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.