Field Studies for 2012 are currently in the process of development.

CoNPS Field Studies Conducted in 2011

Plant Surveys of Corral Bluffs Open Space
Ongoing in 2011
The Corral Bluffs Alliance conducts ongoing plant surveys of the new Corral Bluffs Open Space near Colorado Springs.  We are seeking anyone interested in helping with plant surveys, especially if familiar with local flora.  Results may help form a management plan.  Help in efforts to conserve this special place!  Contact: Jackie Hilaire, hilaireja@aol.com, or call 719-683-8086.

Moonwort Monitoring at Bonny Prairie Natural Area
May 14
Join moonwort authorities Dr. Donald Farrar (Iowa State University) and Steve Popovich (US Forest Service) to find and collect the elusive and rare prairie moonwort (Botrychium campestre) at Bonny Prairie Natural Area in Yuma County near the Kansas border.  Plants were not observed at Colorado’s only population since 1997 until last summer, when a CoNPS field studies team relocated the site and counted 12 plants.  This year, we hope to find and collect more plants on which to perform important genetic research to help us understand taxonomy of this fern-like plant.  Car pooling may be arranged from Denver for a one-day non-strenuous adventure to the plains...but you will be crouched on the ground looking for TINY plants hidden in grasses! Contact: Steve Popovich, stevepopovich@hotmail.com, or call 970-295-6641.

Picket Wire Canyon Bioblitz
June 2-3
Join a team of biologists to survey Picket Wire Canyon to document plants and animals.  The canyon is along the Purgatoire River on the Comanche National Grassland, about 25 miles south of LaJunta in Las Animas County.  Cretaceous to Permian rock outcrops, juniper woodlands, and shortgrass prairie abound.  Several state-tracked ferns and flowering plants are known in the area.  It's the only site in the National Forest System with a mandate to protect and conserve paleontological resources (including a world-class dinosaur track site).  The Forest Service is working on an update of the Management Plan, and we don't have a lot of information on the plants and critters in the neighborhood.  This may be our best opportunity to find out something new.  We'd be camping in the vicinity of the Rourke Ranch (a site on the National Register of Historic Places), but would have access to running water.  Mileage may or may not be arranged for volunteers.  Be prepared for hot dry conditions, long days in rough terrain, and plenty of opportunities for scenic photos.  For more information, contact Steven Olson, solson01@fs.fed.us, or call 719-553-1519.

Survey and Monitoring of Skiff Milkvetch
Early June
The Colorado Natural Areas Program may be surveying for and possibly conducting counts of skiff milkvetch (Astragalus microcymbus), a Candidate species in lower-elevation sagebrush areas of the Gunnison Basin.  Contact: Brian Kurzel, Natural Areas Coordinator, brian.kurzel@state.co.us, or call 303-866-3203 ext. 4301.

High Elevation Fen Reconnaissance near Boulder
July 30, 2011
Join Colorado’s own fen authority Dr. David Cooper and Roosevelt National Forest Botanist Steve Popovich in exploring a subalpine fen (10,600 feet elevation) with incredible views of the surrounding mountains near Brainard Lake west of Boulder.  We will be deriving baseline lists of vascular plant species and perhaps mosses.  Fens are specialized wetlands that are fascinating to visit.  The one-day trip includes a flat 3/4-mile walk-in and driving on graded dirt roads, and is limited to 6 people (avid Botanists and novice plant enthusiasts welcome). Rubber boots are required.  Contact: Steve Popovich, stevepopovich@hotmail.com, or call 970-295-6641.

2010 Field Studies Opportunity at Coral Bluffs.

For information about the Field Studies Committee, please contact Steve Popovich.

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