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 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. 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 A “Junior Ranger” program for children continues through July at Jackson Lake State Park, 26363 County Road 3, Orchard. Children may earn the Junior Ranger badge by attending 10 or more interpretive programs or by completing the independent study course. Both require completion of a scavenger hunt in the park. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: Contact Ranger Martin for details at 970-645-2551 or jackson.lake@state.co.us.
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 Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 S. Parker Road, Aurora, is offering a Junior Ranger program for kids ages 8-11 on Fridays July 15, 22, 29 and Aug. 5. The Junior Ranger program teaches children about park ranger responsibilities as stewards of the park and about the natural wonders found at Cherry Creek State Park. Info: call Ranger Karen at 303-690-1166, ext. 6566 or e-mail cherry.creek.intero@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 A self-guided Junior Ranger Program is offered by the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Cost is $2. Info: 719-634-6666 or .
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.
Guided birdwalks Boyd Lake State Park, 3720 N. County Road 11-C, Loveland, offers a family-friendly, guided birdwalk at 9 a.m. Sundays through Labor Day weekend at the Heinricy parking area southwest of the Cottonwood Campground, where the Loveland Recreational Trail. Take binoculars, drinking water and a bird book. An $8 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-669-1739, boyd.lake@state.co.us, or .
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 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.
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.
Weekly nature/fitness walk Take a fitness walk at 9 a.m. Wednesdays year-round at Garden of the Gods Park. Meet in the lower foyer of the 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 family-friendly nature programs James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park, 361 – 32 Road, Grand Junction, offers weekly family-friendly nature programs. “Friday Fruita Family Nights,” at 8 p.m. Fridays at the Fruita Section of the park and explores the natural world surrounding the park and the Colorado River; “Hanging with the Family in the Canyon” is at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the Island Acres Section of the park; and “Sunday Pack-Up Fun Day” is at 10 a.m. Sundays at the Island Acres Section of the park. Program topics for the month of July include: fire safety, frogs, insects, animal tracks, bats and more. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-858-9188, colorado.river.park@state.co.us or .
TODAY
Ant program Bret Tennis will give a presentation on honey ants at 11:30 a.m. in the Red Rocks Room at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs. Info: 719-634-6666 or .
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 1 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.
Guided birdwalk A naturalist-led birdwalk will be at 9 a.m. on Navajo Lake’s nature trail at Navajo Sate Park, 1526 County Road 982, Arboles. Take binoculars and meet at the Visitor Center. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-883-2208.
MONDAY
Bug event “Summer Bug Safari,” a free program presented by The Butterfly Pavilion, featuring live bugs and critters and time outside exploring for bugs, will be at 6 p.m. at Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron St., Thornton. Reservations are required. Register/info: 303-452-7534 or .
Park ecosystem hike Native Plant Naturalists Lucy Bell and Pat Cooper will lead a hike exploring the prairie ecosystem at 9 a.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
Bird/nature camp Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory is offering a summer bird/nature camp, “On the Wing,” for ages 13-15 at Camp Chief Ouray at Snow Mountain Ranch near Granby. Campers will design an outdoors project and present their findings to the US Forest Service and RMBO staff. There will also be outdoor recreation such as rafting, hiking, horseback riding and a ropes course. For information on costs, registration and scholarships, contact Cassy Bohnet at cassy.bohnet@rmbo.org or 303-659-4348, ext. 15.
TUESDAY
Astronomy program Scientists involved in NASA’s Kepler mission to find Earth-like planets will give a free talk at 7 p.m. in the Canyon Theater at the Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Blvd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Family discovery day “Discovery Day: Our Park Rocks!” 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.
Kids science programs “Frannie K. Stein’s Mad Science Lab,” a free program with hands-on science experiments, geared toward students in grades k-5 will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton. Reservations are required. Register/info: 303-405-3200 or .
“Junior Naturalist” program “Junior Naturalist: Life as a Ute,” 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 .
WEDNESDAY
Bug event “Summer Bug Safari,” a free program presented by The Butterfly Pavilion, featuring live bugs and critters and time outside exploring for bugs, will be at 6 p.m. at Anythink Washington Street, 8992 Washington St., Thornton. The program is appropriate for kids in grades preschool-fifth grade. Reservations are required. Register/info: 303-287-2514 or .
Robot program “Robot Races,” a free program geared towards students in grades 6-12, will be will be at 3 p.m. at Anythink Washington Street, 8992 Washington St., Thornton. Info: 303-287-2514 or .
Full moon hike Take a guided evening stroll in search of night time activities and nocturnal creatures, will be at 8 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
Kids science programs “Frannie K. Stein’s Mad Science Lab,” a free program with hands-on science experiments, geared toward students in grades 3-7, will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron St., Thornton. Reservations are required. Register/info: 303-452-7534 or .
Kids nature program “Adventure Cub: Nature’s Yuckies,” 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 .
THURSDAY
Family-friendly night walk Take a free walk and learn about nocturnal animals 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. Meet at the parking lot; dress warmly. Register: (79903-04) or 970-416-2815.
Kids nature program “Let’s Find Frogs,” a program with crafts, songs and a puppet show, for 3-5 year-olds and their guardians, will be at 9:30 a.m. in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs. Meet at Camper Services. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
Historic exploration program “In Search of Dominguez and Escalante,” a lecture and slideshow program by authors Greg MacGregor and Siegfried Halus, exploring the expedition of Franciscan friars Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante to seek an overland route from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Monterey, California, will be at 7 p.m. at the Museum of the West, 462 Ute Ave., Grand Junction. Info: 970-242-0971.
Nature hike A hike (rated difficult) will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hermit Park Open Space in Larimer County. Dress in layers and take a daypack with water, lunch and rain gear. Cost is $19. Meet at the Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive, Fort Collins. Info/register: 970-221-6644.
Adult night walk Designed for adults and children age 12 and above, a free night walk in search of wildlife will be at 8:15 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. Register: fcgovcom/webtrac (79903-03) or call 970-716-2815.
Wildflower walk Beverly Cellini will lead a wildflower walk at 9 a.m. in Garden of the Gods. Meet in the Red Rocks Room at the 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 .
FRIDAY
Kids museum program “Shining Bright: Our Sun, Mon and Stars,” a program exploring the sun, moon and starts through hands-on activities, including seeing a StarLab Planetarium show and viewing the full moon through a telescope, will be at the Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center, 200 Mathews St. Drop kids off between 6 and 6:30 p.m.; pick-up time is between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child; siblings are $15 each. Members receive a 10% discount, Deluxe Members receive a 20% discount. Pre-registration is required. Register: 970-221-6738.
Cowboy program “Hats, Chaps, Saddles and Ropes,” a program about cattle wranglin’, by retired cowboy Dave Overlin, 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.
Exotic plant control program Rocky Mountain Nature Association is giving a seminar, “Exotic Plant Control in Rocky Mountain National Park,” by Park exotic plant specialist Jim Bromberg, will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participant will get a chance to assist Park biologists with the removal of some non-native species. Register/info: call 970-586-3262 or visit .
Bat program “Nature at Night: Aurora Bats,” a free family-friendly program, will be at 8:30 p.m. at the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
SATURDAY
Wildflower walk Beverly Cellini will lead a wildflower walk at 9 a.m. in Garden of the Gods. Meet in the Red Rocks Room at the 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 .
Kids nature program “Fascinating Fossils,” a program with hands-on activities for kids ages 4-8, accompanied by a guardian, will be at 10 a.m. at the Arkansas Point Amphitheater in Lake Pueblo State Park, 640 Pueblo Reservoir Road. Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, take water, sunscreen and bug spray. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-561-9320, or e-mail lake.pueblo.park@state.co.us.
Raptor/falconry presentation Deanna Curtis from Wild Wings will lead a program about raptors and falconry at 7 p.m. at the Cove Amphitheater at Jackson Lake State Park, 26363 County Road 3, Orchard. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-645-2551, Jackson.lake@state.co.us or %20lake%20main.aspx.
Squirrel program “The Purpose of a Squirrel,” a free family-friendly program, will be at 8 p.m. at the campfire ring in the Cottonwood Campground between loops A and B at Boyd Lake State Park, 3720 N. County Road 11-C, Loveland. 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, boyd.lake@state.co.us, or .
Thoreau program/hike “A Morning with Thoreau,” a free program/hike focusing on seeing nature through the works of famous naturalist Henry David Thoreau, will be at 9 a.m. in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. 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. Meet in the north parking lot. The program includes an easy 2-mile hike. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Family-friendly stargazing event The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is offering a free program, “A Family of Stars,” featuring a StarLab Planetarium show, making Galileo telescopes and more, will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration and materials cost $30 per family. Meeting location given upon registration. Register: (79904-02) or call 970-416-2815.
Kids science program “Frannie K. Stein’s Mad Science Lab,” a free program with hands-on science experiments, geared toward students in grades 2-5, will be at 1 p.m. at Anythink Commerce City, 7185 Monaco St. Info: 303-287-0063 or .
Volunteer clean-up project The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program needs volunteers to help with a Poudre River clean-up project from 9 a.m. to noon at Nix Natural Area. Pick up litter along the Poudre Trail and adjacent natural areas or take your bike and trailer to haul out trash. Meeting location given upon registration. Register: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Photography lesson Photographer Paul deBerjeois will lead a two-hour photography lesson at 9 a.m. on the balcony at the 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 .
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.
Wildflower hike “Flower Families of the Rocky Mountains,” a free, relaxed, 2-mile morning walk with Naturalist Janet, will be at 9:30 a.m. at Hermit Park Open Space, located southeast of the town of Estes off Hwy. 36. Meet at the Homestead Meadows Trailhead. A $6 per vehicle entrance permit is required. Info: contact Heather Lindsey at 970-679-4489.
Animal survival program “Nature’s Supermarket,” a free program by Naturalist Margo about how animals survive with sometimes scarce resources, will be at 10 a.m. at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located west of Loveland off Hwy. 34. Naturalist Margot will be available until noon following the talk to answer questions about local wildlife, habitat and trails. Info: contact Heather Lindsey at 970-679-4489.
Survival shelters program “When the Going Gets Tough: Survival Shelters,” a free program led by Ranger Steve, will be at 9 a.m. at the Bison Visitor Center, 1800 S. County Road 31, Loveland. Take a backpack with camping gear and a knife or hatchet. Info: contact Heather Lindsey at 970-679-4489.
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.
Zebulon Pike program “The Zebulon Pike Expedition,” a program about Pike’s unsuccessful ascent of Pike’s Peak and his exploration of Colorado, 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.
Trailwork events Rocky Mountain Field Institute needs volunteers ages 16 and up (or 13 to 16 if accompanied by a parent volunteer) to work on Pikes Peak repairing impacts to the alpine and alpine wetlands affected by the Pikes Peak Highway. The work will involve decompacting the ground, transplanting tundra plugs, reseeding areas and covering the ground with protective matting. The work days involve a short walk, possibly over steep terrain. Take water bottles, a sack lunch, work gloves, rain gear, sturdy and weather-appropriate clothing, work shoes or boots (NO open toes), sunscreen and insect repellant. Hours will be given upon registration. Work dates are July 16 and 17 and Aug. 13 and 14. Register/info: contact Liz at 719-471-7736 or e-mail rmfi@rmfi.org.
July 17
Prairie grasses program “Prairie Grasses for Beginners,” a free program exploring many species of grass, will be at 9 a.m. in Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. 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. Meet in the south parking lot. The program includes an easy 1 to 2-mile hike. Info: 970-416-2815 or naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Human history program “Footsteps from the Past,” a free program exploring the human history of Bobcat Ridge, will be from 4 to 7 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; the program includes and easy 2-mile hike. Take a sack lunch to enjoy afterwards if desired. Info: e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com or call 970-716-2815.
Spider identification workshop A Spider Identification Workshop for adults and children ages 12 and older, will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs. Meet at the Camper Services building. The workshop is led by Paula Cushing from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and explores spider biology, and how to locate, identify and collect spiders for study. A spider handbook is available for $5. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 719-576-2016.
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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.
