Weminuche Audubon Society

Wetlands Preservation Group Presentation
2020-02-27 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Denver) | Town Hall Council Chambers, 551 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO, 81147
Our wetlands preservation group will be making a presentation to the Town Council at their work session. We will share our research and goals to preserve this important area along the riverwalk in town.

Monte Vista Crane Festival
2020-03-06 - 2020-03-08 | Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge, Monte Vista, Colorado
The cranes will visit the Monte Vista area from now through the middle of March. Visit the festival website http://mvcranefest.org for information on festival events and tours or take a tour to the Wildlife Refuge on your own to see these amazing birds and more.

March Board Meeting
2020-03-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St, Pagosa Springs, CO
Board meetings are open to the public. Our regular meeting of 3/2 was postponed for one week. If you are attending and have an item you would like to have added to the agenda, contact Jean at jeanzirnhelt@centurytel.net

Wetlands Preservation Group
2020-03-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Ruby Sisson Library, Large Meeting Room, 811 San Juan St, Pagosa Springs, CO, 81147
This meeting will be a discussion of our presentation to the Town Council. We will also talk about what our future involvement will be.

March Chapter Meeting-Cancellation Notice
2020-03-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St, Pagosa Springs, CO
Our March meeting has been cancelled. Please check back for updates on future events.
This month’s meeting will feature a presentation by Jordan McMahon on studies of bat and Mexican spotted owl populations. After completing his Master of Science degree in biology at Mississippi State University in 2018, Jordan began work as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management in Canon City, where he is currently employed. At the BLM, he has focused on implementing a comprehensive monitoring program for bats across the front range in anticipation of white-nose syndrome, as well as various monitoring projects with other species of concern such as lynx, Mexican spotted owls, and other raptor species.
White-nose syndrome has decimated many colony-forming bat populations since its arrival on the east coast in the late 2000’s. Unfortunately, many scientists think that it will spread to Colorado and across the rest of the US, although it has yet to be detected in our state. Because of this threat, The BLM’s Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO, has decided to implement a monitoring project to obtain baseline population estimates for bat species in our state, which will be used to assess future changes in populations and better manage habitats and populations of concern,
Included in McMahon’s talk will be details of a study to characterize habitat variables of the Mexican spotted owl, a species listed as threatened by the USFWS since. 1993.
Weminuche Audubon will be participating in two citizen science monitoring projects this summer. We will be continuing our monitoring project of forest bird populations in areas treated for fire mitigation, and joining in the expansion of a study of American dipper nesting.
Audubon meetings are free and open to the public. In appreciation for our meeting space, we ask that you bring a donation of nonperishable food for the Methodist Church food bank.

The Forest and Fire Learning Series
2020-04-08 18:00 - 20:00
Join Mountain Studies Institute in the second of a three part series streaming live. To join, visit their website, http://mountainstudies.org This evening’s program, entitled Cultivating Resilience, will be a discussion of what has been learned about resilience since the 416 Fire outside Durango and the existing actions that contribute to community resilience. Speakers are Dr. Lorraine Taylor (FLC), Dr. Elizabeth Cartier (FLC), and Imogen Ainsworth (City of Durango).

The Forest and Fire Learning Series
2020-04-15 18:00 - 20:00
Join part three of the series, entitled Moving Forward, live streamed by Mountain Studies Institute. Visit their website to join, http://mountainstudies.org
Tonight’s discussion will focus on the social implications of post fire landscape recovery and measures specific to LaPlata County. Speakers will be Dr. Chad Kooistra (CSU) and Alison Layman (LaPlata County).

Western Water Webinars
2020-04-21 14:00 - 15:00
An Overview of the Colorado River for Birds and People with Audubon’s Jennifer Pit
Click on the link to register for this webinar.
Riverside habitats like the forests and wetlands that line the Colorado River support some of the most abundant and diverse bird communities in the arid West, serving as home to some 400 species. The Colorado also provides drinking water for more than 36 million people, irrigates 5.5 million acres of farms and ranches, and supports 16 million jobs throughout seven states (and Northwest Mexico), with a combined annual economic impact of $1.4 trillion. With drought, diversions, and climate change threatening the river, Audubon’s Colorado River Program Director Jennifer Pitt will tell us about Audubon’s work, and future opportunities to protect the river for birds and people.

Western Waters Webinar
2020-04-23 16:00 - 17:00
Great Salt Lake and the History, Birds and Bugs of Gillmor Sanctuary
Click on the link to register for the webinar.
Great Salt Lake and its associated wetlands is the largest of the saline lake ecosystems in the Great Basin, supporting some 10 million individuals and 338 species of migratory and breeding birds each year. In this webinar, you will hear from Audubon’s local experts about the birds of Great Salt Lake, with a particular focus on Audubon’s Gillmor Sanctuary, how its habitats are dynamic and how different species of birds are reacting to seasonal and long-term changes in water management and availability. You will also get an overview of the ongoing research at Gillmor Sanctuary, looking into the macroinvertebrate food sources that its migratory and nesting birds rely on.

An evening with the Unique Wetland Plants of the San Juan
2020-04-29 19:00 - 20:00
Conversation on Carex: An Evening with the Unique Wetland Plants of the San Juan

Come learn about the biology and ecology of the sedges (Carex sp.) found in the San Juan Mountains. This talk will be comprised of two parts. The first an overview and introduction to the basics of Carex biology and identification and the second a focus on the ecology of Carex as it relates to the high elevation wetlands of the southwest Colorado. This talk will be led by Anthony Culpepper with Mountain Studies Institute. For the past 8 years, Anthony has managed several of MSI’s alpine wetland and fen mitigation projects. His time spent knee deep in fens have given him a deep appreciation of the complexity and diversity of sedges found in our backyard.
View this presentation on Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/3666195404?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 366 619 5404
Password: [REDACTED]

Western Water Webinar
2020-04-30 13:00 - 14:00
As a headwater state, Colorado’s water is some of the most sought after and hardest working in the West. Colorado’s rivers provide a lifeline for birds, other wildlife, agriculture, communities, and economies, both in and downstream of Colorado.
A persistent drought, overuse, and climate change have pushed states to reach for new water solutions, right now. There is a lot at stake for people and the environment. The more we understand how Colorado’s water and the Colorado River is managed, the better decisions we’ll make, together.
2020 will be a landmark year for Colorado water management. Join Abby Burk, western rivers regional program manager for Audubon Rockies, for an entertaining and conversational primer on Colorado water and the “Law of the River.”

Why Everyone is Talking “Water” in Colorado

Click on the link to register for the webinar.

Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar
2020-05-07 12:00 - 13:00
Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar: Colorado Native Plants

DescriptionJim Tolstrup, executive director of the High Plains Environmental Center, will share his expertise on creating pollinator-friendly gardens using plants native to northern Colorado. After his presentation, there will be a Q&A session for you to ask your gardening questions. Grab your lunch and a notebook and come ready to learn!

Registrants will receive email updates about this webinar, as well as periodic email updates about Audubon’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.

Use this link to register for the webinar Colorado Native Plants

Enjoying and Helping Birds at Home
2020-05-07 14:00 - 15:00
Back by popular demand! One of the silver linings from this uncertain time is that people are appreciating birds around their homes more than ever. If you’re eager to expand your enjoyment of birds in your own backyard, join us for “Enjoying and Helping Birds at Home” on Thursday, May 7 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm ET.
This webinar will feature insights and ideas from Mike Parr and Jennifer Cipolletti of American Bird Conservancy (ABC), Jeff Gordon of the American Birding Association, and Ken Rosenberg of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and ABC. We’ll also cover ways to help birds, including simple actions you can take around your home and garden.
Register below to attend and also receive the recording afterward.
**IMPORTANT: please save your registration email confirmation, as it will contain essential login information needed to access the webinar.**
*Register now to attend “Enjoying and Helping Birds at Home”*

Beyond the Brink-The Peregrine Fund
2020-05-07 18:00 - 19:00
Join us online for an exclusive chance to see the brand new film, “Beyond the Brink,” that celebrates the history of The Peregrine Fund, provides a behind-the-scenes look at our current field projects, and looks ahead to an exciting future of saving species around the globe.

The evening’s event will start with a special guest appearance from one of our education birds of prey, with World Center for Birds of Prey Director, Tate Mason. Then have your favorite drink ready for a toast led by President and CEO Dr. Richard Watson before viewing “Beyond the Brink.”
Click on the link to register https://peregrinefund.org/event/beyond-brink-may8

Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival
2020-05-13 - 2020-05-17
Unfortunately this event has been cancelled for 2020. This festival takes you to areas in and around Cortez, Colorado with expert birding guides. Check out the festival schedule http://cortezculturalcenter.org/events/birding/festival as tours fill quickly.

Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar
2020-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
Michelle Bohanan, Master Gardener & Habitat Hero, will share tips on growing native plants from seed. After her presentation, there will be a Q&A session for you to ask your gardening questions. Grab your lunch and a notebook and come ready to learn!
Registrants will receive email updates about this webinar, as well as periodic email updates about Audubon’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)
Click on the link to register Growing Native Plants From Seed

Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar
2020-05-21 12:00 - 13:00
Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar: Water Conservation & Cherry Creek HOA Success Story 3

Description

Don Ireland, Wildscape Ambassador, will share his success story of implementing water conservation at Cherry Creek HOA 3. After his presentation there will be a Q&A session for you to ask your gardening questions. Grab your lunch and a notebook and come ready to learn!
Registrants will receive email updates about this webinar, as well as periodic email updates about Audubon’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Click on the link to register Water Conservation & Cherry Creek HOA Success Story

Birding By Ear May meeting
2020-05-27 17:00 - 18:30
Please join us on Wednesday, May 27, at 5:00 PM for a “Birding by Ear” remote meeting presented by Keith Bruno. Brush up on your skills for our Bird Monitoring Project and learn how to identify those birds that you can hear but not see. This meeting will be conducted via Zoom. If you haven’t used this platform before, its easy and fun. Step 1 is to go to zoom.us and download the free app onto your computer. Step 2 is to use the following link to attend the meeting at 5:00 PM.
You can join by phone also.
Forest Bird Monitoring: Birding by Ear presentation for Weminuche Audubon chapter base
Zoom Information:
Audubon Rockies 1 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Forest Bird Monitoring: Birding by Ear w/ WAS chapter
Time: May 27, 2020 05:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://audubon.zoom.us/j/94393042256?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 943 9304 2256
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
1-346-248-7799
Meeting ID: 94393042256#
Password: [REDACTED] US
“SEE” YOU THERE Bring your own refreshments!!

Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar
2020-05-28 12:00 - 13:00
Topic
Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar: Collecting Native Seeds

Description

David Salman, founder and chief horticulturist of High Country Gardens, will present on growing seeds from rare and unique plants and provide tips on growing native plants from seed. After his presentation there will be a Q&A session for you to ask your gardening questions. Grab your lunch and a notebook and come ready to learn!
Registrants will receive email updates about this webinar, as well as periodic email updates about Audubon’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Click on the link to register Collecting Native Seeds

Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership (WEP) Virtual Public Meeting
2020-05-28 18:30 - 20:00
WEP formed in 2018 to create a community-led, voluntary process to understand local water needs in the San Juan River Basin. Use this link for more information and to join the meeting. http://www.mountainstudies.org/sanjuan/smp

WAS June Board Meeting
2020-06-01 16:00 - 17:00
The regular board meeting of the Weminuche Audubon Society will be conducted via Zoom. For information contact jeanzirnhelt@centurytel.net

Why is Sagebrush Country on Fire?
2020-06-03 12:00 - 13:00
Invasive annual grasses are quickly expanding across the West, dramatically changing sagebrush country. Today we are experiencing more frequent and hotter wildfires that are harmful to communities, western lands, and wildlife.
Join us for this one-hour online presentation by Michele Crist, a leading landscape ecologist with the National Interagency Fire Center. She will discuss the wildfire trends, identify the culprits, the impacts, and break down the challenges and opportunities.
Time set aside as the end for questions and answers.
Please register here: https://bit.ly/36gIQWN

All About Native Bees with Keith Bruno
2020-06-04 12:00 - 13:00
Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar: All About Bees

Description
In this Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar, Keith Bruno, Community Naturalist for Audubon Rockies, will share his expertise on Colorado’s native bees. Learn simple actions you can take in your yard/garden to help conserve these important pollinators. After his presentation, there will be a Q&A session for you to ask your gardening questions. Grab your lunch and a notebook and come ready to learn!
Cost: Free
Registrants will receive email updates about this webinar, as well as periodic email updates about Audubon’s conservation work and how you can help birds. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)
This webinar will be recorded and shared with the registrants.

Use this link to register Register here

Native Plants and Medicinal Herbs of the Ponderosa Ecosystem
2020-06-13 09:30 - 12:00
-We will be sponsoring plant walks led by Lake McCullough of Earthsense Herbals. Lake is hoping to lead a walk monthly in June, July and August. At this time, plant walks will be limited to 10 people. Please call her at 264-0884 to reserve a spot. Lake’s June walk information follows:
Saturday June 13th 9:30 to 12:00
Native Plants and Medicinal Herbs
Of the Ponderosa Ecosystem
Gate 3 in the Turkey Springs Trail System
Meet at National Forest Gate #3, on the left side of Fremont Court.
Directions: From Highway 160, take North Pagosa Boulevard north for 5 miles. The road forms a divided, one-way section around a small wetland. At the point where both sides of North Pagosa Boulevard rejoin, take a sharp left-hand turn, doubling back on the southbound section of the boulevard for 100 feet before taking the immediate next right at Coronado Circle. Immediately after the intersection, take the next right on Fremont Court. Please be considerate of private driveways when parking along the road.
Lake shares her wealth of knowledge of medicinal and edible local plants on these fun walks. Her store is open for business near the Forest Service in town.

Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar - Sustainable Gardening
2020-06-18 12:00 - 13:00
In this Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar, Aaron Michael with Earth Love Gardens will provide information on sustainable gardening practices. After his presentation, there will be a Q&A session for you to ask your gardening questions. Grab your lunch and a notebook and come ready to learn!
Cost: Free
Register here

Listening For Birds
2020-06-22 07:30 - 08:30
This online event is offered by Wolf Ridge in Minnesota. There is a charge to join this event.
Listen to bird songs on a hike with Dave Grossheusch, a US Forest Service biologist, and Peter Harris, a Wolf Ridge Naturalist. Explore real-time from one of the best birding experts on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We welcome people of all levels to this opportunity, whether starting from curiosity or birding as a profession. Learn how Dave uses his skills and interests to help the forest in his career. Interactive sessions on Zoom cost $18 per household; you’ll receive the link to join prior to the event.
Register on their website
https://wolf-ridge.org/visit/summer-birds-at-wolf-ridge-live-online-programs/

Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar - All About Birds
2020-06-25 12:00 - 13:00
In this Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar, we have a special presentation! Join Alison Holloran, executive director of Audubon Rockies, and Zach Hutchinson, Community Naturalist for Audubon Rockies, for a special feature in which these experienced birders will answer your birdy questions. This informal presentation will be your chance to meet our staff and ask your questions related to birds. Grab your lunch and a notebook and come ready to learn!
Cost: Free
Register here

June chapter meeting via Zoom
2020-06-25 17:00 - 18:00
Our June chapter meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, June 25, at 5:00 P.M. We are grateful to have Jordan McMahon give us the presentation that was originally scheduled for March, when our lives changed in a big way.
After completing his Master of Science degree in biology at Mississippi State University in 2018, McMahon began work as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management in Canon City, where he is currently employed. At the BLM, he has focused on implementing a comprehensive monitoring program for bats across the front range in anticipation of white-nose syndrome, as well as various monitoring projects with other species of concern such as lynx, Mexican spotted owls, and other raptor species. White-nose syndrome has decimated many colony-forming bat populations since its arrival on the east coast in the late 2000’s. Unfortunately, many scientists think that it will spread to Colorado and across the rest of the US, although it has yet to be detected in our state. Because of this threat, the BLM’s Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO, has decided to implement a monitoring project to obtain baseline population estimates for bat species in our state, which will be used to assess future changes in populations and better manage habitats and populations of concern. Included in McMahon’s talk will be details of a study to characterize
habitat variables of the Mexican spotted owl, a species listed as threatened by the USFWS since 1993.
Use the following link to join the meeting via Zoom. The application must be added to your device prior to joining.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://audubon.zoom.us/j/99781480229?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 997 8148 0229
Password: [REDACTED]

One tap mobile
1-346-2487799
Meeting ID: 99781480229#
Password: [REDACTED] US

WAS July Board Meeting
2020-07-07 16:00 - 17:00
The monthly board meeting will take place via Zoom. If you have a topic that you would like to have on the agenda, please contact Jean at jeanzirnhelt@centurytel.net

Colorado's Energy Future-making sure wildlife is protected
2020-07-08 18:00 - 19:00
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), the state board that approves drilling permits and regulates the oil and gas industry, is undergoing important changes that will impact Colorado’s wildlife!
The COGCC was previously directed to “foster” development of the state’s oil and gas resources and to balance energy development with impacts to public health, the environment, and wildlife. Legislation passed last year – SB 19-181 – changed the COGCC’s mission to specify that energy development must be done safely and require that the COGCC protect wildlife from oil and gas impacts when issuing permits.
BUT the important details of how this will be done is being considered right now and the COGCC needs to hear from people who care about birds and wildlife!
Join us for this free, one-hour webinar – organized by conservation and hunting/angling groups – where you’ll hear from local experts. They will give you the inside scoop on what’s happening and provide guidance on how you can help make a difference.
This is a time sensitive important opportunity to ensure a better future for Colorado’s wildlife, please join us!
Register here: https://bit.ly/2YtbNME
