ONGOING EVENTS
Winter nature program “Critter Scene Investigation,” a program for kids and adults, led by Volunteer Naturalists, will be on select snowy mornings when conditions are good for tracking animals at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Eagle’s Nest Open Space. Participants will receive e-mail notification the night before a program is to be held with details on where to meet and what to bring. This interactive program explores animal behaviors and basic tracking skills. Register: e-mail Rob Novak at rnovak@larimer.org or call 970-679-4561.
Nature notes club The Larimer County Natural Resources Nature Notes Club is accepting new members throughout the spring. Join current members already journaling in the style of John Muir and Aldo Leopold with Volunteer Naturalist Lisa. The club will have several outings throughout the county’s open space system, allowing members to immerse themselves in the full range and scope of what the Open Spaces have to offer. Club members will receive basic instruction on sketching, ecology, geology, wildlife and other natural sciences. Club members can participate in all session or just a few, whatever fits their schedule. Info/register: contact Rob Novak at rnovak@larimer.org or call 970-679-4561.
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: ~rstencel/Chamberlin/, 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 .
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.
Seedling classes for preschoolers Seedling Classes offer a hands-on way for young children (ages 3-5, with an adult) to explore the plant world with nature walks, hands-on explorations, stories and projects Tuesdays at 9:30 and 11 a.m. year-round at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Cost is $10 per class for members, $12 per class for non-members. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Register/info: or 720-865-3580.
Children’s nature programs There are a variety of programs available for children at the Mordecai Children’s Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. There are free drop-in programs available every weekday; “Exploration Stations” to visit from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; “Sensory Stations” to visit from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; and a “Stories in Action” program at 10 a.m. Thursdays. Info: or 720-865-3585.
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 and 11 a.m. with puppets, stories, activities and outdoor exploration. Info: 303-739-2428 or .
Nature activities South Suburban Parks and Recreation naturalists lead many outdoor, nature and environmentally related activities and events at Carson Nature Center, 3000 W. Carson Drive, Littleton. For a list of events, visit or call 303-730-1022.
Nocturnal nature program “Nature at Night,” a free program, is at 6:30 p.m. the third Friday of each month at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Nature programs The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a variety of nature programs for children and adults. For a list of events, call 303-739-2428 or visit .
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 $7 adults, $5 students with valid I.D., and $3.50 for children and seniors. Saturday family shows are $6 adults, $3.50 children and seniors. Laser shows are $7. Info: 303-492-5002, or e-mail fiske@colorado.edu.
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. Registration is required! 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 March 8, 15, 22, and 29. 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.
Earth Corps The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs. Every year, RMFI, in partnership with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs hosts an Earth Corps program open to undergraduate students from colleges and universities throughout the United States. The 2011 stewardship project will provide key support for the completion of the Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point Trail Project above the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. Earth Corps is a highly selective and demanding environmental education and service course. For the duration of the program, participants live and work in a remote backcountry setting, complete long hours of demanding physical labor while working effectively as a team. Students will develop key outdoor skills and upon successful completion of the program, each student will receive 4 hours of credit from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. The application deadline is March 23. Outstanding applicants will be awarded placement in advance of the deadline. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Final decisions will be announced by April 1. Info: rmfi@rmfi.org or 719-471-7736.
Family-oriented nature programs Join Cherry Creek State Park’s Rangers and Volunteer Naturalists at 2 p.m. every Saturday in March at the Campground Amphitheater for a family-oriented, informative nature program. Each program will explore a different topic about Cherry Creek State Park’s unique wildlife and ecosystem. The programs are free; a $9 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Cherry Creek State Park is located at 4201 S. Parker Road, Aurora. Info: 303-690-1166 or cherry.creek.park@state.co.us.
TODAY
Water talk “Hot Topic for Spring: Water,” a free talk by Castle Rock Utilities Director Ron Redd and local Water Conservation Specialist Rick Schultz, will be at 2 p.m. at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Register: 303-791-7323 or .
Trailwork event Rocky Mountain Field Institute needs volunteers ages 16 and up (or 13 to 16 if accompanied by a parent volunteer) to help with the Fountain Creek Restoration Project stabilizing and restoring the banks of the creek as it flows through Fields Park. Work to be completed includes: building steps and retaining walls, planting native plants, seeding grass and placing erosion-control matting on the ground. This strenuous work requires some heavy lifting. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to noon. Take water bottles, a sack lunch, work gloves, rain gear, sturdy and weather-appropriate clothing, work shoes or boots (NO open toes), sunscreen and insect repellant. Future work dates/times on this project include: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 20 and May 1. Register/info: contact Liz at 719-471-7736 or e-mail rmfi@rmfi.org.
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.
MONDAY
Artistic/scientifically accurate movement/theater performance Acclaimed artist Michelle Ellsworth will perform “Preparation Y, Second Edition,” an “artistically wild, scientifically accurate movement/theater performance piece that explores the shrinkage of the Y chromosome,” informed by collaborating global change biologist Rob Gurlanick, at 7 p.m. March 7-9 in the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History Paleontology Hall on the CU Boulder campus. Cost is $10 general admission, $5 students/seniors. Info: 303-492-6892 or .
WEDNESDAY
Guided bird walk Volunteer Naturalists Paul and Phoebe Thayer will lead a bird walk at 9 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Take binoculars and a bird book if you have them; mete at the Visitor center. Birders of all ability levels are welcome. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
THURSDAY
Astronomy program “Colorado Skies: The Dark Side of the Universe with Erica Ellingson,” a live talk, will be at 7:30 p.m. at Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $7 adults, $3.50 child/senior, free for students with valid ID. Info: 303-492-5002, or e-mail fiske@colorado.edu.
Green building presentation “Why You’ve Got to Go Green: The Rise of Green Regs and The Green Economy,” a free presentation and luncheon sponsored by Ainsworth, an OSB manufacturer, will be from noon to 2 p.m. at the Denver Merchandise Mart, 451 E. 58th Ave. The event is being held in conjunction with the Mountain States Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association 2011 Building Products Expo March 10-11 at the Merchandise Mart. To register for the luncheon and Ainsworth-sponsored presentation, call 866-661-3200, ext. 3234. For information on the MSLBMDA Expo, visit .
Water presentation “The Poudre Runs Through It: Northern Colorado’s Water Future,” a free “education session” with perspectives on meeting future urban growth from agricultural conservation and transfers, urban conservation, storage alternatives and other engineered solutions. Also to be covered will be a discussion of the environmental features the region needs to preserve and enhance as options for future water supply are considered. The session will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Larimer County Courthouse Office Building, 200 W. Oak, Fort Collins. To register, visit .
FRIDAY
Pirate event “Buccaneer Ball,” an event for ages 21 and up, will be from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Wear your pirate clothes for a chance to win some “booty” and enjoy an appetizer buffet and dancing. Ticket includes one drink, appetizers, live entertainment and admission to the Real Pirates exhibition. Cost is $38 members, $43 nonmembers. Info: or 303-322-7009.
Kids nature program “Knee-High Knapsack: Bubbles,” a program for kids ages 3-6 (with parent/caregiver), will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center, 200 Mathews St. Kids will learn about the science behind bubbles, foam and bubble art with hands-on investigations. Info: 970-221-6738 or .
Junior rangers program “Owl Prowl,” a free junior rangers program, will be at 6 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Program is for ages 6-12; registration is required. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Astronomy program “The Dark Side of the Universe with Erica Ellingson,” a live talk, will be at 7:30 p.m. at Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $7 adults, $5 students with valid ID, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5002, or e-mail fiske@colorado.edu.
Crane festival The 28th annual Monte Vista Crane Festival will be March 11-13. Wildlife watchers can see greater sandhill cranes in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge and in the Rio Grande, Higel and Russell Lakes State Wildlife Areas. During the festival, free tours are offered at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the birds are most active. Visitors can take buses to various spots on the wildlife refuge and US Fish and Wildlife Service staffers will talk about the cranes’ migration and the refuge. Spotting scopes at the stops are provided by the DOW. Info: .
SATURDAY
Family astronomy program “Space Storm,” a family-friendly astronomy program, will be at 2 p.m. at Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, $3.50 child/senior. Info: 303-492-5002, or e-mail fiske@colorado.edu.
Guided bird walk Morrison Nature Center is offering a free guided bird walk for birders of all ability levels (ages 10 and over) at 8:30 a.m. at Quincy Reservoir. Directions will be given upon registration. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Wildlife program/guided hike “Wildlife Waking Up,” a free program and guided hike, will be at 9 a.m. at River Bluffs Open Space, located north of Hwy. 392 in Windsor off of County Road 32E. The hike is rated easy; dress appropriately for the weather and take water and snacks for the trail. Info: contact Rob Novak at 970-679-4561.
Trailwork event Rocky Mountain Field Institute needs volunteers ages 16 and up (or 13 to 16 if accompanied by a parent volunteer) to work on part of the Hayman Burn area to stabilize Trail Creek by planting willows and completing erosion control structures on a closed road bed that leads to the creek. Project hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take water bottles, a sack lunch, work gloves, rain gear, sturdy and weather-appropriate clothing, work shoes or boots (NO open toes), sunscreen and insect repellant. Register/info: contact Liz at 719-471-7736 or e-mail rmfi@rmfi.org.
Insect program “Insects Behind Closed Doors,” a free program by entomologist Mike Weissmann exploring the bizarre mating practices of insect and their relatives, will be at 6:30 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Adults only. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Geology program Volunteer Naturalist Mary Margaret Coates will give a program about the geology of the Lyons Formation at Roxborough and along the Front Range at 1 p.m. on the sandstone patio in 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 “recycling” projects “Envirofun for Patty’s Packrats,” a free, family-friendly program with fun projects like creating CD spinners, slime, homemade crayons and more, 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. The program is geared towards ages 12-adult. Refreshments will be served and drawings will be held for door prizes. Register: 970-498-5775, 970-498-5772 or e-mail mmcarthy@larimer.org. Info: .
March 13
Junior rangers program “Poop-n-Pellets,” a free junior rangers program, will be at 6 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Program is for ages 6-12; registration is required. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Archaeology talk The recent global warming that is melting many high altitude perennial ice packages is proving to be a small archaeological bonanza. Prehistoric human artifacts dating as far back as the Paleolithioc are now being discovered in the Rocky Mountain Area. Craig Lee of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research and the Metcalf Archaeological Consultants will give a free talk, discussing many of the recent discoveries, including a 10,000 year-old hunting weapon found near Yellowstone Park. The talk will be at 2 p.m. in the second floor meeting room of the Tattered Cover bookstore, LoDo, 1628 16th St. 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.
