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 programs “Tiny Trekkers,” a series of programs for toddlers (with an adult guardian), will be at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Mondays of every month through October at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off of Hwy. 34. Meet at the Wild Loop picnic tables under the cottonwood trees. Register/info: contact Heather Lindsey at hlindsey@larimer.org or 970-679-4489.
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 program Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, offers a Junior Ranger program for kids ages 7-12 on Saturdays in September. The program focuses on the skills and duties of a State Park ranger including topics like wildland fires/fire safety, first aid, park rules and regulations, binoculars/birds and wildlife encounters. Participants can earn a Junior Ranger badge and.or colorful patch depending on levels completed. Meet at the Camper Services building. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
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 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 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 Sept. 4 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 .
Rocky Mountain Raptor Program tours Take a “Behind the Scenes” tour at Rocky Mountain Raptor Program to learn about the handling of raptors and how they are helped by RMRP. Tours are designed for adults and are limited to 15 people each. Dates/times are: 4 p.m. Sept. 16; 9 a.m. Sept. 24; and 4 p.m. Sept. 30. To register, call 970-484-7756 or e-mail judy@rmrp.org.
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 .
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. 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 .
Naturalist-led hikes/walks Schedule your own personal guided hike/walk with a park naturalist from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day at Navajo State Park, 1526 County Road 982, Arboles. With a choice of seven trails, the park naturalist can help tailor a guided experience to your special interests and activity level. Twenty-four hour advanced notice is required. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 970-883-2208.
Energy Master program Five Colorado State University Extension offices across the state are offering a new Colorado Energy Master program to educate Coloradans and support volunteers interested in energy issues. Participants can take one or more 3-week courses on Energy and the Environment, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Courses include hands-on learning experiences and short field trips. Each course offers Continuing Education credits through both the Green Building Certification Institute and the Colorado Real Estate Commission. spiring Colorado Energy Masters take all three courses at a reduced cost and can volunteer in a number of ways – from conducting basic home energy assessments to educating neighbors and friends. Info: visit or contact Karen Crumbaker at 970-498-6003.
TODAY
Bear program for kids “The Bear Facts,” a naturalist-led program about bears, will be at 4:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center Pavilion at Navajo State Park, 1526 County Road 982, Arboles. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 970-883-2208.
Snake program “Snakes Alive!” a free hands-on program led by the Center For Snake Conservation, will be at 7 p.m. in the Amphitheater at Reverend’s Ridge Campground at Golden Gate State Park in Golden. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-642-3856.
Wildlife talk Pat Jackson, founder and executive director of St. Francis Sanctuary and Wildlife Rehabilitation, will give a talk about wildlife and discuss her experiences and methods of helping birds that find refuge at the center. Meet at 7 p.m. in the Visitor Center Conference Room at Navajo State Park, 1526 County Road 982, Arboles. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 970-883-2208.
Nature hike Join Naturalist Alicia for a stroll on the Mule Deer Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Golden. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Ole’ Barn Knoll Parking Lot. The hike is appropriate for all ages. Dogs who are friendly to other dogs are welcome. Take snacks, water, sun hat, rain gear and hiking shoes. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-642-3856.
Nature walk Navajo State Park in Arboles is offering a naturalist-led hike at 9 a.m. on the Piedra River trail. Take water and binoculars; dress appropriately for the weather. The trail is rated “easy to moderate.” Meet at the Watchable Wildlife Pavilion on Hwy. 151. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info/register: 970-883-2208.
TUESDAY
Paleontology lecture “Current Views on Human Origins in Light of New Discoveries in Africa,” a free presentation by Charles Musiba, will be at 7 p.m. in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Ricketson Auditorium, 2001 Colorado Blvd. The program is hosted by the Western Interior Paleontological Society. Info: .
WEDNESDAY
Kids nature program “Nature Nuggets – Fur and Feathers,” an interactive program for children ages 3-7 (and accompanying adults), will be at 10 a.m. at the picnic shelter 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. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Kids nature program “Nature Nuggets – Fur and Feathers,” an interactive nature program for children ages 3-7 (With accompanying adults), will be at 10 a.m. at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space on Carpenter Road, one-mile west of the I-25/Hwy. 392 Windsor Exit. Meet at the program shelter. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Waterfowl identification program “Identification of Waterfowl,” a program featuring tips and techniques for identifying the many colorful species of ducks and geese that reside and pass through our state, will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. Register: 719-576-2016.
THURSDAY
Historical archaeology lecture and lunch “The Legacy of Ludlow and the Colorado Coal Field War,” a talk by Dean Saitta, Professor of Anthropology at University of Denver, and a reading from the novel “Ludlow” by David Mason, will be at 12:15 p.m. at Colorado College’s Gaylord Hall, main floor of Worner Campus Center, 902 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. Cost is $15. Reservations are required. Register/info: contact idea@coloradocollege.edu or 719-389-6606.
THURSDAY
Environmental lecture “The Power to Change,” a free talk by J Henry Fair, photographer and environmentalist, will be at 4:30 p.m. in Colorado College’s Screening Room, Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center, 825 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. The lecture is part of the IDEA Fall Symposium: “At What Cost? Examining the Price of Power.” Info: 719-389-6607.
SATURDAY
Family-friendly bird event “Feathered Friends: All About Birds Family Days,” an event featuring many family activities, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History on the CU Boulder campus. Info: or 303-492-6892.
Dinosaur Discovery Day “Dinosaur Discovery Day: Reading Really Rocks,” a free, family-friendly event at Dinosaur Ridge, will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event includes a storytime for kids; hands-on activities including gold panning and exploring for fossils; and there will be guides stationed along the Ridge trail to answer questions and provide : .
Russian minerals symposium A Symposium on Minerals of Russia, cosponsored by Friends of Mineralogy Colorado Chapter, Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, and Denver Gem and Mineral Show. The symposium will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Petroleum Hall, Green Center, Colorado School of Mines campus, Golden. Info: contact Pete Modreski at pmodreski@usgs.gov or visit .
DeLaney Farm Day DeLaney Farm Day will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon and features a photography walk, a program about raptors presented by Wild Wings Environmental Education, a program about prairie dogs and tours of the Gully House and Round Barn. DeLaney Farm is located at 170 S. Chambers Road, Aurora. Info/register: 303-739-2428.
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.
Prairie dog program “Life in a Prairie Dog Colony,” a program about how this burrowing rodent interacts with colony members as well as a variety of friends and foes that share its habitat at 7 p.m. at the park amphitheater at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Nature by bike Take an easy, 10-mile bicycle ride on the Spring Creek Trail in Fort Collins with stops to look for birds, foxes, raccoons and beavers from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Meet at the parking lot on the north side of Drake Road at Dunbar Avenue, west of Shields. Take your own bike, helmet and water. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Family night walk Take a family-friendly night walk and learn about nocturnal animals from 7 to 9 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). Meet at the parking lot and dress warmly. Registration is required. Register: (89903-01) or call 970-416-2815. Info: e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Sept. 11
Wildlife program “Ghost Runners of the Prairie,” a program about the animals that live in the shortgrass prairie, with a half-mile hike to search for wildlife, will be at 6 p.m. at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, located 25 miles north of Fort Collins. Directions: from Fort Collins, take Hwy 1/ Terry Lake Road to County Road 15 north (towards Waverly). From County Road 15, turn north onto Rawhide Flats Road and continue north to the entrance station. Meet at the South Parking Lot and take a flashlight. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Almost full moon hike Meet at 8 p.m. at the Visitor Center parking lot in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, for a guided evening stroll. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Family mystery hike A naturalist-led hike at 1 p.m. challenges families to solve a puzzle, riddle or mystery as they walk and search for hidden clues along a one-mile, easy trail. The hike is appropriate for ages 5 and up. Meet at the Visitor Center at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 719-576-2016.
Kids nature puppet show “Bob the Cat,” and other puppets will take participants on a guided discovery of park wildlife and habitats at 3 p.m. in the Camper Services building in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, for a guided evening stroll. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. 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.
