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 guide, 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 Ranger programs The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, in conjunction with the Salida and Buena Vista Summer Recreation Programs, is offering a series of free Junior Ranger programs for kids ages 5-11. Salida’s Junior Ranger programs will be at 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Riverside Park in Salida, (the June 15 program will be at Alpine Park). Buena Vista’s Junior Ranger programs will be at 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Community Center on East Main St. in Buena Vista. Info: 719-539-7289.
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 .
Outdoor recreation program for teens The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is offering a variety of outdoor recreation activities for teens ages 12-17 on Fridays throughout summer. Programs include: horseback riding, geo-caching with a map and compass, hot springs swimming and river rafting. Registration is required; a small activity fee may be charged. Transportation from the AHRA Visitor Center in Salida will be provided. Register: 719-539-7289.
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 .
Kids nature programs Highline Lake State Park, 1800 11.8 Road, Loma, is inviting kids age 8-12 to get outdoors with the “Summer of Outdoor Fun” programs offered Wednesdays through Aug. 3. There will be a different outdoor activity each week. A few of the activities and programs planned include: a star party; “Leave No Trace” ethics; owls and their nests; how to keep bears away from your campsite; all abut bats; Highline Lake’s Junior Ranger program; water ecology; and crafts. Dates, times and programs vary; check the Colorado State Parks calendar of events at for specific information. Choose the calendar link or choose Highline Lake; the activity calendar is on the right side of the Highline Lake home page. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-858-7208 or highline.park@state.co.us.
TODAY
Thoreau program “A Morning with Thoreau,” a free program on seeing nature through the works of naturalist Henry David Thoreau, will be at 9 a.m. at Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St. Meet at the parking lot by the tennis court. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Guided hike Take a .8-mile “moderate” hike to the Castlewood Canyon Dam (which failed on Aug. 3, 1933) and learn about the history of the dam building in 1890. On the way, Volunteer Naturalist Derald Hoffman will point out rocks, wildlife and wildflowers. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Canyon Point Parking Lot in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Hwy. 83, Franktown. Hike is for ages 12 and above. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Wildflower festival The free annual “Wildflower Festival” will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road, Golden. There will be crafts and puppet shows for kids, wildflower hikes, and native plants for sale. There will be many information stations to attend as well. Info: 720-497-7600.
Guided hike Walk the old rail beds of Navajo State Park on a naturalist-led hike on the easy, 3-mile Windsurf Beach Trail. Learn about plants, animal signs and human history. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center in Navajo State Park, 1526 County Road 982, Arboles. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-883-2208 or .
Family mystery hike A naturalist will lead a “Family Mystery Hike” at 1 p.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.
MONDAY
Insect program “Summer Bug Safari,” a free program with live insect, spiders and other arthropods, with time to explore outside in search of insects, will be at 1 p.m. at Anythink Commerce City, 7185 Monaco St. All ages are welcome. The program is presented by the Butterfly Pavilion. Info: call 303-287-0063. Register: visit .
TUESDAY
Family hike A free family hike around Dixon Reservoir or up the overlook will be at 9 a.m. at Pineridge Natural Area. Directions: Parking lots on County Road 42C approximately one-fourth mile south of Hughes Stadium (2 horse trailer parking spots available) and at the west end of Horsetooth Road (through Spring Canyon Community Park). Pineridge also can be accessed from Maxwell Natural Area parking lot off County Road 42C. Please do not park along County Road 42C roadway. Take a sack lunch and plenty of water. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Kids nature camp “Star K Nature Camp,” a day camp for youth ages 6-12, will be from 9 a.m. to noon June 14-17 at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Cost is $50 per child. Register: go to then “classes.” Info: 303-739-2428.
Energy program “Colorado’s Energy Future: Natural Resources Powering Today’s Lifestyles,” a free talk, will be at 6 p.m. at the Wildlife Experience, 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker. The lecture is provided through a partnership with Wildland Awareness and Educational Institute. Register: 720-488-3344.
“Junior Naturalist” program “Junior Naturalist: Pond Safari,” a naturalist-guided program for kids in second through sixth grade, will be at 1 p.m. at Mueller State Park, 21045 State Hwy. 67, Divide. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a Junior Naturalist booklet. Participation in at least two naturalist-led programs and completion of the booklet earns a Junior Naturalist patch. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-687-2366 or .
Moonlight hike Park staff will lead a moonlight walk along the Timber trail from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. in Lory State Park, 708 Lodgepole Drive, Bellvue. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 970-493-1623.
Junior Ranger programs The Junior Ranger program at Jackson Lake State Park, 26363 County Road 3, Orchard, kicks off with a week-long program, June 14-17. The classes will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. Children can earn a Junior Ranger badge by attending all four of the classes. Children may also earn a badge by attending ten or more interpretive programs or by completing the independent study course. Both require completion of the scavenger hunt at the park.A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: contact Ranger Martin at 970-645-2551 or jackson.lake@state.co.us.
WEDNESDAY
Kids robot program “Robot Races,” a free program for kids in grades 3-6, will be at 10 a.m. at Anythink Huron St., 9417 Huron St., Thornton. Participants will learn the laws of robotics and create their own robots to race against others for prizes. Younger children will need help from adults. The program will be repeated at 1 p.m. Register: 303-452-7534 or visit .
“Adventure Cub” program “Adventure Cub: Beautiful Butterflies,” a naturalist-guided program for kids in preschool through first grade, will be at 10 a.m. at Mueller State Park, 21045 State Hwy. 67, Divide. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up an Adventure Club booklet. Participation in at least one naturalist-led program and partial completion of the booklet earns an Adventure Cub button. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-687-2366 or .
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.
Night walk for families A free short exploratory hike to experience the sights sounds and smells of the night, with activities for children, will be at 8:15 p.m. in 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 program shelter. Dress warmly and wear insect repellent. Register: call 970-416-2815 or go to (79903-02).
Night walk for adults Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the night on a short exploratory hike (designed for adults and children ages 12 and above), at 8:15 p.m. at Coyote Ridge Natural Area, located between Loveland and Fort Collins approximately 1 mile south of the Larimer County Landfill on the west side of County Road 19 (Taft Hill Road from Fort Collins – Wilson Street from Loveland). Dress warmly and wear insect repellant. Register: call 970-416-2815 or go to (79903-01).
THURSDAY
Archaeology program “Laramie Foothills Archaeology,” an opportunity to see an archaeological field school in action, will be at 9 a.m. at Red Mountain Open Space, located 25 miles north of Fort Collins off of County Road 15. Jason LaBelle of Colorado State University will discuss the cultural significance of the open space and what archaeological surveys have told us about this area’s past. The program includes and easy 3.5-mile round trip hike. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and take a sack lunch and plenty of drinking water. Register at . Info: contact Heather at 970-679-4489.
Water/energy meeting “Energy and Water: Getting Prepared for a Long, Hot Summer,” will be the topic of a free Aurora townhall meeting held at 7 p.m. at the Community College of Aurora, 16000 E. Centretech Pkwy. The meeting is jointly sponsored by Rep. Su Ryden, Sen. Morgan Carroll and Rep. Rhonda Fields. The townhall will feature a panel discussion with representatives from Xcel Energy, Aurora Water, Solar City and Sustainable Colorado. Info: .
Museum event for adults “Science Lounge – Solstice Celebration,” an event with cocktails, entertainment, and activities such as creating a sundial or a sun-catcher, for ages 21 and up, will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Cost is $8 members, $10 nonmembers. If sold out online, tickets will be available at the door. Info: of 303-370-6000.
Green Roof Conference and Trade Show The third annual Green Roofs for the West Symposium will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. The event will spotlight innovative ways green roofs are leading us to a future of more sustainable cities in the challenging climate of the west. The Symposium features in-depth sessions presented by leading green roof experts and designers who will address the green infrastructure and how green roofs fit into sustainable urban, suburban and regional planning. There will also be a trade show featuring a variety of businesses that cater to the needs of green industry professionals. Also included is a workshop on constructing green roofs and a tour of green roofs in Denver. Pre-registration cost is $100; day of the event is $125; students with valid ID, $30. Includes a continental breakfast, lunch and beverages. Info/register: visit and click on the “Calendar” link, e-mail registrar@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3580.
FRIDAY
Nighttime nature program “Nature at Night: Campfire,” a free program for all ages, will be at 8:30 p.m. at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
Family stargazing event The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a family-friendly stargazing event for ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult. Attend a StarLab astronomy program; put together a Galileo telescope and a laminated star wheel; then attend an astronomy night at a natural area. Cost is $30 per family for materials costs; meeting time and location will be given upon registration. Registration is required by June 15. Register: (79904-01) or call 970-416-2815. Info: 970-217-3075 or e-mail dprice@fcgov.com.
“Slocum Cabin” days Chatfield State Park, 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton, is hosting “Slocum Cabin Days June 17 and 18. Events include a Rocky Mountain Living History Society mountain man rendezvous, council fire and flag retirement ceremony, old-fashioned crafts like beading and lace making, storytelling, music, hawk and knife throwing, cast iron cooking, cannon drill and firing and more. You can also take nature walks and look at the park’s collection of skins and skulls. The event location is the Deer Creek Picnic Area. An $8 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-791-7275 or chatfield.park@state.co.us.
SATURDAY
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.
Guided hike The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is teaming up with the Trails and Open Space Coalition, Friends of the Peak and Colorado Springs Utilities to provide opportunities for citizens to explore the South Slope of Pikes Peak through guided hikes. The South Slope is not yet open to the general public. Meet at the main parking lot of Red Rock Canyon, (Hwy. 24 and Ridge Road, just past 31st Street) and caravan to the South Slope. Hikes are $12 per participant; reservations are required. All participants must be prepared to hike 7-miles at high altitude. Participants must be ages 12 years or older, and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed. To register, call the Trails and Open Space Coalition at 719-633-6884 to register and for meeting time.
Skull program “It’s All in Your Head,” a free program about “the secrets revealed by studying animal skulls,” will be at 9 a.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Meet at the picnic shelter. 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. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Stargazing event Observe constellations, stars, galaxies, planets and star clusters through telescopes provided by the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, located on Carpenter Road/ County Road 32, approximately one mile west of I-25, or two miles east of Timberline on the north side of Carpenter Road. Meet in the parking lot for this free program, dress warmly, and take something to sit on. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Geology/mining field trip The Florissant Scientific Society is leading a field trip to assorted sites of geologic interest and mining history in Jamestown, Boulder County. The trip includes an after-dark visit to an open-cut flourite mine to see fluorescent minerals, and a refreshment stop at the “Jamestown Merc.” For meeting time and location, contact Pete Modreski, pmodreski@usgs.gov, 303-202-4766 or 720-205-2553; or contact Beth Simmons, cloverknoll@comcast.net or 303-986-9693.
Fire program “Burnin’ Down the House,” a free, ranger-led program about how to build a successful campfire, what role fire plays in the environment and how to be fire safe, 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. The program includes a marshmallow roast. 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.
Falcon program “Falcons, Masters of the Air,” a free program and easy hike led by Naturalist Bob, will be at 9 a.m. at River Bluffs Open Space, located just west off of the I-25/Windsor interchange off of County Road 32E. Dress appropriately for the weather and take drinking water. Info: contact Heather at 970-679-4489.
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.
Wildlife survival program “Nature’s Supermarket,” a free program by Naturalist Margo about how different animals survive with the sometimes scarce resources that nature provides, will be at 10 a.m. at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, west of Loveland off Hwy. 34. Meet at the Trailhead. Info: contact Heather at 970-679-4489.
Bear program “Are You Bear Aware?” a program about keeping bears out of your campsite and what to do if you encounter a black bear on the trail, 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 2 p.m. at Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton. Register: 303-405-3200 or .
Museum event for adults Enjoy an evening in the Real Pirates Exhibition, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. There will be a cash bar; event is for ages 21 and up. Cost is $9 members, $14 nonmembers. Info: of 303-370-6000.
Family-friendly fossil weekend event The “Snowmass Ice Age Spectacular,” presented by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in partnership with Snowmass Tourism, will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19 in Snowmass Village. Participants will see real fossils discovered less than a mile away; watch live broadcasts of Museum scientists at the dig site; play Ice Age games and do puzzles and crafts; meet Snowy the mascot and more. Museum activities will be at the Silvertree Conference Center. Info: 303-370-6000.
June 19
Soapstone prairie program “What’s So Special about Soapstone?” a free program about the natural environment, archaeology and history of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, will be at 11 a.m. The program includes a .5-mile hike on paved sidewalk. Meet at the north parking lot. Directions: 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. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
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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.
