Biodiversity Walk: Biodiversity and Resilience Within Changing Times and Climates
Leader: Lynne Sullivan
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Please join us for this fascinating walk led by Lynne Sullivan, a longtime Interpretive Naturalist who enjoys hiking with others and sharing observations of what they see. She will help participants observe large-scale to small-scale patterns seen on the land to see how they reveal the bountiful diversity of life found in the Front Range of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks system. Immersing ourselves in this expressive landscape, we realize how adaptability to changing climate emerges in these habitats comprising some of the most biologically rich regions in the interior of the United States.
Location: Ranger Cottage at Open Space and Mountain Parks, Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Rd. & 9th St., Boulder
Date: Tuesday, June 4, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Details: Please dress for the weather, including sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sun protection. Bring water, your lunch, and/or snacks. Allow ample time (~10 minutes) to find parking. We’ll find inspiration for body and soul on this gentle, meandering walk.
Tuition: Free. Reservations are required.
Registration on Eventbrite opens Tuesday, April 23 for BCNA members and Thursday, April 25 for everyone. Limited to 12 participants.
Cancellation: If you need to cancel, please go to Eventbrite and cancel so another person can have the spot. Thanks!
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On the left: Boulder Valley, 1874. Used with permission of the Carnegie Library for Local History. Photo on the right, 2024, from Adobe Stock Photos. |
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History from a Birds' Eye View - Changes in Feathered Fauna in an Evolving Landscape
Speakers: Martin Ogle and Gerry Morrell
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In addition to its song, the Blue Jay calling out in your backyard sings its part in the chorus of Boulder County’s story. This fascinating program, presented by Lafayette Open Space naturalist, Martin Ogle, and the Lafayette Historical Society’s Gerry Morrell, tracks how changes in human land use have transformed the avian fauna of our region.
Learn how the building of cities, planting of trees, creation of water projects and other human activities have ushered in many species (including some of the most familiar) and ushered out a number of others. What other songbirds followed the path of the Blue Jay? What water birds are newcomers to our prairie landscape? And what of the Burrowing Owl?
This program is sponsored by Lafayette Open Space and the Boulder County Nature Association. This program is free, and reservations are not required.
Location: Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road
Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024, 6:30 pm
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Watch for an announcement of the Birds' Eye View field class scheduled for late July or early August when we will look for evidence of the changing avian fauna in Boulder County. |
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Honoring Our Retiring BCNA Board Members
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sue Cass, Dave Fletcher, and Martin Ogle as they retire from the BCNA Board. Their dedication and expertise have greatly enriched our organization, and we are deeply thankful for their service.
Sue Cass has been an integral part of BCNA for decades, serving as President multiple times and contributing to various committees. Her mentorship of upcoming environmentalists and coordination of volunteers for the BCNA Winter Raptor Survey have been invaluable. Sue's love for Colorado and Boulder County shines through in her efforts to protect our ecosystems. Thank you, Sue, for your unwavering commitment and service to BCNA!
Dave Fletcher played a crucial role in expanding BCNA's education program by implementing organizational tools and guiding our processes. His "can-do" attitude and attention to detail have been instrumental in developing and implementing programs. Dave, we appreciate your organizational skills and visionary leadership.
Martin Ogle, though leaving the BCNA Board, leaves behind a lasting legacy. His work as the founder of Entrepreneurial Earth LLC and his efforts with Lafayette Open Space have promoted environmental literacy and the ALL Careers approach to education. Martin's dedication to spreading environmental knowledge across all ages is commendable. Thank you, Martin, for your commitment to BCNA and beyond.
As we bid farewell to Sue, Dave, and Martin, we do so with immense gratitude for their contributions to BCNA. Their passion and dedication have made a lasting impact, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Thank you for your service!
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Pollinators and Rare Plants Continue to Need Your Support |
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Adrian Carper, a research associate at the University of Colorado (CU) Museum of Natural History and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, recently spoke to members of BCNA about a new bill proposed in the Colorado General Assembly. The proposed bill, Invertebrates & Rare Plants Parks & Wildlife Commission (HB24-1117), defines invertebrates and rare native plant species in Colorado as wildlife and requires Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to allocate funding for research and conservation of these species.
This bill was based on a study, titled “Native Pollinating Insects Health Study" led by Colorado State University Extension, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and the CU Museum of Natural History. It emphasizes why it is necessary to protect native pollinators and insect species and also describes the importance of rare native plants and their relationship to these pollinators in Colorado. Currently, no state agency has the authority to protect or manage pollinators. The passage of this bill would change that.
The bill (HB24-1117) is actively under consideration in the state legislature. It has had three readings in the House and has been passed to the Senate. More recently, it has passed from Agriculture & Natural Resources to Appropriations without any amendments. It is important for legislators to understand the importance of this proposed bill and how the passage of it would be a huge step forward in the preservation of pollinators and rare plant species in Colorado.
As the bill continues through the legislature, it continues to be important to keep pressure on the state legislators and to remind them that this bill is needed to preserve ecosystem health and agriculture in Colorado.
Article contributed by Kayleigh O'Conner, BCNA intern and CU undergraduate
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A big thank you to all who currently support BCNA!
Please consider renewing today if you have not already done so.
New members are always welcome!
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