Nature notes club The Larimer County Natural Resources Nature Notes Club is accepting new members. 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 Heather Lindsey at hlindsey@larimer.org or call 970-679-4489.
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 June 8 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.
Weekly nature program Naturalists lead a “bat walk” at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through the end of August at Garden of the Gods Park. Meet in the Red Rocks Room of Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Reservations are required. Register: 719-219-0108. Info: 719-634-6666 or .
Weekly nature program Campfire programs are offered every Saturday evening during summer at Mancos State Park, 42545 County Road N, Mancos. Meet at the park amphitheater in the main campground. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-882-2213, or mancos.park@state.co.us.
TODAY
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.
Reptile Humane Society open house The Colorado Reptile Humane Society’s annual Open House event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Longmont. This is the only day during the year the shelter is open to the public for tours. Guests can visit adoptable animals, touch turtles, snakes and lizards, see examples of appropriate reptile habitats and more. Cost is $5 per person. Info: .
Guided wildflower hike Volunteer Naturalist Peter Laux will lead a wildflower hike on the East Canyon Preservation Trail at 9 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. Meet at the Visitor Center and take drinking water. No pets, please. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register/info: 303-688-5242.
History program and hike “History Mysteries,” a free program and easy 2-mile hike allowing participants to “walk in the footsteps of Native Americans and pioneers,” and to see structures and evidence of the past, 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 parking lot. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Rock art program Author David Sucec will discuss the unique Barrier Canyon rock art style at 1 p.m. in the museum theater at the BLM Anasazi Heritage Center, 27501 Hwy. 184, Dolores. Admission to the museum will be free all day. Info: 970-882-5600 or .
Guided hike Take a guided hike at 10 a.m. along the Windsurf Beach trail and learn about the geologic forces behind (or underneath) it all. Meet at the visitor center for this free, 1.5-mile hike and program at Navajo State Park, 1526 County Road 982, Arboles. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: , Navajo.park@state.co.us or 970-883-2208.
Ant program “Honeypot Ants,” a free 30-minute slideshow and presentation by Lead Naturalist Bret Tennis, will be at 11:30 a.m. in the Red Rocks Room at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Register: 719-219-0108. Info: 719-634-6666 or .
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 2:30 to 3:30 p.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.
MONDAY
Kids nature camp Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, is hosting a day-camp for youth ages 8-11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 27-July 1. Campers will hike, learn to identify and record physical features of the land, track animals and to cast tracks. Skills learned include map reading, outdoor etiquette, hiking efficacy, land preservation, field observation, wildlife protection, animal tracking and more. Reservations: 303-688-4600. Info: .
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 2 p.m. at Anythink Brighton, 327 Bridge St., Brighton. All ages are welcome. The program is presented by the Butterfly Pavilion. Info: call 303-659-2572. Register: visit .
Summer nature camp Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory is offering a summer nature day camp, “Young Ecologists,” for ages 11-13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 27-July 1 at RMBO’s Old Stone House at Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton. Campers will use investigation techniques to discover the secrets of Colorado habitats. For information on costs, registration and scholarships, contact Cassy Bohnet at cassy.bohnet@rmbo.org or 303-659-4348, ext. 15.
TUESDAY
Family discovery day “Discovery Day: Nature Detectives,” an interactive environmental education program for families, features activities including: hands-on education stations, arts and crafts, and a reading/puppet corner. Education Rangers are also on available to answer visitor questions. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Moraine Park Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park, on Bear Lake Road, 1.5 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance. A $20 seven-day pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-586-1206.
“Junior Naturalist” program “Junior Naturalist: Curious Clouds,” 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 .
Family hike Take a free, easy 2-3 mile hike and look for burrowing owls, coyotes and other wildlife from 9 a.m. to 12:30 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. Meet in the parking lot; take a sack lunch and water. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
WEDNESDAY
“Adventure Cub” program “Adventure Cub: Birds of Prey,” 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 .
Wildlife program “Wildlife Comes Alive at Night,” a free program about the behavior of animals at night, will be at 7 p.m. at Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., Fort Collins. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Space program “60 Minutes in Space,” a free event, will be at 7 p.m. in the Gates Planetarium at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. Go “behind the stories” in space science using the best images and animation available to help understand new developments. Seating is limited to first come, first served. Info: of 303-370-6000.
THURSDAY
Geology hike Beverly Cellini will lead a free geology hike along the Ridge Trail in Garden of the Gods Park. Meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Red Rocks Room of Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and take water, hat and jacket. Register: 719-219-0108. Info: 719-634-6666 or .
Prairie Falcon viewing program A naturalist will lead a “Prairie Falcon Viewing” excursion at 4 p.m. in Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs. Meet in the north Garden Parking Lot trailhead. Reservations are required. Register: 719-219-0108. Info: 719-634-6666 or .
Family nature program “Survivor – The Wildlife Edition,” a free program designed for kids and their guardians to investigate the many tools that animals have to survive in the wild, followed by a short 2-3 mile hike, will be from 4 to 6 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 picnic shelter; take drinking water and a picnic supper to eat after the program. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Insect program “Bug Bites,” a free program about bug cuisine from cultures around the world, will be at 3 p.m. at Anythink Brighton, 327 Bridge St., Brighton. The program is appropriate for students in grades 6-12. Participants will meet live animals that have “been on the menu” and taste a few buggy treats. The program is presented by the Butterfly Pavilion. Info: call 303-659-2572. Register: visit .
Geology hike Naturalist Ed will lead an easy hike and discuss geologic history at 5:30 p.m. Devil’s Backbone Open Space, just west of Loveland off Hwy. 34. The program is free; no registration is required. Info: contact Heather at 970-679-4489.
FRIDAY
Hummingbird program “Hummers of Summer,” a program about the lives of hummingbirds, 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. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
Botanic Gardens at Chatfield free day Thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, admission to the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, will be free July 1. Info: or 303-973-3705.
SATURDAY
Junior Ranger program Pick up a Junior Ranger Training Booklet at the Visitor Center or Camper Services in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs, and take the class and/or complete the booklet to earn a Junior Ranger badge and/or colorful patch depending on levels finished. Meet at Camper Services at 10 a.m. for a Junior Ranger program. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
Rattlesnake program “The Western Prairie Rattler,” a program about rattlesnakes and what to do if you encounter one, will be at 8 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. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
Family mystery hike This naturalist-led hike challenges families to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for hidden clues along a one-mile, easy trail. Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Visitor Center in 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. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
July 3
Pre-Independence Day celebration There will be educational and fun ongoing programs and activities during a Pre-Independence Day Celebration starting at 10 a.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs. A Fort Carson fireworks display will be at 9:30 p.m. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
For more Scientifically Speaking, go to .
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.
