MARCH 1
Hermit Park Open Space Closure Ends
Larimer County’s Hermit Park Open Space, southeast of Estes Park, will reopen to the public March 1, from its annual seasonal closure. For questions, call the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources Administrative Office at 970-619-4570.

MARCH 3-5
Family Mountaineering Weekend
Join the YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center, 2515 Tunnel Road, for its second annual winter “Family Mountaineering & Backcountry Weekend,” March 3-5, designed to give families the skills they need to enjoy Colorado’s mountains year-round. The weekend includes a variety of hands-on activities and courses, including backcountry skiing, winter survival skills, tips for hiking with children, as well as the option to demo some of the best mountaineering equipment on the market. In addition, key-note speakers present a variety of outdoor topics. The weekend also includes more than a dozen courses and workshops for families of all ages and skill levels ranging from avalanche safety and beacon training, to snow painting and igloo making. All activities are free to YMCA of the Rockies guests or $20 for off-grounds admission. Register for the Winter Mountaineering Weekend by visiting the website and indicating “Mountaineering” in the comments box. Activities begin at 1 p.m. on March 3 and continue 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on March 4, and 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on March 5. Call 970-586-3341or visit http://www.ymcarockies.org to register or learn more.

MARCH 4 & APRIL 1
Lyons Old-Time Square Dance
Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy old-time reels, mixers, squares, waltzes and clogging to live fiddle and banjo music, March 4, 7-10 p.m., at Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, 303 Main St., in Lyons. All dances are taught and are beginner and family-friendly. Dance calling will be by Chris Kermiet with old-time music by Joe & the Vittetones. Dances are easiest earlier in the evening and become more complex. Come alone, bring family, friends and children and join the mix of beginner and welcoming seasoned dancers. No experience, partner or special shoes required. The dance is $10 for adults, $5 for children or $25 for a family. A second dance night takes place April 1. To learn more, e-mail
oldtimedances@musicinlyons.com or call 303-827-6322

MARCH 7
Secrets of Growing Tomatoes in Estes Park
Everyone loves tomatoes, but growing them can be a challenge—especially in high altitude. The Estes Valley Community Garden and the Town of Estes Park’s Senior Services invite local gardeners to learn the secrets to growing tomatoes in the Estes Valley, March 7, 1-2 p.m., at the Estes Park Senior Center, 220 Fourth St. Presented by CSU Master Gardener Skip von Kaenel, the free program will cover selecting seeds and plants most viable for local conditions; selecting seeding materials; indoor orientation and conditions for germination; preparing soil, preparation for best planting time and orientation for outdoor growing; transplanting; mulching, staking, frequency and techniques of watering; pruning, pests and nurturing fruit to ripeness; and harvesting and disposing of vines. Advanced sign-up is required. Stop by or call the Senior Center at 970-586-2996 or visit estes.org/seniorcenter to learn more.

MARCH 8
Chickens in Your Yard Class
CSU Extension for Gilpin County presents “Chickens in your Yard,” a class taught by chicken expert Curtis Utley accompanied by other local chicken keepers, March 8, 6:30-8 p.m. Participants will learn chicken rearing basics and how to predator proof a coop. There will be discussions about special considerations for high altitude and county regulations. The cost is $5 per person and can be paid by cash or check. The class takes place in the Gilpin County Fairgrounds Exhibit Barn, 230 Norton Drive next to the Gilpin Recreation Center. Call 303-582-9106 or email extention@co.gilpin.co.us for more information.

MARCH 10
When Cultures Meet Workshop
We meet different cultures inside organizations, communities and society. Sometimes the difference creates conflict and our reaction can be fight or flight. A day-long workshop, “When Cultures Meet,” March 10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., takes place at Town Hall and facilitated by Susan Stewart and Sally Park. It is an upbeat and fast paced way to discover how to decrease interpersonal tension, appreciate difference and create robust systems in the family, organization and community. The event is $15 per person with a light breakfast and lunch included. Registration is required. E-mail dlord@estes.org, or call 970-577-3818 to register. For more information, visit http://www.powerandsystems.com.

MARCH 11-12
Frozen Dead Guy Days Pancake Breakfast
The Nederland Area Seniors hosts a special Frozen Dead Giy Days Pancake Breakfast, March 11-12, 8-11 a.m., at the Nederland Community Center, 750 N. Hwy. 72. The breakfast includes eggs, sausage, coffee, juice, yogurt, granola, banana, and all-you-can-eat pancakes for $8 for adults, $5 for adults over age 60 and $4 for those under 12. Tickets for $1 or six for $5 will be available to enter a 50/50 Cash Split Raffle. A winner will be announced March 15. Visit http://www.nederlandareaseniors.org for more information.

MARCH 16
Gilpin County St. Baldrick’s Event
Brave a shave for kids with cancer at the Gilpin County St. Baldrick’s Event, March 16 at 3 p.m., at Gilpin County School, 10595 Hwy. 119 north of Black Hawk. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-powered charity that funds more childhood cancer research grants than any other private organization. Give hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers. Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office is in a race against Timberline Fire District and Central City Fire Department for the most donations. Stop by to give, shave or help out. Learn more at http://www.stbaldricks.org/denver.

MARCH 17
St. Paddy’s Day Celebration
Join Loveland Ski Area on St. Paddy’s Day as everyone celebrates the luck of the Irish, March 17, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. There will be corned beef and cabbage for lunch in the Basin Cafeteria and green beer in the bars.  The Dru Griffin Band will play classic Irish tunes in the Rathskeller during Apres Ski.  Visit arapahoebasin.com or call 970-468-0718 to learn more.

MARCH 30
Pruning Class
Clear Creek County Master Gardeners explain the intricacies of pruning various trees and shrubs, March 30, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Georgetown Heritage Center, 809 Taos St. Students will learn to use and sharpen the proper tools. There will be demonstrations and hands-on pruning. Participants are asked to bring pictures of trees and bushes that inspire questions for the experts. Registration is required by March 27. This class is free, but donations will be accepted. Visit http://www.georgetowntrust.org or call 303-569-0289 for details.