May 2, 2009

Oil and gas drilling, oil shale development, and climate change have the potential to severely impact fish and wildlife populations in Colorado. These problems don't need to occur. With a balanced approach, we can have common sense energy development and maintain our wonderful outdoor heritage. The workshop will focus on communicating the best science regarding how energy development and climate change could impact Colorado's fish and wildlife, ways to share this information with others, approaches to garner local media coverage, and effective techniques to influence local government officials. Every one attending the workshop will leave with a packet of info and advocacy tips and a disk containing a presentation on the issues.

When: Saturday, May 2 (1-4 PM)
Where: Ben Delatour Room, Fort Collins Main Public Library (201 Peterson Street)

For more info or to RSVP contact David Dittloff at 303-619-7106 or email

Sponsored by Audubon Colorado, Colorado Wildlife Federation, Colorado Trout Unlimited and the National Wildlife Federation.

April 11th-12th, 2009

Celebrate the renewal of spring by restoring a critical riparian area in the heart of the grasslands with the Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. There will be a Sunday sunrise ceremony, followed by an Easter egg hunt.

In the arid western US, 80 percent of wildlife relies on healthy riparian areas at some point in their life cycle. However, riparian areas (lush vegetated areas next to streams and rivers) occur on less than 5% of the overall landscape. On the Pawnee National Grasslands, many riparian areas have been severely denuded by over a century of grazing. This project is designed to restore ½ mile of riparian tree and shrub community along Willow Creek. The few Russian olives that exist there will be removed.

Healthy riparian areas on the Pawnee National Grasslands are havens for migratory and resident birds and, as such, are very popular birding stops for Audubon tours and other birding organizations. This restored riparian corridor will serve as important habitat for several birds, endangered fish, leopard frogs, Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, and other area wildlife. Fencing and a fundamental change in grazing management by the Pawnee National Grasslands will protect this riparian area in the long term.

February 10th, 2009

Audubon report says widespread bird movements point to global warming disruption of U.S. ecosystems. Read what it means and what you can do to help, or visit our press room.

January 23rd, 2009

Unique opportunity to watch greater prairie chicken courtship dances as the sun comes up on the eastern plains. Guided tours include evening educational program presented by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and hosted by the Wray Museum. Early morning bus trip takes participants to specially designed viewing blind for optimal experience.

What: Guided tour to watch greater prairie chicken courtship dances as dawn comes to the eastern prairie.
When: Weekends; March 27 – April 26
Where: Wray, Colorado (About 3 hours NE of Denver)

Reservations are required.
Cost varies from $120 to $135 per person; includes motel room and ranch-style breakfast. For information and to register click here, or call the Wray Chamber of Commerce at 970-332-3484.

For more information on wildlife festivals click here.