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.
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory | The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic offers science talks, a kids nature camp, and explorer experiences for adult and families with kids ages 8 and up. Directions: upon entering Crested Butte, proceed through the 4-way-stop at the intersection at Elk Avenue and follow the highway (also called Gothic Road or County Road 317) up the mountain past the ski area and through Mount Crested Butte (4 miles). The road will change from paved to dirt as you leave Mount Crested Butte. Follow it another 4 miles into Gothic. Info: 970-349-7231 or .
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 free daily guided walks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.(registration required); daily free nature presentation throughout the day (registration required); guided bat walks at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning June 15 (registration required); and “Magpie Players” programs at 4:45 p.m. Thursdays June through August. Info: 719-634-6666. Register: 719-219-0108.
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 | Rifle Falls State Park, 5775 Hwy. 325, Rifle is offering a Junior Ranger program for children ages 6-12 who want to discover the park’s wildlife, geology, ecosystems, history and environment through the eyes of a ranger. Participants can pick up a Junior Ranger activity book in the Rifle Falls campground entrance station on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Hours may vary. Participants should complete the activity book and return it to the campground entrance station to receive a signature noting completion and a Junior Ranger badge. Participants may also have their picture taken for display at the Rifle Gap Visitor center once a photo release form is signed. Info: 970-625-1607 or rifle.gap.park@state.co.us.
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” sessions are from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and “Using GPS and Topo Maps” sessions are 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.
Guided hikes | The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is teaming up with the Trails and Open Space Coalition, Friends of the Peak and Colorado Springs Utilities to provide opportunities for citizens to explore the South Slope of Pikes Peak on guided hikes. The South Slope is not yet open to the general public, but can be seen by joining a guided hikes. Hikes are offered on the following dates: July 31; Aug. 8 and 28; and Sept. 11 and 25. Tours will begin at the main parking lot of Red Rock Canyon (Highway 24 and Ridge Road, just past 31st St.), and participants will caravan to the South Slope. Hikes are $10 per participant; reservations are required. Dogs are not allowed. Participants must be 12 years or older, and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared to hike 7 miles at high altitude; take drinking water, snacks and dress for the weather. Tours leave Red Rock Canyon at 8 a.m. and return around 3 p.m. Register: 719-633-6884.
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 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.
Rocky Mountain Raptor Center tours | RMRP is offering behind-the-scenes tours of their treatment room, food prep room and pantry, and a chance to meet Education Ambassadors, raptors that are non-releasable due to their injuries. Tours are free and are limited to the first 20 who RSVP. Tour dates are: Aug. 6 and 21; Sept. 10 and 18; Oct. 1 and 16; Nov. 5 and 20; and Dec. 3. Register: e-mail info@rmrp.org with your preferred date, contact information and number of people in your party.
TODAY
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 birdwalk | Naturalists Doris Cruze and Nancy Crews will lead a birdwalk at 7:30 a.m. at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Dress for the weather; take water and snacks. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
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: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
MONDAY
Wildflower walk | Take a volunteer naturalist-led walk in search of wildflowers at 9 a.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Camper Services; take water and a camera. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Family nature program | “Summer Bug Safari,” a free program featuring live insects, spiders and arthropods presented by the Butterfly Pavilion, with a chance to venture outdoors in search of insects around the library, will be at 6:30 p.m. at Anythink Huron St., 9417 Huron St, Thornton. Register: visit online calendar at . Info: 303-452-7534.
TUESDAY
Carbon footprint program | “Find Your Footprint,” a free program where participants calculate their carbon footprint and the amount of natural resources it takes to support various lifestyle choices, will be at 10 a.m. at Anythink Huron St., 9417 Huron St, Thornton. Register: visit online calendar at . Info: 303-452-7534.
Birding program | “Avian Adventures,” a free event for participants to view aquatic and prairie birds, will be at 8 a.m. at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, located on Carpenter Road/ County Road 32, approximately one mile west of I-25, or two miles east of Timberline on the north side of Carpenter Road. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Environmental journalist talk | Journalist Mitch Tobin will discuss his new book, “Endangered,” at 7:30 p.m. at Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron St., Thornton. Discussions at this free event include: the Endangered Species Act and current world climatological factors contributing to thee rapid extinction of the wildlife species in the Southwest. Participants will explore collaborative efforts that could help reverse this devastating trend. Info: or 303-452-7534.
Earth/space program | “Digital Earth: Explore the Earth from Space,” a tour of the Earth’s surface via satellite, will be at 7 p.m. in the Gates Planetarium at the Denver Museum Star of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Cost is $8 members, $10 nonmembers. Info/register: 303-322-7009 or visit .
WEDNESDAY
Kids nature program | “Bobcat Tales: Take a Bear Nap,” a program for kids ages 3-7 (with parent/guardian), will be at 10 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The activity includes hands-on activities, stories and puppets. Meet at the picnic shelter. 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. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
THURSDAY
Geology walk | Beverly Cellini will lead a free “Geology Walk” at 6:30 p.m. on the Ridge Trail at Garden of the Gods. Meet at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
Denver Botanic Gardens free day | Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., is offering free admission to Colorado residents beginning at 9 a.m. Info: or 720-865-3500.
Kids nature program | “Junior Bobcats: Survivor,” 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.
Kids nature program | “Kids Konnecting with Nature – Animal Home Sweet Home,” a program for kids ages 3-5 years old, will be at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet in the activity room at Camper Services. There will be activities, stories and discovery time on the trail. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Worm program | “Worms to the Rescue,” a free program that lets participants created their own vermiculture starter kit, which uses worms to turn food waste into compost for a garden, will be at 1 p.m. at Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton. Register: . Info: 303-405-3200.
“Leave No Trace” program | “Leave No Trace,” a free, hands-on program teaching participants the skills to enjoy nature without harming it, will be at 6 p.m. at Anythink Huron St., 9417 Huron St, Thornton. Register: visit online calendar at . Info: 303-452-7534.
Bug program for kids | “Summer Bug Safari,” a free program that gets kids “up close and personal” with live insects, spiders and arthropods, presented by the Butterfly Pavilion, will be at 3 and 7 p.m. at Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton. The program also includes a trip outdoors to see what types of insects live around the library. Register: . Info: 303-405-3200.
FRIDAY
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
Raven program and hike | “Ravens, Legendary Bird Brains,” free, naturalist-led program about ravens, will be at 8 a.m. at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of Loveland off Hwy. 34. The free includes an easy hike, so take drinking water and sunscreen and dress appropriately for the weather. Info: contact Rob Novak at 970-679-4561.
Wildlife author program | Terry Grosz, author and retired US Fish and Wildlife Officer, will be at Vega State Park, in Collbran from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visitors can meet and talk with Grosz, who will also be available to sign his seven books. At 7 p.m., Grosz’s first movie, “Wildlife Wars,” will be shown at the Visitor Center. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-487-3407 or e-mail helen.spence@state.co.us or jody.rosier@state.co.us.
Geology and nature hike | Volunteer Naturalist Roger Dowell will lead a geology/nature hike at 9 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Dress for the weather; take water and snacks. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
“Leave No Trace” program | A free program on the “Leave No Trace” ethic, which teaches ways to enjoy “wild” places while being a responsible steward of the land, will be at 7 p.m. in the Amphitheater 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.
Evening hike | Volunteer Naturalists will lead a hike by the light of the moon at 7 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. After the hike, there will be refreshments and a chance to view the moon using a telescope. Reservations are required; cost is $7.50 per hiker. Send your check with phone number payable to: The Friends of Roxborough, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, 80125 to reserve your space. Non-refundable tickets for your confirmed hike will be sent to you. Info: 303-973-3959
Full moon program | “Full Moon at Soapstone,” a free night program with an easy, 2-mile hike, will be at 7 p.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Meet at the south parking lot. 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.
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.
GPS/geocaching program | Learn the basics of operating a GPS and get some practice finding geocaches hidden in the park at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet in the activity room at Camper Services. GPS units will be provided. 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 .
Kids nature program | “Kids Konnecting with Nature – Color Crazy,” a program for kids ages 3-5 years old, will be at 1 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet in the activity room at Camper Services. There will be activities, stories and discovery time on the trail. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
Nature program | “Changing Scenery,” a free program exploring how landforms were created and have changed over time, will be at 9 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The program includes one mile of easy hiking; meet at the picnic shelter. 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. Info: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Wildland fire program | Volunteer Naturalist and Wildland Fire Educator Sue will lead a moderate hike to show the dramatic effects of wildfire at 9 a.m. at Hermit Park Open Space, located southeast of Estes Park off of Hwy. 36. Meet at the trailhead for the Kruger Rock Trail, near the pavilion area. There is a $6 per vehicle entrance permit required. Info: contact Rob Novak at 970-679-4561.
July 25
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. 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. 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. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Full moon hike | A guided “full moon” hike will be at 8:30 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at Camper Services. 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.
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.
Physicist talk | Fred Young Begay, a retired nuclear physicist born at Towaoc on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, will speak at 1 p.m. at the Anasazi Heritage Center (located in an office of the Bureau of Land Management) three miles west of Delores on Hwy. 184. Begay will discuss the parallels between traditional Navajo concepts of religion and medicine and modern scientific thought. Info: 970-882-5600 or .
Night nature program | “Moon Magic,” a guided hike under the moon, exploring animal senses, moon stories and more, will be from 8:15 to 10:15 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Meet at the picnic shelter. 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. Register: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact information.
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.
