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. There are also Summer programs for kids. Info/register: call the Field Seminar Center at 970-586-3262 or visit .
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; a program is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on June 29. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
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.
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: .
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.
Kids nature program |Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch offers a “Wet and Wild Wednesdays at Aurora Reservoir” program for kids ages 6-12 Wednesdays at Aurora Reservoir, 5800 S. Powhaton Road. The programs focus on a different topic each week. “Birds, Nests and Eggs,” is the topic of the June 30 program. Programs at Aurora Reservoir have a $10 per vehicle entry fee. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
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 .
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 |Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is offering a free junior rangers program for kids ages 7-12 at varying times on Saturdays June through August. Kids can complete the activities in the Junior Ranger Handbook (available at the Visitor Center or Camper Services) to earn a level one Junior Ranger badge. To become a level two Junior Ranger and earn a Junior Ranger patch, kids must complete the handbook activities and attend a Junior Ranger program. Each Saturday a different Junior Ranger topic will be offered. Info: 719-304-1086.
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 $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 June 22 and Aug. 7; and Saturdays 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
Archaeology program |”Archaeology of Soapstone Prairie,” a program exploring “the story of the Lindenmeier Site and other archaeological wonders,” will be at 10 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Soapstone Prairie 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. The program includes a half-mile easy walk. Meet at the north parking lot. Program cancellations or changes are posted at 24-hours in advance when possible. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Family “mystery” hike |Take a naturalist-led hike that “challenges families to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for hidden clues along an easy 1-2 mile trail at 2 p.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center. The program is recommended for age 5 years and above; children must be accompanied by an adult. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
MONDAY
Geology program |”Geology of Soapstone Prairie,” a guided program, will be at 9 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Meet at the north parking lot; the program includes 5-miles of “moderate” hiking. Soapstone Prairie 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. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com with your contact information and program choices.
TUESDAY
Wildflower bike ride |Take a leisurely bike ride and admire “native plants of the prairie” at 9 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Soapstone Prairie 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 south parking lot; take your bicycle, sunscreen and drinking water. Program cancellations or changes are posted at 24-hours in advance when possible. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Hike for seniors |A Master Naturalist will lead a leisurely-paced, two-to-four mile, easy hike and program at 9 a.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 in the parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Astronomy program/author talk |Tyler Nordgren, author of “Stars Above, Earth Below: A Guide to Astronomy in the National Parks,” will lead a night sky presentation at 9 p.m. at Moraine Amphitheater in Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 Hwy. 36, Estes Park. Info: .
WEDNESDAY
Mother/daughter nature event |A free “Fancy Nancy-inspired” insect exploration event for moms and daughters, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Anythink Thornton, 8992 Washington St. Create an insect journal and search for bugs in the library’s “backyard.” Info: 303-287-2514 or .
“Science Cafe” event |”Science Cafe,” a free, informal discussion series on scientific topics, led by an expert and introduced by a moderator, will have its inaugural discussion, led by Nia Bauer, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Half Moon at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. The informal atmosphere allows discussions between students, community members and experts in science fields, “supporting the expansion of scientific knowledge.” Beverages and snacks are provided. Register: contact Celia Norman at 303-797-5851 or e-mail celia.norman@arapahoe.edu.
Guided birdwalk |A guided birdwalk will be at 8 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot; take binoculars and water. Have $6 (take exact change) if you need to purchase a daily State Parks pass, which is required for any vehicle entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Guided bike ride |A guided, 15-mile, strenuous bike tour starts at 9 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Soapstone Prairie 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. Take your bicycle, sunscreen, snacks and drinking water. Program cancellations or changes are posted at 24-hours in advance when possible. Register: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com with your contact information and program choices.
THURSDAY
Kids nature program |”Junior Bobcats: Earth and Sky,” a free program for kids ages 8-12, with a parent or guardian, will be at 9 a.m.at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The program features hands-on activities, hikes and games. 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: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choices and contact information.
FRIDAY
Cheyenne Mountain history program |”From Working Ranch to Stunning State Park – The History of Cheyenne Mountain,” a free presentation, will be at 8:30 p.m. in the Amphitheater at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program is recommended for ages 12 and over. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Observatory mini lecture/public viewing night |The Gunnison Valley Observatory, off Gold Basin Road at the base of “W” Mountain, just southwest of Gunnison on US Highway 50, opens at 8 p.m. for a “mini lecture and public viewing night.” A 10-minute lecture presentation will be rotated throughout the evening, and the 30-inch reflector telescope and two outside scopes can be used to observe the night sky. A donation of $5 per adult and $3 per child over age seven is requested. Info: contact Mike Brooks at 970-641-6181, Gail Davidson at 970-641-8140 or visit .
SATURDAY
Pre-Independence Day celebration |A “Pre-Independence Day” Celebration, with games, activities and entertainment, including evening fireworks viewing at the amphitheater, will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Guided wildlife excursion |A guided 2-4 mile hike, in search of wildlife, will be at 8 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot; take binoculars and water. Have $6 (take exact change) if you need to purchase a daily State Parks pass, which is required for any vehicle entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Observatory mini lecture/public viewing night |The Gunnison Valley Observatory, off Gold Basin Road at the base of “W” Mountain, just southwest of Gunnison on US Highway 50, opens at 8 p.m. for a “mini lecture and public viewing night.” A 10-minute lecture presentation will be rotated throughout the evening, and the 30-inch reflector telescope and two outside scopes can be used to observe the night sky. A donation of $5 per adult and $3 per child over age seven is requested. Info: contact Mike Brooks at 970-641-6181, Gail Davidson at 970-641-8140 or visit .
Wildlife photography program |Learn to capture tricky, fast-moving wildlife from 6:30 to 8 a.m. at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area, located in Fort Collins with parking lots on Cherly Street (off Summitview), and Prospect Street, Cairnes Street (off Timberline). The program involves two miles of easy hiking. For meeting location and to register, call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choices and contact information.
Archaeology program |”Archaeology of Soapstone Prairie,” a program exploring “the story of the Lindenmeier Site and other archaeological wonders,” will be at 10 a.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Soapstone Prairie 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. The program includes a half-mile easy walk on a paved walkway. Meet at the north parking lot. Program cancellations or changes are posted at 24-hours in advance when possible. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
July 4
Family “mystery” hike |Take a naturalist-led hike that “challenges families to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for hidden clues along an easy 1-2 mile trail at 2 p.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center. The program is recommended for age 5 years and above; children must be accompanied by an adult. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Guided hike |There will be a guided, 2 to 4-mile moderate hike at 9 a.m. on the Pronghorn Trail at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Soapstone Prairie 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. The program includes a half-mile easy walk on a paved walkway. Meet at the south parking lot. Program cancellations or changes are posted at 24-hours in advance when possible. Info: 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.
