Catch the fever and discover the secrets of mineral collecting and gold prospecting in Colorado's world famous geology. With the assistance of the Gold Prospectors of Colorado, the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society, the Lake George Gem and Mineral Club, and the Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds, experts in Colorado geology will teach an introduction to mineral collecting and gold prospecting. Starting at 10 a.m., this event-filled course will include a practical hands-on session in the morning, a classroom session in the afternoon and a keynote speaker in the early evening. The morning session will include the demonstration of placer gold mining equipment, metal detectors, global position satellite systems, map reading and orientation, and mineral collection organization and display. The afternoon classroom session will cover Pikes Peak regional geology and Colorado gold: where and what to look for (structural and deposition geology and mineral ID), what tools and equipment to use, mapping applications, and the legalities of mining (how to file a claim, leasing mineral lands, and opportunities associated with county tax sales). Finally, as part of the Museum's Heritage Lecture Series, Dr. Peter Modreski, with the USGS, will speak at 6:00 pm. on Mineral Collecting in the Colorado Rockies! With the generous support of the above referenced organizations, this event is intended to be a fundraiser for the nonprofit Museum's education mission. Members are encouraged to donate $5 per person, and a $10 donation is encouraged for all nonmembers. For an additional $10 per person, a box lunch may be reserved or attendees may bring their own picnic lunch to be enjoyed on the Museum's grounds. Space is limited, so please RSVP to the Museum at 719-488-0880.

Location: WMMI is just off I-25 at the Gleneagle exit, #156A across from the north entrance to the United States Air Force Academy.