June 13, 2024

History from a Birds Eye View

Thursday, July 11, 6:30 pm

Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road

Come explore our local history from an avian perspective. 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 others. We’ll delve into the impacts of development and human activity on bird life in Boulder County through a presentation, Exploring History through Avian Perspectives:  Changes in Feathered Fauna in an Evolving Landscape, by Lafayette Open Space naturalist, Martin Ogle, and Gerry Morrell from the Lafayette Historical Society.

This presentation is free, and registration is not required.

The left drawing of Boulder was done in 1874 and used with permission of the Carnegie Library for Local History, Boulder. The photo on the right is a recent aerial photo of Boulder. Notice the change in vegetation as well as in buildings.

Birds and Butterflies of Boulder Tallgrass Prairies

Friday, August 2, 7:30am

Once you have learned about the history of our evolving landscape and the resulting impacts to feathered fauna, join us for an informative field trip to look for these changes with two expert birders, Steve Jones and Scott Severs.

Registration on Eventbrite opens June 22 for BCNA members and June 24

for everyone. Meeting time and location will be given to those who register.

Steve and Scott will talk about and look for the many changes in bird and butterfly

communities as a result of the changes in human land use in Boulder County.  Learn how the building of cities, planting of trees, creation of water projects and other human activities have ushered in many bird and butterfly species and ushered out others.  Identify the factors that still make Boulder County so rich in biodiversity.

Boulder’s protected tallgrass prairies, among the largest tallgrass remnants along the northern Front Range, still support native prairie birds, but the invasion of deciduous trees along South Boulder Creek and the Boulder urban fringe has given the species composition a decidedly eastern flavor. We should see some typical prairie birds such as lark sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, and Western Meadowlark; but also expect Blue Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwing, Blue Jay, and other species more typical of eastern deciduous woodlands.

As for butterflies, abundant milkweed plants support monarchs and viceroys, and we may see one or two Arogos Skippers, which lay their eggs on the big bluestem. We should also get an intimate look at some of the tallgrass blossoms.

We hope to see you at the presentation on July 11 and encourage you to mark your calendars for the “Birds Eye View” field trip registration dates. Don't miss this

unique opportunity to learn about our local history through the lens of birdlife!

Plant Identification and Ecology

BCNA is also offering two opportunities to study and learn about local vegetation with an expert on plant identification and ecology.

Saturday, August 10 – Willows of Boulder County Field Class

Learn how to identify various willow species with guidance from an expert, Gwen Kittel, author of Willows (Salix) of Colorado: Their Ecology and Identification. Willows occur throughout Colorado in wetlands, along streams, ditches, and in forests. This tour is for anyone interested in riparian and wetland ecology and in learning or re-learning their willows, for beginners as well as experts. We will see as many as 15 different species of willows on this tour.

Registration on Eventbrite opens June 29 for BCNA members and July 1 for everyone.

Saturday, August 24 – Todd Gulch Fen Phenology

What is a Fen? What is Phenology? Learn about wetlands, rare species, and citizen science with botanist and ecologist Gwen Kittel. We’ll cover plant identification and learn how to document the phenological stages (bud burst, flowering, fruiting, etc.) of wildflowers, sedges, shrubs and even conifer trees!

Registration on Eventbrite opens July 13 for BCNA members and July 15 for everyone.

Lace Up Those Hiking Boots – It’s Discover Time!

Screen shot of the COTrex trail map for part of Boulder.

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect season to explore Colorado’s varied trails! If you’re searching for new paths to discover, the Colorado Trail Explorer App (COTREX) is a great guide, with loads of information.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has teamed up with over 230 trail managers across the state to create COTREX, a comprehensive and free app that offers detailed information on trails throughout Colorado. You can download it from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or access it online.

Find Your Perfect Trail

COTREX makes it easy to find trails that match your interests, abilities, and location. You can search for trails based on various criteria, and download maps for offline use. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or horseback riding, you’ll find:

• Trail management and allowed uses
• Surface type
• Seven-day weather forecasts and fire updates
• Map coordinates
• Customizable basemaps: topographic, satellite, or a hybrid view

Interactive Features and Challenges

Not only can you explore trails, but you can also submit feedback on trail conditions and complete nature observation challenges to earn badges, which might keep children engaged as they hike. Plus, you can record your hikes or rides, explore area info, and jot down field notes directly in the app.

Stay Safe and Informed

COTREX relies on verified information from government agencies and, as is the case with any app, the information may not always be current. Always double-check the route for safety. The app is a fantastic tool, but it’s up to you to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.

So, gear up and explore some new-to-you trails this summer! Happy hiking!

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!