September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Estes Park Running Club’s Fall Run Series
Every Tuesday evening through September, the Estes Park Running Club is holding a special Fall Running Series that includes a scenic 5K run and free pasta dinner. All abilities and ages are welcome to join. The event begins at 6 p.m. on the Stanley Hotel’s front steps and concludes, following the 3.1 mile out-and-back run along McGregor Avenue and Devil’s Gulch Road, on the hotel’s back patio with a free pasta diner including a domestic beer or beverage. Visit http://www.epmarathon.org for more information.

September 3
Wine & Words poetry open mic
Nederland’s Happy Trails Coffee house is under new management and offering Wine & Words, a new open-mic-style poetry reading the first Wednesday of each month from 7-9 pm. The Sept. 3 event at Happy Trails, 98 Hwy. 119 in Nederland, is expected to have another “spectacular turn out,” so don’t miss out. Sign up begins at 6:45 p.m. and reading begins at 7 p.m. Call 303-258-3435 for more information.

September 6
Historical Society of Idaho Springs
50th Anniversary Celebration
Join the Clear Creek County community in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Historical Society of Idaho Springs at the Underhill Museum Gardens, 1416 Miner St. Live music provided by the Gary and Claudia Duo will accompany an evening of food and beverage in the summer garden. Come celebrate 50 years of preservation and restoration of Idaho Springs history. For more information, call 303-567-4382 or visit http://www.historicidahosprings.com.

September 8
Meet Me @ The Museum – Rocky Mountain Elk: A History
While so prominent in the area today, elk were said to have been extirpated from the Estes valley by 1880, only to be reintroduced in 1913 and again in 1915. Join Estes Park Museum Director and Curator of Exhibits Derek Fortini as he explores the history of elk in Estes Park. As many at 3,200 elk are scattered throughout the park during the summer and fall. Admission is free and no registration required. Meet Me @ The Museum events encourage everyone to be curious about the history of sites, events, and those who came before us in Estes Park. Discussions are on-site at the Estes Park Museum, 200 4th St. Visit http://www.estes.org for more information.

September 10
Transformation in RMNP: The Effects of Climate Change and Human Intervention
In this body of research by Estes Park author Thomas Gootz, the book first considers the impact that the presence of humans, since pre-historic times to the present, has had on the flora and fauna of the area now encompassed by the National Park and the effects on the Park’s fragile ecosystems caused by recent changes in the climate. At the Baldpate Inn, Sept. 10 from 7 – 8 p.m., the author reviews the latest research studies by governmental and independent research agencies and suggests some steps that might be taken to lessen environmental damage and improve prospects for preserving the regions indigenous plants and animals.

September 13
Hot Rod Hill Climb
The mountains surrounding Georgetown come alive with the sound of uncapped vintage motors rocketing up the twisty switchbacks on Guanella Pass Road, Sept. 13, for the historic 60th anniversary event of the Hot Rod Hill Climb. The event includes a fun-filled day complete with the Hot Rod Hill Climb, valve cover races, a pancake breakfast, live 50s rock from The Lucky Few and The High Gear Daddies, vendors, shopping, great food, hot rod and custom car specialty parking also a family-friendly, 50s costume and pin-up contest. The Georgetown Hot Rod Hill Climb Welcome Party pre-festival event takes place, Sept. 12, with music from Barnyard Stompers. All day admission is $10 and 12 and under are free. Visit http://www.hotrodhillclimb.com for more information.

Celebrate Gold Hill Gold Rush
The town of Gold Hill holds its annual fund raising event, Gold Hill Gold Rush, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Main St. Proceeds from the event benefit the Gold Hill Town Meeting and will support individuals and the community at large. The free and open to the public event celebrates the town, recognizing its 155th year, and features the town’s Annual Bake Sale with homemade pies, cookies and more, a Rummage Sale offering antiques, clothing and more. The Arts & Crafts Fair features hand-made items from Front Range artists. There will be drinks, bratwursts and live music through out the afternoon. Visit http://www.goldhilltown.com for more information.

Vibrational Sound Meditation
Participate in a Vibrational Sound Meditation, Sept. 13 from 5-6 p.m., at The Yoga Room at Two Brothers Deli in Idaho Springs. Class Leader Danae Beaudette uses her Peaceful Warrior Gong, Chau Gong, ocean drum, rain sticks, tingshas, Tibetan bowls, and crystal bowls during the meditation. She plays the gongs by themselves and integrates shamanic drumming, singing bowls, and other vibrational sound instruments to enhance the experience making it a complete sound journey. The tones and resonance play upon the body at the cellular, emotional, mental and spiritual levels of your being. The experience costs $20. Sign up prior to event at Two Brothers Deli or contact Cherie at 303 905-2205 or theyogaroomis@gmail.com.

September 20
Meet Bucyrus and Learn about Steam Shovels
Sitting in the middle of the town of Nederland is a behemoth of a machine, one that has earned its keep over the years. This 1923 Bucyrus 50-B steam shovel is the descendant of the first steam shovel mounted on a revolving crane, the patent for which went to William Smith Otis in 1839, 84 years earlier. Otis died just after the patent was granted, and control of the patent eventually went to his first cousin Oliver Smith Chapman, the great-great-grandfather of Anna Lee Ames Frohlich. Learn all about steam shovels and Nederland’s own Bucyrus from Frohlich, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m., at the Nederland Community Library, 200 N. Hwy. 72. Call 303-258-1101, e-mail nederlandlibrary@gmail.com or visit http://www.nedlib.org to learn more.

September 21
Trains and Tribulations: Early Travel in the Mountains
Join storyteller Jan Tafoya, Sept. 21 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Nederland Mining Museum for tales of early travel in the Rocky Mountains. Hear thrilling stories of traveling by train and learn about the Switzerland Trail of America, Boulder’s popular and scenic railroad. The event is appropriate for all ages. For more information, e-mail kzullo@bouldercounty.org or visit http://www.bouldercounty.org.

September 26
Climb On! exhibit opening
Experience the vertical side of Estes Park, home to some of the nation’s most spectacular rock climbing, at the “Climb On!” exhibit—in celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park’s 100th Anniversary—at the Estes Park Museum, Sept. 26-Oct. 4. Granite boulders, sub-alpine crags, and high mountain walls make the Estes valley and surrounding high peaks a world class training ground for elite and amateur climbers alike. Learn about ascending rocky terrain and how individuals pioneered local routes that pushed the limits of gravity. A free opening reception takes place, Sept. 26, from 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Visit http://www.estes.org to learn more.

September 27
Creations & Libations
Join local artist Trishia Pollard for an evening of painting, appetizers and socializing at Two Brother’s Deli’s One Door Down, Sept. 27, during the latest Creations & Libations. Each event is different from the last, so even if you’ve been before, you will learn something new. The price of $35 includes original art piece, step-by-step instructions, appetizers, laughter and fun. Craft beer and classic wines are available for purchase. Appetizers are served at 6:30 p.m. and instruction begins at 7 p.m. Register at the Clear Creek Recreation Center or online at http://www.clearcreekrecreation.com. For questions, call Dan at 303-907-9491 or visit Two Brother’s Deli,1424 Miner St. in Idaho Springs.

Oh Deer, Elk and Moose! hike
Join volunteer naturalists, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Caribou Ranch Open Space for a moderate three-mile hike in the high country to learn about the natural history, behavior, and ecology of the three members of the deer family that call Caribou Ranch home: mule deer, American elk, and moose. Participants will look for signs of wildlife along the trail. Visit http://www.bouldercounty.org for more information.

14th Annual Enchanted Forest
Nederland’s Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center presents its popular 14th Annual Enchanted Forest, Sept. 27 from 2-6 p.m. Throughout the day, families can enjoy music, food, magic and fun within the Ecology Center as well as tours of the forest along the creek where “animals” will dramatically share their stories of the forest and give goodies to all of the young participants. Patrons are also encouraged to wear nature costumes. Children of all ages enjoy this unique event. All proceeds directly benefit Wild Bear and its mission to foster a life-long appreciation of the environment and to promote and environmentally aware, responsible and ecologically sound community. The Enchnated Forest costs $6 per person in advance and $8 per person on the day of the event. Children under 2 and seniors are free. Visit http://www.wildbear.org to learn more.

September 28
Four Years after the Fourmile Canyon Fire
Join volunteer naturalists at the Bald Mountain Scenic Area, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon, for a moderate one-mile hike to learn about the natural role of fire in ponderosa pine ecosystems, and to see evidence of the September 2010 Fourmile Canyon fire. Participants will observe how this ecosystem has recovered so far, and also keep an eye out for signs of wildlife along the trail. Visit http://www.bouldercounty.org for more information.