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 Seminar 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 May 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 old kids 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. 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.
Also, during the summer months, there will be guided prairie falcon walks at 5 p.m. Wednesdays beginning May 19; guided bat walks at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning June 15; and “Magpie Players” programs at 4:45 p.m. Thursdays June through August. 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 .
Birding trail routes on Internet | The Colorado Birding Trail has expanded to the west. Colorado’s southwest region, which includes the San Luis Valley, has been incorporated into the Colorado Birding Trail website. This trail features 13 new routes and more than 200 sites that provide wildlife viewers and birders with opportunities to see unique species in some of Colorado’s most spectacular environments. Info: .
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.
Star-gazing activities | From June through September, star-gazing programs and telescopic viewing activities are offered at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s South Rim Amphitheater/Campground. Info: .
Nature activities | Curecanti National Recreation Area, between Montrose and Gunnison on Highway 50, offers several free programs. From June through September, there are star-gazing activities, programs and telescopic viewings. Also, there is a “Junior Ranger” program 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), 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.
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. A Memorial Day ride is at 11 a.m. May 30. Father’s Day rides are at 11 a.m. on June 20. 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.
Wildflower tours | The Denver Botanic Gardens is offering free wildflower tours on Mount Goliath at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays between the June 22 through Aug. 7; and Saturdays June 26, July 3, July 17, July 31, and Aug. 7. Discover the life cycles and lore of alpine tundra on free, guide-led tours on the M. Walter Pesman Trail at Mount Goliath. The hike is a moderately difficult, 1.5-mile downhill trek. The tours are open to adults and children ages 10 and older. Register at least a week in advance: 720-865-3539 or e-mail tours@botanicgardens.org.
TODAY
Ecology program | “Wind, Water, Women and the West,” a program exploring “how the ecology of the prairie greatly influenced the plants, animals and people, will be at 10 a.m. at 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. The program involves an easy 2-mile trek. Info: 970-416-2815, e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com or .
Ancient clothing talk | “Clothes Make the (Wo)man,” a talk by Laurie Webster on clothing from different areas across pre-Hispanic Southwest, will be at 1 p.m. at the Anasazi Heritage Center, located three miles west of Dolores on State Highway 184. Info: 970-882-5600 or .
TUESDAY
Wildlife slideshow and discussion | Bret Tennis, Park program coordinator, will give a free slideshow of Park wildlife and discuss popular species who reside in Garden of the Gods Park. Meet at noon at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
Nature/art class | Naturalist Phyllis Vandehaar is leading several classes teaching participants how to capture the beauty of Roxborough’s buildings, landscape and foliage using a variety of techniques. The second class, “Watercolor: Flowers,” will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Age restrictions do apply for each class. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. To register and for a materials list, call 303-973-3959.
Night nature program | “Moon Magic,” a program about nocturnal animals and the moon, will be at 8 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Directions: from Fort Collins, take Harmony Road west. It turns into County Road 38 E. Follow County Road 38 E to Masonville. Go left (south) at the Masonville Mercantile onto County Road 27. Follow County Road 27 about 1 mile to County Road 32 C, head west about 1 mile to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. From Loveland, go west on Highway 34 about 4.5 miles west of Wilson Avenue. Turn north on County Road 27 by Big Thompson Elementary and drive 4.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 32C and go 1 mile west to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. Meet at the picnic shelter. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
WEDNESDAY
Bird hike | Lynn Willcockson, who has taken bird censuses for several years at Cherokee Ranch, will lead a bird hike at 8:30 a.m. at Cherokee Ranch, 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia. Guests are encouraged to take a picnic lunch and drinking water. Cost is $20. Register: 303-688-4600.
National Center for Atmospheric Research talk | “Carbon Dioxide and the Ocean: The Acid Test of Climate Change,” a talk by Joanie Kleypas, will be at 7 p.m. in Boulder Public Library’s Canyon Theater, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Info: 303-441-3100.
THURSDAY
Nature photography program | “Still Life Studies,” a program led by Master Naturalists and professional photographers Jack Hicks and Heidi Muller, will be at 5 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Directions: from Fort Collins, take Harmony Road west. It turns into County Road 38 E. Follow County Road 38 E to Masonville. Go left (south) at the Masonville Mercantile onto County Road 27. Follow County Road 27 about one mile to County Road 32 C, head west about one mile to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. From Loveland, go west on Highway 34 about 4.5 miles west of Wilson Avenue. Turn north on County Road 27 by Big Thompson Elementary and drive 4.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 32C and go one mile west to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. Meet at the parking lot. Take a camera, hiking shoes, water and snacks. The program includes a 2-3 mile moderate-to-strenuous hike. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Full moon hike | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch is offering a “full moon hike” at 8:30 p.m. at Quincy Reservoir. Directions will be given upon registration. Programs at Quincy Reservoir have an entry fee of $7 per adult, $3 for ages 10-15, free for ages 9 and under. Register/info: 303-739-2428.
FRIDAY
Evening hike | A naturalist-led evening hike will be at 7 p.m. at Roxoborough State Park. Tickets are $7.50 per hiker; reservations are required. The hike will take place “rain or shine.” Mail a check payable to the Friends of Roxborough to 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, 80125. Non-refundable tickets will be mailed to you. Info: 303-973-3959.
Full moon program | “Full Moon at Soapstone Prairie,” a program investigating the powerful force of the moon , will be at 8 p.m. at 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 south parking lot. The program includes an easy 2-mile hike. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
SATURDAY
Geology hike | Naturalist Roger Dowell will lead a geology 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.
Guided nature hike | A free, guided, easy hike will be at 10 a.m. at Red Mountain Open Space, located 25 miles north of Fort Collins off of County Road 15. Takes water and dress appropriately for the weather. Register: . Info: contact Rob at 970-679-4561.
Geology hike | Take a 5-mile hike and learn about the geology along Cheyenne Ridge at 9 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. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Museum free day | The Morrison Natural History Museum is offering free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to honor the completion of the second phase of the permanent exhibition, “Fossils of the Foothills,” which was made possible by a Scientific and Cultural Facilities District grant. The exhibition has been designed to be interpreted by a trained MNHM tour guide and 45-minute tours will run hourly from 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Info: or 303-697-1873.
Historic homesteads hike | Naturalists Jay and Caroline will lead a free hike through Homestead Meadows from Hermit Park Open Space, located southeast of Estes Park off of Hwy. 36. The 4.5-hour hike is rated “moderate.” Meet at 9 a.m. at the Homestead Meadows trail head at the end of the main road in Hermit Park. A $6 entrance permit is required. Take a lunch, water and dress appropriately for the weather. Info: contact Rob at 970-679-4561.
May 30
Archaeology program | Learn about the Lindenmeier National Historic Landmark and archaeological site on a 1/2 -mile walk on an easy, paved trail at 10 a.m. at 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@fcgov.com or .
Wildflower hike | Naturalist and Native Plant Master Susan Dunn will lead a hike on the Swallowtail trail for participants to view wildflowers at 7:30 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. The hike is approximately 5 miles; take a snack/lunch and water. Dress for the weather and meet at the Visitor Center. The program is weather dependent, call the park on the day of the program. 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.
