According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW), the state’s current mule deer population of around 450,000 is about 25{66eaadba41c14e7e553ffe7a4ee73fbae213b19704eda0514b3dd79e37e4c0c5} below their objective. Populations have been declining over the last several decades due to human population growth resulting in habitat loss and vehicle collisions, as well as other factors like climate change, malnutrition, diseases like chronic […]
All this year, conservation and wildlife organizations across the US have been celebrating Year of the Bird, a campaign to bring awareness to the importance of birds and to celebrate the centennial of the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Here in our state, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) is participating in Year of […]
If wolves were reintroduced in our state, would they benefit the environment or be a nuisance for ranchers? In spite of a 2016 resolution passed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife stating that wolves would not be purposefully reintroduced into the state (although those that wander here on their own won’t be removed), the debate continues. […]
Did you know that today, May 22, is International Day for Biological Diversity? Biological diversity – usually shortened to “biodiversity” – refers to the variety of species and natural processes in an ecosystem. As habitats are reduced by development and increased human habitation, some species of plants and animals are pushed out or become endangered, […]
On the plains of Colorado, grassland ecosystems provide habitats for many species of plants and animals. Yet increased human migration and development is causing the disappearance of much of the state’s historic grasslands. Some, however, have been protected, such as the Pawnee and Comanche National Grasslands, which draw visitors to experience nature and learn about […]
“It is also vandalism wantonly to destroy or to permit the destruction of what is beautiful in nature, whether it be a cliff, a forest, or a species of mammal or bird. Here in the United States we turn our rivers and streams into sewers and dumping-grounds, we pollute the air, we destroy forests, and […]
Spring is coming, and as you begin planning your yard and garden, consider the benefits of using native plants. Native plant species are a good choice because they are adapted to Colorado’s climate and soil, so can be easy to grow here in Colorado. Native plants are also good for water conservation, as they are […]
Endangered species conservation isn’t just about animals — plant species often become rare and endangered as well. Colorado is home to a number of rare plants that various state agencies, including the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and Colorado State University’s Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) have been working to […]
The concept of biodiversity refers to conservation of plant and animal species in their natural environments to ensure a wide variety of species in an ecosystem. Having a rich biodiversity means plants and animals can serve each other as nature intended. Biodiversity studies explore habitat loss, threatened and endangered species, and conservation of ecosystems. Two […]
Have you ever seen a tropical bird flying around Denver, or caught a strange-looking fish in a mountain stream? It happens — but it shouldn’t. Sometimes people think releasing an animal back into the wild is a kind way of letting it go free — but this is far from the truth. In fact, when […]
If a tree dies in the forest does anyone notice? The Colorado State Forest Service does. The 2011 Report on the Health of Colorado’s Forests has just been released. If you’ve driven up to the high country lately you may have noticed large swaths of red colored pines where there used to be pre-dominately green […]
This year is an especially heavy year for miller moths. Millers migrate in the late spring/early summer from the plains to the mountains, passing through the Front Range on their way. Moths often get into homes and cars and, although they can be a nuisance, miller moths don’t eat household furnishings and they don’t reproduce […]
As more and more land gets developed, these cute little critters are becoming endangered. Because prairie dogs are (or at least, used to be) one of the most visible species of wildlife along the front range, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has published a number of guides to these little animals. Available from our library: […]
Did you know Colorado is home to a variety of frogs, toads, and other amphibians? You can find out all about them in some of the publications available in our library and on the web, including Quick Key to Amphibians and Reptiles of Colorado Hip on Herps: Colorado’s Reptiles and Amphibians Colorado Herpetofaunal Atlas Colorado’s […]
This is the time of year when yards and gardens are filled with bees, birds, and butterflies. I have seen a number of large yellow butterflies this month, and they look so pretty flitting through the colorful gardens blooming in the summertime. The CSU Cooperative Extension has produced a publication called Attracting Butterflies to the […]
The tamarisk plant (saltcedar) is one of the greatest threats to riparian habitats and streams. Originally from Eurasia, it was introduced in the 1800’s to the southwestern area of our country. For years I’ve seen it along the western rivers. Now I see it in the metro area along roadside marshes, drainage ditches, foothills streams, […]
Our library just accessioned a brand-new publication from the Division of Wildlife entitled “Living with Wildlife in Red Fox Country.” This new brochure is especially timely due to the recent news story of a little girl who was bitten by a fox. CDOW has also published “Living with Wildlife” brochures on geese, bears, coyotes, mountain […]
On a trip up to the mountains this weekend I noticed just how much damage is being caused as a result of outbreaks of mountain pine beetle. For information on this damaging insect, see the CSU Fact Sheet “Mountain Pine Beetles” and “Colorado’s Common Insects and Diseases“, also from CSU. Both publications are available online. […]
Weeds and unwanted pests present a challenge to gardeners. The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s “Request-a-Bug” program offers an alternative to pesticides. Colorado residents can obtain free biological pest control agents (insects) by going to the Biological Pest Control Request-a Bug Program website. Fill out a form on this site to have the bugs sent to […]
New information on the problem of our changing forests has recently been published. The 2006 Report on the Health of Colorado’s Forests looks in depth at lodgepole pine forests and the bark beetle epidemic. These forests need to be managed for clean water, recreation opportunities, wood products, wildlife habitat, and safer communities. The report emphasizes […]