.
Guided wildflower walk | Naturalist Linda will lead a free walk in search of wildflowers at 9:30 a.m. at the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of Loveland off of Hwy. 34. Info: contact Rob at 970-679-4561.
Mineral society silent auction | The Colorado Mineral Society Silent Auction will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 920 Kipling St., Lakewood.
May 9
Free day at museum | The Fort Collins Museum & Science Discovery Center, 200 Mathews St., is offering free admission to mothers accompanied by their children starting at noon on Mother’s Day. From noon to 2 p.m., kids can make Mom a “flower pounding art craft” made by crushing the natural pigments of plants into fabric. Info: 970-221-6738 or .
Guided hike | Take a 5-mile “moderate” hike at 9 a.m. on the Mahogany Trail in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, 25 miles north of Fort Collins. From Fort Collins, take Hwy. 1/ Terry Lake Road to County Road 15 north (towards Waverly). From County Road 15, turn north onto Rawhide Flats Road and continue north to the entrance station. Meet at the north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815, e-mail naturalareas@fc.gov or visit fcgov/naturalareas.
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.
