Jim Ward | Longs Peak Alpenglow, Rocky Mountain Na onal Park QUARTERLY

Spring 2021 A Love Affair with Longs Peak by Conservancy Member Richard Hoff man I have so many happy memories of the Homestretch. From the saddle, traveling up and down the Longs Peak the summit of Longs looks completely Trail. It all began for me in the early diff erent from the usual views. And Look Inside 1960s as a camper at Cheley Camps near un l you reach the Homestretch, there Rocky. We climbed Longs Peak via the are usually no people on the route. It LETTER FROM OUR cables route on the north face when can be hard on the knees going down EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR there were actual cables running through this way (or via the Trough), but it’s Summer is coming and the large metal eye hooks secured to the quiet and beau ful. world is opening up PG. 2 granite to guide intrepid climbers of the Another interes ng way to the top day. The hike didn’t seem that diffi cult is the original route led by John ASK NANCY COLUMN then. More recently, I’ve climbed up and Wesley Powell up Keplinger’s Couloir Bird mortality and down this route a number of mes, and Freezing temps on the southwest side of Longs. Cascade Co ages News it’s quite a bit more challenging without From Wild Basin, you take the trail PG. 3 the cables, especially if there’s ice or to Sandbeach Lake, and then begin water dripping down the cracks from the improvising since there’s no more trail. FEATURED STORIES snow patches above. Fortunately, the Do I ascend Mount. Orton, traverse 2021 Junior Ranger Program Park Service le the metal eye hooks in Bridge Building Post-Wildfi re along North Ridge and then descend Distance Learning Rocky Style the rock, allowing today’s climbers to across swampy ground to the bo om Stewardship Director News grab them, or hook an ice axe through of the couloir? Or, do I bushwhack PG. 49 them, or rappel from them. a mile through the alder bushes to CROSSWORD PUZZLE One of the main reasons I love Longs the bo om of the couloir? From Stay on point with Rocky Trivia! Peak is because there are many the summit of Longs, you can look PG. 10 interes ng routes to the top, and many southwest towards Mount. Copeland that can be scrambled, rather than the and see Sandbeach Lake — it looks far OUR AMAZING DONORS We couldn’t do it without you more technical ver cal face that Longs is away, and let me assure you that when PG. 11 known for — the Diamond. My favorite you’re red, it is. way to the top is from Glacier Gorge to I once owned a cabin on a private the Longs-Pagoda saddle, with a traverse inholding in Wild Basin that has since under the Narrows to the bo om of Con nued on page 14

2021 SPRING NEWSLETTER | 1 “We have a lot of work ahead of us, through the Conservancy educa on programs and as partners of Rocky Mountain

Na onal Park.” Ann Schonlau A Message from our Executive Director

Board of Dear Friends, Directors We are happy to report that a er more than a year of pandemic living, the majority of the staff at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, and many BRIAN ROSS PRESIDENT of the Rocky Mountain Na onal Park staff , have received their COVID-19 Denver, CO vaccina ons, conferring a glimmer of cau ous op mism about a more normal HOWDY FRY VICE PRESIDENT summer just around the bend. We’ve tenta vely resumed some mee ngs with Denver, CO each other, and with you, our friends and donors, on pa os and picnic tables around the park and in our communi es. Even so, we’ll admit that we can’t CHRISTINA KRAFT TREASURER Estes Park, CO wait for a me when we can meet together, AND not have to remind each other to do ck checks a er the mee ng (the true peril of outdoor mee ngs in WALTER BORNEMAN SECRETARY Estes Park), and perhaps even give each other a true embrace or handshake. Estes Park, CO Despite these minor complaints, I am energized by the momentum of the JIM PICKERING IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Conservancy Board’s ad hoc Educa on Commi ee, currently re-envisioning Estes Park, CO and planning the next itera on of the Field Ins tute, which, in the a ermath of the pandemic and wildfi res, we expect to emerge like a phoenix, stronger DOUG CAMPBELL than ever in delivering quality programming that is true to our educa onal Greeley, CO mission. We have a lot of work ahead of us, through the Conservancy educa on CHARLES COFAS programs and as partners of Rocky Mountain Na onal’s Park Educa on Program, Estes Park, CO to address the “deferred educa on” of the many kids (and their teachers) we TIMOTHY DAVIS serve. In par cular, we intend to focus on those we work with in Title 1 schools Denver, CO on the Front Range, ensuring that all kids in Colorado have equitable access to KATHERINE DINES learning about the amazing public lands in their midst. Denver, CO This summer, too, we are delighted to be scaling our Conserva on Corps LYNNE GEWEKE Program back to full opera ng levels in Rocky Mountain Na onal Park and the Estes Park, CO Arapaho-Roosevelt Na onal Forests, pu ng more than 40 young adults into CHRISTINA KRAFT the wilds to work in areas recovering from recent fi res, and promo ng forest Estes Park, CO health to help mi gate the poten al of devas ng fi re in these wild places and JOEL MAYO communi es in the future. Centennial, CO We hope to see many of your faces this spring or summer on the trails, or over JAN ROBERTSON a cup of coff ee, so don’t be a stranger and stop by the offi ce if you’re in the Boulder, CO area. But please, don’t forget to check for cks a er our mee ng.

KIM SKYELANDER Warmly, Loveland, CO ZACHARY WIEBE Fort Collins, CO

Estee Rivera Murdock EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY Ask Nancy

Quarterly Editor Nancy Wilson a empts to unearth answers to any ques ons asked by Conservancy members and park visitors. If you are Shop Conservancy curious about something in or about the park, email nancy.wilson@ rmconservancy.org or write: Nancy Wilson, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Nature Stores PO Box 3100, Estes Park, CO 80517. For ALL Your RMNP Memorabilia

Was there a lot of mortality among na ve bird species during HIKING ROCKY the extended cold spell in early 2021? The ques on applies not MOUNTAIN NATIONAL only to the birds that overwinter in RMNP, but to those na ve PARK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE by Erik Stensland species that migrate to Texas and northern Mexico. Will we This comprehensive and no ce a diff erence when spring arrives? It won’t be surprising if the stunning book is a hiker’s extreme cold and snow in Texas and surrounding areas will have caused gem. Hikes are listed greater than usual bird mortali es. Insec vorous migrants par cularly by level of diffi culty and likely will have had a very tough me, especially if their energe c categorized by accessibility, with each sec on color-coded for easy reference. reserves were too depleted to allow them to fl y to areas with more food Mileages, eleva on profi les and clear sources. Regarding our summer residents, migra on pa erns from the direc ons to trailheads will make this a e-bird website (h ps://ebird.org/science/status-and-trends/abundance- trusted hiking companion. Features more anima ons) indicate that mountain bluebirds, kinglets, yellow-rumped than 150 photos, 80 custom topo maps, and 75 primo hikes in Rocky. So cover. warblers, American pipit, hermit and Swainson’s thrushes, for example, were likely in substan al numbers in the impacted areas and thus at Price: $29.95; Member Price: $25.46 risk. Wilson’s and MacGillivray’s warblers, fl ycatchers and swallows are HIKING ROCKY MOUNTAIN among species that probably hadn’t yet arrived in the major storm areas NATIONAL PARK: THE to a great degree on their northward journeys. The annual Fish and POCKET GUIDE Wildlife Service’s Breeding Bird Survey, the crowd-sourced e-bird dataset by Erik Stensland A pocket version of the and monitoring eff orts by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, may provide Essen al Guide (above) insight into the overall eff ect on bird popula ons in a few months, but featuring more than 60 photos and 22 other factors (long-term popula on declines, wildfi res, last fall’s dieoff s custom topo maps covering 20 of the most in SW Colorado, etc.) will confound an a empt to quan fy eff ects of that popular hikes in Rocky. So cover. storm specifi cally. Like all wildlife, bird species have evolved a ributes Price: $14.95; Member Price: $12.71 (longevity, clutch size, etc.) that allow them to recover from periodic high mortality within the context of long-term normal varia on of RMNP TUMBLER weather (“climate”). However, as science repeatedly and consistently Take this handy insulated tumbler with you wherever shows, the abnormally extreme varia on we see nowadays is cause for you go! Hand wash only. concern. Will species be able to evolu onarily adapt rapidly enough to Color: teal; approximately 7ʺ win the race against this more unpredictable climate chaos in order to tall. persist? — Re red RMNP Wildlife Biologist Gary Miller Price: $21.95; Member Price: $18.66 What are the plans for the future of Cascade Co ages? No decision has been made about the future use of Cascade Co ages. RMNP BEAR HOODIE In 2018, the park engaged the public to fi nd out what op ons for Cozy up with this future use seemed viable, including Youth Conserva on Corps seasonal graphically designed housing, youth and volunteer outdoor educa on, mothballing the hooded sweatshirt that will serve you well. Navy structures, and removing the structures en rely and restoring the site. blue; 60% co on/40% Over the last few years, the park has been conduc ng inventories of polyester. Available in sizes the property, including studying cultural and natural resources and S, M, L, XL and XXL. conduc ng condi on assessments on the buildings and u li es. Rocky Price: $34.99; Member Price: $29.74 Mountain Conservancy board members and park staff have met several mes to review the data and discuss op ons. The en re process slowed More memorabilia at in 2020 due to COVID, fi res and other more pressing issues. — RMNP RMConservancy.org Park Planner Cheri Yost 970-586-0121

2021 SPRING NEWSLETTER | 3 Junior Rangers enjoy the fun ac vi es available at the Junior Ranger Headquarters at Hidden Valley.

NPS

by Shannon Roberts, Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP Educa on Technician Junior Ranger Program News

Rocky Mountain Na onal Park’s It was so fun to see these li le Educa on and Outreach program green backpacks all over the park. Programming for 2021 is gearing up for a summer of fun As fros ng on the cake, the Rocky is underway, with winter family ac vi es at the Junior Ranger Mountain Na onal Park Junior Junior Ranger activites Headquarters at Hidden Valley. This Ranger badge also received a summer’s COVID-friendly program already in place at makeover for 2021. The updated plans will look diff erent from badge is made of wood instead of Hidden Valley. past years, featuring self-guided plas c, which is much more aligned adventures for family groups as well with the park’s environmental goals. as engaging pop-up ranger talks. Responses from Junior Rangers have As we all know, 2020 was a been overwhelmingly posi ve about challenging year. And providing the new badge, and the kids seem quality visitor services on the front to enjoy both the natural feel and lines of Rocky Mountain Na onal the updated design. Park was not exempt. And yet, while Programming for 2021 is underway, interac ng with visitors looked with winter Junior Ranger ac vi es diff erent during this season, rangers already in place at Hidden Valley. were able to provide more than Spring break brought families 15,000 Junior Ranger ac vity books packed into cars, bundled up and and badges at informal contact ready to sled at Hidden Valley. sta ons throughout the park, all Families were also given an funded by our partner, the Rocky opportunity to combine learning Mountain Conservancy. and explora on with recrea on. And while Rocky’s rangers were Junior Rangers were greeted by hamstringed from off ering park rangers and volunteers, who tradi onal youth programming at welcomed them to explore, learn the Junior Ranger Headquarters, and protect Rocky Mountain we were thrilled to provide the Na onal Park by comple ng next genera on of park stewards self-guided ac vi es focusing on with supplemental Junior Ranger winter animal survival. Each group discovery packs. These green was loaned a winter detec ve kit backpacks were fi lled with scien fi c containing thermometers, hand Rocky’s new wooden tools to enhance exploring and lenses, animal track iden fi ca on Junior Ranger badge inves ga ons as the kids worked guides, and ac vity guides. Working through their Junior Ranger books. together, groups were able to (Con nued on page 5)

4 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY A Seasonal Ranger’s Tale by Shelley Hall, Making Dreams Come True Conservancy Member

A new season and new beginnings are Na onal park employees are drawn happening in Rocky Mountain Na onal from a wide variety of backgrounds and Park. Granted, 2021 may not involve the interests. For Zach, it started in college. historically “typical” season planning, but “I’ve always enjoyed ac on sports, and I certain elements, like seasonal hiring, saw a picture of a ranger on a snowmobile remain the backbone of a successful my freshman year of college,” he said. season. Meet Zach Crowl, one of the new His fi rst job as a ranger was working as seasonal Visitor Protec on rangers hired a limited-commission ranger for two to work in Rocky this summer. seasons with Colorado Parks & Wildlife at Zach hails from Hickory, North Carolina, State Forest State Park in Gould, Colorado, issuing park passes, misdemeanors and where he received a degree in recrea on memories. “My fi rst job experience as fi shing licenses. His second season there management with a focus on parks an NPS law enforcement ranger was was on the trail crew. and recrea on from Appalachian State rather comical,” he explained. “While University, in Boone, North Carolina. He then went to the Niobrara Na onal patrolling (fl oa ng) the Niobrara There, he took specifi c classes that Scenic River in north-central Nebraska as River, I ini ated a conversa on applied to his interest in parks, and a Visitor and Resource Protec on Ranger with some fellow canoers who had a er gradua ng, several cer fi ca ons where he worked as a river ranger. Next dropped a water bo le that was were required to be eligible for law he worked at Sylvan Lake State Park fl oa ng away downstream. Upon enforcement posi ons in the na onal in Eagle, Colorado, as a Park Resource retrieving the bo le with the intent parks, which include the Na onal Park Technician, and beginning on May 1 to return it, I pped my canoe, Seasonal Academy and the Federal of this year, Zach started as a seasonal drenching not only myself but also Law Enforcement Academy, each a Visitor and Resource Protec on Ranger all my NPS gear, including my radio, fi ve-month commitment. The Federal in Rocky Mountain Na onal Park. fi rst-aid bag, maps, duty belt, boots, program, however, is only available to Zach is into running, skiing and binoculars, lunch and more. There I law enforcement seasonals who have mountain biking, so this job in Rocky was, standing in waist-deep water, worked at least one year, and who have sounds like a good fi t. He will be living soaked head to toe, handing the oh- since been hired in a full- me capacity, and working in the Colorado River so-valuable water bo le back to the bringing the total training requirement District on the park’s west side, and he’s canoers.” Despite (or maybe because to almost two years. looking forward to making some good of) this ini al “submerging” into the real world of park rangers and visitor protec on, he quickly fell in love with explore the natural wonders at programs tailored specifi cally for the job. Having a good laugh with the Hidden Valley at their own pace. Tracks Junior Rangers and their families, visitors and his co-workers at his own were in abundance, and explorers also covering a wide variety of topics such expense has proven to be a wonderful found other animal signs and many as black bears, alpine tundra, forest memory. holes in the snow. Junior Rangers fi re ecology, and Leave No Trace and their groups then returned their ethics. The pop-up programming For more informa on about these borrowed kits and were invited to at Hidden Valley will be specially academies, check out the links share their discoveries with the designed to be engaging for our listed below: rangers — fun for all! youngest visitors. h ps://bit.ly/2QC9nu1 This coming summer season will As 2021 progresses and our lives are h ps://bit.ly/3aIen7f bring exci ng new pop-up style slowly ge ng back to normal, the h ps://bit.ly/3gGTxZG ranger programing to Junior Ranger staff at Junior Ranger Headquarters Learn more about the history of park Headquarters. Pop-ups are short are grateful for our con nued rangers: interac ons where visitors stumble partnership with the Rocky Mountain RANGER: The Journal of the on an opportunity to learn about a Conservancy. Together we are Associa on of Na onal Park Rangers resource, share their experiences, and making it possible for Junior Rangers at: h ps://bit.ly/3h2HCWD connect more deeply with a place. and their families to fi nd fun and Beginning May 23, a team of rangers educa onal ac vi es to enjoy their and volunteers will begin presen ng na onal park together.

2021 SPRING NEWSLETTER | 5 Mill Creek Trail bridge burned by the East Troublesome Fire that is slated for repairs NPS

East Troublesome Fire Fallout

by Doug Parker, Rocky’s Trail Crew Gearing Up RMNP Trails Crew Supervisor With Bridge Construction

The park’s Trail Crew has had a thought has gone into how we busy winter season that has fl own will replace our tool, camping and A total of 18% of the by as we prepare to tackle the equipment inventory and how we park trails have been immense workload created by the will ul mately store these items. East Troublesome Fire event that Un l a permanent barn structure is affected by the East occurred this last fall in the park. built, the crews will operate out of Troublesome Fire burn, The focus this winter has been two 40’ Conex boxes, a setup that and some of those areas the replacement of the 20 park features a large shade structure are very remote. bridges that were lost in the between them. This will allow an fi re. The winter trail crew has area for the park’s animal packing been gathering materials and opera on storage, and an area for using data records and photos to Trail Crew storage, in addi on to rebuild the bridges in the park’s the hay for livestock which will be trail shop. Once the bridges were stored between the boxes. completed in the shop, the crew Going into the summer and to then applied an environmentally begin the process of assessing and friendly preserva on treatment reopening park trails, the crew’s to ensure that the bridges will focus will be to hike all trails and last for many years to come. A er remove fallen trees and any other this preserva on treatment, the obstruc ons on the trails, replace crews disassembled the bridges bridges and stabiliza on control and bundled them into loads for for structures where most needed. transporta on by helicopter. This Assessments will enable us to summer, all major bridges will be formulate a plan moving forward fl own into the park wilderness to post-fi re. Most of the burned be rebuilt onsite. This process will trails were unable to be properly increase effi ciency toward re- assessed post-fi re due to the snow opening park trails and providing and other weather that occurred safe water crossings for users. following the fi re in the fall, and we Unfortunately, the Colorado River an cipate some addi onal damage that may occur on the trails a er NPS District Trail Crew lost their barn and tool-storage buildings in the spring runoff . Corral Creek bridge par ally completed in the Trail Crew Shop fi re. Quite a bit of planning and Visitors hiking in the park this

6 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY summer can expect to see park crews make improvements to the Colorado Conservancy begin their post-fi re recovery project River Trail on a severely ru ed and work on the Fern Lake Trail, Cub Lake failing switchback just a few hundred Helps Fund RMNP Trail and Mill Creek Basin areas on the yards from the trailhead. This work east side of the park, and the North will take place later in the season Graphic Designer Inlet Trail on the west side. once visita on has slowed and crews Welcome back to Aubry Andreas, Other Planned Work can focus on the repairs, post-fi re assessments and stabiliza on. who, as a previous Conservancy- Despite the huge fi re recovery supported Community Volunteer A total of 18% of the park trails workload, there are s ll other Ambassador through AmeriCorps have been aff ected by the burn, priori es and projects that the trail Stewards, has rejoined Rocky’s and some of those areas are very crew is planning to take on this staff as a Conservancy-funded year. On the east side, crews will remote. We don’t yet have a defi ned graphic designer. con nue improving the Longs Peak workload, but the uncertainty brings Aubry grew up in Buena Vista, Trail. Two crews will be camped on an cipa on. We have hired full Park Colorado, and graduated from the mountain this summer, making Service crews, and we also will have four conserva on corps crews in our the University of Denver with a improvements between Ba le degree in Interna onal Studies, Mountain Campsite junc on and teams, including a Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conserva on Corps French and Geography. During Chasm Junc on. There will also be her me at Denver University, some fi nishing work completed near crew assis ng us this year, so we are fully staff ed and ready. We Aubry completed interna onal the Boulderfi eld from the previous research courses that piqued year’s project. look forward to the challenge and opportunity of repairing and her interest in conserva on and The Colorado River Trail Crew will improving these trails for the future. sustainable tourism, and her love of photography was nurtured studying abroad in Paris. A er gradua on, Aubry worked in the hor culture division at the Denver Zoo before moving to France to teach English for a year. She then returned to the States and accepted a media internship at Shenandoah Na onal Park. Her next adventure was as the Community Volunteer Ambassador at Rocky where she created a series of training modules for the park’s volunteer supervisors. In her new role with Rocky, Aubry will be assessing, reviving and replacing interpre ve wayside panels throughout the park to enhance the visitor experience. “I also hope to make the signage more accessible, so that people from all walks of life can more readily learn about the park,” she said. Aubry is also a big fan of ferns, so imagine her excitement when NPS she learned there was a Fern Burned Green Mountain Trail Bridge on the park’s west side Lake in the park!

2021 SPRING NEWSLETTER | 7 Rocky Educa on Ranger Kathleen Ferguson presen ng an educa on video for students

NPS

by Ka e Phillips, RMNP Educa on Rocky’s Distance–Learning Education Program Manager Program Thrives in Pandemic Conditions

Distance learning programs are a Distance Learning programs are free, fresh, fun and interac ve take on off ered na onwide and worldwide, the tradi onal classroom se ng. year-round. Prior to the worldwide Rocky’s Education program Through this medium, Rocky rangers transi on to online learning, Rocky’s challenge students to get up and distance learning programming is proud to be able to move while they learn, collaborate was already serving thousands of continue to connect with with their peers, and explore their learners each year and was primed students, Rocky’s future park na onal park together. Teachers for this school year to arrive. To stewards, that otherwise across the country rave about the date, this school year alone, Rocky’s may never have had the level of engagement presented rangers have virtually visited more through the screen by rangers. than 140 classrooms and seen more opportunity to visit Rocky We are proud that Rocky Mountain than 3,000 students in loca ons Mountain National Park or Na onal Park was already home to an across the country and the world, participate in any fi eld trips exis ng and well-established Distance including, Vermont, Colorado, this school year. Learning branch of the educa on California, Georgia, Wisconsin, programming tree prior to the start of Montana and Bri sh Columbia — the COVID-19 pandemic. This past fall, just to name a few. as our local students could not safely None of these experiences would be crowd onto a bus and visit Rocky, it possible without the support of the was distance learning to the rescue! Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Next Through basic video conferencing Genera on Fund (NGF). The Educa on pla orms, students across the country Technicians and Interns funded (and the world!) get a chance to sit through NGF assist with planning and down with a ranger to explore various presen ng these excep onal distance- topics relevant to Rocky Mountain learning programs. Na onal Park. These award-winning, Rocky’s Educa on program is proud curriculum-based programs include to be able to con nue to connect topics that challenge students to with students, Rocky’s future park inves gate the four ecosystems stewards, that otherwise may never of Rocky, research ranger career have had the opportunity to visit Support the park’s opportuni es, and delve into the Rocky Mountain Na onal Park or educa on program through fascina ng world of winter. All par cipate in any fi eld trips this the Next Genera on Fund that’s required of a classroom or a school year. We look forward to student at home is to have access to con nuing to expand the reach of RMConservancy.org a webcam, projector, and computer these programs to con nue inspire with a good internet connec on. students — near and far.

8 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY Welcome to Conservancy Stewardship Director Ian Stafford

In early April, the Rocky Mountain Colorado University, Boulder, to gain Conservancy welcomed Ian Staff ord his master’s degree in Environmental to the team as its new stewardship Policy, focusing his work on how the director. Ian was born and raised outdoor industry can take a larger The 2021 Conservation in Charlo e, North Carolina, and role in policy development at all growing up, like many kids in the levels of government. Corps will work on a wide Piedmont Region of the state, playing variety of projects this Since 2017, Ian has worked with in creeks and deciduous forests was summer, including trail Outdoor Industry Associa on, the State home. He obtained his undergraduate of Colorado, and American Whitewater maintenance, wildfi re degree from the University of North on diff erent policy and access issues. mitigation, and recreational Carolina, Greensboro, where he studied recrea on management and Ian is excited to be serving as access. Along with the focused on outdoor adventure and the Conservancy’s stewardship hard skills they will gain, outdoor educa on. director because it will allow him they will also work on to work closely with on-the-ground Since 2005 Ian has worked in the leadership and professional conserva on work, as well as be outdoor industry in a number of development to better involved in public lands policy. He capaci es. He has taught outdoor has always been an admirer of the prepare them for a future in educa on, built nature-based Conserva on Corps, and is thrilled the natural resources and canopy tours, helped organize to work with young professionals endurance events, and has focused outdoor industry. entering the conserva on his career on the goal of helping workforce, as well as making a get as many people outdoors posi ve impact on the natural world as possible. He brings strong through the diff erent projects with experience in the fi eld from his me which the Corps will be engaged. with Sanborn Western Camps (SWC) for more than seven years. In that Outside of his professional life, it is capacity he became well versed in very common to fi nd Ian outdoors backcountry trip development in on his bike, in a ra , or simply si ng Colorado, and helped develop a under a tree plucking his banjo or service-oriented program for high reading a comic book. He has an school leaders. insa able penchant for southern cooking and has recently perfected Support the Conserva on While working at SWC, Ian became his fried chicken recipe. He is a aware of the importance of policy Corps program at genuine people person, and always and advocacy as it pertains to welcomes a conversa on. RMConservancy.org public lands. In 2017, Ian enrolled at

2021 SPRING NEWSLETTER | 9 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Park Puzzler

Across from the overlook. These include can sleep for up to 200 days a year, 1. A congrega on of female elk Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver taking a breath only once or twice a during the ma ng season is called Meadows, and Moraine Park. minute. a _____. 3. The brightening of the night sky 11. _____, structures built by the 5. Most woodpeckers have _____ over inhabited areas known as _____ historical Ute and Arapaho, are the feet with two toes facing forward aff ects 80% of the world’s popula on. oldest human-made structures in and two facing backward. Remote parts of Rocky, however, Rocky. 7. In the winter, black bears enter off er opportuni es to escape light 12. April 17 is an annual fee-free a state of prolonged dormancy pollu on altogether. day in the park to celebrate Na onal called _____. 4. The Conservancy now has a fun _____ Ranger Day. 8. Along with Yellowstone interac ve _____ Map on its website 14. Bighorn sheep are known to Na onal Park, Rocky is one of to highlight past fundraising projects gather at Sheep Lakes to obtain two na onal parks with a Sound accomplished. _____ from this natural mineral lick. _____. 6. A er giving birth, a mother elk will 16. The three miles leading up to 9. Passerines, also known as eat surrounding dirt, placenta, and Chasm Falls on Old Fall River Road _____ or songbirds, are the even her young’s _____ to hide any were built by state _____ using only most diverse group of birds in scent from predators. hand tools. the park and include sparrows, 10. Marmots are true _____ that fi nches, wrens, dippers, thrushes, warblers, crows, jays, swallows and more. 13. Most fi res in Rocky are caused by _____. The second most common cause is lightning. 15. The western tanager is a _____ migrant. During the winter they can be found in Rocky’s sister park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Na onal Park, in Costa Rica. 17. At 11,796’, the _____ Visitor Center holds the tle as the highest-eleva on visitor center in the Na onal Park Service. 18. A whopping 94.9% of the park is designated _____, an appella on that can only be bestowed as an act of Congress. 19. A _____ pinecone will burst open in extreme heat, releasing seeds to replant forests a er wildfi res. Down 2. Many Parks Curve on Trail Ridge Road is named for the “parks” or _____ that can be seen

10 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY The Rocky Mountain Conservancy expresses special thanks to the following people for their donations supporting Rocky Mountain National Park: January 13, 2021 – April 16, 2021 Total gi s: 627 | Total dona ons: $260,540

Abbvie Kathleen Brown, Omaha, NE James and Billie DeRuiter, Aurora, CO Pieter Hondius, Estes Park, CO Rebecca Aither, Grand Lake, CO Judy Burke, Grand Lake, CO Julie Devore, Colorado Springs, CO Honeywell Interna onal/Brian Flansburg, Elizabeth Albers, Colorado Springs, CO Aus n Burwick, Denver, CO David Dickson and Lisa Sundell, Boulder, CO Safety Harbor, FL Mary and James Alfred, Nathaniel Bu na, Murrysville, PA John and Dolores Dolan, Mahwah, NJ Jesse and Martha Hord, Windsor, CO La Grange Park, IL Sandy Campbell, Estes Park, CO Barbara J. Dowd, Cedar Falls, IA Brian Huss, Denver, CO Karla and Spencer Allen, Broomfi eld, CO Cary Carlson, Denver, CO Tony and Barbara D’Souza, Rockford, IL Daniel and Mary Hymans, Loveland, CO AmazonSmile Founda on, Sea le, WA Robert and Mary Ann Carter, Marjorie Dunmire, Estes Park, CO IBM Interna onal Founda on, Armonk, NY American Endowment Founda on/ Longmont, CO Joan Eaton, Milliken, CO Jane and Michael Imber, Lawrence, KS Leslie and Neil Alexander, Nashville, TN William Casey, Colorado Springs, CO Jus n Epperson, Woodland Park, CO In Faith Community Founda on/ The American Gi Fund/Margaret Lori and Jorge Catalan, Evanston, IL Tony and Beth Fabrizio, Broomfi eld, CO The Ann Mar nson Fund Stockover, Fort Collins, CO James and Nancy Caufi eld, Loveland, CO Facebook , Menlo Park, CA Allen Jelks, Panama City Beach, FL Ameriprise Financial Gi Matching Michele Chambers, Arvada, CO Veronica Falcon-DeLeone, Windsor, CO William Jennings, Louisville, CO Program, Princeton, NJ Chari es Aid Founda on of America, John Fedak, Longmont, CO Jerard Johnson, Longmont, CO Thomas and Sandra Ames, Longmont, CO Princeton, NJ Ann and Steve Fedders, New Richmond, WI Richard K. Johnson, Kenosha, WI Apple, Inc. Chevron Corpora on, Princeton, NJ Carol Felici, Ogden, UT Rebecca Johnston, Longmont, CO Elaine and Paul Arguien, Grand Lake, CO Joe Christ and Lauren Schaefer-Christ, Fidelity Charitable/ Keith and Mariane Jolly, Angels Camp, CA Susan Arnold, Parker, CO Freeburg, IL Dr. and Mrs. James Cra , Broomfi eld, CO Michelle Jones, Longmont, CO Athens Founda on/ Tom and Barbara Savannah Cito, Li leton, CO Fidelity Charitable/Jennifer and Charlie JP Morgan Chase Founda on/Russ and Kostohryz, Athens, OH Doug and Roxanne Clayton, Wood, Aus n, TX Susan Meller, Louisville, CO Edwin A. Aus n, Rochester, NY Council Bluff s, IA Fidelity Charitable/Keith and Beth A.W. Judson, Kenmore, WA Carol Bachhuber, Kansas City, MO Sandra and Roger Clinch, Centennial, CO Heaton, Eden Prairie, MN Dawn Kaback, Grand Lake, CO Vaughn Baker, Estes Park, CO James Colbeck, Firestone, CO Fidelity Charitable/Mary Ann Franke, German Kazakov, Longmont, CO Ball Dynamics Interna onal, Inc., Aaron Cole, Greenwood Village, CO Estes Park, CO Donna Kendall, Colorado Springs, CO Denver, CO Colorado Gives: Community First Steve Flanders, Denver, CO Marsha Kendrick, Metairie, LA Darrell Barredo, Wayne, NM Founda on/Ellen and John VanDyk, Jordan Fleishhacker, Colorado Springs, CO Mary Lou and Joseph Kennelly, Charlo e, NC Ka a Becker, Brighton, CO Li leton, CO Doryan Flores, Aurora, CO Katelyn Kesselring, Pueblo, CO The Benevity Community Impact Fund/ Colorado Gives: Community First Gustavo Flores, Rifl e, CO Darren Klinefelter, Boulder, CO Johannes Jolly Founda on/Ian Thorstad, Denver, CO Lisa Foss, Fort Collins, CO Gerald and Donna Klinefelter, Kewadin, MI The Benevity Community Impact Fund/ Colorado Gives: Community First Garre Fowler, Denver, CO Mary Lou and Roger Klinkhammer, Robert L. Frame Founda on/Tamara Barner, Shaun Franklin, Loveland, CO Shoreview, MN Julie Benjamin, Boulder, CO Longmont, CO Gereon Fredrickson, Castle Rock, CO Gilbert and Mary Knapp, Spencer, NY Thomas Berger, Boulder, CO Colorado Gives: Community First Gap, Inc. Troy Koehlar, New Orleans, LA Susan Bernhardt, Elle sville, IN Founda on/William Paschal, Garden Club of Denver, Denver, CO Richard and Lucinda Koester, Lawrence, KS William Bertschy, Fort Collins, CO Fort Collins, CO Devin Garland, Eaton, CO Nicholas Kontax, Altamonte, FL Dr. and Mrs. Cliff ord A. Birge, Comcast Corpora on/Zach Street, Fred and Catherine Gaupp, Springfi eld, LA Sara Kormanik, Colorado Springs, CO Saint Louis, MO Denver, CO Robert and Jocelyn Gebhardt, Charles and Laurel Krider, Lawrence, KS Blackbaud Giving Fund/Angela Community Founda on of Northern Broomfi eld, CO Jeff Krueger, Sedalia, CO Dalrymple, Saint Paul, MN Colorado/Carol and David Anderson, Dave and Judy Gibbs, Spring Hill, FL Amanda Kurtz, Columbus, OH Blackbaud Giving Fund/ Jane Stout, Lake Oswego, OR Charlo e Godbey, Springfi eld, IL Judith A. Lance, Boulder, CO Ankeny, IL Computershare Loan Services, Jason Goodmanson, Broomfi eld, CO Barbara Ann Lange, Golden, CO Blackbaud Giving Fund/ John Hurlocker, Canton, MA Diane Goodwin, Lakewood, CO Gregory Leach, Pensacola, FL Denver, CO Richard and Kathleen Conner, Patricia Grasse, Norman, OK Robert and Connie Leavi , Estes Park, CO Blackbaud Giving Fund/ Laura Weiss, Fort Collins, CO Susan Greenquist, Niskayuna, NY Julian Lee, Parker, CO Elgin, IL ConocoPhillips, Houston, TX James and Mary Groves, Denver, CO Leslie Fidel Bailey Charitable Trust, Grand Blackbaud Giving Fund/Mark Weinberg Madeleine and Alistair Cook, Fort Collins, CO Guardian Life Insurance Company of Junc on, CO Blackbaud Giving Fund/Sarah Esser Douglas and Miyuki Coombs, America, Plano, TX Sarah Lewis, Grand Lake, CO Blackbaud Giving Fund/ Susan Bourque, Los Alamos, NM Thomas and Karen Guter, Fort Collins, CO Karl Long, Houston, TX Englewood, CO Taylor Corazza, Loveland, CO Brian Hall, Highlands Ranch, CO Los Alamos Na onal Laboratory/ Rick Bozada, Ballwin, MO Jeff rey Corson and Mary Ann McHale, Shelley and Gregory Hall, Vail, CO Christopher and Caroline Stull, Karen and David Blass, Loganton, PA Fleur Hampton, Estes Park, CO Los Alamos, NM North Bethesda, MD Marilyn and James Cra , Broomfi eld, CO Cassandra Harrell, Johnstown, CO Lumina Founda on, Indianapolis, IN Robert and Kimberly Boisvert, Edina, MN Julie and Joseph Cunningham, Arvada, CO Donald and Joann Harris, Greeley, CO Donald Lynam, Fitchburg, WI Kathryn Bolinsky, Loveland, CO Drew Cutright, Li leton, CO Cyndi Harron, Brookfi eld, CT Donna Lyons, Li leton, CO Dana Brandon, Estes Park, CO Richard Dahlkemper, Ogden, UT Marsha Hennessy, Denver, CO Tom Macgillivray, Windsor, CO Be y Brans ter, Lakewood, CO Michael Dalke, Loveland, CO Ma and Pa y Hesse, Wichita, KS Madelyn Madsen, Batavia, IL Alice Brewer, Berthoud, CO Mary Dancer, Deerfi eld, MA Bobby R. He mansperger, Silver Lake, IN Christopher Maniglier-Poulet, Aurora, CO The Brian Ratner Founda on, Isaac Darnell, Boulder, CO Lorraine Hewi , Broomfi eld, CO Alec Maring, Li leton, CO Shaker Heights, OH Adrienne Debigare, Westminster, CO Hewle Packard Enterprise Founda on, Marianne and George Markham Founda on/ Mike Brooks, Loveland, CO Fredrick Delano, Livermore, CO Washington, DC Philip and Elizabeth Nicholson, Boulder, CO Anne a Brown, Milliken, CO Carolyn Denaro, Woodland Park, CO Hintz Targeted Marke ng, LLC, Asheville, NC Isaac Marks, Denver, CO Ginger Brown, Overland Park, KS The Denver Founda on/Ed Brown and V. Lynn Hogben and James Beck, Reed Mar n, Westminster, CO Jeremy Brown, Loveland, CO Susan Brown Kroes Philadelphia, PA Zachary Mar n, Atlanta, GA

To make a gi to support Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, visit RMConservancy.org, or call 970-586-0108

2021 SPRING NEWSLETTER |11 Ann Mar nson, Hudson, WI Penny Po er, Mukilteo, WA Brian Sullivan, Boulder, CO GIFTS OF HONOR Vicki Mason, Sea le, WA Michael Po s, Aurora, CO Lisa Su on, Castle Pines, CO Garland McAulay, Paris, TX Prime Therapeu cs Sabrina Szary, Calhan, CO AND MEMORY Mr. and Mrs. Dale McCutcheon, Plano, TX ProLogis, Andover, MA Teespring, Inc, San Francisco, CA Graig and Janet McHendrie, Palo Alto, CA Michael Qua rone, Washington, DC Theresa Terry, Livermore, CO Don and Sylvia Adams, Estes Park, CO: Nancy McMahon, Denver, CO Mayur Mukund Rao, Thornton, CO Texas Instruments Founda on, Dallas, TX In memory of Michael John Birleffi Mitchell McNeil, Grand Junc on, CO Red Hat Matching Funds, Plano, TX The Benevity Community Impact Fund/ Kathryn Anderson, Papillion, NE: Cameron McNurney, Lakewood, CO Robert Renfro, Denver, CO Danielle and Nicholas Krenz, Windsor, CO In memory of Patrick E. Bivens Medtronic Richard Rhinesmith, Granby, CO Peggy L. Themar, Highland Village, TX Louise A eridg, Granby, CO: Elisabeth Meeker, Chicago, IL Lauren Richards, Henderson, CO Andrew and Margaret Theodos, In honor of her fi ve Colorado Raymond Mendoza, Broomfi eld, CO E.C. Richardson, Jr. and Do e Saint Albans, WV grandchildren Microso Matching Gi s Program, Richardson, Huntsville, AL Corinne Thomas, Estes Park, CO Amy Barash, Overland Park, KS: Princeton, NJ Hon. William and Norma Riley, Thrivent Financial/Mar n Wiesehan and In memory of Zac Shafer Guy Miller, High Rolls Mountain Park, NM Omaha, NE Janet Gehring, Peoria, IL Rachell Arcenaux, Hayden, AL: Gary Mijal, Prairie Du Sac, WI Cameron and Carlene Roberts, Thrivent Financial/Patricia Ehline, In memory of Joan P. Smith Burn Raza and Patricia Minhas, Lakewood, CO La Crosse, WI Castle Rock, CO Rebecca Bailey, Arlington Heights, IL: Kris e Moeljanto, Colorado Springs, CO Julia Robinson, Boulder, CO Thrivent Financial/Richard E. Friesen, In memory of Raymond Arthur Metzger Jus n Moninger, Denver, CO Franklin P. Rogers, Belleville, IL Aurora, CO Anna Blackman, Lees Summit, MO: Hayden Montano, Thornton, CO Stanley and Cynthia Rosenberg, Thrivent Financial/Richard K. Kelly, In memory of Monique Montez, Denver, CO Centennial, CO Boulder, CO Mary Alice (Corky) Skinner Benedick Morales, Sea le, WA William and Margaret Rowe, Carrie-Anne Torgerson, Conifer, CO Chris ne Boesch, Santa Barbara, CA: Herbert Morris, Jr., Traverse City, MI Saint Louis, MO Donald and Susan Trentel, Rockbridge, OH In memory of Art and Ruby Andrews Terri and O s Morrow, Arkansas City, KS David Salazar, Broomfi eld, CO Brian Tyransky, Harrison, NJ Joyce and Ron Brady, Denver, CO: Megan Murphy, Centennial, CO Teri and Tony Salerno, Estes Park, CO Richard and Roberta Uff ord, In honor of Mutual of Omaha, Omaha, NE Wayne and Eileen Salmon, Silver Spring, MD the inaugura on of Joe Biden David Narum, Denver, CO Redondo Beach, CA Union Pacifi c Fund for Eff ec ve Cindy Brown, Steve Brown, Brenda Margaret Na on, Waterford, ME David Schlendorf, Edwards, CO Government/Jolene and Keith Svancara, (Brown) Staab and families, Li leton, CO: Diego Navarro, Centennial, CO Dave A. Schmaltz, Boulder, CO Estes Park, CO In memory of Les and Barbara Brown Steven Nayowith, Yardley, PA Derek Schmidt, Omaha, NE Eric Vahling, Denver, CO Capri Burche , Greensboro, NC: Jude Negri, Arvada, CO Paul Schow, Li leton, CO Barbara Van Horne, Denver, CO In memory of Diane Davis Frank and Barbara Nelligan, Ellen Schroeder, Estes Park, CO Debbie Vangthi, Plano, TX Carl and Elizabeth Calcara, Framingham, MA Raymond Schultz, Broomfi eld, CO Vanguard Charitable/Chris an Berry, Lake Lotawana, MO: Network for Good/Joyce Barwick Schwab Charitable Fund/Ed and Julie Estes Park, CO In memory of Mary Alice (Corky) Skinner Network for Good/Leslie Swygert, Aus n, Cedarburg, WI Jodi and Mark Voyles, Luther, OK James Callahan, Traverse City, MI: Ashburn, GA Schwab Charitable Fund/Maria Montoya Ann Wall, Westminster, CO In honor of Anne Callahan Network for Good/Lynn B. Roy, and Roderick Hills Susan Walsh, Loveland, CO Damian Capozzola, Palos Verdes Estates, CA: Carmichael, CA Keith Scoggins, Aurora, CO Adrienne Weis, Aus n, TX In honor of the Scudamore Family Network for Good/Marcy Wasman, Barbara Sebek, Fort Collins, CO Rena and Ronny Wells, Boulder, CO Megan Carnrite, Chicago, IL: Village of Palme o Bay, FL Garland and Marlys Seibert, Clive, IA John Welte, Arvada, CO In memory of Jo Bourn Network for Good/Robert and Elizabeth Shell Employee Giving Program/ Stephen and Karin Wende, Houston, TX Kris n Chen, Elkhorn, NE: Burkart, Newburgh, IN Randall L. Douty, Silverthorne, CO William Westermeyer, Boulder, CO In memory of Bruce Thornblad Network for Good/ Schwab Charitable Fund/The Gra tude Wayne and Helen Wexell, Windsor, CO Wanda Colangelo, Colorado Springs, CO: Robert Jardine, Cuper no, CA Fund Pamela and Roger Whi ed, In memory of David J. Critchfi eld Network for Good/Thomas and Joy Sara Simon, Colorado Springs, CO Springport, IN Cathy and Carlton Cra , Beaufort, NC: Bryant, Estes Park, CO Sky Pond Photograph and Martha and Leslie Williams, Longmont, CO In memory of Peter and Irmgard Brucher Chris an Norris, Fort Collins, CO Video Produc on, Inc., Estes Park, CO Kathleen Winder, Fort Collins, CO Margaret Chainski, Libertyville, IL: Todd Nystedt, Parker, CO Chris Smarr, Colorado Springs, CO David Wi , Black Hawk, CO In memory of Dr. Thomas C. Nilsson Robert and Earlene O’Keefe, Loveland, CO Anne Smith, O awa, ON Reed and Janet Wood, Kingwood, TX Robert Damrauer, Denver, CO: Verla and Roger Olson, Bloomington, MN Aus n Smith, Li leton, CO James Woods, Thornton, CO In memory of Lenore “Lennie” Damrauer Madison and Jonathan O’Neill, Denver, CO Denise Smith, Sellersburg, IN Jillian Wya , Aurora, CO Marcia Duell, Estes Park, CO: Frank and Be y O esen, Greeley, CO James and Carolyn Smith, Xanterra Travel Collec on, In memory of Petra (Pete) Jean Jansen Our Natural Heritage Publishing, LLC, Highlands Ranch, CO Greenwood Village, CO Danny Dawidowski, Estes Park, CO: Estes Park, CO Lara Smith, Denver, CO Robert Youmans, Longmont, CO In memory of Paul J. Baroni Parks Project, LLC, Marina Del Rey, CA Bob and Kathie Smith, Walterboro, SC Calvin Young, Fort Collins, CO Eleanor Ensley, Castalian Springs, TN: Patagonia, Ventura, CA Vicky Sprague, Greeley, CO Linda Zaletel, Nevada, IA In memory of Clyde E. Van Antwerp, III Joshua and Kathleen Pavent, Erie, CO Dwight Stanford, Estes Park, CO Tibor and Bess Zana, Madison, WI Thora Sue and Lloyd Fahrenbruch, Pershing: A BNY Mellon Company/ Sharon Stauff acher, Fruita, CO Mike and Debbie Zeleznik, Fort Collins, CO: Robert and Berniece Peters, Estes Park, CO Stephanie Stephens, Aurora, CO La Grange Park, IL In honor of Mira Steinbacher John Poulsen, Boulder, CO Barbara and James Stewart, Caroll and Eddie Fellers, Newberry, SC: Janet Prehn, Arvada, CO Annandale, VA In memory of Stuart Birley Carla Persone e, Pearl City, IL Cinnamon Strassmann, Marie a, GA Laura and Timms Fowler, Fort Collins, CO: Tracy and Luke Pheneger, Longmont, CO Margaret and Phil Stoff regen, In honor of Be y Shoemoker Ryan Phifer, Aurora, CO Des Moines, IA

To make a gi to support Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, visit RMConservancy.org, or call 970-586-0108

12 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY Diane and Larry Friedman, Sylvania, OH: Joe and Marcia Pugh, Loveland, CO: All in memory of Walter Banfi eld J. Landis and Sharon Mar n, Denver, CO In memory of Lynne Lipsey In memory of Diane Wolco Ellen Dovey, Dana Point, CA Georgene and Thomas McGonagle, Kenneth Gaddis, Denham Springs, LA: Lori Rasmussen, Denver, CO: Marykay L. Gillam, West Des Moines, IA Denver, CO In memory of Lynne Biesemeier In honor of Leigh Rasmussen Cide e Perrin, Alexandria, VA Dede and Joey Pahl, Denver, CO Bill and Susan Gentle, Cheyenne, WY: Samuel and Barbara Reider, Linda Porter, Tulsa, OK Melanie Palmer, Denver, CO In memory of Ruth Ashton Nelson West Broomfi eld, MI: Lance and Kristen Seidel, Timnath, CO George and Mary Sissel, Denver, CO Claude and Judith Giane o, Boulder, CO: In memory of Joan Sessel Christan Strickland, Broken Arrow, OK Erik and Amy Swanson, Denver, CO In memory of Richard Gardner Jane Reynolds, Boulder, CO: Ryan Thompson, Belton, MO Travis and Janine Townsend, Sonseere Goldenberg, Edina, MN: In memory of Richard Gardner Steve and Barbara Wiley, Bryan, TX Broomfi eld, CO In memory of David Cooke Judith Richardson, Shawnee, KS: Debbie Yonkers, Mint Hill, NC Judith Wolter, Denver, CO Sara Hall, Loveland, CO: In honor of Mary Kay and Earl Hasz All in memory of Jo Bourn Vanguard Charitable/Brinck Lowery, In memory of Richard Nash Hall, Jr. Joan and Terry Roberson, Jason Foster, Parker, CO Tequesta, FL Hanna Hartel, Colorado Springs, CO: West Des Moines, IA: Kevin Mackey, Elk Grove, CA Schwab Charitable Fund/ In memory of Rubina Hartel In memory of John Woolway Susan Stuller, Boulder, CO Michael and Mary Kenny Moynihan Carol and William Hayden, Estes Park, CO: Jean H. Robinson, Chicago, IL: All in memory of Gerald Hitchings In memory of Lt. Col. Roland Short, Jr. In memory of Ken Cole All in memory of Nina Embich Carole K. Tu le, Fort Collins, CO Paula Cecil, Port Orchard, WA Beverley Hoben, Estes Park, CO: Richard and Karen Sandberg, Omaha, NE: Amy Converse, Sea le, WA In memory of Allen Greenleaf In honor of grandchildren: Equitable Founda on Inc/Daniel Flynn Escambia County Engineering Dept, Dawn Dwyer, Bremerton, WA Cathy Hollen, Norman, OK: Owen, Colin, and Alison Bell Kent and Edith Hitchings, Belfair, WA In memory of Patsy Castleberry Jerry Sanger, Georgetown, CO: Pensacola, FL Kris ne and Bernard Holien, Wayne Noring, West Liberty, IA Tom Hosea, Li leton, CO: In memory of Mildred Sanger Ma Oltman, Winchester, VA In memory of Judi Hosea Frances Schroeder, Estes Park, CO: Estes Park, CO Donald Irwin, Yucca Valley, CA: In memory of Madaline Durward All in memory of Janice Gibb All in memory of Terry Dean Janzen In memory of George Hockman JoLynn Sco , Louisville, CO: Joyce Boston, Loveland, CO Norma Janzen, Wichita, KS Robert and Mary Ann Jackson, Houston, TX: In memory of Myrtle Louise Batch Jocelyn Braudt, Savage, MN Vernon and Carol Klingenberg, In honor of the Grand Lake Yacht Club Marcus Sessel, Denver, CO: Carol Brewer and Paul Alaback, Peabody, KS Peggy Kaplan, Fort Collins, CO: In memory of Joan Sessel Berthoud, CO Kevin and Ginger Sauerwein, Walton, KS In memory of Shannon Mo a Elyse Shaw Ellis, Kirkwood, MO: Wayne Gibb, Berthoud, CO All in memory of Sarah K. Kelly Rebekah Keen, St. Louis, MO: In honor of the Bernardi Family Brenda Gibb-Moore and Terrance Moore, Joanne Ferlas, Saint Clair Shores, MI In memory of Dan and Raven Vail Sidney Sherrill, Houston, TX: Doylestown, PA Erin Kelly, Kansas City, KS Susan and Daryl Keltz, Lexington, KY: In honor of Natalie Hill Christopher Gibbons, Windsor, CO Kathleen Kelly, Kansas City, KS In memory of Richard Hoover Mar Simpson, Ellico City, MD: Sandra Hagberg, Berthoud, CO Laura Lutz, Berryton, KS Sandra Kuhn, Naples, FL: In honor of Dan Plazak Julie Heim, Berthoud, CO Pamela Niesluchowski, Oak Park, IL In memory of Stephen Kuhn Violet Sparks, Pla smouth, NE: John Kinch, Bridgewater, NJ Brian Wi ek, Mission Hills, KS Grant Lindley, Boulder Creek, CA: In memory of Bruce Thornblad Jim Kiple, Decorah, IA All in memory of Laurie Longbo om In memory of Megan Helzer Barbara Ann Spies, Boulder, CO: Dale and Mary Louis, Bonita Springs, FL Sandy Burns, Plain City, OH Shirley Lindley, Fort Collins, CO: In honor of Kenneth Spies Douglas Miller and Rebecca Day, Claudia Chou, Rochester, MN In memory of Megan Helzer Halvor Suter, North Branford, CT: Estes Park, CO David Sehrt, Albuquerque, NM Karma Lindner, Lodi, CA: In honor of Persie Baroody Margaret Ann Neumann, Estes Park, CO In memory of your grandmother Daniel Taylor, Lincoln, NE: Edna Pelzmann, Denver, CO All in memory of Robert Schoenberger Dick Lipsey, Lawrence, KS: In memory of Kay Lundeen Taylor Jeanne and John Perrine, Berthoud, CO Duane Rolkosky, Muskego, WI In memory of Lynne Lipsey Elaine and Donald Taylor, Labadie, MO: Susan Rosiak, Li le Egg Harbor, NJ Jack and Nancy Wya , Zoar, OH Gregory Lones, Dallas, TX: In honor of Tom and Melanie Kevin Rowe, Stockton, NJ Delval Equipment Corpora on, West In memory of Jean Lones Elaine and Donald Taylor, Labadie, MO: Anne Russo, Bridgewater, NJ Norristown, PA Laurie and Michael Loughery, Carmel, IN: In honor of Tom and Melanie Sue Smith, Somerville, NJ All in memory of Caroline Shannon In memory of Aubrey and Peggy Moore Whi ngton-Rogers Michele Sootkoos, Bristol, PA Norma L. Andersen, Fort Collins, CO Gregory Lovato, Monument, CO: Mary Jane and Steven Thorson, Val S erhoff , Wes ield, NJ Lou Grit In memory of Fort Collins, CO: Wesley and Virginia Te Winkle, Maureen Kiphart, Arvada, CO Wallace (Butch) Sidney Taylor In honor of Nancy Brekke Estes Park, CO Lynda Lloyd Be y J. Lu kus, Aurora, CO: Rebecca Timmins and Michael Barnes, Brian and Sarah Trachtenberg, Susan L. Selby, Fort Collins, CO In memory of Ray Sharkey Merrifi eld, MN: Doylestown, PA All in memory of Frank Shavlik Dennis McGovern, New York, NY: In memory of William H. and Shirley J. Eloy and Desiree Vasquez, Cheyenne, WY Diane Burkepile, Longmont, CO In memory of Chris ne Cummings Timmins Joan Williams, Fort Collins, CO Jeri Frantz, Estes Park, CO Marla Meehl, Boulder, CO: Stephen and Pamalah Tipps, Houston, TX: Blackbaud Giving Fund/Lynn and Susan Susan Laird, Estes Park, CO In memory of John Kutzbach In memory of Jean Stephens Weissenrieder, Estes Park, CO Eleanor Morrison, Estes Park, CO Martha Melcher, Saint Paul, MN: Karen Turner, Sco sdale, AZ: All in memory of Cora Petrocine, Estes Park, CO In memory of Philip Melcher In memory of Jean Steinmiller William W. (Peter) Grant III Eleanor Roehl, Estes Park, CO Richard and Carol Minker, Fort Worth, TX: Madison Vernon, Bothell, WA: Sheila Cleworth, Denver, CO In honor of Kathy Miles In memory of Travis Leon Vernon All in memory of Clyde E. Van Antwerp, III Tom and Marguerite Detmer, Denver, CO Cliff ord and Constance Meader, Chris na Mockler, Oakland, CA: Gloria and John Walsh, Orland Park, IL: Virginia and Robert Fuller, Denver, CO In memory of Robert N. Mockler In memory of John Walsh Jonesborough, TN Sarah Goad, Denver, CO Ryan Moore, Galla n, TN William and Rosemary Morris, Kent Weissenfl uh, Denver, CO: Melanie Grant, Denver, CO Thornton, CO: In memory of Dick De Long Chris na Van Antwerp, Washington, IL Sarah Harrison, Aurora, CO Lavone Wissink, Cedar Falls, IA In honor of Bill Sterling Glendyne Wergland, Dalton, MA: Roger King, Houston, TX Kris ne Murrens, Be endorf, IA: In memory of Gerry Wergland In honor of Be y Zimmer Lisa Wilcox, Lincoln, NE: Jennifer Nelson, Kansas City, KS: In honor of Marsha Lindbloom In memory of Sarah K. Kelly Rosalie Yockey, Westminster, CO: Lisa Payne, Fort Mill, SC: In memory of Frank Dale Anderson In memory of Eric Michael Soyster Mike Zimmer, DeWi , IA: Peggy Pidgeon, Council Bluff s, IA: In memory of Be y Zimmer In memory of Ronald Wayne Gruen Stephen Prucha, Virginia Beach, VA: In memory of Richard Prucha

To make a gi to support Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, visit RMConservancy.org, or call 970-586-0108

2021 SPRING NEWSLETTER |13 Longs Peak Love Affair Con nued from page 1

been acquired by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy and Lake and to Mount Meeker. the Wilderness Land Trust and Star ng in the middle of gi ed to the park. From there, the night, from Chasm Lake I ascended Longs by star ng at you can circle around to the the normal trailhead, climbing base of Lamb’s Slide, and from the Chasm Lake Trail to the from there to Broadway and Lo , then following the Clark’s on to either Kiener’s route Arrow route to the base of the or the Notch Couloir route. Homestretch. I descended via These two routes are Photo: Jon Kedrowski Keplinger’s Couloir, traversed over thrilling. I once went by myself up started again, the sun had transformed the to Mount Orton and Sandbeach Lamb’s Slide and took a break in the snow from nigh me Styrofoam to a so , Lake, then walked down the hill early morning sunshine on a boulder at slushy consistency. It was neither easy nor to where I could cut to my cabin. the beginning of Broadway. My plan was straigh orward ascending the fi nal 1/3 of I walked in the door, had a seat, to climb Lamb’s Slide all the way to the the route to the Lo . When I arrived there, and drank a beer. That was the Lo , and then hop over to Meeker. I had I needed a long rest stop with plenty of best way to end that long day. thought that Broadway was the top of liquids to regain my strength. The path from Of course, the Longs Peak Lamb’s Slide, but it turned out it’s only the Lo to the summit of Meeker looks like Trail also leads to Chasm about 2/3 of the way up. By the me I a short uphill bicycle ride, but with wobbly, red legs and a low internal ba ery, one defi nitely needs some willpower to make it. Become A Another route I’ve found quite interes ng is the Northwest Couloir. From the Member! Keyhole on Longs, you follow the conga line almost to the bo om of the Trough The Rocky Mountain Conservancy has teamed but turn east just before reaching it — up with Parks Project to bring you some cool “See you soon, fellow standard route new threads. With a $50 membership, this climbers!” You enter a quiet and broad commemora ve shirt can be yours! couloir that steadily narrows as you ascend. Climb a series of ledges un l Why Join? you reach a seven-foot step and claw Rocky is that place you visit for stunning views of your way up the step and then crawl wilderness, where you hike with friends, or join on your knees (a er taking off your your family for picnics and ou ngs. It’s where the backpack) through a fi ve-foot tunnel in kids become Junior Rangers, and where you all go to watch wildlife. It’s a the rock. A short scramble leads you to special place that makes a diff erence in your life, and Rocky needs help. the northwest Keyhole ridge and the fi nal Your membership helps to fund the Conservancy’s work to preserve and scramble to the far western edge of the protect the park and its many treasures and resources that we all enjoy. summit plateau in bright sunshine. Walk As a member of the Conservancy, we’ll keep you informed about park east to the expected crowd around the issues and events, and provide exclusive ways for you to stay connected summit cairn where you can frequently to this beau ful and inspiring place. observe 40–50 people, each on their Join Annually, or Monthly! cellphone saying some varia on of A small amount each month can add up to a big impact over me. Just “Guess where I’m at? Where? I’m on top choose a monthly amount that fi ts your budget, and it will automa cally of Longs Peak!” be charged to your credit card each month. You can always cancel your I’ve always wished I could observe more monthly commitment at any me, no ques ons asked. In apprecia on of wildlife on Longs Peak. So far, I’ve only seen your support, you’ll receive the same base benefi ts as a regular yearly member. pikas and marmots and a few birds. One RMConservancy.org me I descended the Trough all the way

14 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY to the upper Glacier Gorge basin beneath Spearhead and suddenly found myself in the middle of 15–20 large elk that I carefully skirted around. Another me I was coming down the gentle west-northwest side of Taylor Peak, where I encountered the same herd just above Andrews Glacier. Fortunately, they parted for me, and I quietly walked down to the head of the glacier. With all these memories of great experiences on Longs Peak and its surroundings, it was easy to give back to this amazing place by contribu ng to the Conservancy. This me, I’m suppor ng Rocky’s work to improve the busy trail to Chasm Lake and the Boulderfi eld, as well as numerous other trail improvements. What a thrill to be part of that eff ort. Dr. Richard Hoff man is a former member of the Conservancy’s Board of Directors. He has been a lifelong advocate for Rocky, and a generous supporter of the park over the years.

Park Puzzler Solution

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATES, 800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA) OR BY VISITING www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Registra on #CH47404. Georgia: A full and fair descrip on of our programs and our fi nancial statement summary is available upon request at our offi ce and phone number indicated above. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registra on and fi nancial documents from the offi ce of the Secretary of State, 303-894-2860, www.sos.state.co.us/ Reg. No. 20063004207. Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage, from the Offi ce of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. Michigan: MICS #54862. Mississippi: The offi cial registra on and fi nancial informa on of ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s offi ce by calling 888-236-6167. Registra on by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT: h p://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: Upon Request, A orney General Chari es Bureau, 102 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial informa on about this organiza on and a copy of its license are available for the State Solicita on Licensing Branch at 919-807-2214. This is not an endorsement by the state. Pennsylvania: The offi cial registra on and fi nancial informa on of ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY may be obtained form the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 800-732- 0999. Registra on does not imply endorsement. Virginia: State Division of Consumer Aff airs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: Secretary of State at 800-332-4483 or h p://www.sos.wa.gov/chari es/. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registra on and fi nancial documents form the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE

2021 SPRING NEWSLETTER |15 Estee Rivera Murdock, execu ve director Nancy Wilson, Quarterly editor PO Box 3100 Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-0108

Conservancy Member Phyllis Holst

It’s never too soon to be thinking about wildfl owers — especially the Colorado columbine. Visit RMConservancy.org or call 970-586-0108 Nature Notes

It’s been a long and winding road to get Conservancy Development Assistant Victoria where we are today, but spring is coming to Johnson and her son Sage were walking in the mountains and indeed, it’s a harbinger the woods near Estes Park when she felt like of hope • Colorado River District Interpre ve they were being watched. She fi nally spo ed Ranger Alicia Powell reported that while a backlit cat silhoue e high up on the rocks pine martens visit the Kawuneeche Visitor above them. She immediately put her son on Center from me to me, she hadn’t seen her shoulders and slowly backed away while one since the fi re, so when she spo ed one singing loudly. Once safe, she got in her car of these elusive creatures curiously watching to inves gate and found the cat s ll lounging her as she raised the visitor center fl ag, she on top of the rocks — and with the help was elated! • In mid-April, Rich and Sheri of binoculars discovered it to be a healthy Fedorchak spo ed an American kestrel bobcat surveying its territory • RMNP Facility

perched on the bighorn sheep wooden Manager Danny Basch has been seeing a Conservancy Staff Victoria Johnson cutout that leans against the volunteer kiosk plethora of hawks out and about this spring, Three-year-old Sage Johnson examines recent at the Sheep Lakes pull-off • Just as she was screaming in the early morning, at dusk, and tracks in the snow. He’s also intrigued by reaching to open the door to go out on her all day in between, and seeing them circling birds of all kinds, and can iden fy 17 birds by deck in Estes Park, Conservancy Publica ons way up high, ba ling crows, and feas ng sight, including chickadees, fl ickers, osprey, Director Nancy Wilson looked down to see on prey • Conservancy Member Marlene great-horned owls and Stellars jays. What an a juvenile bobcat snoozing in the sun on the Borneman was hiking along the edge of amazing Junior Ranger he is becoming! doormat just outside the door. She watched Prospect Mountain and no ced that she was will support wildlife habitat, increased biodiversity, it for awhile as it groomed itself, familiarly not alone. A large group of turkeys followed and improved water quality and sediment reten on. regal, and then it got up and turned in circles her in a single line, enjoying their own group In addi on, it will also contribute to drought resilience, before reposi oning itself comfortably on hike, it would appear • Rocky is developing fl ood buff ering, natural exo c plant control, and an the doormat. A er a while, another bobcat a restora on strategy for the Colorado River overall we er landscape more conducive to managing came onto the deck to check things out, corridor of the Kawuneeche Valley. The wildfi res • Bluebirds are back and thrilling us all with and the sleepy juvenile got up and joined goal of this ini a ve is to restore riparian sudden high contrast fl ashes of brilliant blue against a its companion to walk off into the wilds • hydrology and willow vegeta on. Restora on drab, wintry background. Here’s to SPRING!

16 | ConservancyROCKY MOUNTAIN Member Marlene CONSERVANCY Borneman