The Cherokee Castle property, at 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, contains a petrified forest with preserved fossil logs — and some were “harvested” and incorporated into the castle architecture. In recent years, an expert has identified several distinct species that would indicate a very different climate than that of today. At 6:30 p.m. on April 11, there will be a lecture, “Secrets of our Petrified Log Forest Revealed.” Admission: $18, free for students with ID and educators. For reservations: cherokeeranch.org, 303-688-5555. The same website and phone number can be used for reservations to another presentation, on May 16, when Dr. Al Koch, director of the Cherokee Ranch Science Institute, will talk about nearby geological gold placer deposits: “The History and Geology of Gold in Douglas County.” Doors open at 6 p.m. for lectures.

Literary festival

Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, hosts the Writers Studio annual Literary Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 14 in the Half Moon, Littleton Campus. Morning and afternoon workshops with nationally published and award-winning writers of fiction, poetry, non-fiction will fill morning and afternoon sessions. Lunchtime will feature readings by workshop faculty. Books will be available for sale. An open mic for festival participants will conclude the day from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. See Arapahoe.edu/lit-fest for listing. For reservations, contact andrea.mason@arapahoe.edu and send check or money order by April 12 to: ACC Writers Studio Literary Festival, c/o Andrea Mason-Campus Box 32, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, P.O. Box 9002, Littleton, CO 80160-9002. Fee: $50 full day, non-ACC student; $30 half day non-ACC student; $20 ACC student. Pay by credit card — call Mason, 303-797-5857, or use URL above.

Student art

The Arapahoe Community College Fine Art Juried Student Exhibition runs through April 12 at Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Annex, first floor, Littleton Campus. Closing reception is 5-7 p.m. April 12. Awards donated by Heritage Fine Arts Guild. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Books for tots

One Book 4 Colorado returns to area libraries this year April 9-23, with a free picture book for families with young children (title TBA). More than 75,000 books will be distributed at Colorado’s public and military libraries this year, to support reading at home and ensure school readiness. Visit your local library.

Depot Gallery

Littleton’s Depot Gallery hosts its annual “$100 or Less” exhibit at 2069 W. Powers Ave. through April 22. 303-795-0781. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

High Line Canal

April open houses will continue to explore the future of the 71-mile High Line Canal, according to the completed Community Vision Process. Help with forming the Framework Plan from 4-7:30 p.m. April 10 at the Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., or on April 26 at the main Aurora Public Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway. (September open houses will be announced.) Users will continue with input. For information, see highlinecanal.org.

Senior Resource Fair

Visit the Senior Resource Fair at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial, sponsored by the Centennial Senior Commission, from 10 a.m. to noon on April 6. Before the fair, from 9-10 a.m., TLC Meals on Wheels will present how to live independently with Meals on Wheels, which offers volunteer visits and wellness checks. (Reserve a spot for this program: 303-542-7279 or visit arapahoelibraries.org/events.)

Concertmaster needed

The Lone Tree Symphony seeks applications for a Concertmaster because the present one is retiring. (Fee-for-service.) Send resume to Jacinda Bouton, Conductor/Music Director: Jacinda.Bouton@sprint.com and Mary Barnes, Vice President: Music@Barnes.net.

Genealogy meetings

Columbine Genealogical and Historical Society April meetings: April 10, 1-3 p.m., “Using Social History for Genealogy: Filling in the Gaps between Birth, Marriage and Death” presented by Noel G. Ferre, program chair, Castle Rock Genealogical Society; April 17, 1-3 p.m., “Mapping Your Ancestors,” presented by Kirsten Canfield and Summer Greenwood from Arapahoe Libraries. ColumbineGenealogy.com.

Littleton Symphony

“Great Music From the Arts — From Literature” is the title for Littleton Symphony’s concert at 7 p.m. April 13 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Tickets: littletonsymphony.org, 303-933-6824.

Readings

Finalists in mystery, science fiction/fantasy, thriller categories will read at 7 p.m. April 6 at the Book Bar, 4280 Tennyson St., Denver. ($5 Blood Orange Sangrias, while they last. Previous winner Carter Wilson will emcee.) Barbara Nickless, Charlotte Hinger, Margaret Mizushima, L.D. Colter, Michael Haspil, Laura E. Reeve, John A. Daly, Chris Goff, Peg Brantley will read. Winners will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. June 2 at the Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. $20 ticket includes reception and readings by winners.

Indian Wars

The annual Denver Indian Wars Symposium will be held May 12 at the Colorado National Guard Headquarters, 6868 S. Revere Parkway, Centennial. Speakers, authors, booksellers, buffet lunch and morning coffee and doughnuts included. To reserve a place: send check for $35 to: OIW, P.O. Box 1650, Johnstown, CO 80534.

Nick Sugar directs

“Passing Strange,” a musical in a regional premiere at The Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, from April 13 to May 13, will be directed by Nick Sugar, well-known at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays (no show on Sunday, April 15). Tickets: 303-739-1970, aurorafox.org.