Weminuche Audubon Society

Annual Chapter Meeting
2020-08-19 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Denver)
We will be holding our annual meeting and elections virtually this year on Wednesday, August 19, at 6:00 PM. This meeting, which is traditionally held in June, was postponed in hopes that we could meet in person. But concerns for the health and safety of all of us have forced the decision to hold it via Zoom. Normally we have all shared a potluck dinner, so feel free to sit back and bring your meal to the meeting. This meeting will feature a recap of events in the last year and a report on our finances. Despite current restrictions, we have been and continue to be a busy group.
Herb Grover will present preliminary findings from our bird monitoring project conducted in May, June and July. It will be exciting to find out similarities to and differences from last year’s study. We are investigating ways to share photos from the study on our website.
Also at this meeting we will conduct elections to the Board of Directors and officer positions. Board members are elected to a 2 year term. Your current board is comprised of Brenda Breding (secretary), Anne Stevens (treasurer), Becky Herman (past president), Herb Grover (vice-president), Jean Zirnhelt (president) and Keith Bruno, Loyette Stewart and Suzanne Coe as directors.
Officer positions up for election this year are President and Vice-President (sound familiar?). Directors up for re-election are Keith Bruno, Loyette Stevens, and Becky Herman. A paid chapter membership is required to vote and we have extended the payment deadline to August 31 this year( if you paid last year we will consider your membership current for voting purposes).
Our bylaws allow us to have up to 3 more director positions on our board. If you are interested in joining us, please let us know at weminuche.audubon@gmail.com
It’s easy to participate in a Zoom meeting. Let us see your faces and hear your voices. Directions and a sign-in link will be sent out prior to the meeting.

Chimney Rock Birding
2020-08-19 08:00 - 10:00
This program, presented in partnership with the local chapter of the Audubon Society, is a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn about birds native to the Chimney Rock area. Tour guide will be Randy McCormick. Experienced Audubon birders will lead and assist the group, walking nature trails in the lower area of CRNM (no archaeological sites are included on this tour). These trails are mostly level although not paved.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The fee is $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for ages 5-12, and is considered a non-refundable donation. A booking fee applies to each ticket purchased online or through the call center. Making a reservation through the call center or website is the only way to guarantee a spot on this tour. Most programs are at full capacity prior to the event but we will accommodate walk-ins if space is available. Booking fees do not apply to walk-ins. In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, rain checks will be available. For details, please call the Visitor Cabin (970-883-5359) 9:00 – 4:00 Mountain Time.
Register for this event at http://chimneyrockco.org

Pagosa Wetland Partners Meeting
2020-08-18 09:00 - 11:00
Please join us at Yamaguchi park to discuss our efforts to protect area wetlands. Bring a chair and water. We will meet, socially distanced, outside at the gazebo near the river. If you are interested in touring the vacant land known as Yamaguchi south, slated for development by the town, bring binoculars and we will look for birds after the meeting.
“We are volunteers with a citizen-led advocacy group we named the Pagosa Wetland Partners. We are associated with the National Audubon local chapter Weminuche Audubon in Archuleta County.

We formed as a group a year ago in response to public presentations on a potential residential development along the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa Springs within the 15 remaining acres of The Springs Resort. This property is directly adjacent to a riparian wetland ecosystem with unique native plants and flowing water habitat that is utilized by 155 bird species (last count 2019) and companion animal communities. This wetland has a highly unusual feature of warm spring water inflow creating marsh and ponds that stay open all winter. It is an important refuge for migrating and overwintering birds. This entire system is within and connected to the Upper San Juan River and its riparian corridor.

As mentioned, our advocacy for the protection of the wetlands is in response to the potential for high density residential development bordering this wetland. Our intent is not to be confrontational, but rather to assist the community by utilizing the best available science to produce the best possible outcomes. Land use development codes are not always sufficient to prevent problems. We feel it is important to address potential impacts to the wetlands as well as to the complex hydrology of this section of the San Juan River. After observations by a retired hydrologist in our group, questions about the quantity, quality, and timing of spring water outflows led us to be concerned about impacts. This unique riparian zone is also highly valued by the community for recreation, education, ecotourism, birding, and the central role it plays in the quality of life enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike. We are also aware that when it comes to avoiding, or mitigating, environmental impacts from inappropriate land uses, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of remediation.”

Plant Walk with Lake McCullough
2020-08-15 09:30 - 12:00
Medicinal Plants and Wild Edibles Of Fourmile Trail
Space will be limited for this popular walk. Please contact Lake at Earthsense Herbals, 264-0884 to register for this walk.
Meet at Fourmile Trailhead. From Highway 160, turn left on Lewis Street, then an immediate left on N 5th street. Take County Road 400 (Forest Service Road 645) north of town for 8 miles, keeping right at the intersection with Plumtaw Rd, and continuing another 4 miles to the end of the road.

Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar - Pollinator 101
2020-08-12 19:00 - 20:00
In this Habitat Hero Weekly Webinar, Desneige Hallbert, Landscape Designer at Norris Design, will provide tips on creating a pollinator-friendly garden. After the presentation, there will be a Q&A session for you to ask your gardening questions.
Register for this event Register here

Hometown Habitat Online Movie
2020-07-30 19:00 - 21:00
We will wrap up the week with a free online movie on Thursday evening from 7-9 PM. You won’t want to miss Hometown Habitat produced by the Meadow Project. https://themeadowproject.com/hometown-habitat/
Hometown Habitat features renowned entomologist Dr. Douglas Tallamy, whose research, books and lectures on the use of non-native plants in landscaping, sound the alarm about habitat and species loss. Tallamy provides the narrative thread that challenges the notion that humans are here and nature is someplace else. “It doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t be that way.” Inspiring stories of community commitment to conservation landscaping illustrate Tallamy’s vision by showing how humans and nature can co-exist with mutual benefits.
The message: All of us have the power to support habitat for wildlife and bring natural beauty to our patch of the earth.
The goal: Build a new army of habitat heroes!
Use the following link to register for the movie
https://audubon.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlcOupqzsjE9cTd8Kxli6gya3JGgKL5J6y

Native Plant Garden Planting
2020-07-30 08:30 - 15:30
Join us to place plants in the ground at our Habitat Hero Garden at the GGP site in Centennial Park near the domes on the Riverwalk. Use the following link to sign up for a 2 hour slot.
https://act.audubon.org/a/hh-vol-ps-20200728

Native Plant Garden Planting
2020-07-29 08:30 - 15:30
Join us to place plants in the ground in our Habitat Hero Demonstration Garden at the GGP site in Centennial Park near the domes on the Riverwalk. Use the following link to sign up for a 2 hour volunteer slot.
https://act.audubon.org/a/hh-vol-ps-20200728

Native Plant Garden Planting
2020-07-28 08:30 - 15:30
Join us to place plants in the ground in our Habit Hero Demonstration Garden at the GGP site in Centennial Park near the domes on the Riverwalk. Use the following link to sign up for a 2 hour volunteer slot.
https://act.audubon.org/a/hh-vol-ps-

Habitat Hero Workshop with Jamie Weiss
2020-07-27 14:00 - 16:00
This month we are planting a Habitat Hero demonstration garden in Pagosa Springs! Join us for this online event to kick-off the week’s activities and learn about this project and unique partnerships involved.
Jamie Weiss, Audubon Rockies’ Habitat Hero coordinator, will demonstrate the importance of restoring our communities, one garden patch at a time. From a birds-eye view, learn how to create wildlife-friendly gardens that help combat the loss of open spaces and create green corridors that link your bird-friendly garden to larger natural areas by providing habitat for wildlife.
We would like to thank Weminuche Audubon Society, Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership, CSU Extension Master Gardeners, Mountain High Garden Club, and Southwest Conservation Corps for their support on this project.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Agenda coming soon!
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.)
Space is limited for this event presented via Zoom. Use the following link to register:
https://audubon.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkdeitpjIuEtSZfe0GT15RrKA5anqoOUXz

Plant Walk with Lake McCullough
2020-07-15 09:30 - 12:00
Subalpine Wildflowers, Herbs, and Edible Plants Of the Continental Divide
Space will be limited for this popular event. Please contact Lake at Earthsense Herbals, 264-0884, to register for this walk.
Meet at the parking lot at the base of Forest Service Road 402 (Lobo Overlook Road). From Pagosa Springs, take Highway 160 east for roughly 23 miles to the top of Wolf Creek Pass. Take the first left after the Continental Divide pullout at the top of the pass, onto Forest Service Road 402. There is a gravel lot directly off the highway where we will meet and walk up the road.

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

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

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

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

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 - 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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
2020-05-21 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

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

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.

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

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”*

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
