QUARTERLY Autumn 2014
T 1914 A V : during their journey. These fi eld notes I T S were organized and published 48 years by James H. Pickering later, in 1962, by what is now the Rocky Mountain Conservancy under the tle About noon on Tuesday, July Arapaho Names and Trails. Thanks in 14, 1914, three Northern Arapaho large measure to this trip, some 36 Indians arrived by train at Longmont. Indian names were subsequently affi xed The oldest, age 73, was Gun Griswold, to mountains, trails, lakes, and other a rather taciturn re red judge. His local land features (as well as names younger, and much more animated in transla on—e.g. Gian rack, Lumpy companion, was Sherman Sage, age Ridge, and Never Summer). Oliver Toll 63, dressed for the occasion in his had no formal training as an ethnologist blue-cloth chief-of-police uniform. or linguist. Yet, as the late Jim Benedict Accompanying them was Tom Crispin, has observed, though not ethnography a much younger man of mixed blood. in the classic sense, his notes provide “a Crispin spoke fl uent Arapaho and deligh ul — o en humorous — account English and was there to serve as fi lled with informa on, much of which interpreter. Met at the sta on by has proven reliable.” automobiles, by late a ernoon the But what was, and is, the real three had been taken to Longs Peak Inn and las ng signifi cance of the visit of as guests of its owner, Enos Mills. the 1914 Arapaho? To be sure there The Arapaho had come from are those place-names, and, even the Wind River Reserva on in west more importantly, the legends and central Wyoming at the invita on stories that the two elderly Arapaho of the nomenclature commi ee a ached to them: the Apache Fort in of the Colorado Mountain Club, as Upper Beaver Meadows, Longs Peak, part of its campaign to gain support Thatchtop, and Specimen Mountain, for the crea on of Rocky Mountain the waters of Grand Lake, as well as the Na onal Park. Earlier that year CMC ancient trails that led up and over the members had come up with the idea tundra of Trail Ridge. These legends and of researching the original Na ve stories are, as Benedict notes, “all we American names of landmarks in have.” the Estes region. Unable to locate Un l 1914, there had been paid professional anthropologists, the CMC li le or no a en on to the region’s pre- turned to the Arapaho themselves, history. In fact, Enos Mills, the area’s issuing an invita on for a two-week fi rst historian, in his 105 page narra ve pack trip that July through the area, published in 1905, The Story of Estes ou i ed and led by veteran guide Park, dismissed that past in a single Shep Husted. Oliver Toll, a 23-year-old brief paragraph: “When Estes fi rst came lawyer, was recruited to take notes (1914 Arapaho con nued on page 2)
I : MOUNTAIN VALLEY JOURNALS — NEW PUBLICATION! PAGE 3 2 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 3 Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Ask Nancy Newest Publication: Quarterly Editor Nancy Wilson a empts to unearth answers A Next Generation Fund Project to any ques ons asked by Conservancy members and park visitors. If you are curious about something in or about the park, email [email protected] or write: Mountain Nancy Wilson, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, PO Box 3100, VValley Journals Estes Park, CO 80517. How many vehicles, on average, go off Trail Ridge Road in a Sketches of year and how are the vehicles retrieved? Fortunately this is Larry Van Sickle Larry Van (1914 Arapaho con nued) shared their history, stories, legends, place in a given landscape over me. It MoraineM Park and an infrequent occurrence, par cularly above tree line where the consequences can be more dire. While I don’t have actual num- to the Park he saw new lodge poles and and culture, as well as their present- involves not only understanding our own Estes Park bers at hand, each year we see a small number of motor vehicle other recent Indian signs, but, so far as day concerns, with those who came cultural experience in that landscape but accidents that involve vehicles leaving the roadway and sliding, is known, there never was an Indian in by. The next day they were escorted something of the cultural experience Through Time rolling, or otherwise ending up somewhere “down there.” That the Park since the white man came.” across Trail Ridge to Grand Lake to of those who have gone before. And it “down there” is most o en below tree line and a fairly short Since there had been no fron er-like symbolically complete the pack trip of involves our ability to connect the two. The last great Ice Age was over and the climate was distance from the road. Accidents typically occur during the encounter between Na ve Americans their ancestors. Enos Mills, in describing the world warming when the fi rst paleo-hunters came to Moraine winter months when roads are slick and visitors are limited to and Europeans, their one- me presence That day in Bond Park the Arapaho that Joel Estes stumbled upon, saw Park and Estes Park, two scenic valleys in today’s Rocky lower eleva on motor touring. That said, on rare occasions had li le meaning for Mills. elders talked about those ancestors it only as an unpeopled wilderness Mountain Na onal Park area. Other Indian tribes, nota- we do have a vehicle go off Trail Ridge Road above tree line. In In 1914 the Arapaho were similarly for whom the Estes region was once a upon which the Estes family, without bly the Ute and Arapaho, followed in their footprints to either case, retrieval is typically achieved by contac ng a local dismissed with li le more than wry special place, and about the legends and challenge, could superimpose their own stalk the valleys’ abundant game. tow truck service; and collabora ve eff orts to move the vehicle humor. The Longmont Ledger set stories that grew out of their contact kind of civiliza on. Un l Mills populated Trappers, explorers and adventurers came and went from “down there” to “up here” are undertaken with the goal of the stage, telling its readers that the with the land itself. It was then that I that world with the pioneers who as America completed its westward expansion. Pioneer safety, effi ciency, and minimal impact to park resources. Arapaho’s arrival “suggested dream suddenly understood, in a moment of followed, Estes Park had no history, no se lers built ca le ranches. In the Estes Valley, a ny On the dire side of the ledger, I recall an incident during the land, fairy land and Leather Stocking personal epiphany, the real and las ng “sense of place.” se lement grew into a renowned na onal park gateway signifi cance of the Arapaho pack trip In 1914 Gun Griswold and Sherman early 1980s when a vehicle catapulted off Tundra Curves eject- Tales.” Oliver Toll recalled that “we resort. In Moraine Park, a diff erent story played out. a century ago. The gi of the Arapaho Sage told us about the myths, legends, ing driver, passenger, luggage, groceries and other property. became at once public characters to This book’s beau ful illustra ons by noted Denver to us was what historians, sociologists, and stories their ancestors a ached to (Accidents con nued on page 15) the ci zens of Longmont; and in fact ar st Thomas Haller Buchanan will take you on a trip and psychologists refer to as “a sense of the land — myths, legends, and stories throughout the trip were accorded a through 12,000 years of history in the Moraine Park My family o en stayed in Estes Park with our great aunt place in the es ma on of the public place,” a combina on of characteris cs which they in turn passed down among who was an in-law of the McCreery family. She lived in a and meanings that make a par cular their people and which Oliver Toll, in and Estes Park valleys. Ar st’s journal entries give voice somewhere between that of a governor to iconic characters represen ng key periods along the cabin along Lumpy Ridge that was built in 1915. During and a theatrical troupe.” For most, these piece of geography unique and special. turn, passed down to us. The Arapaho this me, no one ever referred to the mountains across the Human beings naturally wish to sense of place — the Estes Park-Rocky valleys’ historical meline and introduce readers to Na ve Americans returning home were north side of the Estes Valley as “Lumpy Ridge.” When did understand the places where they live. Mountain Na onal Park region — that important people and events that shaped the valleys — li le more than anachronisms of the the ridge become Lumpy Ridge and for what is it named? A fully developed sense of place involves they shared so willingly in 1914 was one past and present. So cover, $12.95 plus shipping. Old West, much like the vaudevillians According to High Country Names, by Arps and Kingery (pub- knowing and understanding the human that their descendants confi rmed for of Buff alo Bill’s Wild West Show, a lished by the Rocky Mountain Nature Associa on in 1977 with a cultural experience that has taken us in Bond Park a hundred years later. It Available in December on our website at roman cized piece of Americana that second edi on in 1994): “The 1914 Arapahos [during the historic wasw then, as I listened, that I www.rmconservancy.org lasted un l 1913. 1914 pack trip] described the rocks that project all along this fi nally and fully understood. I had read Toll’s ridge with a word that translated as Li le Lumps. The Colorado WithoutW knowing the Arapaho Names and Trails Geographic Board, recognizing the appropriateness of the culturalc experience of the Note: a number of mes, and “A Conversa on” by Mary Taylor Young, printed in the 2014 Summer name, retained Lumps but discarded Li le. They add two other Arapaho,A however briefl y, made frequent use of Quarterly, was the crea ve piece she wrote for her Ar st-in-Residency names in common use on either end of Lumpy Ridge: the mym own apprecia on of this it in my wri ngs. But its and donated to the park. The ar cle was reprinted by permission. rather thick Needles on the northwest, the plump Twin Owls specials place would be a true signifi cance did not to the southeast.” occur to me un l this past diminishedd one. That was Cover photo credits thet Arapaho gi to me that August,when I went down (Upper): “Hungry Mink” by Conservancy Member Jim Ward, Are hummingbirds threatened in any way by extracurricu- AAugust Saturday morning. to Bond Park to watch a Estes Park, CO; (Lower) “Autumn Glory” by Conservancy lur feeding by humans? Do feeders need to be removed in program sponsored by Member Ann Duncan, Boulder, CO JimJ Pickering is a Rocky Mountain the fall to encourage migra on, or is that a myth? As long as Rocky Mountain Na onal ConservancyC Board Member, Please send high-resolu on images to feeders are kept clean and fi lled and a healthy formula is used Park commemora ng authora of many books and [email protected] by December 1 for (no food coloring needed!), hummingbird feeders provide posi- th the 100 anniversary of HistorianH Laureate of the Town of publica on in the 2015 Winter Quarterly. ve benefi ts. In my opinion, they should be taken down for good the 1914 pack trip. On EstesE Park. Photos are always appreciated! Scenery, wildlife and wild- by the fi rst week in October and each night in August-September hand were Northern Interested in this book? fl owers greatly enhance this publica on, so get out there and due to bears seeking all the food they can fi nd to prepare for Arapaho elders and their Find it at take a hike! Thank You! deep sleep in late autumn. — Jeff Maugans, re red RMNP Inter- families, who during the day,ay (From le ) Shep Husted, Sherman Sage, Gun Griswold, Tom Crispin, Oliver Toll and, seated, David Hawkins (Estes Park Area Historical Museum) www.rmconservancy.org pre ve Ranger. 4 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 5
ROCKY’S SHIFTING GROUND: AN ONGOING ASSESSMENT OF THE FLOODS OF SEPTEMBER, 2013 by Karina Puikkonen Water in all its forms is the dynamic force that con nually shapes Rocky Mountain Na onal Park (RMNP). Glaciers, lakes and rivers have slowly sculpted durable crystalline rock into the majes c vistas we see around us today. While hydrologic processes are rela vely steady over me, extraordinary events can change and have dras cally changed these landscapes overnight. The heavy rains of September, 2013, ini ated one such phenom- enon, and researchers are helping piece together the unexpected, yet (Le ): The aptly named Roaring River during the 2013 September storm. recurring chapter of fl ood in RMNP’s natural history. (Photo: NPS) (Top): An aerial photo of the Twin Sisters debris fl ow (Photo: Last fall’s lengthy storm triggered déjà vu. In Horseshoe Park, a suit- U.S.G.S.) ably named tributary of Fall River lived up to its name for the second me in recent history. Roaring River thundered to life three decades slideslid rolled ll d right i ht up tto or ththrough h ththe ttory. Older Old dda ng techniques such as drama cally reminds us that the only a er the Lawn Lake Dam breach fl ung more than 300 million gallons of doorways of buildings. lichenometry and carbon-14 da ng constant is change. water and sediment down the river corridor in 1982, crea ng the Mystery surrounds the natural of slide-path material also can help Karina Puikkonen is from Utah and has Alluvial Fan. Looking downstream from the Alluvial Fan on condi ons that led to last year’s paral- answer the big ques on. four seasons working in Rocky (nine This me, relentless rain stripped September 15, 2013. (Photo: NPS) lel ground shi ing events on the east “We want to know if this was from seasons total in the NPS). She has degrees the river’s ba ered banks, which side. They were unlike the Lawn Lake an anomalous freak storm,” Dr. Rath- in zoology and communica ons with an reshaped and expanded the Alluvial transport a er the Lawn Lake Flood. caused by these two fl oods, is a pre y dam or 2003 Grand Ditch breaches, burn said, “or if there are some other emphasis in journalism. Fan, and shi ed the river’s channel to A er monitoring Roaring and Fall riv- good sediment producer at this point both of which were caused by human reasons, some other controls that will the west. ers from 1983-1987, he deduced that in me,” Dr. Pitlick said. “So it’s a structural failures. The recent events allow the park to iden fy areas more No one was more surprised they had more or less returned to an unique chance to look at the dynamics appear unique, but Dr. Sara Rathburn prone to debris fl ows.” than University of Colorado Boulder equilibrium state. This conclusion held of a river system that is carrying many of Colorado State University, who Other clues about the underlying veteran researcher Dr. John Pitlick. As un l September, 2013. orders of magnitude more sediment also has been ac ve in post-Grand physical processes and characteris cs a young masters and PhD student in “The diff erence here is that Roar- than it normally would.” Ditch breach research, doesn’t believe that triggered these slides aren’t as the 1980s, he fi rst studied sediment ing River, because of the instability The park invited Dr. Pitlick and a that’s the case. permanent as long-standing pondero- new genera on of master’s students “We know that mul ple [events] sa pine trees or ancient lichen. back to track how both rivers now car- have occurred and we want to Relevant data about the raw size, ry this latest deposit. New informa on know why and how o en they occur,” scope and material composi on of about current fl ow rates and sediment she said. these mass movements is slowly bed loads, along with the original data Ini al observa ons around the eroding away, so Dr. Rathburn and set, will help project the long-term Bighorn Creek slide hint of a long Pa on are capturing this informa on evolu on of these river corridors. history of movement and deposi- now before it could vanish by next “It’s a great opportunity because on in the area. Evidence includes summer. you don’t o en get a chance to do this old wounds on bordering trees that These landscapes, like many twice when studying rivers,” Dr. Pitlick have been struck by large, tumbling fl ood-impacted Colorado residences, said. boulders in the past. Curved bark now are in the rebuilding phase. The The redesigned Alluvial Fan isn’t grows around the healing cambium September 2013 fl ood was a fi rst for the only visible scar in the park. The layers, but lesions from last year’s many local people, but research indi- drenching storm also triggered mul ple event are evident. cates that RMNP has recovered from debris fl ows that are no ceable from Dendrochronology, or tree ring this disturbance many mes before. many roadways. While some happened da ng, is one method Dr. Rathburn It’s diffi cult to predict what future Graduate student Luca Rossi measures in remote areas, others like the Twin and master’s student Anne e Pat- skies may hold, but the dynamic fl ow rates in Fall River. (Photo: Karina Puikkonen) Sisters, Cabin Creek and Bighorn Creek ton will use to reconstruct this his- force of water we observed last year Dr. Sara Rathburn stands in the Bighorn Creek Slide. (Photo: NPS) 6 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 7 year that changed my view of moose. There is no recent popula- referring to the number of moose that I received a phone call informing me on count for moose in the park can healthily be supported in the val- that a dear friend was being airli ed to because there has not been an ley. Could we be reaching this number? the hospital. She had been a acked by offi cial study since 2004. Moose Evidence points to yes. The willow a moose. A er a harrowing night, she are very diffi cult and expensive to carrs of the valley appear to be over- made it through, but not without major research. It costs too much to put browsed. Beaver, one of the staples head injuries and bruises. She had been radio collars on them, and they are of a healthy wetland, are moving walking her dog when a moose jumped not eff ec vely monitored by air- elsewhere. More and more disturbing out of the bushes, no doubt triggered cra , as are elk and deer. Colorado moose/human interac ons are occur- by the presence of what the moose Parks and Wildlife fl ies low-fl ying ring. thought of as its main predator, the wolf. aircra in the winter to count mule What to do? Moose appear to be Wolves are one of only a few preda- deer and elk, and they literally count here to stay. The lush riparian zones tors capable of bringing down a moose them from the air. When this was of the Kawuneeche Valley provide the — usually a young or sick one at that. done for moose in the Kawuneeche perfect habitat. This is a challenge that However, wolves have been ex rpated Valley, they found something like 4 is being faced by wildlife managers in (locally ex nct) in Colorado for about 100 moose, total! the park and throughout Colorado, and years, leaving mountain lions and bears Based on the research project one that will con nue for the foresee- as the only remaining predators, if only in which I par cipated in 2004, able future. very rarely. The elk popula on in the park we es mated between 60 and 80 But one thing is certain: moose will recently has been managed for over- moose in Rocky. The words “carry- con nue to be a source of awe for all popula on, and it’s possible that, in me, ing capacity” become relevant here, who visit Rocky Mountain Na onal Park. Rocky and Bullwinkle this same fate could befall the moose. Why not reintroduce wolves? This 8. The name of RMNP’s ___ Park in the southwest sector is in sharp contrast to by Mandy Cluck, Park Puzzler Hell Canyon, just to its south in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. RMNP Interpre ve Ranger has been proposed; however, Rocky is a by RM Conservancy Member Joel Kaplow 9. This park cri er has over 40 diff erent local names throughout North and South Photos by Russel Smith rela vely small park, and wolves would America, such as panther, cougar, puma, painter and mountain screamer. You surely migrate outside the park into probably call it a mountain ___. AAcrosscross 12. ___ pines have been dubbed the “weeds of the conifers” by foresters because They’re big, they’re bulky, they’re funny hunted here, but there probably were 5. “Explore, learn, and protect!” is the mo o of the ___ Rangers, an ac vity-based areas heavily populated by people — they can grow up to two feet per year. program conducted in almost all US na onal parks that is geared toward kids aged 5 looking. Some say they have a face just a few individuals sca ered through- 14. The park’s hummingbirds will steal an extremely strong material from neigh- historically a recipe for disaster. Many through 12. that only a mother could love. They’re out northern Colorado. In 1978, the boring arachnids, spider web silk, to reinforce their nests, which are commonly biologists agree, however, that it could 7. One cute RMNP resident, the short-tailed weasel, is also known as an ___, which compared to the size of half a ___ shell. decima ng the park’s willow habitat, state of Colorado reintroduced a dozen turns all white for winter camoufl age, except for the black p of its tail. just be a ma er of me before wolves 15. Also known as a rock chuck or whistle-pig, the yellow-bellied ___ can be seen and they’ve been known to a ack and moose from Wyoming into North Park, 10. At the west end of Wild Basin, below Boulder-Grand Pass, lies Lake of Many ___, scurrying around rocky areas in the park’s high country. naturally migrate into Colorado from named during a blustery day. even hospitalize people. Despite this, about 25 miles north of Rocky Mountain 16. The Enos ___ Cabin, now a museum, was placed on the Na onal Register of the north, perhaps providing a healthy 11. A Conservancy Field Ins tute program that began last year and went strong this Historic Places in 1973. Built in 1885 when he was age 15, it is found at the foot of they are the main a rac on on the west Na onal Park. A er a few addi onal past summer is Grand Lake ___: An Educa onal Adventure by Bus, which travels the balance to the exis ng food chain. Twin Sisters Peaks’ west slope. side of Rocky Mountain Na onal Park. transplants, moose began spreading length of Trail Ridge Road to explore the park’s history, wildlife and geology. 19. The Moraine Park Discovery Center, formerly known as the Moraine Park Visi- People, too, have their own impact 12. South of Pagoda Mountain lies Keplinger Lake, named for a young member of John You got it, we’re talking about moose — around north-central Colorado and tor Center, formerly known as the Moraine Park Museum, formerly known as the on moose popula ons. For thousands Wesley Powell’s party who was the fi rst documented person to summit ___ Peak in 1868. Rocky’s very own Bullwinkle. they now are well-established in Rocky Moraine Lodge reopened its doors this year a er being closed for ___ summers of years, moose have been hunted 13. Not to be confused with the Grammy-winning jazz singer, can you name the Quar- Moose are the largest member Mountain Na onal Park. due to funding shor alls. by humans, and they now are one of terly editor who fi rst took the job as a young lass in 1990? A er a short break, she’s in the deer family. As Rocky’s largest “Where can I see a moose?” As an been there steady since 1996! (2 wds) Colorado’s most popular game species. charisma c mega fauna, the moose has interpre ve ranger on the west side, 17. Ever wonder why the color known as hunter orange (also safety or blaze orange) Moose are a desirable species for their helps keep hunters safe from each other, but doesn’t act as a visual alarm for deer? come to unoffi cially symbolize the lush, this is probably the most common wildlife viewing value, of course, but Deer see that color as green or ___. marshy mazes of the Kawuneeche Val- ques on I get from park 18. Ci zen ___ projects are intended to enhance the knowledge of the par cipants and tthey also are desirable ley, the birthplace of the Colorado River. visitors. “They’re common Many biologists agree, improve the overall stewardship of park resources. Volunteer students may be seen fforo sport. The meat is around RMNP measuring willows, coun ng birds, tes ng for mercury, checking for pine Predominantly a wetland resident, throughout the wetlands however, that it could nnot only nutri ous, but blister rust, and any number of other data-gathering ac vi es. moose are common in the valley and at of the Kawuneeche Val- 19. The RM Conservancy’s Conserva on Corps (previously known as the American CC) just be a ma er of me ddelicious, too! nearby lakes and reservoirs. Ea ng up to ley,” I tell them, although worked their ___ summer in the park, mostly doing extensive trail repair due to the In 2013, the fl ooding of September 2013. 25 pounds of food per day, moose o en I know they’re looking before wolves natu- nnumber of moose in 20. The logo selected for the RMNP’s upcoming centennial anniversary was designed by can be seen browsing on willow leaves for me to give an exact rally migrate into Colo- Carol Welker, and features two ___ sheep. CColorado was es - in the mornings and evenings, although loca on. As a ranger who rado from the north, mmated by Colorado DDownown they are ac ve at all mes of the day. spends lots of me in the perhaps providing a PParks and Wildlife to 1. Southwest of the park’s Steep Mountain lies Mt. ___. An approxima on of the Moose can some mes overheat in fi eld, I see moose prac - Arapaho word for grizzly bear, it was named in 1923, long a er the grizzlies had been bbe above the target the midday sun and will seek shade cally every day. I’ve had healthy balance to the wiped out of the area. ppopula on at more 2. ___ Lake can be found nestled between Jackstraw Mountain and Mt. Ida on the or water to stay cool. Higher tempera- several close-encounters, exis ng food chain. tthan 2300 individuals, park’s west side. tures farther south make Colorado the and actually moved to 3. ___ is a term that describes two or more life forms living together and depending on wwhich corresponds to southern limit of their range. Grand Lake ten years ago too assist with a each other. As an example, lichens are a combina on of algae and fungus, each benefi t- the increase in hun ng licenses issued ing from the other in a win-win living situa on. Most biologists agree that moose moose study. It could be said that I have in recent years. A total of 228 licenses 4. RMNP is home to a moraine and lake named for famed landscape ar st Albert ___. A have not lived in the Kawuneeche Valley a fairly close bond with these animals — fourteener west of Mt. Evans also bears his name. were issued, a number that included in the past, to the extent they do today. they are fascina ng animals. 6. The fl ooding of September 2013 caused twelve of these poten ally deadly earth an increase in the number of hunted movements in RMNP. When it comes to ___, you don’t want to be in the wrong place at There is evidence of moose being Then, something happened last females allowed. the wrong me! 8 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 9 N G F Rocky Mountain National Park Fund P F by Jo Wurst Project Priorities Identified for 2015 The group huddled like penguins on the frozen bank. Wind swept around us, hurling icy Dear Friends, B U daggers toward our scarf-wrapped faces. Why Thanks to your generosity and support, we’ve had an incredibly busy and There are many ways your gi to “Greatest Need” may we ever thought doing a program that day was produc ve year at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy! be used to support the park. Projects and programs a good idea is beyond me. But, nonetheless, we We’ve recovered from the 2013 fl oods, generated a new name and logo, such as trail restora on, youth educa on, publica ons were outside; we were on snowshoes; and we and launched a beau ful new website. Our capacity to work on behalf of our were teaching a troop of boy scouts about Winter and exhibits, land protec on, historic preserva on and partners con nues to grow, allowing us to clear more trails, engage more visi- Safety and Survival. much more would not be possible without friends like tors of all ages, and protect more of Rocky Mountain Na onal Park and sur- I made eye contact with my co-instructor, you. Undesignated gi s are the most versa le dona- rounding forests than ever before. Ranger Jen, and she gave me a nod. I gathered up ons we receive because they allow us to apply the From all of us here at the Conservancy, thank you! my pack and briskly walked back along the trail funds when and where they are most needed. and out of the group’s sight. Today, it was my turn C C Here are our plans for 2015: to bury ‘Bob’ — a red, synthe c bag containing an avalanche beacon. So, I trudged through the The Conserva on Corps program The Trail Improvement Fund: Rocky’s beloved and spectacular trails are N G F fresh powder and dug a pit. Once I was fi nished, I Thanks to you, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy provides youth with the oppor- always in need of regular repair and maintenance. Your gi may be used to greeted the troop on the trail, passed them their makes sizable contribu ons to the educa onal pro- tunity to spend their summers completely rebuild the fl ood-damaged Alluvial Fan area making it fully acces- beacons and avalanche poles, and watched as grams of Rocky Mountain Na onal Park — to the learning about natural resource sible, or restore the aging Lily Lake Trail. Help make these and other beloved they recovered ‘Bob’ from his frozen hole. tune of more than $500K per year. Highly regarded management, developing job trail resources safe and available to all. That cold, blustery January day is just one of programs for youth include the beloved Junior Ranger skills, and comple ng conserva- The Next Genera on Fund: This year, thanks to you, the park swore in an many fi ne adventures my two internships with all- me high of 15,815 enthusias c young Junior Rangers, distributed nearly the Rocky Mountain Conservancy brought me. Program, park internships, our own Conserva on on work alongside the Na onal 44,000 Junior Ranger books, off ered 200 Junior Ranger programs, provided life- In late May of 2013, I was hired as the Bailey Corps, and Field Ins tute classes for kids. Help reach Park Service and USDA Forest Ser- changing experiences for college-aged interns and fellows, and more. The busy Educa on Fellow for the Field Ins tute. In this and inspire many thousands of young people, the vice to foster the next genera on posi on, I taught children to create scat replicas of stewards to our public lands. fall school season is upon us and with your help the park will provide environ- youth who will care for our public lands in the future. mental educa on to thousands of kids. Help create even more future stewards out of Tootsie Rolls, watched a 90-year-old visitor “The RMC-CC experience is an dance joyously on the alpine tundra, and helped of this park in 2015! excellent growing experience. All kick-start children day camps to support the fl ood The Rocky Mountain Conservancy - Conserva on Corps: This summer, with T I in one summer I had the unique recovery eff ort last September. My experience There are more than 350 miles of trails in Rocky your help, we were able to place a record 36 youth in RMNP and Na onal For- experience of working and bond- con nued when Rocky Mountain Na onal Park’s Mountain Na onal Park — that’s a LOT to take care ests. They helped with fl ood recovery, maintained 270 miles of trail, and more, Educa on and Outreach Program invited me to ing with my crew, developing of. Between rou ne maintenance, impact from heavy all on valuable public lands in Colorado. Help us do even more in 2015! join their educa on team this past January, a leadership and communica on visitor use, severe weather events (such as the fl oods And, as always, indica ng your gi to “Best Use” allows us the fl exibility to program that hires interns, funded by the Rocky skills, and learning about and in 2013), new construc on and needed improvements, respond quickly to the greatest needs as they arise, whether it’s trail restora on, Mountain Conservancy. As an Environmental Edu- conserving the beau ful land of ca on Intern with Rocky, I’ve led natural and cul- these trails always need a helping hand. youth educa on, land protec on and historic preserva on and much more. None RMNP and surrounding Na onal of these important projects would be possible without friends like you. tural history themed fi eld trips for elementary and Forests.” — Connor Enright, a Whichever project means the most to you, please take a moment to return high school students. I instructed snowshoe hikes. second-year par cipant in the the enclosed envelope with your though ul dona on. You drive the Conservan- I facilitated classroom programs for schools. All- in-all, the past 16 months provided a mul tude of Planning Your Estate: Conserva on Corps cy’s important work, and we can’t do it without your help. Thank you! As always, spectacular experiences. Planned Giving contact me any me. I’d love to hear from you. As an Environmental Educator, I witnessed Best regards, how environmental educa on benefi ts the next Collabora ve to Launch in Estes Park genera on. Environmental educa on provides hands-on, experience-based learning that is absent In January 2015, the Estes Park Once the Collabora ve’s website wide range and depth of knowledge in many public classrooms. Many of the students I Nonprofi t Resource Center will launch is launched, you will enjoy: educa- which will allow us all to maximize and taught had never been to Rocky before; some had the newly formed Estes Valley Planned onal programs regarding planned sustain our charitable missions in the never even travelled outside the Denver-Metro Giving Collabora ve. and estate giving; full access to a Gi future. area. As a direct result of the funding and support from Rocky Mountain Conservancy, these children The purpose of the Collabora ve is legacy website; private, unbiased, We will provide more informa on Charles A. Money to provide informa on and assistance could be exposed to nature and so form lifelong confi den al planned gi counseling; when the Collabora ve’s resources Execu ve Director connec ons to natural areas. Because of the Rocky to individuals who donate to Estes and access to professionals with the and educa onal opportuni es are Mountain Conservancy, there are fellows and in- Valley nonprofi ts which will help them creden als appropriate to assist you available in January. We hope you will *You can also make a gi at our new website: www.rmconservancy.org terns available to interact with these students and maximize the tax benefi t of current and in making planned dona ons. fi nd it a valuable tool as you plan your to make nature tangible and understandable. future gi s, including estate gi s. The By pooling our resources, the estate. So, thank you for your support of the Rocky Rocky Mountain Conservancy is proud Collabora ve will give Estes nonprof- NNature.ature. PPassass iitt oon.n. Mountain Conservancy. May forever the next genera ons con nue to bundle up and go outside to be a Founding Member of the Col- its, and our members and donors, a PO Box 3100 Estes Park, Colorado 80517 Phone: 970-586-0108 www.rmconservancy.org labora ve. on cold, blustery January days. 10 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 11 In Memorium: ROCKY: A PLACE OF MANY “FIRSTS”
pressure to not take me away from What YOU make possible: Richard Beidleman tthe classroom and standards-based GeoEducators in 1923 – 2014 instruc on. Dick Beidleman was a strong Learning to instruct to such a wide the Park Richard “Dick” Gooch Beidleman — presence in the Rocky Mountain range of ages, from child to adult, a Rocky Mountain Na onal Park beloved husband, father and professor Nature Associa on Field Semi- wwide range of grade levels, subjects, holds an incredible story of geol- at The Colorado College — passed away nars program from 1971 through aand audience diversity, both in the ogy and how the mountains came on August 7, 2014. His ba le with can- 2010. His enthusiasm and sup- cer ended at his home in Pacifi c Grove, fi eld and the classroom, and to do to be. It is a story that is complex, port for our educa onal pro- sso with all those variables changing and some think uncharisma c. California, with family members at his side. He was 91. grams was unfl agging and uncon- dday-to-day over a ten-month span How then do we teach this story Dick loved Rocky Mountain Na onal di onal. He will be sorely missed is what gives the Rocky Mountain to schoolchildren in a way that is Park and teaching visitors and students by staff and students alike. CConservancy-sponsored Heart of the exci ng and engaging? The answer about its magnifi cent resources, both as is through a geologist who also hap- RRockies educa on interns an unparal- a summer ranger-naturalist in his early singing,i i Dick’s Di k’ personal l hobbies h bbi were Rocky Mountain Field Seminars leled experience. pens to be a great teacher. days and as a Rocky Mountain Nature his professional ones. He was happiest taught by Dr. Richard Beidleman This year’s class of interns, who Each year since 2003, RMNP Associa on seminar instructor for many when teaching, researching, traveling, sstarted in March and work through has par cipated in the GeoCorp decades later in his career. and observing nature — coun ng birds Animal Ecology by Mark DeGregorio, the autumn, have led winter ecol- America Program, sponsored by He taught with boundless energy or iden fying plants. (1971, 1972) RMNP educa on program manager ogy and mountain safety snowshoe the Geological Society of America and enthusiasm, a memorable sense of A “Celebra on of Life” ceremony Rocky Mountain Ecosystems (1973, For many children living along programs and conducted spring fi eld through the Na onal Park Ser- humor, and compassion. His legacy lives will be held on October 12, 2014, at 9 1974, 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983) Colorado’s Front Range, their fi rst visit studies with four grade levels of Estes vice’s Geological Resource Division. on in the lives and accomplishments of a.m. at The Colorado College in Colo- Bird Ecology to Rocky Mountain Na onal Park is Park students, as well as with a half Through the program, GSA places the thousands of students he inspired, rado Springs, Colorado, in the Shove (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, part of a fi eld study with their school, dozen high-needs inner city Denver all levels of geoscien sts — college crea ng in them, as one wrote, “be er Chapel. 1985, 1987) For a more detailed biography, facilitated by park Educa on Techni- schools. The interns also have orga- students, professionals, and re r- and more responsible advocates for the Birds of the Rocky Mountains natural world.” visit Dick’s obituary at www.es- cians, and Rocky Mountain Conservan- nized and helped parents facilitate ees — in temporary posi ons with (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004) Aside from a ending classical music tesparknews.com/dr-richard-g-beidle- cy-sponsored interns. The park’s Heart ac vi es with their children during the Na onal Parks Service, BLM, with Carol and Linda Beidleman of the Rockies educa on tthe popular sum- and the USDA Forest Service. Many concerts and opera performances, and man-1923-2014/ “As an intern in Rocky, I’ve had Rocky Mountain Birds staff hears about these mmer “Discovery Day” parks place geoscien sts in mostly (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) fi rst experiences daily in the opportunity to engage pprograms at Moraine research posi ons. Rocky has gone “I have known and looked up to Dick my en re NPS career. He was a renaissance man: a TRUE naturalist, going far beyond the mere name of something he studied and forg- with Carol and Linda Beidleman the autumn, during their children through exploring a PPark Discovery Cen- a diff erent route, integra ng the unique and amazing resource. ing into pa erns, rela onships and systems; a skilled teacher, plan ng the seeds of Gem Lake Hike busiest two months of tter, and the interns geoscien sts in the park’s Heart of excitement and wonder in the minds of all he infl uenced; and a beloved friend of the (2006) As an environmental educator, the year. wwill teach Advanced the Rockies program which serves Na onal Park Service. One of the big trees in the forest has fallen — he will be missed.” Rocky Mountain Flora I’ve also had the opportunity This year, more than PPlacement Biology in K–12 educa on and youth groups. — Kathy Brazelton, RMNP interpre ve ranger (1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, thirty schools will con- to, once again, become a stu- tthe fall. Although not an internship, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, duct fi eld studies with dent myself.” The value the GeoCorp scien sts are par ally Dick Beidleman, a scholar, a seasoned naturalist, a great teacher, a true conserva on- 2009, 2010) the educa on staff in oof the Heart of the funded by the Conservancy’s Next ist, a mentor and an orator. He combined a life me of study with a life me of sharing. — Kathy Moldawer, park intern with Linda Beidleman September and October RRockies program lies Genera on Fund, and work right I’ve known only a handful of teachers who could match both his intellect and his com- alone. The students range in grade in not only giving manym children their alongside Rocky’s educa on instruc- munica on skills. But what I liked most about him was his wit. His humor from kindergarten through undergrad- fi rst na onal park experience, but also tor interns who are fully sponsored made serious subjects entertaining, certainly interes ng, and, at the very least, engaging. His lifelong eff orts served our common wealth: wildlife, uate college level. in giving educa on interns an expe- by the Conservancy. Together, they wildlands, educa on, parks, and forests. What a role model for public ser- What does the educa on staff rien al pathway toward meaningful make the geological resources of vice! — Curt Buchholtz, historian and former RMNA Execu ve Director teach? The topics are as varied as careers. Intern alumni now work as the park come alive through hands- the astounding resource diversity of rangers in other parks, including one on programs that align with the When I fi rst met Dick over 30 years ago, I tagged along on some of his fi eld the park and the variety found in the park superintendent, and as resource Colorado Academic Standards. seminars. I was impressed by not only his extensive knowledge of birds Colorado Academic Standards that managers in federal and state agen- A number of Rocky’s GeoCorp and their iden fi ca on, but also by his ability to discuss birds in an eco- schools are required to follow. cies. A number of them have gone on Scien sts have gone on to teach logical context explaining why one would expect a par cular species in a All of the park’s K–12 programs to become classroom teachers. All of Earth sciences at the high school given habitat. He did this with an easygoing style that put novices at ease. are closely aligned to what is be- these interns’ “fi rst” experiences were and university levels. GeoCorp sci- He also had a terrifi c sense of humor, and lots of amusing anecdotes to ing taught at grade level at the me made possible by dona ons to RMC’s en sts work with the program from share with whomever was in the fi eld with him, which made his seminars par cularly enjoyable. These are all quali es worthy of emula on, and the students visit. Doing so is crucial for Next Genera on Fund. March through May. me I spent with Dick during his classes has certainly made me a be er keeping Rocky’s educa on program fi eld instructor. I will miss him. — John Emerick, ecologist The early years as a summer ranger-naturalist in Rocky, relevant to schools which are under Thank you! with ranger-naturalist Ferrel Atkins (right) circa 1952. 12 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 13 RMNP License Plate Rocky Mountain LAST CHANCE Conservancy to Sign the Petition by December 1 Launches New Website! We’re almost there! We have gathered approximately 2,783 signatures on our pe on to introduce a Rocky www.rmconservancy.org Mountain Na onal Park Group Special License Plate. We need at least 3,000 VALID Colorado resident signatures The Rocky Mountain Conservancy (unfortunately signatures from Botswana and Florida is pleased to announce the launch of its don’t count) to present the bill for this plate to the Colo- If you’d like one, sign the pe on today! new website and online Nature Store! rado legislature in January 2015. Explore our virtual storefront and do all the The Conservancy, in partnership with Rocky Mountain following and more: Na onal Park, plans to release this special license plate that Celebrate the park’s Centennial and show the world your will be available to Colorado-registered vehicle owners. love for this spectacular and beloved place. Colorado State Representa ve K.C. Becker (House Dis- Sign the pe on today! Discover how the Conservancy works to enhance trict 13) has agreed to sponsor this bill for us and bring it Rocky and other surrounding public lands. to a vote in the Colorado legislature in January 2015. Our To learn more and to sign the pe on, visit the Rocky Shop our Nature Store for a great selec on of RMNP products, includ- Mountain Conservancy’s website: Login instruc ons hope is that the legislature will approve this ini a ve to ing items celebra ng the Park’s Centennial. coincide with Rocky Mountain Na onal Park’s Centennial Username: your email, or, celebra on. www.rmconservancy.org Enroll in our award-winning Field Ins tute programs. FirstNameLastName (no spaces, as it appears on your member card) Sign up for Elk and Trail Ridge Road Bus Tours, and other Password: member number (located on Conservancy Explores New educa onal adventures occurring this fall. your member card) Become a member and receive discounts in the Nature Store and If you need login assistance, call us at 970- Opportunities with Trail River Ranch Field Ins tute classes, and at partner public lands in Colorado. 586-0108 x 21
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy, has allowed FoTRR to use the site un- a result, FoTRR offi cially has become Donate to support your favorite park program or improvement project. You also can visit the site as a guest through a partnership with the Grand der a year-to-year Special Use Permit and register for classes, donate or integrated into the Conservancy. Par cipate in building a cons tuency for your favorite na onal park — Lake-based Friends of Trail River for a variety of educa onal and com- Later this fall, a proposal will be shop at our Nature Store. Rocky! Introduce your friends to the website and the Conservancy. Ranch (FoTRR) and Rocky Mountain munity-based programs. Given the submi ed to RMNP management Na onal Park (RMNP), is exploring popularity of the programs and the detailing how the site would be used a new opportunity to operate Trail site, the Conservancy has been asked and maintained. Once the proposal River Ranch as an educa on venue. to join as a partner in promo ng the has been reviewed and, hopefully ap- SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE NONPROFIT Trail River Ranch, known by ranch for educa onal purposes. As proved by the park, the Conservancy many as the Be y Dick will manage and main- ON COLORADO GIVES DAY, DECEMBER 9 property, sits in the tain the ranch with Kawuneeche Valley the able and energe c astride the confl uence support of the FoTRR Mark your calendars! Colorado’s Colorado Gives Day is powered by ing a dona on on Colorado Gives Day of two tributaries of volunteers. largest one-day online giving event, pre- ColoradoGives.org, a year-round web- receives a por on of the Incen ve Fund, the Colorado River. The Conservancy is sented by Community First Founda on site featuring nearly 1,500 nonprofi ts. which increases the value of every Only four miles into excited by this possibil- and FirstBank, is coming up — the Rocky ColoradoGives.org encourages charita- dollar donated. Note that this is not a the park from the west ity to expand oppor- Mountain Conservancy needs your sup- ble giving by providing comprehensive, one-to-one match, but the value of your side entrance, the tuni es to provide port. objec ve and up-to-date informa on gi is increased a bit. ranch off ers breath- in-depth educa onal On Tuesday, December 9, 2014, about Colorado nonprofi ts and an easy taking views of the experiences in the thousands of donors will come together way to support them online. How to Donate: Visit www.rmconservancy.org and click valley and surrounding park. We are especially to support Colorado nonprofi ts like on the Colorado Gives Day logo. Your mountains inspiring a eager to partner with ours. Last year, a record-breaking $20.9 $1 Million Incen ve Fund gi allows us to do our work to support quiet, contempla ve million was distributed to Colorado Thanks to Community First Founda on our friends on the Rocky Mountain Na onal Park. Begin- experience for those west side of the park nonprofi ts. This year, our goal is to raise and First Bank, Colorado Gives Day fea- tures a $1 Million Incen ve Fund, one ning November 1, 2014, dona ons can who visit the simple, in perpetua ng the at least $13,000 for the Conservancy through this special event. You do not of the largest gives-day incen ve funds be scheduled ahead of me to post on rus c buildings. inspira onal use of this need to live in Colorado to par cipate! in the country. Every nonprofi t receiv- December 2. During the past Trail River Ranch formerly was a property held by Be y Dick that special place that is three years, the park reverted to the Na onal Park Service upon her death. Trail River Ranch. 14 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 15
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy (Accidents con nued from page 3) Park Holds Centennial Kickoff Events at expresses special thanks to the following people Unfortunately, neither person survived and the car came to rest many hun- Hidden Valley and Holzwarth Historic Site for their donations toward projects dreds of feet down the steep north in Rocky Mountain National Park: side of Trail Ridge Road with items strewn along the way. Retrieval was June 9, 2014 – September 10, 2014 accomplished by numerous trips on foot, carrying loads on pack frames. I 155 gifts ~ total donations $147,233.53 remember folding part of the vehicle Mike and Barb Metzger, Kearney, NE All in Memory of Marguerite Glynn: hood as best we could, strapping it to C C Steven Gilmore, Ft. Collins, CO M.B. Kirkham, Manha an, KS T R R the pack and working back up the steep F Nancy Simon, Oakton, VA slope with wind gusts infl uencing both N G Eric Sundquist, East Falmouth, MA LoraLora Arduser,Arduser, Cincinna , OOHH Don Campbell, Denver, CO William Berens, Brighton, CO load and balance, making travel up the KatherineKatherine DiDinesnes and andD DavidavidM Miller,iller, (U ) Denver, CO F Harry Jener, Leesburg, VA Edgar and Barbara Bi le, steep rocky terrain a bit “sporty.” The Jack and Hildreth Wold, Denver, CO Kinga Revesz, Bethesda, MD West Des Moines, IA remainder of the vehicle was retrieved Deborah Ann Adams, Grove City, OH: Richard and Janet Coe, Estes Park, CO: Michael Eha and Joe Burgo, In Memory of Dorothy Kingsmore at a later date by helicopter. In Memory of Dorothy Kingsman T I Chapel Hill, NC Mary and James Alfred, Fully’sF Family Investments, Denver, CO I some mes wonder why we La Grange Park, IL F Roberta Heisterkamp, Denver, CO don’t see more vehicles off Trail Ridge L P Anonymous DaveD & Corinne Lively, Grand Lake, CO Road above tree line. A er all, this F AT&T Founda on, Princeton, NJ Rick Acheson, Acheson MillikenMilliken, CO Tamara Pe y, Grand Lake, CO JoannaJ & Bob Atkinson, St. Charles, MI Deborah Ba t, Middle Haddam, CT: Jacqueline and Michael Tompkins, high al tude scenic drive presents Rangers Wendy Allison and Jim Care rode in to greet guests at KennethK & Susan Brunk, Centennial, CO Hartley & Margaret Dellinger, Dellinger In Honor of Harriet Vose Grand Lake, CO with a fairly narrow roadway, limited Holzwarth Historic Site. (Photo: NPS) Larry Caldwell, Lincoln, NE Indianapolis, IN Vicki Brassil and family, Homer Glen, IL: Western Riviera Property Management, shoulders, minimal guard rails, scenic Peggy Carr, Denton, TX Jeff Terrill, Lakewood, CO In Honor of Michael and Merium Grand Lake, CO Edna Crossley, Fresno, CA vistas and wildlife to divert a en on, George Ma ngly, Reisterstown, MD: Brassil’s Wedding Day On September 3 and 4, 2014, how youth are the future of our Brian & Louise Desmond, Estes Park, CO and includes inclement weather and In Memory of Robert Calfee Luke DeGroud, Mankato, MN Katherine Dines and David Miller, Rocky Mountain Na onal Park na onal parks. Nancy Cowen, Denver, CO: Margaret Drury, Huron, OH B U adverse condi ons that can surprise Denver, CO kicked off its Centennial Celebra on These two events served as In Memory of Tim Fromelt Wanda Gen le, Colorado Springs, CO the unprepared and inexperienced ExxonMobil Founda on, Princeton, NJ Rhonda Gobble, Fort Collins, CO Rick Acheson, Acheson MillikenMilliken, CO with events at Hidden Valley and an open house to honor the past, Alan Folz, Dallas, TX Franklin & Ruth Harold, Edmonds, WA James Alfred, Lagrange Park, IL mountain driver. Perhaps these factors, L E Harvey Gardiner, Niwot, CO Hewle Packard, Palo Alto, CA AT&T Founda on, Princeton, NJ and the obvious precipitous drop-off s, Holzwarth Historic Site. celebrate the present, and inspire F Duane Graham, Grand Lake, CO Mary Ellen Holmes, Fort Collins, CO Amelia Bianco, Santa Fe, NM: demand a higher degree of situa onal During the two events, nearly the future with the goal of encour- Gavin Hilgemeier, Washington, DC: HP Company Founda on, In Memory of InI Honor of the Wedding of Kate Loyd awareness and cau on that helps to 800 people were entertained with aging visitors and staff to engage Maxine E. E Johnson, Johnson Denver, Denver CO Washington, DC Dr. William Raymond Cook and Kevin Ma hews Arthur and Carol Keil, Li leton, CO Peggy Carr, Denton, TX mi gate such occurrences. Signing, music, fun ac vi es and special in the year-long celebra on that IBM Corpora on, Raleigh, NC Mary Klinkhammer, Shoreview, MN: James and Janine Clark, Urbandale, IA informa on and educa on, high quality speakers. The Estes Park and Grand will culminate in a Rededica on Carol Jones, Hawthorn Woods, IL S P In Memory of Mike Donahue Patsy Cravens, Houston, TX road maintenance, warranted closures Lake Woman’s Clubs served as hosts Ceremony on September 4, 2015. Judith Kingsmore Evans & Mary Lamy, Hygiene, CO Steven M. Fishburn, Aus n, TX Richard Evans, Blu on, OH: and proac ve ranger patrols with focus James Pickering, Pickering Estes Park, Park CO Theodore & Susan Larson, Google Matching Gi s Program, for the events, just as they did back A full schedule of centennial In Memory of Gina Salazar, Montgomery, AL Centennial, CO Princeton, NJ on traffi c safety contribute to our low in 1915. Enos Mills, played by Kur s events is available on the park Their Sister-in-law, Dorothy Guy Miller, High Rolls Mtn Park, NM Microso Matching Gi s Program, accident rate. One thing is for certain, Gilbert and Mary Knapp, Spencer, NY Kelly, made a special appearance; website at www.nps.gov/romo. Heidi Orton, Allen, TX Princeton, NJ driving Trail Ridge Road is a spectacular N G JohnJ & Edith London Estate, Denver, CO Paul and Donna Payne, Garland, TX Charles Money and Julie Dreher, Brad Fitch premiered the offi cial Please check the website to fi nd F (R ) JanetJ & Robert Ludlum, Estes Park, CO Sondra Perry, Grand Prairie, TX: Estes Park, CO experience for all and for some, a once- Centennial song, “Rocky’s a Place out more about the many ways William and Patricia Malina, In Memory of Her Husband, Jim Perry Ju a Neumann, Pfl ugerville, TX: in-a-life me opportunity. Safe travels! New Baden, IL for All”; and students from Middle you can get involved and celebrate Next Genera on Fund Restricted Shirley J. Pine, Li le Rock, AR In Memory of Inge Adam Gretchen Mi erer and Daniel Myers, — RMNP Chief Ranger Mark Magnuson Colorado State Questers, Greeley, CO Elizabeth Pruessner, Fort Collins, CO Phong Phan, Aus n, TX Park High School and Eagle Rock Rocky Mountain Na onal Park’s Li leton, CO Anna Davis, Brookline, MA Mary Roberts-Bailey, Athens, GA Silicon Valley Community Founda on, Susan Putnam, Aurora, CO School gave s rring tes mony about 100th Anniversary. DeToto Family, Bellaire, TX Mary Ann Rowsey, Lone Tree, CO: Mountain View, CA Rocky Mountain Park Inn, LLC, PARK PUZZLER SOLUTION Lauren Finucane, Providence, RI In Honor of the Wedding of Lori Ann Eric Sundquist, East Falmouth, MA: Estes Park, CO Anthony Flood, Aus n, TX Rogers & John D. Jordan In Memory of Marguerite Glynn Rotary Club of Estes Park, CO Jennifer Harp, Faye eville, AR Shirley and Thomas Sullwold, The Giving Campaign, Norfolk, VA Gina Salazar, Montgomery, AL Taru and William Hays, Englewood, CO Fort Collins, CO: Veronica Willcox, Lafaye e, CO LaRoy and Mary Seaver, Estes Park, CO Kathleen Kase and Dan DeBlasio, In Memory of Their Son, Kris ne Van Cleve, Cedar Rapids, IA: Erlene Senseney, Estes Park, CO Estes Park, CO: Brandon Sullwold In Memory of Dr. Donald Barron Stanley Black & Decker, New Britain, CT In Honor of Bob Kase for his birthday! Trail Trekkers, Estes Park, CO Evelyn McLagan, Denver, CO: Archie Stevenson, Longmont, CO Michele Lueck, Englewood, CO: Ronald and Linda Wagner, In Memory of Dr. William Cook Dave Vance, Windsor, CO In Honor of the Wedding of Katherine Shawnee Mission, KS Lawrence & Linda Williams, & Daragh Mulready Joe and Doris Wampler, Lincoln, NE All in Memory of Carl Thornburg: Estes Park, CO New Belgium Brewing Inc., Louisa Warfi eld, Greeley, CO Jane Asphaug, Centennial, CO Kathleen Conway, Wayne, NE: Ft. Collins, CO Sco Woods, State College, PA R. Keith Raney, Annapolis, MD In Memory of Alice L. Geary Trish Nicholson, Corpus Chris , TX Greg Cri enden, Woodstock, GA: Lloyd Tolley, Buchanan, VA Vineeth Lagouit, Lorton, VA: Chuck Westerheide, S llwater, OK In Memory of Ma Burklow In Memory of Carl Thornburg Dana Friend, Ithaca, NY: Steven and Cindy Brant, Manistee, MI: All in Memory of In Memory of In Memory of Charlie McCormick Nearly 400 people enjoyed beau ful weather and music by Cowboy Brad Fitch at Bruce and Elaine Gilmore: Sidney Gail Tepper Friend Angela Schreffl er, Denver, CO: the Centennial Kickoff event at Hidden Valley. (Photo: NPS) Richard & Barbara Ford, Victorville, CA In Memory of Gary Gibbons Romaine Ford, Arlington Heights, IL
Nonprofi t Organiza on US Postage PAID Permit #184 Estes Park, CO Charles Money, execu ve director Nancy Wilson, Quarterly editor PO Box 3100 Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-0108
There’s nothing quite like an autumn blue sky in Colorado....Photo: Conservancy Member Norma Andersen Nature Notes Snow on Longs Peak at the end of August, along with the occasional bugling elk gist Gary Miller was on and changing aspen leaves felt a li le on the early side this year. Higher than the Fern Lake Trail with a average rainfall this summer le the grasses lush and green long into autumn group from the American — a rarity in this neck of the woods. Intense fall colors at Bear Lake were Ornithologists’ Union in enjoyed by throngs of visitors during the last weekend of September. Vivid late September that ob- red aspen leaves were brilliant to behold.....Bear sigh ngs have been high, served a Steller’s jay cap- frequently reported in neighborhoods in Estes Park. Re red RMNP Secretary ture a bat (likely a myo s Helen Keutzer had le a tub of food in her totally closed car overnight only to or pipistrel) in mid-air and fi nd the next morning that the windows of her car had been broken and the then, raptor-like, perch contents strewn all over the place.....A sow with her cub were seen on the and consume it.....he also lower end of the Homer Rouse trail by the Cheley Camp in early September..... noted a lot of beaver ac- Estes Park resident Michael Sisk walked outside his house to fi nd a freshly vity on the south shore killed mule deer carcass with claw marks raking the sides of the unfortunate of Lily Lake.....Conserva- animal. Not wan ng to witness the slow decomposi on of the deer over me, on Corps Manager Geoff he dragged it up the hillside with the hope that this would suffi ce. The next Elliot spo ed a bear that day, the deer, now less intact, was back in front of his door, causing Michael to was ea ng chokecherries take more dras c measures to remove the carcass, farther and more perma- in his neighbor’s tree in Es- Conservancy Member Marlene Borneman of Estes Park nently out of the way.....Conservancy Member Jim Ward makes a habit of tes Park.....He also reported watched this bobcat ki en in her back yard. It was obvi- walking at Lake Estes in the early morning hours with his camera. He’s treated the sigh ng of a long-tailed ously a young thing, possibly its fi rst hunt on its own, and it chased a li le vole or mouse around un l it quickly to many unusual sights, including mul ple sigh ngs of what turned out to be weasel loping across the pounced on its vic m and ran up a tree where Marlene an American mink. He captured many shots of this rare creature, one of which rocky area below Rainbow got to watch it eat dinner. Here she caught a picture of it graces the cover of this publica on, that capture it in the middle of its hun ng Curve to dive into a small smacking its lips a er devouring its li le snack. spree. Mink are in the Mustelidae family, along with weasels, o ers, badgers hole. The weasel returned and wolverines.....Conservancy Execu ve Director Charley Money o en sees with a squealing chipmunk, which it quickly ate.....West side Interpre ve Ranger Mandy a bald eagle fl ying over Lake Estes as it searches for its fi shy breakfast in the Cluck has been alerted to mul ple sigh ngs of a very dark colored bull elk seen near early hours. Frequently, a resident osprey will approach it in the air and dive Harbison Meadows. He is completely black/dark brown, like a moose, but defi nitely an bomb the eagle to chase it out of its territory, causing the eagle to turn upside elk. It has been determined that it is an elk that has rolled in a wallow — a urine-soaked down (in the air, mind you) and fl ex its talons for a brief moment as a threat. puddle. Elk do this to cover themselves with this potent scent, which acts both as an This seems to be enough to ward off the osprey, but only temporarily, as the a ractant to females and a deterrent to other males.....Mandy also reported the visita- osprey will always return and repeat the onslaught un l it succeeds in driving on at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center by a Townsend’s solitaire, a medium-sized thrush the eagle away.....Conservancy Development Director Julie Kle spo ed a rare that is fairly common on the west side, but not o en seen.....On a midday drive up Three-toed woodpecker at Lake Irene at the end of September. She fi rst heard Bear Lake Road in mid-September, Conservancy Member Dallas Heltzell encountered a the territorial drumming sound twice, then the pecking sound as it sought bugs dark brown adult bear just before the Glacier Basin turnoff as it loped across the road under the scales of the tree, and then as it fl ew over the lake, spo ng the not 20 yards in front of him and disappeared out of the midday sunshine and into the dis nc ve yellow marking on its head.....Conservancy Member Gene Putney forest. This was the fi rst bear he’d seen in the park in 30 years!....The second sigh ng saw a bear and her cub in mid-September, just past Rainbow Curve at about 11 Dallas had may have been even more unusual: walking along the Sprague Lake Trail AM near a water cascade near treeline. The bears were about 50 yards from was a middle-aged gentleman wearing a full dark business suit, white shirt and e, and road, peacefully grazing on delicous tundra dbits. At one point, the sow sat carrying a briefcase. Could he have been taken a wrong turn?.....Let us know if you see down with her nose up in the air, sniffi ng. The bears were visible for about 30 something interes ng in the park — we’re always looking for engaging stories to share! minutes then disappeared into the treeline.....Re red RMNP Wildlife Biolo- Happy Trails! www.rmconservancy.org