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. each Tuesday through August. 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.
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.
Fitness walks are offered Wednesday mornings in September and October. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Red Rocks Room to select a hike option. Dress for the weather; wear appropriate shoes, and take hat, water and sunscreen. Following each fitness hike is an informative “Garden Greeting” and free refreshments at the Visitor Center cafe. 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 ages 7-12 will use their artistic skills and gain knowledge of the outdoors in this program. Pick up a Junior Naturalist booklet at the visitor center. Kids must participate in at least two naturalist-led programs and complete all activities in the booklet to earn a certificate of completion and an official Junior Naturalist Patch. 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.
TODAY
Prairie exploration program | “The Prairie: It’s Not Just Grass!” a program “exploring the wonders of the prairie,” 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 1.5-mile easy walk. 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.
Guided bird walk | Melissa Walker will lead a free bird walk at 8 a.m. 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.
Kids nature/reading event | “Ranger Read-a-long,” a free program for kids to join a Park Ranger under the great elm tree for a story and activity, will be from 11:30 a.m. to noon at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Enter the Refuge at 56th Avenue and Havana Street, then proceed 1.5-miles to the Visitor Center to check in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register/info: 303-289-0930.
Free day at Museum | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering free general admission all day for Colorado residents. Separate fees for IMAX films and Planetarium shows still apply. Info: 303-322-7009 or .
Dam family hike | Volunteer Naturalists Sonia and Mike Zipparo will lead a family-friendly hike to the historic Castlewood Canyon Dam at 11 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, S. Highway 83, Franktown. A talk on the history of the dam will be included. Strollers do not work on the rocky terrain, so “little ones” will have to hike or be carried with a pack. Take drinking water; wear sunscreen and sturdy shoes. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Historic home open house | An Open House event will be from noon to 3 p.m. at Historic Persse Place off the Fountain Valley Trail in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Volunteer Naturalists will give tours of this nationally registered historic home. 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.
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.
TUESDAY
Insect walk | Bret Tennis will lead a free “Insect Walk” at 9 a.m. 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.
Rocky Mountain Land Series | Presentation and booksigning Jerome Greene, retired Research Historian for the National Park Service,” will discuss and sign his new book, “Beyond the Bear’s Paw: The Nez Perce Indians in Canada,” which explores the fate of “non-treaty” Indians, at 7:30 p.m. at the LoDo Tattered Cover Bookstore, 1628 16th St. Info: 303-436-1070 or .
Boulder Green Building Guild | Residential Brown Bag Series program “Water Reuse – Opportunities and Obstacles,” a talk by Mike Vail, CEO and Co-Founder of Water Legacy LLC, and Paul Lander, instructor at the University of Colorado and for the American Water Works Association, will be at noon in the Community Room at REI, 1789 28th St., Boulder. Take a sack lunch if desired. Cost is free for members, $20 for nonmembers. Register: .
WEDNESDAY
Astronomy program | “Colorado Skies,” an evening of science, stories and stars with astronomer Larry Sessions, will be at 7 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Tickets are $8 members, $10 nonmembers, $5 children ages 3-12. Info: 303-322-7009 or .
Natural area picnic dinner | Take a sack supper and enjoy dinner in a natural area at 6 p.m. at Pineridge Natural Area. Wear insect repellent; picnic tables are available. Directions: Pineridge Natural Area can be accessed from Maxwell Natural Area parking lot off County Road 42C. (Do not park along County Road 42C roadway). Parking lots on County Road 42C approximately one-fourth mile south of Hughes Stadium and at the west end of Horsetooth Road (through Spring Canyon Community Park). Register: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact information.
Guided birdwalk | Naturalists Phoebe and Paul Thayer will lead a birdwalk at 8 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.
Prairie dog hike | A naturalist-led hike to view a prairie dog colony and to learn about the life and language of these burrowing rodents, will be at 9 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot; take drinking water. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
THURSDAY
Meteor shower viewing | View the Perseid Meteor shower at Castlewood Canyon State Park, S. Highway 83, Franktown. An 8″ telescope will be on hand to give participants a close-up view of celestial objects. Take your own telescope if desired; as well as warm clothes and a lounging chair or mat to sit on. Meet at the Event Facilities at dusk. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 303-688-5242.
Meteor shower viewing | View the Perseid Meteor shower from 7:45 to 11 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Meet at the picnic shelter; take a lounge chair or blanket, insect repellent and drinking water. 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. Register: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com with your program choice and contact information.
Kids nature program | “Kids Konnecting with Nature – Turkey Talk,” a program for kids ages 4-5 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.
Mineral show/swap | “Contin-Tail,” a mineral, rock and gem show and swap, will be Aug. 12-15 at the Rodeo Grounds in Buena Vista. Info: contact Carolyn Tunnicliff at 303-833-2939 or ctunnicliff@comcast.net or visit .
FRIDAY
Bat presentation | “Bats!” a free presentation, will be at 8:30 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.
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
History program and hike | A “History Mystery” program and hike will be at 9 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Discover the human history of Bobcat Ridge on an easy two-mile hike to a pioneer cabin. Meet at the parking lot. 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 32C, 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.
Art hike | Take a guided hike in the East Canyon at 9 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, S. Highway 83, Franktown. The hike will be at a leisurely pace with frequent stops for photos and sketching. Meet at the Bridge Overlook parking lot. Take camera, art supplies, and drinking water; wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen and dress for the weather. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register/info: 303-688-5242.
Nature program | Volunteer Naturalists Sue Majeski and Nancy Mussetter will lead a program, “Tracks, Scat and Other Fun Stuff,” 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.
Kids insect/storytime event | “Bugged-Out Storytime,” a kids event led by Park Ranger Megan that explores how bugs are helpful, not harmful, will be at 10:30 a.m. at the Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover Bookstore, 9315 Dorchester St. Info: or 303-470-7050.
Wildflower hike | Volunteer Naturalists and Native Plant Masters Lila and Peter Laux will lead a 1.4-mile walk through scrub oak, meadows and shrubs in search of wildflowers along the Willow Creek Trail at 9 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Meet at the Visitor Center. Dress for the weather with a hat and sturdy shoes or boots; take sunscreen, water and snacks. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Kids nature program | “Kids Konnecting with Nature – The Antics of Ants,” a program for kids ages 4-5 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.
“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.
Guided wildlife excursion | A guided 2-3 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 .
Naturalist-led hike | A free, naturalist-led nature hike will be from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Enter the Refuge at 56th Avenue and Havana Street, then proceed 1.5-miles to the Visitor Center to check in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear comfortable shoes and take drinking water. Register/info: 303-289-0930.
Nature program | “Evening with a Naturalist,” a free nature program around the campfire, with a naturalist discussing “skulls and the stories of he animals they belong to,” will be from 8 to 9 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Enter the Refuge at 56th Avenue and Havana Street, then proceed 1.5-miles to the Visitor Center to check in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register/info: 303-289-0930.
Aug. 15
Guided hike | Volunteer Naturalist Linda Pohle will be at the “concrete house” in Castlewood Canyon State Park, S. Highway 83, Franktown, from noon to 3 p.m. Take a hike to the house and learn about the house, the Lucas family who built it, and the homestead around it. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-688-5242.
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,
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.
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.
