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.
Fort Collins Natural Areas activities “Tracks and Trails,” a guide filled with free summer activities sponsored by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program, is now available in print and online. Activities begin June 1 and continue through October. To pick up a print guid, visit Natural areas trailhead brochure boxes; the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department office, 215 N. Mason St. (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.); City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program office, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road,(Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.); or visit a Fort Collins-area libraries. To view the guide online, go to . Some activities require registration. To register, visit or call 970-416-2815. Info: .
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 $7 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 “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 $7 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.
Eagle viewing tours View nesting eagles by taking a 2.5-mile walk to the gazebo at Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton. If you cannot make the walk, the “Eagle Express” runs on Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon through September. Reservations are strongly recommended. Register: 303-659-6005 or .
Guided wildflower tours The Denver Botanic Gardens is offering guided wildflower tours on Mount Goliath will be Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Saturdays late June through early August. Hikes begin at 9 a.m. Allow time to travel to the meeting location. Directions and instructions are available upon registration. Tours are open to adults and children ages 10 and older; reservations are required and must be made at least a week in advance. Register/info: 720-865-3585 or .
Guided bird walk Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shores of Boyd Lake to discover the variety of bird species that call the area home. Take binoculars, a bird book and drinking water. Meet at 9 a.m. Sundays between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend at the Heinricy parking area southwest of the Cottonwood Campground where the Loveland Recreation Trail comes into the park. Boyd Lake State Park is located at 3720 N. County Road 11-C, Loveland. An $8 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-669-1739.
TODAY
“Family mystery” hike A naturalist-led “Family mystery” hike challenges families to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for hidden clues along a 1-mile, easy trail at 1 p.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. The program is appropriate for ages 5 and up. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $7 daily State Parks Pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Wildlife conservation film festival The final day of the 1st annual Rocky Mountain Conservation Film Festival, showcasing international, award-winning documentaries, is today in the Visitor Center at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, 6550 Gateway Road, north of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at Prairie Parkway and Gateway Road and east of Quebec Street. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased through Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges at /film-festival.
Geology program “Geology 00 3/8,” a program by Jon Sudar, a retired Grand Canyon National Park Interpretive Ranger, will be at 8:30 a.m. at the Pinon Campground Amphitheater in Lathrop State Park, located 3 miles west of Walsenburg on US Hwy 160. The program identifies the three basic rock types and their materials, and explains how the rocks arrived in Huerfano County and the land forms they eventually created. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-738-2376.
Family hike Join Senator Michael Bennet for a family hike along Hermosa Creek and discussion about Senator Bennet’s proposed legislation of the Hermosa Wilderness. A light lunch will be provided after the hike. Meet at 10 a.m. at Hermosa Creek Lower Trailhead at the end of County Road 201 in Hermosa. Register: John_whitney@bennet.senate.gov or 970-259-1710.
Geology hike “The Rocks Around You,” a 2.4-mile hike led by Naturalist Bob, focusing on how mountains are built and other geography information, will be at 9:30 a.m. in Bueller State Park, 21045 State Hwy. 67, Divide. Meet at the Outlook Ridge Trailhead; take sturdy shoes, layered clothing, rain and sun protection, water and snacks. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-687-2366.
Rocks and Minerals Touch Table Visit a “rocks and minerals touch table” to examine samples of rocks and minerals from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Visitor Center at Bueller State Park, 21045 State Hwy. 67, Divide. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-687-2366.
Park wildlife program Park Naturalist Russ will discuss the wildlife in Bueller State Park at 8:30 p.m. at the Amphitheater at Bueller State Park, 21045 State Hwy. 67, Divide. Dress warmly or take a blanket. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-687-2366.
MONDAY
Edible and medicinal plants hike Naturalists and Native Plant Masters Betty Timson and Sue Schleuder will lead a hike and identify plants that have been used for edible and/or medicinal purposes in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Meet at 1 p.m. on the patio. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
Nature journaling program/hike Park Naturalist Kimberly will lead a “moderate” one-mile hike and discuss nature journaling (drawing pictures, writing stories or listing things you saw on your hike) at 10 a.m. in Bueller State Park, 21045 State Hwy. 67, Divide. Meet at the Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead. Simple journaling material will be provided. Take sturdy shoes, rain and sun protection, layered clothing, water and snacks. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-687-2366.
Colorado Bluebird project Colorado Bluebird Project Director Kevin Corwin will give a glimpse into the lives of these birds, including their nesting cycles, natural history and how you can help these birds with challenges they face from people and predators. The program will be at 1 p.m. in the Auditorium in Bueller State Park, 21045 State Hwy. 67, Divide. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-687-2366.
Birds of prey program See live birds of prey from the Jeremiah Raptor and Wildlife Sanctuary and learn about raptor behaviors and the challenges these birds face in the wild. The program will be at 2 p.m. in the Auditorium in Bueller State Park, 21045 State Hwy. 67, Divide. No pets allowed as live birds will be present. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-687-2366.
Homestead hike Naturalist Peter Laux will lead a 7-mile hike through the south end of Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, to view building and remains on six homesteads. The hike is fairly strenuous; take water, food and clothing appropriate for the weather. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Visitor Center. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
TUESDAY
Guided bird walk A guided bird walk for birders of all ability levels will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Take binoculars and drinking water; meet at the main trailhead in the parking lot. A $7 daily State Parks Pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Kids nature event “Kids Hour,” an event with activities, stories and/or short nature hikes, for ages 5 and younger (accompanied by an adult), will be at 10:30 a.m. at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-973-3959.
WEDNESDAY
Kids nature program “Nature Nuggets – Forests Big and Small,” a free program for children ages 3-7 (with a guardian), will be at 10 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Directions: from Fort Collins, take Harmony Road west, it turns into County Road 38 E. Follow County Road 38 E to Masonville. Go left (south) at the Masonville Mercantile onto County Road 27. Follow County Road 27 about 1 mile to County Road 32 C, head west about 1 mile to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. From Loveland, go west on Highway 34 about 4.5 miles west of Wilson Avenue. Turn north on County Road 27 by Big Thompson Elementary and drive 4.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 32C and go 1 mile west to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. Meet at the picnic shelter. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
THURSDAY
Renewable energy conference The Colorado Renewable Energy Conference will be June 2-4 in Fort Collins. The conference draws local contributors from Colorado State University’s School of Environmental Sustainability, Institute for the Built Environment and Clean Energy Supercluster as well as from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and University of Colorado, Boulder. On June 2, the conference has accredited professional development and continuing education courses for lawyers, teachers, finance professionals, architects, realtors and engineers. On June 4 and 5, general sessions will be open to the public and there will be tours.
Bluebird program “The Bluebird Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park,” a program for ages 12 and up, led by Naturalist Kathy Dressel, will be at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register/info: 303-688-5242.
FRIDAY
Botanic Gardens at Chatfield free day Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, is offering free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: or 720-865-3585.
Nature program Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch is hosting a program, “Nature in Your Neighborhood: Insects and Other Arthropods,” at 9:30 a.m. at Parklane Park, 3200 Tucson St., Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Insect program “A Bonanza of Bugs,” a program exploring the secret lives of bugs and their survival skills, will be at 7 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Speed program “I Didn’t Know I Could Move That Fast,” a free program for all ages features playing a game, “Hyper Dash,” to challenge brains and reflexes while teaching “fast facts.” The program is at 11 a.m. at Anythink Perl Mack, 7611 Hilltop Circle, Denver. Info: 303-428-3576. Register: .
Birding walk “Towhees of the Towhee Trail,” a free 3-mile hike and program about the two bird species that give this trail its name, will be at 9 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. Meet at the north parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
SATURDAY
National Trails day events Volunteers of all ages are invited to help restore trails from 9 a.m. to noon at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Directions: from Fort Collins, take Harmony Road west, it turns into County Road 38 E. Follow County Road 38 E to Masonville. Go left (south) at the Masonville Mercantile onto County Road 27. Follow County Road 27 about 1 mile to County Road 32 C, head west about 1 mile to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. From Loveland, go west on Highway 34 about 4.5 miles west of Wilson Avenue. Turn north on County Road 27 by Big Thompson Elementary and drive 4.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 32C and go 1 mile west to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. Lunch and a t-shirt are included for volunteers. Register: . Continue National Trails Day celebration with free afternoon wildflower hikes or nature exploration for families. Activities include journaling for kids and make-your-own trail mix. Hikes leave from the picnic shelter at 1 p.m. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Junior Ranger program Pick up a Junior Ranger Training Booklet at the Visitor Center or Camper Services at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs, to start your “junior ranger” training. Children ages 7-12 can earn a Junior Ranger badge and/or colorful patch depending on levels completed. A Junior Ranger program will be at 2 p.m. at Camper Services. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Rattlesnake program “Rattlesnakes!” a program about rattlesnakes and how to react if you encounter one, will be at 7 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Family mystery hike A naturalist will lead a “Family Mystery Hike” at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs. The hike challenges a family to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for hidden clues along a one-mile, easy trail. For ages 5 and up. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Bird sketching workshop Susie Mottashed, author and illustrator of “Who Lives In Your Backyard?” will lead a bird-sketching class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s Old Stone House at Barr Lake State Park, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton. The class will cover bird anatomy, proportion, perspective, values and line quality as well as a variety of sketching methods. Cost is $35. Take an 8 1/2 x 11 sketchbook, a variety of pencils from hard (2H-4H) to medium (HB) to soft (2B-6B), an eraser, a sack lunch, water and snacks. If you have a copy of “Sibley’s Birding Basics,” by David Allen Sibley, take it to class, too. Register by May 30 by contacting Cassy Bohnet at cassy.bohnet@rmbo.org or 303-659-4348, ext. 15.
Wildflower biking excursion Take a 9.5-mile free ride and learn about what’s blooming on the prairie at 9 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. Meet at the south parking lot; take plenty of drinking water. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Trailwork event The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department needs volunteers for a trail building project from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Bear Canyon. Volunteers will clear the trail corridor and haul slash to assist in re-routing a section of the Green Bear Trail. Volunteers should dress in layers and take appropriate clothing for rain and full-sun exposure. Also, take work gloves, sturdy boots or shoes, long pants, a long sleeved t-shirt, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat and snacks. Tools and lunch will be provided. Also, each volunteer will receive a custom-made project t-shirt. Designated parking will be at the New Vista High School, 700 20th St. Volunteers will be shuttled to the project site. Register: visit or call 303-413-7632.
Water program “Water World,” a free program about where the most and least water is available and what you can do to help preserve it, will be at 8 p.m. at Boyd Lake State Park, 3720 N. County Road 11-C, Loveland, at Cottonwood Campground at the campfire ring between loops A and B. Take a chair or blanket to sit on. An $8 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-669-1739.
High Line Canal hike Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch is offering a guided hike on the High Line Canal Trail in Aurora from 9 a.m. to noon. A mix of history and wildlife will be discussed during the hike. For directions and meeting location, call 303-739-2428.
Snake program “Snakes Alive,” an informational program by Volunteer Naturalist Josette Mastra and Ranger Lisa Naughton, with a chance to meet snakes “up close and personal,” will be from 11 a.m. to noon at the Visitor Center in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register/info: 303-688-5242.
Bird walk A free 2 to 3-mile bird walk in search of pelicans, ospreys, grebes and other birds, Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space is on Carpenter Road/ CR 32, approximately one mile west of I-25, or two miles east of Timberline on the north side of Carpenter Road. Meet at the program shelter. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
June 5
Family hike A free, easy 3 to 4-mile hike on the Valley Loop Trail or Eden Valley Spur will be at 4 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Directions: from Fort Collins, take Harmony Road west, it turns into County Road 38 E. Follow County Road 38 E to Masonville. Go left (south) at the Masonville Mercantile onto County Road 27. Follow County Road 27 about 1 mile to County Road 32 C, head west about 1 mile to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. From Loveland, go west on Highway 34 about 4.5 miles west of Wilson Avenue. Turn north on County Road 27 by Big Thompson Elementary and drive 4.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 32C and go 1 mile west to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. Meet at the parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Bicycle tree tour The City of Colorado Springs is hosting a free tour of Colorado Springs trees via bicycle at 2:30 p.m. The ride is suitable for “beginners” and will cover about 6 miles. It begins in the Monument Valley Park parking lot, 170 W. Cache La Poudre St. and concludes a block away at the Cornerstone Arts Center in time for the 5 p.m. World Environment Day celebration at Colorado College. Attendees should take their own bicycles, helmets, weather gear and water. Info: visit or contact Sustainability Coordinator Carrie McCausland at 719-385-2746.
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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.
