Registration is full for this event.
Did you know that wetlands cover less than 3% of Colorado, yet they provide habitat for more plant and animal species than any other land cover type in the state? Learn about this and so much more at the Homestake Community Science Day.
Join Eagle River Watershed Council, Wilderness Workshop and Walking Mountains Science Center for a hands-on exploration of the Homestake Valley, which is home to many of these wetlands. They provide incredible biodiversity, native flora and fauna and are home to numerous threatened species. In the midst of an ongoing drought, inventorying and understanding wetlands – a critical carbon sink in a changing climate – allows us to better advocate for these places now and into the future.
Cost – The cost of this event is free, however, the suggested donation of $25 helps Eagle River Watershed Council cover the cost of providing transportation from the meeting location in Minturn and lunch. If you’re so inclined, you may add an additional donation to cover the costs of other participants in the Homestake Community Science Day. Sincere thanks for your help making this event a success.
The event
This full-day event will feature scientists from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, as well as naturalists from Walking Mountains Science Center, and other local experts. Community science projects such as this provide a chance to get your hands dirty while contributing to biodiversity science. We’ll focus on a 3-acre area, and try to find and identify as many species as possible. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation of the plants and animals who call the valley home, while also helping scientists understand more about how we protect these valuable places.
- This event will occur rain or shine; please be prepared to get your hands – and feet – dirty! The hike to wetlands won’t be long, but be prepared to be on your feet for a while. Transportation and lunch are provided.
Registration is full. To stay in the loop on our upcoming events with the Watershed Council, please sign up for our enewsletters at the bottom of this page.
iNaturalist app info:
All participants should install the free iNaturalist app.
We’ll be using this app to ensure that our observations contribute to modern biodiversity science. High quality data is uploaded to iNaturalist become part of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, an open source database used by scientists and policy makers around the world. Watch this video on how to make an observation using the app.
There is no cell service in Homestake Valley, so make sure you install the app and set up an account ahead of time.
More details will be provided following registration.
A special thanks to our co-collaborators on this event:
Photo Credit: Steven DeWitt/Witness Tree Media
