One of my favorite quotes by Aldo Leopold in his book, A Sand County Almanac. A classic read for any upcoming wildlife biologist, nature-lover, or outdoors person. This quote reminds me of the well-known saying “leave it better than you found it”. A saying that had been engrained in me ever since I was just a kid playing in the river behind my house. I am fortunate that I grew up as an “outdoor kid”.
Fort Collins Audubon Society hosts Rachel Belouin, Program Manager, Southern Plains, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
“Grasslands, Birds, and Grazing”
Thursday, May 11
Social time with Refreshments 7 p.m.; Announcements 7:20; Presentation, 7:30
Door Prize Drawing (must be present to win)
Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr.
***This program will also be accessible online using Zoom***
Enter the following link at 7 p.m.: https//us02web.zoom.us/j/8783050898
Rachel Belouin, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, will explore how compatible uses create habitat and resilience on our Great Plains. Rachel works with private landowners (farmers and ranchers) and other partners to help engage best practices for working lands to ensure grasslands stay in grass and to enhance wildlife habitat, especially for avian species. She also will share how Bird Conservancy of the Rockies approaches this unique partnership between beef and birds.
Rachel has a master’s degree in Natural Resource Stewardship with a concentration in grasslands and ecological restoration from Colorado State University. She is the Stewardship Program Manager, Southern Plains, with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Rachel has experience working and living on a third-generation cattle ranch and enjoys riding her horse, trail running with her son, and a great book. Join us for this informative program on May 11. It is free and the public is welcomed!
Join Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and take part in a Journey in a Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023! The planned activities will help you work toward fulfilling the requirements for the Think Like A Citizen Scientist Journey and you will take away great ideas for your Take Action project. Learn all about birds, biodiversity and what makes a healthy ecosystem! Also learn how you can contribute meaningful data to science by observing the natural world around you!
The formal program will run from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. but you are welcome to arrive early or stay late and enjoy Barr Lake State Park. We will break for lunch on your own (we’ll provide the space, you provide the lunch) from 12-12:45 p.m. and reconvene at 1 p.m. Be sure to bring water bottles, hats, sunscreen, insect repellant, and anything else you need to be comfortable in the outdoors all day.
Please note a $10 daily or an annual Colorado State Park Pass will be required for entry into the park. Daily passes are valid until noon the following day.
This event is for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. This is not a drop-off event. All girls must be accompanied by their caregiver or attend with their troop. Adult safety ratios must be followed.
We will send out final details two days before the event with parking and driving directions but feel free to reach out if you have any questions prior to that.
Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-served need basis. If you would like to apply for a scholarship please stop and reach out to Sherry Nickolaus at [email protected] for an application. Scholarship funds must be awarded before registration is complete. Thank you!
CLICK HERE to register!
On Sunday, March 13th, I saw my first Mountain Bluebird of the year. He was coming off the south fence of the northwestern pasture. He launched, dipped, then propelled making it to the opposite side to watch me travel on, my car having done more to move him than the cows, or even the coyotes could manage.
Our Thirsty Bird Happy Hour is a casual event for folks to mix and mingle with Bird Conservancy staff and fellow bird lovers. Tell your friends, grab a beer, and join us all summer long as we raise a glass to birds!
Our Thirsty Bird Happy Hour is a casual event for folks to mix and mingle with Bird Conservancy staff and fellow bird lovers. Tell your friends, grab a beer, and join us all summer long as we raise a glass to birds!
Our Thirsty Bird Happy Hour is a casual event for folks to mix and mingle with Bird Conservancy staff and fellow bird lovers. Tell your friends, grab a beer, and join us all summer long as we raise a glass to birds!
Our Thirsty Bird Happy Hour is a casual event for folks to mix and mingle with Bird Conservancy staff and fellow bird lovers. Tell your friends, grab a beer, and join us all summer long as we raise a glass to birds!
Do you enjoy exploring the natural world and discovering new things, building your bird list, and connecting with fellow nature lovers and bird enthusiasts?
Then join us for the 2023 Bird Conservancy of the Rockies BioBlitz and Community Science Celebration! Enjoy a day of exploration as we count as many different species as we can at Barr Lake State Park, learn about the park’s biodiversity, and celebrate community science!
You’ll join scientists and experts on short walks around Barr Lake State Park where you search for, identify and record as many species as possible! Do you like birds? Join the ornithologists group! Do you want to learn about plants? Join the botanists group! Do you want practice your bird identification skills? Join a bird walk! Just want to hang out and enjoy a beautiful Colorado day? There will be lots of things to do at the Nature Center base camp! You can join survey groups anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
(additional surveys are being added daily so check back often!)
BioBlitz participation is free, but there is a $10 state park fee unless you have an Annual State Parks Pass.
The Karval Mountain Plover Festival began when Karval community members were looking at economic opportunities for this small community. We decided to “bring the bird lovers to the bird”. This is a weekend full of bird watching, Wildlife viewing tours, entertainment, history, arts and crafts, antiques, and LOTS OF GOOD FOOD!
Along with bird watching, here are some of the other things you will enjoy: You’ll get the chance to mingle with farmers and ranchers who choose to live in the local community and learn about their lifestyle. Eat home style food at every meal. Most meals are prepared by the community’s non-profit organizations. Saturday evening includes a Country dinner with authentic western entertainment. Learn about conservation practices and history of the area. Tour Private Land that would normally not be accessible. Make new friends!
Bird Conservancy staff will be at the event leading bird-watching tours and discussions about ecology, biology and natural resource management.
Visit https://mountainploverfestival.com/ for more information and to register!
Follow this LINK to download the festival brochure.
