10 expert-led trips will document biological resources in wildlands area

Individuals with a passion for being outdoors and a fascination with plants and animals shouldn’t miss the Colorado Mountain Club’s BioBlitz trip series June 21-22 to explore biological resources in a gorgeous wildlands setting.

The CMC is hosting a BioBlitz to gain a better understanding of the area’s biological inventory, a crucial part of the Rampart Range Wildlands Project. Volunteers, scientists and CMC trip leaders will spend the weekend hiking and camping to catalog the area’s plant and animal life. Results from the BioBlitz will be compiled into a report that will support the project’s goals.

A total of 10 separate trips will venture into the Rampart Range as part of the blitz, with one- and two-day options Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. Most of the hiking will be off-trail and exploratory. Come prepared to climb over downed trees, wade through steams and negotiate rugged terrain. The pace will be intermittent, with biologists guiding groups to research areas.

The wildlands project aims to secure permanent federal protection for an area of the Rampart Range in the Pike and San Isabel national forests near Sedalia, Colo. To learn more, please visit http://www.cmc.org/RRWP or contact CMC Wildlands Advocate Josh Kuhn at joshuakuhn@cmc.org or 303-996-2759.

The BioBlitz is one of many stewardship events the CMC is offering this summer and fall. For a full project schedule, please visit www.cmc.org/conservation/volunteerstewardship. Opportunities are available for all ages and ability levels.

Logo courtesy Colorado Mountain Club