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.
Guided hikes Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, offers personalized naturalist-guided hikes for any age group. Pick the date, time and topic and they’ll do their best to accommodate your request. Please have a minimum of six participants in your group and consider a donation to the Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park to support programming efforts. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
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.
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: 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 .
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
Guided bird walk Naturalist Doris Cruze will lead a bird walk at 8 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Take water, snacks, a bird book, binoculars and dress appropriately for the weather. Info: 303-973-3959.
Natural history program “Footsteps from the Past,” an easy, 2-mile guided hike, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Directions: from Fort Collins, take Harmony Road west, it turns into County Road 38 E. Follow County Road 38 E to Masonville. Go left (south) at the Masonville Mercantile onto County Road 27. Follow County Road 27 about 1 mile to County Road 32 C, head west about 1 mile to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. From Loveland, go west on Highway 34 about 4.5 miles west of Wilson Avenue. Turn north on County Road 27 by Big Thompson Elementary and drive 4.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 32C and go 1 mile west to the Bobcat Ridge parking lot. Meet in the parking lot; hike is appropriate for ages 12 and above. Take a sack dinner to enjoy afterwards if desired. Info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
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.
Batteries/sustainable energy talk “Batteries and Sustainable Energy,” a free talk for ages 13-adult, will be at 11 a.m. at Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road, Golden. Register at 720-497-7600 or at .
TUESDAY
Nature art class Naturalist Phyllis Vandeharr will teach a nature art class, “Watercolor Landscape Techniques,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. The class is for ages 120 to adult. Call 303-973-3959 for reservations and to obtain a materials list for the program.
WEDNESDAY
Café Botanique lecture “Codex to Codex, Leaf to Leaf,” a lecture by Karen Jones, book conservation specialist, will be at 6:30 p.m. at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. Café Botanique lectures “create an atmosphere where botanical science, research and art provide communication topics.” Info: or 720-865-3585.
Bird/reading event “For the Birds: A Flock of Writers Read About All Things Avian,” an event featuring bird-related stories, essays and poems read by writers, artists, birders, environmental activists and educators, will be at 7 p.m. at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History on the CU Boulder campus. Light refreshments will be served. Info: or 303-492-6892.
Wildlife program “Colorado’s Lesser Known Wildlife,” a program about wolverines, pine martens and river otters, 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
Astronomy program “Starry Nights: Size is Relative,” a guided stargazing program with telescopes for viewing the night sky, will be from 6:45 to 10 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 in the picnic shelter; dress warmly. Registration is required. Register: (89901-02) or call 970-416-2815. Info: e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
FRIDAY
Kids nature program Naturalist Brook Cruz will lead a free program on butterflies, geared for kids ages 3-5, with accompanying adult, at 10:15 a.m. in the Re 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 .
Birding event “Birding Behind the Scenes at Soapstone Prairie,” a free event led by City of Fort Collins Biologist Aran Meyer and Educator Sue Kenney, will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will be birding in some areas closed to the public and will also learn about the Lindenmeier early man site. Transportation from Fort Collins will be provided. Registration is required. Register/info: 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
Birding tour “Birding Tour of the Three Bells Conservation Easement,” a free excursion led by Naturalist Carl, will be from 7 to 9:30 a.m. the Three Bells conservation easement is a private property north of River Bluffs Open pace which is normally closed to the public. A shuttle will be required; details will be sent to registrants. Registration is required. Register: .
“Family fun” night “Celestial Celebrations” is the theme of a “Family fun” night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mordecai Children’s Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. NASA Astronaut Col. Mike Good will share slides and videos of his missions into space, will sign autographs and will participate in a question and answer session with children and their parents. There will also be several hands-on activity stations provided by NASA and Denver Botanic Gardens Staff. Families are encouraged to take along a picnic dinner. Cost is $20 for a member family of four, $3 for each additional person. Cost for non-member family of four is $25, $4 for each additional person. Children ages 2 and under are free. Info: or 720-865-3585.
Birding fair The 7th annual Northern Colorado Birding Fair will be Sept. 23 and 24 at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, on Carpenter Road, one-mile west of the I-25/Hwy. 392 Windsor Exit. There will be birding field trips, guided bird walks, hands-on activity booths, a silent auction and vendors. There will also be raptor releases, presentations and interactive clinics. Info: contact Rob Novak at 970-679-4561 or e-mail rnovak@larimer.org. For a full schedule of events, visit .
SATURDAY
Guided hike Naturalist Lenore Mitchell will lead a hike to Lyons Overlook at 9 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Take water and snacks; dress appropriately for the weather. Reservations are required. Register/info: 303-973-3959.
Family outdoor-skills event “Wild Times at St. Vrain State Park,” features outdoor activities, skills-building opportunities and wildlife appreciation. Cost is $5 (no credit cards) and event is limited to 100 attendees. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Lunch and goody bags will be provided. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. St. Vrain Park is located on I-25 between Denver and Fort Collins at Hwy. 199 (exit 240). Registration is required. Register: call 303-291-7804. Info: wildlife/.
Nature program “Rox Revealed: A Story Revealed by he Rocks,” a program led by Naturalist Mary Taylor, will be at 10 a.m. in Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
Kids nature program “Roxy Puppet Theater,” a puppet program for ages 10 and younger, accompanied by an adult, will be at 10:30 a.m. 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. Register/info: 303-973-3959.
Guided nature hike Naturalist Vickey Trammell will lead a nature hike and discuss shrubs and trees at 8 a.m. 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. Register/info: 303-973-3959.
Ecology hike Volunteer Naturalist Peter Laux will lead a hike exploring the topography and vegetation along the 4-mile East Canyon Preservation Trail at 9 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. Meet at the visitor center; take drinking water. No pets allowed. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Junior Ranger program A Junior Ranger program, for kids ages 7-10, will be at 9:30 a.m. at Lory State Park in Bellvue. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Reservations are required. Register: contact Linda at 970-491-1623.
Guided hike “Falls to the Dam,” a hike led by Volunteer Naturalist Ron Claussen, will be at 10 a.m. in Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown. Meet at the Falls parking lot; take water and snacks, and dress appropriately for the hike. No pets allowed. A $7 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Register: 303-688-5242.
Natural history program “History Mysteries,” a program for ages 12 and above, exploring the history of Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, with a chance to see structures and evidence left from pioneers and Native Americans, will be at 9 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 in the parking lot. Info: call 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
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. “Bird Boogaloo,” a free, bird-inspired movement workshop, will be at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. during the “Feathered Friends” family event. The “Bird Boogaloo” is presented by the CU Theater and Dance Department. Info: or 303-492-6892.
Natural Area clean-up event Celebrate National Public Lands Day and protect native birds and wildlife by helping to remove discarded fishing line and trash from 3 to 5 p.m. at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area in Fort Collins. Volunteers can take small boats out to islands and other wetland areas, wade into the water or do clean-up on foot. Boats and waders will be provided.
A second volunteer project cleaning up the Poudre River corridor in the Three Bells Conservation Easement will also take place Sept. 24. The events are sponsored by REI. Registration is required; meeting location will be given upon registering. Register: For the Riverbends project, register at . For the Three Bells project, register at . Info: , 970-416-2815 or e-mail naturalareas@fcgov.com.
National Public Lands Day event The Canyon Lakes Ranger District invites the public to its second-annual National Public Lands Day event from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Red Feather Lakes. The service/learning day is broken into segments the public can participate in while learning more about the outdoors. Volunteers will sign up for morning and afternoon sessions, followed by a dinner at the end of the day. Projects include: tree planting, reseeding areas with native grasses, and trailwork and rehabilitation. Learning opportunities include: archaeology, map and compass geocaching and children’s mountain biking. Volunteers should take sack lunches and lawn chairs. Info: contact Kristy Wumkes at 970-295-6721 or kwumkes@fs.fed.us. Register: .
Trailwork weekend event Rocky Mountain Field Institute needs volunteers ages 18 and up (or ages 13 and up if accompanying a parent volunteer) to work for a weekend doing trailbuilding on Shelf Road. A group campsite will be reserved for anyone who wants to camp over the weekend. The camping fee will be waived for volunteers. Plan to camp and eat independently and to take your own drinking water, camping and cooking gear and food. Take water bottles, sack lunches, work gloves, rain gear, sturdy and weather-appropriate clothing, work shoes or boots (NO open toes), sunscreen and insect repellant. The campground has toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and non-potable water. Register/info: contact Liz at 719-471-7736 or e-mail rmfi@rmfi.org.
Sept. 25
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.
Nature photography program Photographer Joy Jubert will give a lecture about taking “memorable pictures” and then will lead an outdoor excursion for participants to put their new skills to use. This event is family-friendly; take a point-and-shoot or DLR digital camera. Reservations are required. Register: 970-493-1623.
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.
Geology tour “Rocks and Minerals,” a free driving tour led by Jack Reed, Emeritus Scientist at the US Geological Survey, will be at 10 a.m. at Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road, Golden. The program is appropriate for ages 13 and above; registration is required. Register: 720-497-7600 or at .
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.
