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 animal program | “Fun with Animals,” a program led by Jody Weiland teaching about a different animal each week, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesdays in October at the Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Cost is $15 for the 4-week session; the program is geared towards kids ages 3-6 years. Register: 720-898-7405.
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: .
Family nature activity | Twenty-five Colorado State Parks now have “Family Activity Backpacks” that can be checked out free of charge at the park visitor center or office for day use. The backpacks include: two large bug boxes, magnifiers, various guide books (covering insects, birds, wildflowers and pond or tree life depending on the park), binoculars and a nature journal. Backpacks can be found at the following state parks: Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area; Barr Lake State Park; Boyd Lake State Park; Castlewood Canyon State Park; Cheyenne Mountain State Park; Crawford State Park; Eldorado Canyon State Park; Golden Gate Canyon State Park; Highline Lake State Park; James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park; Lathrop State Park; Lake Pueblo State Park; Lory State Park; Mancos State Park; Mueller State Park; North Sterling State Park; Ridgway State Park; Rifle Gap State Park (and Rifle Falls); St. Vrain State Park; Stagecoach State Park; Steamboat Lake State Park; Sylvan Lake State Park; Trinidad Lake State Park; Vega State Park; and Yampa River State Park. 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, “Star K Kids,” for children ages 5 and under every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. with puppets, stories, activities and outdoor exploration. Info: 303-739-2428 or .
Nature activities | South Suburban Parks and Recreation naturalists lead many outdoor, nature and environmentally related activities and events at Carson Nature Center, 3000 W. Carson Drive, Littleton. For a list of events, visit or call 303-730-1022.
Nocturnal nature program | “Nature at Night,” a free program, is at 6:30 p.m. the third Friday of each month at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Nature programs | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a variety of nature programs for children and adults. For a list of events, call 303-739-2428 or visit .
Nature presentations | Garden of the Gods Park, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, offers fitness walks Wednesday mornings in 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 : 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 | 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.
Kids nature program | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, offers a “Kids Hour” with naturalist-led activities, geared for kids ages 2-7, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Oct. through December. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
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.
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: 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.
Nature notes club | The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources has formed a “Nature Notes Club” for the County’s Open Spaces. The “Nature Notes Club” is a guided, nature-journaling program. Participants will be led by Volunteer Naturalist Lisa through the process of creating their own nature journals in the style of John Muir or Aldo Leopold. The club will have several outings throughout the county’s Open-Spaces system, allowing members to receive basic instructions on sketching, ecology, geology, wildlife and other natural sciences. Club members can participate in all sessions or just a few, whatever fits their schedules. Each session includes a short hike to a scenic location with lots of potential for journaling. Participants need to provide their own notebooks and writing/drawing utensils, and are “strongly encouraged” to take a stool to sit on, a digital camera, and snacks and water for the trail. Participants should also dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes to each session. Nature Notes Club meetings are from 8 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 3, 10, 24 and 31. To register and for meeting locations, contact Rob Novak at rnovak@larimer.org or call 970-679-4561.
TODAY
Family “mystery” hike | A naturalist-led family “mystery” hike will be at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Families will be challenged to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for clues along a 1-2 mile, easy trail. Meet at the Visitor Center. The program is recommended for ages 5 years and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-304-1086.
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 .
Nature mountain bike ride | In conjunction with the International Mountain Biking Association’s “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day,” the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Absolute Bikes and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association will host a mountain bike ride along the Arkansas River east of Salida in the Point Barr to Howard area at 11 a.m. The ride will start at the Point Barr Recreation Site, which is accessible from Fremont County Road 45 at the Wellsville exit off of Highway 50. All participants will receive a free water bottle.Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For those lacking mountain bikes, helmets or transportation, Absolute Bikes is offering complementary mountain bike and helmet rentals and has a shuttle vehicle. Register: call 719-539-7289 or visit the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center, 307 W. Sackett Ave., Salida.
Historic Persse Place open house | Step off the Fountain Valley Trail and into the early 1900s with Volunteer Naturalists and tour the nationally registered historic home of Henry Persse during an open house event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
Archaeology program | “How Women Lived in the Minoan-Mycenaean World,” a free talk by John G. Younger, Professor of Classics and Director of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas, will be at 2 p.m. in the lecture hall of the LoDo Tattered Cover Bookstore, 1628 16th St. Info: .
MONDAY
Guided flora walk | A volunteer naturalist will lead a “Fall Flora Discovery Walk” at 10 a.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Meet at Camper Services; take hiking gear, water and a camera. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-304-1086.
TUESDAY
History program | “A Reading Circle Circa 1909,” a free program led by Glen Eyrie historian Susan Fletcher, will be at noon in the Red Rocks Room at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
Environment/Middle East talk | “The Environment as a Bridge to Cooperation in the Middle East,” a panel discussion, will be at 7 p.m. at the University of Denver campus, Craig Hall, Community Room, 2158 S. High St., Denver. Speakers are Mohammed Atwa, Eitan Amiel and David Weisberg. Info: 303-871-4995 or isime@du.edu.
WEDNESDAY
Boulder Green Building Guild commercial brown bag series lecture | “Small Building Tune-up Pilot Program,” a talk, will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room at REI, 1789 28th St., Boulder. Cost is free for BGBG members, $20 nonmembers. Take a sack lunch if desired. Register: .
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. 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
Astronomy talk | “Colorado Skies: Cassini Update,” a live talk, will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $7 adults, $3.50 child/senior, free for students with valid ID. Info: 303-495-5001, fiske@colorado.edu or .
Kids rock art program | “Rock Art,” a free program for kids ages 7-12, led by Betsy Weitkamp, former teacher and a member of the Denver Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society, will be at 4 p.m. at the Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Register: 720-898-7405.
FRIDAY
Astronomy talk | “The Crowded Sky Premier!” an astronomy talk, will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $7 adults, $3.50 child/senior, $5 for students with valid ID. Info: 303-495-5001, fiske@colorado.edu or .
Campfire nature program | “Nature at Night,” a free campfire program with stories, songs and games, will be at 6:30 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. The program is appropriate for all ages. Take a jacket and insect repellent. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Kids nature program | “Spiders,” a program for kids ages 3-5 (accompanied by an adult) will be at 10 a.m. in the Red Rocks Room at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108.
SATURDAY
Family-friendly astronomy program | “The Planets Uncovered,” an astronomy program, will be at 2 p.m. at the Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-495-5001, fiske@colorado.edu or .
Nature writing workshop | Walk the South Platte River with rangers from the Carson Nature Center then join two distinguished writers for a workshop and readings focused on the natural world. Sponsored by the Arapahoe Community College Writers Studio, this event, features poet/fiction writer Eleanor Swanson and poet/essayist Reg Saner. The Nature Writing morning includes a presentation on ecology and wildlife of the South Platte River by the resident Naturalist and a short inspirational nature hike. Eleanor Swanson’s workshop will be on “Reading Nature, Writing the World.” After a brief introduction to some contemporary ways of thinking about nature writing, workshop participants will have the chance to begin a naturalist/observation journal, write a poem or short prose piece based on their journal entry, and share their work with fellow participants as well as the workshop leader. Reg Saner will conduct a workshop on “Creationism” The Ecotone Made of Words.” The event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Carson Nature Center Solar Class room in the South Platte Park, located west of Santa Fe Drive along the Platte River bike trail, behind Aspen Grove Shopping center and across from the Littleton/Mineral Avenue park-and-ride/light rail station. Cost is $15 for ACC students; $30 non-students. Info: e-mail Kathryn.winograd@arapahoe.edu.
Geology program | Naturalist Mary-Margaret Coates will lead a program on the origins of the Lyons Formation at Roxborogh at 1 p.m. on the sandstone patio at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Family-friendly recycling/art event | “Mr. Bottle Bones,” a free, family-friendly program where participants get to create a life-sized skeleton from empty milk jugs, will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Garbage Garage Education Center at the Larimer County Landfill, 5887 S. Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins. Register: 970-498-5775, 970-498-5772 or e-mail mmcarthy@larimer.org. Info: .
Naturalist-led activity | “Traces of Autumn,” an activity led by Naturalist Sarah McKelvey, will be at 10:30 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
Owl program | “Owls of the World,” a program by Kin Quitugua and volunteers from HawkQwest, will be at noon in the Castle Great Hall at Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia. Cost is $25 per person and includes a box lunch. Register: 303-688-4600. Info: .
Trail grand opening event | Commerce City is celebrating the completion of a portion of the Second Creek Greenway Trail at a grand opening event at 9:30 a.m. at the Buffalo Mesa Trailhead, near 104th Avenue and Kittredge St. Participants are invited to walk on the new 4.5 miles of trail, which is part of the regional trail that will eventually span 17 miles, from Brighton and Adams County south to Denver and Aurora. Info: contact Traci Ferguson at 303-227-8788.
Family Day/bird banding event | A Family Day event will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s Old Stone House headquarters, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane on the Barr Lake State Park property on the north side of the lake. Meet outside the Park’s nature center for a short walk to the banding station where Bird Bander Meredith McBurney will demonstrate the banding process and talk about bird identifications and adaptions. Cost is $5 per family plus $6 per vehicle for a State Parks day pass. Register: call 303-659-4348, ext. 15 or e-mail cassy.bohnet@@rmbo.org.
Oct. 10
Ornithology event | Chatfield State Park and the Denver Field Ornithologists are hosting the annual “Big Sit!” between 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the event, participants sit or stand in one location and try to count as many bird species as possible. The event will be at Chatfield State Park, 11500 N. Roxborough Park Drive, Littleton. Take lunch and drinking water, wear sunscreen, and use your own chair or benches provided by Chatfield State Park. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: .
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.
