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; a “Stories in Action” program at 10 a.m. Thursdays; and “Family Fun Nights” the fourth Friday of each month April through October. 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 has a free 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 “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.
Native plant tours The Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., offers “Rocky Mountain Native Plant Tours” from May through October. The tours can be schedules for groups of 10 or more with three-weeks advance notice. Drop-in tours are available Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. (included with admission, dependent on guide availability). Info: 720-865-3585.
TODAY
Archaeology talk “Butterfly Warriors and Priestly Rites,” a free lecture by Marc Levine, Assistant Curator of Anthropology for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and a specialist in the Mesoamerican Late Postclassical period, will discuss the demand for Teotihuacan material on the private art market. The talk will be at 2 p.m. in the second floor meeting room of the Tattered Cover LoDo bookstore, 1628 16th St. It is sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America, Denver Society, in cooperation with the Tattered Cover. Info: .
Geology program and hike “The Geology of Cheyenne Mountain State Park,” a program followed by a trail hike (hike not mandatory) will be at 1 p.m., following a potluck at noon at the Camper Services Building in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: contact Beth Simmons at cloverknoll@comcast.net or Pete Modreski at pmodreski@usgs.gov.
Museum free day/Earth Day celebration The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., is offering free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be special activities to celebrate Earth Day. Info: or 303-322-7009.
Guided geology hike Geologist Rick Livaccari of Mesa State College will present his on-going structural geology research on the Ute Canyon area during a 5-mile hike from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Colorado National Monument in Fruita. The hike is moderately strenuous and steep terrain. Take drinking water and lunch. To register and for meeting location, call 970-858-3617, ext. 300.
MONDAY
Full moon walk A free guided walk will be at 7 p.m. in Belmar Park, 801 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Following the walk, there will be a marshmallow roast at Lakewood’s Heritage Center, Info: .
TUESDAY
Oil Budget/Deepwater Horizon Gulf Incident talk A US Geographical Survey Rocky Mountain Area Seminar Series lecture, “Oil Budget Calculator for the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Incident, by Sky Bristol of the USGS, will be at 10:30 a.m. at Building 25 Lecture Hall, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood. Park in the lot east of Building 25 and use entrance E-14.
Earth Day technology display “Technology on the Plaza,” a free display of hybrid, E85 vehicles and other fuel efficient vehicles and equipment will be on display on the Civic Center Plaza, 480 S. Allison Pkwy. There will also be educational information about the future of transportation. Info: .
Sixteenth-century Spain “wonder drugs” talk “The Quest for Colonial Wonder Drugs: Alchemy, Botany and Politics in Sixteenth-Century Spain,” a free lecture by John Slater, Department of and Portuguese at the University of Colorado, Boulder, will be at 7 p.m. in Changing Gallery, Henderson Building, CU Museum of Natural History on the CU Boulder campus. Info: 303-492- 6892 or .
WEDNESDAY
Earth Day event for “tweens” “Earth Day Review,” a free program about “protecting the earth and going green,” for kids in grades 6-8, will be at 3 p.m. at Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton. Info: 303-405-3200 or .
Clean energy expo Colorado State University’s third annual Cenergy Clean Tech Expo will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the East and Middle Ballrooms of the Lory Student Center on the CSU Fort Collins campus. Registration is free; breakfast and lunch are included. Speakers include Sam Baldwin, chief scientist for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the US Department of Energy, and Bill Ritter, former Colorado governor and director of CSU’s Policy Center for the New Energy Economy. The expo will showcase cutting-edge clean-energy research from CSU. The event will also feature posture presentations from Clean Energy Supercluster faculty members as well as presentations from several university clean energy startup companies. Register: http://129.82.201.188?ces?expo_reg.php?Register=Register.
Kids nature program “Knee High Nature Hour: Rabbits and Hares,” a free program for toddlers with music, stories, crafts and games, will be at 10 a.m. at Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo, 5200 Nature Center Road. Info/register: 719-549-2414.
Guided hike Park Ranger Briana Board will lead a hike through Wedding Canyon to the base of Independence Monument from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Colorado National Monument in Fruita. The hike is on a 6.5 mile loop that is moderately strenuous. Take drinking water and a lunch. Call to register and for meeting location: 970-858-3617, ext. 300.
Earth Day event The City of Lakewood’s Keynote Event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 480 S. Allison Pkwy. US. Rep. Ed Perlmutter will deliver the keynote address on stewardship and discuss the role each of us plays in being good stewards. Colorado nature photographer and preservationist John Fielder will give a presentation of photographs, music and his thoughts on stewardship. Info: .
THURSDAY
Astronomy program “Colorado Skies: 2012, Fact or Fiction,” 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.
Earth Day expo A free “Down to Earth” expo will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakewood Civic Center Plaza, 480 S. Allison Pkwy. The expo includes a raffle with giveaways, a message from the mayor, crafts made from recycled materials for children and more. Booths will include government agencies, nonprofits and environmentally conscious local venders. Info: .
Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society talk “Pegmatites Around the State of Colorado, or 23 Pegmatites in 5 days, a Field Trip Saga,” a talk by USGS geologist Pete Modreski, will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Senior Center, 1514 N. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs. Info: .
Paleolithic Mariners talk “Crete before the Cretans: Paleolithic Mariners in the Mediterranean, a free lecture by Thomas F. Strasser, Providence College, Rhode Island, will be at 8 p.m. at Golden High School, 701 24th St., Golden. Info: info@coloscisoc.org/.
Climate change talk “Grasshoppers of the Front Range of Colorado: a 50-year Resurvey to Measure the Effects of Climate Change,” a free lecture by Cesar Nufio, will be at 7 p.m. in Changing Gallery, Henderson, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History on the CU Boulder campus. Info: 303-492- 6892 or .
“Wicked” plants talk “Wicked Plants – The Deliciously Dark Side of the Plant World,” a presentation by Amy Stewart, author of “Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities,” will be at 7 p.m. in Mitchell Hall at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Drawing on history, medicine, science and legend, Stewart presents tales of bloodcurdling botany that will “entertain, alarm and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.” Info: 720-865-3585 or visit .
Earth Day solar plant tours Colorado State University and its development partner, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, will dedicate a 5.3-megawatt solar plant on the Colorado State University’s Foothills Campus in Fort Collins on April 21. After the dedication, guided public tours of the site will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. A tour bus will depart from Ram’s Horn Dining Center at the Academic Village and incudes lunch and a tour of CSU’s solar plant, biomass boiler, and a new composter at the Foothills Campus. Register: e-mail Stacy Grant at stacy.grant@colostate.edu.
Primatologist talk World-renowned Primatologist Birute Gladikas will give a free talk about her work at 5:30 p.m. in the St. Cajetan’s center on the Auraria Campus. Register: http://bit.ly/dLl9m9.
Earth Day solar power workshop The City of Aurora’s “Savvy Solar Consumer Workshop,” a free workshop offering an overview of different types of solar power, explaining how to work with solar contractors, and talking about the various financial incentive available through the City of Aurora, will be at 6 p.m. at Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road. Register: contact Diana Denwood at 303-739-7483.
Global climate change presentation “The Arctic on the Fast Track of Change,” a presentation on global climate change by Julienne Stroeve, research scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, will be at 7 p.m. at the Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Ave. Info: 303-651-8471 or outreach@colorado.edu.
FRIDAY
Earth Day presentation Discovery Canyon Campus High School, 1810 N. Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs, is having an Earth Day presentation from 10 to 11 a.m. The presentation includes a recycled fashion show, games and prizes for the participants and more. Info/register: e-mail cody.wigand.nicely@gmail.com.
Engineering Days Design Expo The University of Colorado Boulder is celebrating Engineering Days with a Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the University Memorial Center’s Glenn Miller Ballroom. Two dozen senior and graduate design teams in mechanical engineering will display their yearlong industry-supported projects, which range from biomedical engineering to new energy solutions. The Shell Eco-marathon car will be among the projects displayed. Info: or call 303-492-4091.
Astronomy program “City of Stars,” 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.
Mineral and fossil show The Colorado Mineral and Fossil Spring Show will be April 22-24 at the Holiday Inn-Denver Central, 4849 Bannock St., Denver. Parking and admission are free. Info: .
Botanic Gardens free day The Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., is offering free admission to Colorado residents on April 22, thanks to funding from the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Info: 720-865-3585 or visit .
Botanic Gardens at Chatfield free day The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, is offering free admission to Colorado residents on April 22, thanks to funding from the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Info: 720-865-3585 or visit .
Earth Day celebration The City and County of Denver is hosting a free Earth Day Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Greek Theater of Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. There will be a variety of sustainable table exhibits and displays provided by various non-profit organizations, private companies and city agencies. Mayor Vidal will kick off the Earth Day Fair by presenting 11 restaurants and auto shops with certificates of achievement for their work in achieving sustainable certifications. Info: .
Earth Day conference “Honoring Mother Earth Everyday,” a weekend conference exploring indigenous models for sustainable communities, will be from 6:30 p.m. April 22 to 3 p.m. April 24 at Woodbine Ecology Center, 2584 N State Hwy. 67, Sedalia. Guest panelists include: Winona LaDuke, Gregory Cajete, Louise Benally, David Bartecchi and other regional and local community leaders. Registration fees are on a sliding scale. Limited work exchange and scholarship opportunities are available. Meals are included. Info: .
Earth Day geology/nature hike US Geological Survey Geologist Pete Modreski is leading an Earth Day geology/nature hike at 4 p.m. to the top of South Table Mountain. Meet at the trailhead near the intersection of 19th and Belvedere Streets in Golden. The hike follows a good but steep trail to the top. Contact Pete Modreski, pmodreski@usgs.gov, 303-202-4766 or 720-205-2553 with questions or in case of inclement weather.
Earth Day event The City of Colorado Springs, in partnership with Greener Corners, is launching its public space recycling program with a celebration event at 10 a.m. on the steps of City Hall, 107 N. Nevada Ave. The public space recycling program will begin with 60 new combination trash and recycle bins in the core downtown area and 90 bins throughout seven of the City’s large community parks and sports complexes. “Green Teams” will be assembled from community groups and volunteers to conduct public awareness campaigns and educate citizens about the benefits of recycling. To join a Green Team, contact GreenTeamCOS@GreenerCorners.com or 888-566-5442.
Earth Day event Groundwork Denver volunteers are marking Earth Day with “Strive to Not Drive,” an alternative transportation outreach event from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in West Highland (W. 32nd and Lowell area). Info: .
Earth Day event ReSource, Boulder, 6400 Arapahoe Road, is celebrating Earth Day and its 15th anniversary with $20 classes in xeriscaping at noon, building a cold frame grow box at 2 p.m., making a beehive at 3 p.m., and essential bike maintenance at 5 p.m. There will be a free class, “Creative Commuter” at 4 p.m. Other activities from 2 to 9 p.m. include live music, activities for children, a nonprofit fair, local food, refreshments and beer, free artisans and local business booths, and a free screening of “The Economics of Happiness.”
As part of the 15th anniversary celebration, Benjamin Nathan, founder of PlanetReuse, will speak at 6 p.m. at the ReSource Yard. Also speaking at the event is Mona Newton, founder of ReSource 2000. Info: .
Earth Day celebration Golden Earth Days Council’s 21st annual Earth Day Celebration will be from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 14347 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood. The celebration includes a “meet the authors and artists reception” from 6 to 8 p.m. for book signings, photographs, art displays and live music with Colorado Mountaineering Club author Dave Cooper, Renewable Energy author Carol Tombari, oil painter Blair Leisure and Native American flute music by Bear Limvere. There will also be solar cooking demonstrations with Patty Roberts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dog adoptions with Hope for Animals; renewable energy exhibits and environmental tips; and complimentary wildflower seed packets and cookies (while they last). Attendees will receive a GEDC sticker to wear so a percentage of any purchases made at Barnes & Noble will go towards GEDC’s environmental awareness and protection efforts. Info: ~britt.hinnen/gedc/.
Earth Day recycling event Celebrate Earth Day with Commerce City at the next home game for the Colorado Rapids. The city has partnered with the Rapids and Commerce City Citizens for Recycling to host a free electronics and aluminum recycling event outside the stadium from 5 to 7 p.m. before the game at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way. There will also be interactive displays of emergency vehicles including the HealthOne helicopter and the recycling truck. Local companies inside the stadium will share green tips and tricks.
Earth Day geology hike Naturalist Peter Laux will lead a e-mile Earth Day geology hike at 9 a.m. to the South Rim Overlook in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Earth Day dinner The Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo is having its annual Earth Day Dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Pueblo. The dinner will include live auction environmental awards and keynote speaker John Stansfield, outdoorsman and author, presenting his one-man living history performance of Enos Mills, Father of Rocky Mountain National Park. Info/tickets: 719-549-2414 or .
SATURDAY
Astronomy Day celebration Fiske Planetarium and Sommers-Bausch Observatory, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, are hosting free events for all ages from noon to 10 p.m. to celebrate Astronomy Day. There will be giveaways, prizes, food and family fun. Info: 303-492-5002, or e-mail fiske@colorado.edu.
Engineering Days Design Expo The University of Colorado Boulder is celebrating Engineering Days with a Mechanical Engineering Design Expo, featuring 60 team projects by engineering undergraduates from freshmen to seniors, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory located at Colorado Avenue and Regent Drive. Info: .
Earth Day event Groundwork Denver volunteers are marking Earth Day with “Strive to Not Drive,” an alternative transportation outreach event from 3 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in West Highland (W. 32nd and Lowell area). To encourage bicycling, volunteers will provide free bike flat tire repair during the event. Info: .
Guided “lizard” hike Park Ranger Eric Sandstrom will lead a family-friendly hike into No Thoroughfare Canyon at 10 a.m. at Colorado National Monument in Fruita. The hike is about 3 miles on easy terrain. Take drinking water; meet at the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. Info: 970-858-3717, ext. 360.
Earth Day rock programs Special “rock” programs for Earth Day will be given by members of the Lake George Gem and Mineral Club from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Research Center, 201 S. Fairview St., Woodland Park. A 345-lb. Smoky Quartz crystal will be on display, too. Regular admission to the Resource Center/Museum apply. Info: .
Earth Day programs The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, in cooperation with the City of Salida Recreation Program is hosting two programs for Earth Day at the Scout Hut in Riverside Park, on E and Sackett Streets in Salida. “Enraptured by Raptors,” a program with live birds from the Raptor Center of Pueblo, will be at 11 a.m. At 1 p.m., AHRA volunteer geologist Bob Hickey will present “Don’t Take All Rocks for Granite.” The programs are free and appropriate for all ages. Info: 719-539-7289.
Earth Day celebration An Earth Day event will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park, 201 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins. There will be activities and events for whole families, including informational booths and displays, arts and crafts, live music, speakers, local food and a beer garden. Info: 970-224-3247 or info@sustainablelivingassociation.org.
Earth Day event An Earth Day celebration will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, 655 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction. From 8 to 9:30 a.m., there will be a community exercise expo that includes a separate workout designed for children; a bike ride along the Riverfront Trail from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (kids are encouraged to decorate their bicycles); and many Earth Day inspired events from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Events include kids activities, live music and entertainment, educational speakers, vendors, food, wine and beer. There will be an Earth Day Concert Series from 3:30 to 11 p.m. featuring Atonga Groove Alliance, Lil Sum’n Sum’n, Jack + Jill, and Dem Bones. Cost for Earth Day events is $1 per person (free with evening concert ticket). Concert tickets are $10 in advance (can be purchased at Grand Junction-area Alpine Banks, Botanical Gardens and Ecofly Solar, 2526 Broadway), $15 at the gate, family of up to 4, $20 in advance, $25 at the gate, (over 4, add $2 each). Info: .
Earth Day tree planting event The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is having a volunteer tree planting event from 9 a.m. to noon at Running Deer Natural Area, with parking lots located on east Prospect Road and at the Colorado Welcome Center on Prospect Road. The Natural Area can also be reached via the Prospect Road underpass from Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Snacks will be provided. Wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen and take water and work gloves. Registration is required, contact 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Earth Day celebration A Garbage Garage Open House and Earth Day celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Garbage Garage Education Center at the Larimer County Landfill, 5887 S. Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins. There will be refreshments, games, activities such as building a “sytrofoamasaurus,” landfill demonstrations, drawings for door prizes and more. Info: .
Electronic recycling event The City of Lakewood and Rooney Road Recycling Foundation are hosting an electronic recycling event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakewood City Hall, 480 S. Allison Pkwy., upper deck. (Enter from West Virginia Avenue). Cost is $20, cash or check. The event allows residents to safely dispose of unwanted electronic items so they don’t end up at the landfill. All hard drives and memory will be removed from computers and securely shredded prior to recycling. Info: 303-987-7190.
Earth Day fair Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, is having a free Earth Day Fair from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be interactive booths, activities, guided bird walks, information on composting and using water wisely and much more. Info: 303-739-2428.
Primologist talk Primologist and President of the Orangutan Foundation International, Birute Mary Galdikas, who is featured in the new IMAX film “Born to Be Wild 3D,” will talk about efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and return orangutans back to the wild at 11 a.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. For four decades, Galdikas has worked with orangutans of Indonesian Borneo in their natural habitat. Cost is $8 member/student, $10 nonmember. Info: or 303-322-7009.
Birdwatching hike “Big Birds of River Bluffs Open Space,” an approximately 2-hour program/birdwatching hike led by Naturalist Carl, will be at 9 p.m. at River Bluffs Open Space, located just east of the I-25/Windsor interchange off County Road 32E. No registration is required; hike is rated easy. Dress appropriately for the weather and take drinking water. Info: contact Heather at 970-679-4489.
Mineralogical Society silent auction The second annual Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society Silent Auction and Bake Sale will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry, 225 N. Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs. There will be mineral specimens, slabs for lapidary work, fossils and finished pieces. Standard admission to the WMMI will apply; CSMS and WMMI members will be admitted at no charge. Info: info@csms.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.
