Quarterly Summer 2014 A Conversation by Mary Taylor Young

The front door welcomes us with in the kitchen, even the back screened an old-house squeak and, like three porch with its cobwebs and evidence Alices through the looking glass, we of chipmunks, don’t always meet with step inside, and into another cen- approval from 21st century teens. tury—the Colorado of the 1940s. Nevertheless, we soon settle in. The Our Wonderland is the William girls discover board games in a built-in Allen White cabin. I am here for two cupboard and become once again the weeks as the Artist In Residence at kids they still are in many ways. Rocky Mountain National Park. Olivia I explore the cabin more thor- and Emma—my 14-year-old and her oughly. The sense of the man who friend—are with me for the first once owned and loved this cabin is four days. strong—in the comfortable arrange- This classic “old Colorado” cabin ment of the wicker furniture, in the perches on the mountainside at the cushioned window seat that beckons eastern end of Moraine Park. Eagle from beneath an enormous picture Cliff Mountain is a terminal moraine, window, in the rolltop desk in the cor- pushed up as the Moraine Park glacier ner with its framed photos of William expanded 20,000 years ago, scraping Allen White himself. He is a rotund this valley like a plowing bulldozer. gentleman with a resemblance to car- This massive geologic event, almost toon character Elmer Fudd (also a mid- impossible for a human to imagine, 20th century personality). The smile had a wonderful result, creating a per- in his knowing eyes, however, reminds fect vista point overlooking this scenic me this small-town newspaperman glacial valley. Below the cabin’s front from Emporia, Kansas, who became a porch, the oxbows of the Big Thomp- prognosticator of national events and son River meander like a sleepy water politics was no buffoon but an astute snake, with the rock massif of Longs and influential man of his time. Peak looming beyond. The outdoors beckons and I plant Our first exploration of the cab- myself in one of the two vintage twig- in—which was built in the 1880s, my and-wicker rockers on the porch. research told me—is highlighted by Now that I’m seated, slowed down, many exclamations of “Cool!,” “Omi- my eyes really look at the place. The god!,” “What is THAT?!,” and “Eew!” cabin’s knobbly foundation and roof sup- The early 20th century furniture, the ports are of stacked fieldstone, each rock framed black-and-white photos, the (Conversation continued on page. 2) curious, free-standing “Hoosier” pantry

Inside: Membership Picnic at Hidden Valley 2 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter an individual—a jaw poked out here, a As the rain shrouds the Moraine Park rounded rump there. Two eyes and a cabin, I sit in W.A.’s rocker, perched like a comical nose, or, in different light, a patri- raven surveying the world below. A few cian profile. Stacked higgledy-piggledy, cars motor past on the road, windshield into a structure of enduring strength. wipers ticking in mundane contrast to This cabin, after all, has stood longer the drama of storm and weather and than a century. Whoever sited it on the mountain playing out around. hillside did it well—a gentle sweep down The sound of the girls enjoying across fringed sagebrush and Indian their game comes to me through the paintbrush, around granite and mountain open windows, their voices softening to mahogany, to the lush park, then up the match the rhythm of the rain. The porch mountain beyond, up, up, to the boxy, floorboards, gravid now with rain, ema- unadorned top of Longs Peak. nate an old-wood perfume that joins As I watch, safe beneath the porch the humic scent of the wet mountain- roof, a summer rainstorm gathers clouds side. Some of these boards have been like an invading army and soon encloses in this place for 100 years, in an endless Moraine Park. Longs Peak stands now dance with the weather. My rocker, too, misty-veiled—hidden but always present. responds to the moist air and begins a Beneath the clouds, glaciers stand on rhythmic tune—ree! ruh!-- ree! ruh! end against its rocky slope. The colors of The timpani of ainr and rocking lulls the park change, saturated to richness by me and I feel myself almost in another the rain—jade and sage and russet. time and place. Then I hear the second At the table inside, Olivia and Emma rocker begin to creak. play the board game LIFE—“College career “Rains every afternoon.” The An evocation. Of this place, of your path,” “ Get married,” “Buy a house,” “Have Midwestern voice seems familiar, the memories.” a kid,” “Have another!”—fourteen-year- middle tones of Kansas. No southern “A figment of my imagination, you olds passing the rainy afternoon like we did molasses or nasal northeast or western mean.” when I spent childhood summers in Rocky casual. Just solid and plain speaking. A “Yes, young lady, of your imagina- Mountain National Park 40-plus years ago. voice like my grandfather’s. But it’s not tion.” He raises an eyebrow again, peers I flash back to rainy afternoons in the pine- Granddad. It’s another Kansas man. at me. “But do me the courtesy of not paneled kitchen of my grandparents’ cabin “Cools it down. Can get mighty hot imagining that I won’t speak my own on Deer Mountain, where my grandmoth- here in July during the day. Not like mind. I still have plenty to say, plenty of er kept us entertained while Granddad sat Kansas, of course. But hot.” opinions.” on the deck smoking his pipe. He was a “Yes,” I answer. The sounds of a I feel sure he does. Chevy dealer from Kansas and brought his spirited game of LIFE filter out from He points at my laptop. “You’re wel- family out to Estes Park every summer for within the cabin. come to record them on that machine.” years—first my mom and her siblings when The second rocker creaks a gentle At my surprise he waves a hand. they were kids, then the next generation of rhythm. “I’m not really here, you real- “Yes, I’ve seen all these new contrap- his grandchildren—me and my sisters and ize.” A rotund gentleman seems to oc- tions come through over the years. I cousins. cupy the chair. His head is cocked a bit get a chuckle at some of them—they in my direction, eyebrows raised confid- seem to break more than they work. ingly. He’s an older man, past middle You should hear the people curse age. He has a moon-shaped face and a when those spectacle cases they call a friendly, knowing smile. He wears a for- telephone don’t work here. What do mal white shirt, open at the neck, with you expect when you don’t have them no tie. His trousers are summer-weight, connected by a wire? Ha! I had more belted, with suspenders over the shoul- reliable telephone service in 1935! Even ders. I hide a smile. Belted above his though the local nosies listened in on round stomach, those trousers are in no the party line.” danger of descending. “Not here in the He looks out over Moraine Park, physical sense, at any rate,” the gentle- the Big Thompson River writing itself in man adds. cursive across the valley floor. “Looked “Yes, sir,” I say, wondering where different in my day. Back then, this val- my formality has suddenly come from. ley was filled with resorts, lodges, horse Mary’s newest book, Rocky Mountain National “I realize that. At least I certainly hope stables. It was like a little town here, Park: The First 100 Years, celebrates the history of the park. Available in Conservancy Nature you’re not.” even had a post office. But the Park “Mmm, yes. I’m more of a thought. Stores in the park. (Conversation continued on p. 8) Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter 3 Announcing the Annual Ask Nancy Rocky Mountain Conservancy Quarterly Editor Nancy Wilson attempts to unearth answers to any questions asked by Conservancy members and park visitors. If you are curious about something in or about the Picnic in the Park! park, email [email protected] or write: What new programs are being conducted by the park inter- When: August 2, 2014 Nancy Wilson, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, PO Box 3100, pretive rangers this summer? This summer, we are building a Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Estes Park, CO 80517. Wilderness 50th Anniversary theme into park programs, as well Where: Hidden Valley in RMNP! as a Centennial message in preparation of the big year ahead. At the top of Deer Mountain there is a survey marker giving Members $15.00; Guests $20.00 We are also experimenting with a new interpretation technique information about location, altitude, etc. On the marker called “facilitated dialogue”- we won’t be the “Sage on the Kids 6-12 $5; Kids 5 and under free! there is an arrow, but the arrow does not point north. What Stage” quite so much - instead, we’ll be asking visitors for their 11:00 - 12:15 Activities & mingling is the purpose of the arrow? It may be that that the arrow is views and feelings about different topics to round out the dis- pointing in the direction of a survey point in the distance that was cussions! — RMNP East District Naturalist Kathy Brazelton. 12:15 - 1:00 BBQ picnic lunch used to determine (via triangulation) the height of Deer Moun- 1:00 - 2:00 Program tain. A second option may be that the arrow is pointing in the Check out this year’s lineup of food and frivolity! direction of where a section corner should be, but can’t be placed. It appears from my data that ‘on paper’ there would be a section • Meet Abner Sprague and maybe some of his friends corner in the midst of the steep cliffs to the west of the summit. — you’ll be amazed how well they’ve aged! — RMNP GIS Specialist/Biologist Ron Thomas. • Live music with the bluegrass band Steampowered • Live birds with the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program What is the small building located in Upper Beaver Mead- • Field Institute interpretive walks ows maybe a 1/4 mile,south-southwest to southwest of the • Tasty cold beer from New Belgium Brewery parking lot? It has a green roof and is/was very well insu- • Chilly ice cream courtesy of Boulder Ice Cream lated. What you see are the remains of a section of the Hondius • Decadent fudge courtesy of Gateway Stores water system, sort of a catchment basin or cistern. At one time • A classic BBQ menu from Jubilations Catering Beaver Creek water was piped from this point eastward about (with vegetarian options) two miles to provide a water supply for the original High Drive • A 20% discount on our Nature Store products housing development (mostly summer cabins). In fact, sec- • A live auction of one-of-a-kind park experiences tions of that old pipe may still be found. Also near this site is the water diversion ditch used by the Hondius ranch to irrigate RSVP by July 23 if you plan to attend hay fields. The water rights on the Hondius property probably dated from before 1895. Those rights were retained well after Make your reservation by calling 970-586-0108, the 1930s, when the Ranch itself was purchased for inclusion in or at www.RMConservancy.org the park. Once the water right was obtained by the government, • Advance payment is required — thank you! water diversion ended and this old system was abandoned. • If you need to cancel your reservation, let us know! Most homes or cabins (in that original High Drive development, • Parking at the Gateway Store at the Fall River across the highway from Park Headquarters) were incorporated Entrance with shuttle to the site is STRONGLY into the town of Estes Park’s water system. — Curt Buchholtz, encouraged — stay tuned for details in the picnic Director, Major & Planned Giving, National Park Foundation postcard coming your way soon! What percentage of the trees on the west side of the park Thanks to George Carle of the Gateway Store! were hit by pine beetle since the onset of the epidemic? According to recent reports, 80 – 90% of the lodgepole pine We hope to see you there! trees on the west side of the park have been killed by the moun- tain pine beetle. The epidemic began about 10 to 15 years ago, Cover photo credits coinciding with a several-year period of drought. (From lower left to upper left): “Mountain Spring,” by Mountain pine beetles are a native insect that evolved with Conservancy Member Lisa Thompson, Fort Collins, CO; the pine forests of the west. They spend most of their life cycle “Paintbrush Garden” by Conservancy Member Phyllis Holst, just under the bark of the tree, feeding on the inner bark as they Longmont, CO grow as larvae. They have a symbiotic relationship with a blue Please send high-resolution images to nancy.wilson@ stain fungus, which further penetrates the inner bark, killing the RMConservancy.org by September 1 for publication in the tree. Beetles emerge every summer, land in a new, live tree and 2014 Autumn Quarterly. begin the process of mating, laying eggs, and hatching into larva, Photos are always appreciated! Scenery, wildlife and wild- living under the bark all winter. Typically, mountain pine beetles flowers greatly enhance this publication, so get out there and can kill about 10% of the forest (a natural process) per year, an take a hike! Thank You! amount that goes mostly unnoticed. (Pine Beetles continued on page 15) 4 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter Citizen Science: Enhancing Scientific Literacy Volunteer projects con- Young citizen scientists today will tinue to evolve and have be the stewards of national parks in included efforts to test the future and this idea was the inspi- for mercury, understand ration for yet another collaborative limber pines and even program. The CDRLC, Alpine Hotshot train the next generation fire crew members and staff from Eagle of wildland firefighters. Rock School in Estes Park came togeth- How much mercury er to implement a class-based citizen is present in the water science fire program which focused on bodies of RMNP? This authentic hands-on experiences. Eagle Rock student participates in dragonfly study at is one question citizen Eagle Rock students completed McGraw Ranch scientists are currently the five week course which included helping to answer. The fire safety, ecology, suppression, by Holly Nickel Continental Divide Research Learning history, and basic training. Students Warm sunny days are back at Center (CDRLC) brought a nationwide spent many days in the field applying Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) mercury dragonfly study to RMNP what they learned in the classroom. and, as of early June, students have over the past two summer seasons. Students were introduced to career already been spotted measuring wil- This permitted project is in partner- paths in firefighting and the National lows and counting birds in Horseshoe ship with the University of Maine and Park Service, and they also spent time Park as part of the park’s Elk and more than twenty other parks. using the tools of the trade, includ- Vegetation Management Plan. These Citizen scientists for this project students are participating as volun- have been students who have teer citizen scientists. learned about the Through citizen science Citizen science life cycle of dragon- programs, students and projects are intended flies, stream ecol- visitors can do more ogy and nutrient than recreate. to enhance scientific cycling. Dragonfly larvae have long Citizen science literacy of the partici- projects are intended to life cycles and act enhance scientific literacy pants and improve the as bio-indicators of what is in the of the participants and overall stewardship improve the overall stew- water, including ardship of park resources. of park resources. mercury, so this Park managers develop project brings in scientifically sound prac- Citizen Scientists to tices then train volunteers to use these collect dragonfly larvae in the park techniques and collect information for to be tested for mercury levels. resource-related projects. These pro- The dragonfly larvae were grams allow participants to experience collected and sent to laboratories the park while also helping to address at the University of Maine for important management goals. analysis. Results from the study RMNP has a long history of volun- are posted online and students can teer help in the park and continues to compare the data from the sites in Volunteer collects data on limber pine in RMNP (NPS) expand this through citizen science. RMNP to other national parks. Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter 5 ing a day digging fire lines with Alpine “Working with the Alpine Hotshot Superintendent Paul Cerda Hotshots encouraged me to be Citizen Science: and Captain Mark Mendonca. more on top of my game with Jon Anderson, an 11-year veteran life skills and working as a team, instructor at Eagle Rock School, appre- [and] being a leader to contrib- ciated the opportunity for his students ute to make class smooth,” said Enhancing to gain real-life experiences outside of Coles. “Meeting people from a classroom: RMNP opened up doors for my “I have been im- future.” Scientific Literacy pressed with the Another sig- students’ desire and Citizen science may nificant Citizen commitment to rise up be a new catch phrase, Science effort at and meet the chal- RMNP is the lim- lenge of a class that but it embodies a long ber pine conserva- is both physically and tradition of passionate tion project. Dur- mentally challenging,” ing the summer, Anderson said. “The volunteers helping with volunteers, along integrated curricu- park stewardship. with park staff, lum that Eagle Rock collect cones and School, the Alpine forest health in- Hotshots and the ventory data from CDRLC, have developed represents a limber pine stands. Seeds from strong collaborative effort that has sig- the cones are stored at the Na- Fire class students from Eagle Rock School dig fire line nificant impacts on both the academic tional Seedbank Laboratory in with Alpine Hotshots. (NPS) and personal growth of students.” Fort Collins for possible future Many students will volunteer or restoration projects, or at the U.S.F.S. Continental Divide, but with the help intern in the park this summer. The Dorena Genetic Resources Center in of dedicated citizen scientists, great course they took taught 19-year-old Oregon to be tested for resistance to advances are being made. Jeremy Coles what it means to be a the invasive white pine blister rust. Citizen science may be a new leader: Volunteers and park staff also catch phrase, but it embodies a long protect 268 individual limber pines tradition of passionate volunteers by hanging verbenone packets on helping with park stewardship. trees. Verbenone is a chemical To get involved with these or which mimics a natural phero- other projects, please contact Ben mone emitted by the mountain Baldwin at [email protected] for pine beetle. The chemical de- more information. ceives beetles to believe that there are no mates available in the tree. The limber pine project has been a great example of how Holly Nickel is an Education Technician at highly trained citizen scientists can the RMNP Continental Divide Research Learning Center. help protect an important species in the park. No two citizen science proj- ects are alike, but they all have common goals: to provide crucial information for resource steward- ship, and to offer opportunities for people to connect with nature and become better stewards them- selves. The scope of projects and research may seem as vast as the

Volunteer collects data on limber pine in RMNP (NPS) Students from Eagle Rock School search for dragonfly larvae at McGraw Ranch. (NPS) 6 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter

Conservation Corps Crews Are Back!

This summer marks the twelfth season of the Rocky Mountain Conser- vancy – Conservation Corps, previ- ously known as the American Conser- vation Corps. Since 2003, the Rocky Row 1 (back): Tom Derr, Olmsted Falls, OH; Ben Williamson, Loveland, CO; Josia DeChi- Mountain Conservancy, formerly ara, Shutesbury, MA; Tommy Egland, Carlton, OR; Daniel Misch, Crown Point, IN; Jake recognized as Rocky Mountain Nature Larson, Parker, CO; Aidan Shafland, New York, NY; Joe DiBello, Rydal, PA; Lewis Kunik, Association, has hosted a number of Lakeville, MN; Jackson Bramlette, Fort Benton, MT; Patrick Donaghue, Cleveland, OH. Row 2: MegEllen Kimmett, Clinton, CT; Margaret Johnson, Chapel Hill, NC; Michaela college-aged students for a summer Wilson, Lincoln, NE; Joey Murphy, Walpole, MA; Jay Merrill, Littleton, CO; Rebecca internship alongside the National Park Ripperton, Chapel Hill, NC; Bryce Goldade, Olathe, KS; Connor Enright, Brookfield, WI; Service and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Mary Weiss, Elgin, IL; Reid Grinspoon, Weston, MA; Ginevra Moore, Carbondale, CO; These strong and enthusiastic Hania Burrows, Portland, OR. Row 3: Clint Mitchell, Arvada, CO; Holly Pretsky, Engle- young people help the land manage- wood, CO; Courtney Ross, Plover, WI; Delaney Garvin, Naperville, IL; Emily Wilkins, Woodbury, MN; Dan Connor, Kansas City, MO; Chris Hager, Newfields, NH; Meghan ment agencies complete priority Denny, Bristow, VA; Michaela Backes, Mt. Shasta, CA. Row 4 (front): Jerry Gonzales, Las projects to insure safe recreational Vegas, NM; Suzana Guardado, Denver, CO; Stephanie Stone, Effort, PA; Shelby Ahrendt, access while gaining valuable on-the- Stillwater, MN. job experience in conservation work. They learn about the many career op- Conservation Corps interns out in the be completing work on backcountry portunities in natural resource man- field. Here’s a brief list of project pri- trails and spending much of their time agement while becoming becoming orities for 2014 for each of the crews: camping during the work week to intimately connected with Colorado’s • The crews in Rocky are assisting the improve safe access to some more re- public lands. All of these takeaways fit NPS trail crews in repairing backcoun- mote areas of the Rawah Wilderness. into the Rocky Mountain Conservan- try bridges, rebuilding erosion controls, • The Shadow Mountain Crew is sta- cy’s mission to foster the next genera- and rerouting destroyed trails. Simi- tioned on the west side of the Conti- tion of public lands stewards. larly, the crews located in the Arapaho- nental Divide, just outside the town of Due to the flooding and heavy Roosevelt National Forest also are Grand Lake. This crew is installing bear snowpack experienced in Northern focusing on flood-affected trails. bins at campgrounds, removing haz- Colorado this past year, the Rocky • The Red Feather Crew, stationed in ard trees from Doe Creek, completing Mountain Conservancy is sponsoring Fort Collins, CO, is working near Estes backcountry patrols, and rerouting the six crews in 2014 — a 50% increase Park to open popular trails, like the Soda Pass trail. from 2013. Each crew is comprised of North Fork and Lions Gulch Trails. As these crews complete their first six students; one leader, one assistant • One of our new crews for 2014, weeks of work, the Rocky Mountain leader and four crew members. This the Boulder Crew is one of our new Conservancy invites you to track their year there will be two crews stationed crews initiated in 2014 which is sta- work and join in on their experience in Estes Park working alongside the tioned in Nederland, CO. It is working by following the Conservation Corps National Park Service in Rocky Moun- on local trails affected by the flood, blog at www.RMConservancyConser- tain National Park, and four crews primarily in the St. Vrain area, includ- vationCorps.wordpress.com. If you working with the Forest Service in the ing the Dry St. Vrain, Ceran St. Vrain, have any questions or would like to Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests. and Buchanan Pass Trails. know more about the program, con- The Rocky Mountain Conser- • North of Fort Collins, the Rawah tact Geoff Elliot, Conservation Corps vancy is very excited about the season Crew that is stationed at the Stub Manager, at geoff.elliot@RMConser- ahead and proud to be supporting 36 Creek Bunkhouse in Jelm, WY, will vancy.org, or call (970)586-3262 x15. Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter 7 Conservancy Volunteer Days in the Park! Give a day to your favorite park this summer and fall in Rocky! Join the Fire Fuels Reduction — prepared for a day working outside! Rocky Mountain Conservancy for these Invasive Plants Volunteer Day special volunteer days where you bring Family Volunteer Day Saturday, August 23 the energy and goodwill, we’ll bring wa- Saturday, July 19 9 am to 4 pm ter, snacks and lunch. We’ll also provide 9 am to 1:30 pm Lunch provided a unique lunchtime educational program Lunch provided related to the work you are doing. Please Work with RMNP’s plant restoration email your interest and questions to Meet and work with RMNP’s fire crews to learn about and remove [email protected] crews, learn the importance of re- damaging invasive plants. Ages 15 or call Membership at 970-586-0108 to ducing wildfire fuels and about the and older welcome (with parents/ reserve your spot today (space is limited). park’s fire management program. guardians). Come prepared for a day Please note: This event is free but there Ages 10 and up welcome (with working outside! must be a current Conservancy mem- parents/guardians). Come ber in your group.

park in the western U.S. that has such a ban. Park Puzzler 6. The leopard frog, grizzly bear and bison used to habituate the park area, by RM Conservancy Member Joel Kaplow but have been extirpated. This means they are ___ extinct. 7. Rydbergia grandiflora, a.k.a. alpine sunflower, a.k.a old man of the moun- Across tain, are large, yellow tundra flowers that always face east. They’ve been 1. Literally late bloomers, these tundra flowers are first seen in August, and herald known to live for 15 years and longer, but bloom only ___ before they die. the end of the alpine summer. 8. If you see a large owl flying about in RMNP, somehow manage to capture 4. If you’re in a wet area in the park and see this flower, it’s likely not a drunken halluci- it, and measure its wingspan to be ___ feet, there is only one species it can nation, but Pedicularis groenlandica, commonly known as little ___ head, comprised of be; a great horned owl. dozens of small pink petals that resemble heads of a certain pachyderm. 11. The ___ hawk is the most common hawk in North America, and can be 8. Boreal toads hop to it in warm weather, but are known to spend over ___ per- found as far south as Panama. These feathered friends are monogamous. cent of their lives in hibernation, which occurs in varied spots such as beaver dams 12. This adjective means “harmful to living things” and is commonly used to and ground squirrel burrows. describe nonnative, invasive weed species that have been introduced into an 9. Name the naturalist/conservationist who wrote, “In every walk with nature one ecosystem, upsetting the natural balance. receives far more than he seeks.” (2 wds) 14. The title of a John Denver album released in 1971 is also a home for 11- 10. While in the park’s high country, you may come across some snow with pinkish Down. What is it? areas. This is most likely caused by the algae Chlamydomonas nivalis, and is known 16. Moths and butterflies have something in common with most fish. Their bod- as ___ snow, as its color and smell are similar to the innards of this summer fruit. ies are covered with ___. Don’t eat it though, as it can give humans that “get-up-and-go” feeling! 13. Name the naturalist/conservationist who wrote, “Enter the forest and the boundaries of nations are forgotten.” (2 wds) 15. If you spot a black-billed magpie riding on the back of an elk, deer or moose, it’s not bumming a ride, but most likely noshing on ___ it picks from the animal’s hide. 17. Built in 1967, the rustic-style ___ Meadows Visitor Center was designed by architect Tom Casey, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, and is a national historic landmark. 18. The ___ fir can grow up to 200 feet tall, prefers cooler north-facing slopes, and is found in RMNP mostly between 8,000 and 9,500 feet. 19. An occasional RMNP visitor weighing in at only 1/10 ounce, the smallest of all North American birds is the ___ hummingbird, named for the Greek muse of poetry. 20. If you feel a sudden urge to do some trail maintenance, help with revegeta- tion, manage campgrounds, eradicate invasive species, etc., in RMNP, and you are a RM Conservancy member, you are invited to volunteer your services through the newly established Conservancy Member ___. Down 1. Once part of Stead’s Ranch, the last remnants of a ___ were removed in 2009, and Moraine Park was returned to its natural state. Swingers used to drive there, hoping to see eagles. (2 wds) 2. For years, backcountry camping was allowed in RMNP with a free permit. A small fee was first charged in 1991, and the cost has crept up to ___ dollars today. Because of the increased danger of beetle-killed trees, there are now “dispersed camping zones” where campers can distance themselves from dead standing trees. 3. The trio of ___, Eastern and Western make up the bluebird contingent found in RMNP. 5. Led by the League of Women Voters of Estes Park, Congress enacted a perma- nent ban on commercial ___ tours over RMNP in 1998. Rocky is the only national 8 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter

(Conversation cont. from p. 2) least 10 times just this afternoon. I’m Service cleared all that out.” not quite sure what it stands for, but I’ve learned this in my re- OMG, it is sooo useful!” search. “It’s a lot different, isn’t it? I laugh again. “It’s shorthand What do you think of it now?” for Oh My God.” The rocker creaks. A few elk “Ahh. Yes of course. Quite use- graze across the way and he seems ful, and efficient.” He smiles. “Rely to watch them. In his day, it would upon young people to provide a have been horses. fresh approach to things. I hope “Life was maybe easier to see one or both of these young here,” he says finally, “when ladies here, one day in the future, there was civilization—stores pursuing whatever will be their and neighbors. And a phone line. particular art form.” William Allen White at the window seat in the William Allen I even took calls from Washington.” It pleases me for him to say that White cabin, possibly with his wife, Sallie, probably in the and I glance over my shoulder towards He cocks a smile my direction. He late 1930s or early 1940s. must have heard me complaining the window, where my hopefully-future I couldn’t get service on my own artists play at Life in the room be- “But it’s scribblers like you and me yond. “spectacle case.” who record these fleeting moments. We His gaze returns to the misty valley When I look back, the rocker is emp- find meaning in what’s here, and we bring ty, and still. But the man is still a pres- view. “People set up quite a hue and cry it to those who are not as fortunate as when the Park torched all those old plac- ence here. He’s a link between centuries, we to experience this place.” He waves a I realize, from the past to the present es. But when you see it like this, lush and hand at my laptop. “So you do a good job wild and full of the animals the Good of course, but also into the future. How weaving your words, young lady.” appropriate that even 75 years after the Lord meant to wander these mountains, “Yes, sir, I’ll do my best.” you know it was the right decision.” passing of this man of letters, his moun- He leans back in his rocker. “It tain retreat is a special place for artists. His head pivots my direction again and wasn’t my idea, of course, using the he winks. “I like it better now,” he whispers. A place to capture the vibrant heartbeat cabin to house artists. But it’s a wonder- of the national park, to tell its stories, “Me too,” I say. When I was a really ful thing. I didn’t think so at first. Pro- little kid spending summers in Estes to reflect its significance for the society prietary about the old place, I suppose. that has preserved it. At this cabin, the Park at our family’s cabin, some of Writers, of course, I couldn’t mind—part those places would have still been here. park nurtures writing and music, paint- of the fraternity, and all that. But the ing, sculpture, dance and all the arts, I remember a gift shop at Bear Lake, a dancing types cavorting through my liv- souvenir store and restaurant at Deer and is in turn celebrated by artists. ing room, or the ones who throw paint The rainstorm has passed and the Ridge Junction. Those are all long gone. on a canvas and call it art. I like a picture A chipmunk bolts across the porch sun emerges through the clouds like a to look like something.” dawning smile. “Mom!” comes a voice ledge, freezes, sprints, freezes. “I knew I hide a smile. Definitely a man of your great-great-great-great-great through the window. “Can we make his era. popcorn?” I stand and move toward the grandpa,” my neighbor says to the “But I had no say in the matter, of chipmunk. “Or something like that.” The screen door. I swing it open, then think I course. So I just accepted where the hear a faint creak. I glance back toward chipmunk regards him, unimpressed. winds of fate had blown me. Whatever.” It sits up on its haunches, black eyes the rockers and my eyes narrow. Does I blink and narrow my eyes. “You don’t one of them just barely move? Forward intent, whiskers trembling. “And he was say whatever! You’re a man of the early just as much an unprincipled ne’er-do- slightly, back again? 20th century.” There is no answer. I step inside the well as you!” “Young lady, it is, or was, my busi- He tips his head towards me again. cabin and the porch door swings shut be- ness to keep up on the times. I’m a hind me with a reassuring Reeee!-bump! “That scamp and his ilk will be around a newspaperman, an editor. I’ve kept my good many millennia past all of us. You eyes and ears open all these summers Award-winning writer Mary Taylor Young and me and the rest of us two-leggeds, here on the porch. I didn’t become a is the author of 15 books, including Rocky we’re given the gift of only a short visit prognosticator of world affairs by allow- Mountain National Park: The First 100 in this place. A few summers, perhaps. ing the world to outpace me, and that Years, celebrating the national park’s Beyond that, a few centuries of civiliza- includes the lexicon of young persons. centennial. Mary was a 2012 Rocky Moun- tain National Park Artist-In-Residence in tion. But these mountains aren’t really OMG!” He smiles. creative writing and is a RM Field Institute ours. We’re just guests.” I burst out laughing. “‘OMG?!’” program instructor. I nod at this contemplation of the Where did you pick that up?” www.MaryTaylorYoung.com fleeting nature of human history and “Your daughter and her friend. Be- society. tween them, they have used that phrase at Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter 9

Moraine Park RMNP – Bailey Discovery Center Opens Research Fellow After Two-Year Closure Profile by Sarin LoMascolo The RMNP-Bailey Re- The Moraine Park Discovery Center, formerly known as the search Fellowship was Moraine Park Visitor Center, opened its doors on May 24th, established for the park in 2014, after being closed for two summers due to government 1995 through the gift of an funding shortfalls. The reopening of this historic museum this endowment to the Rocky year was made possible through funding and staffing of the Mountain Conservancy. The Rocky Mountain Conservancy in partnership with Rocky Moun- intention was to encourage tain National Park. interest in public service as As of this summer, this historic building now serves an ad- a possible career choice for ditional function as the headquarters site for the Junior Ranger young scientists by giving graduate students access and expo- program, an exciting educational program for kids 5 and up, sure to the National Parks while encouraging science communi- introducing these young minds and hearts to the natural history cation to park visitors. of the park through engaging activities. These are, after all, the future stewards of the park! Joshua Johnson The Moraine Park Discovery Center invites visitors to step May – August 2014 back in time as they walk into this historic lodge and through the Hometown: Washington, DC interactive exhibit “The Making of a Landscape.” The Moraine College: University of Colorado, Boulder Lodge originally was built by Imogene MacPherson to function Research Goals: Joshua is conducting a research project in the as a social hall with a tea room, offices and a dance hall upstairs park this summer attempting to understand the geologic evolu- where the exhibits are located today. tion of the Colorado Front Range, including Rocky Mountain The Moraine Lodge became the Moraine Park Museum National Park, using a technique called (U-Th)/He thermochro- with the help of Dorr Yeager, Rocky Mountain National Park’s nology. first chief naturalist and co-founder of the Conservancy, origi- nally founded as the Rocky Mountain Nature Association. Yeager Research Activities: He will be collecting samples within the designed some of its very first exhibits, and the museum opened park this summer for this analysis with the goal of understand- in 1932 with hand-me-down exhibits from the Denver Museum ing how erosion has shaped the dramatic landscape of RMNP of Natural History. In 1992, the Denver Museum of Nature and from the formation of the bedrock over 1 billion years ago to Science designed the current exhibits in the building specifically the more recent formation of the modern Rocky Mountains. for RMNP with the help of the Conservancy creating interactive Born and raised a city kid in Washington, DC, Joshua has exhibits that were appealing to kids. These exhibits explain the finally made the journey out west to pursue his passion for geol- geologic history of the park, starting with how the Rockies were ogy, hiking and skiing. Currently, he is currently completing a formed; glaciers that inhabited the area, the four ecosystems in master’s degree in geology at the University of Colorado at Boul- the park, and the cultural history the people who have inhabited der where he is studying the geologic evolution of the Colorado this area. Front Range, including Rocky Mountain National Park. On your next visit to the park stop at the Moraine Park For his research, Joshua will be using a technique called Discovery Center to check out the museum, the Conservancy’s (U-Th)/He thermochronology, a technique that takes advan- Nature Store, stay for a program and become a Junior Ranger! tage of the constant production of helium atoms in a mineral, a The Moraine Park Discovery Center is open to the public every byproduct of the radioactive decay of the elements uranium and day from 9:00 – 4:30 until mid-October. thorium. Above a certain temperature the helium atoms that are produced will diffuse out of the mineral. Below that tem- perature, which is commonly between 70–200 °C, the helium is retained in the mineral. Thus, an age can be determined from measuring the amounts of helium, uranium and thorium in a mineral that reveal the time at which a rock cooled below a cer- tain temperature. And, as rocks cool as they are brought to the surface through erosion, this technique can be used to obtain information about erosional events that have shaped geologic landscapes over time. Joshua is enthusiastic about this opportunity, not only to conduct research in Rocky, but for the fantastic opportunity it provides to convey his work to the public. If you see him collect- ing samples in the park this summer, be sure to stop by and chat! 10 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter Rocky Flood Recovery Update: Backcountry Travelers Be Alert to Altered Conditions

by Kyle Patterson, Lake area. Some RMNP informa- trails in these ar- tion officer eas are closed to stock use. There Rocky Moun- were twelve tain National Park major landslides received signifi- in the park. cant damage to Due to the bridges, roads flood, backcoun- and trails in the try travelers may historic floods encounter differ- that occurred ent conditions in September than they have of 2013. However, Debris at the Alluvial Fan Bridge following the flood (NPS) experienced in impacts in the park waterway and bank. Areas affected the past. Visitors were relatively minor in comparison by this closure may be adjusted as may find missing footbridges, missing to the disastrous flooding that down- construction work proceeds. trail segments, uneven trail surfaces, stream communities east of the park Once the construction begins, the unstable slopes, falling trees due to experienced. The west side of the park best place to view the flood damage soil moisture, rutted trails, damaged was largely unaffected by the storm in the Alluvial Fan area is from Rain- water bars and steps, difficult water with flooding occurring only east of the bow Curve on Trail Ridge Road. crossings and missing directional signs. Continental Divide. Repair work has been completed Visitors should be prepared. Most of Damaged areas on Old Fall River in the Wild Basin parking lot, the Rocky Mountain National Park is desig- Road, however, are extensive and the Twin Sisters Road, the McGraw Ranch nated wilderness, where self-reliance, road will remain closed to vehicles Bridge and the Aspenglen Camp- discovery and adventure are expected. through 2014. And, while Old Fall ground Bridge. Since the flood occurred just prior River Road has remained open to Known damage to trails exists to the winter season, the first priority pedestrians through the winter, once mainly in the Fall River, Lumpy Ridge, will be to replace missing footbridges, the construction begins, the road will Northfork, Twin Sisters, Wild Basin such as the Ouzel Falls Bridge. The be closed to all uses. The closure will areas and a few sections in the Bear next steps will be to assess at what extend from the east end level park staff will “repair” of Endovalley Road, just damaged trails. The flood west of the Lawn Lake was a natural event which Trailhead parking area, to will be taken into consid- the upper west end of the eration as park staff move road to the Alpine Visi- forward to determine what tor Center. This closure repairs should be made. includes the Alluvial Fan For more detailed infor- and the east and west mation about flood impacts Alluvial Fan parking areas. to trails, please visit the The closure extends 200 park’s website, www.nps. feet from the center line gov/romo, or call the park’s to both sides of the road Information Office at (970) corridor. The closure does 586-1206. not include the Fall River Landslide on the west side of Twin Sisters (NPS) Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter 11

How Fungi Rule the Park by Kevin J. Cook

To understand the name is to cies that associate with ectomycorrhi- understand the creatures. zae and other species that associate “Myco” is a Latinized form of with endomycorrhizae. Some plants, the Greek word mukēs, mean- such as Douglas fir, may host many dif- ing “fungus.” In biology it is ferent mycorrhizae at the same time; not uncommonly, some trees host dif- A fly agaric, or amanita, mushroom, one of the mycor- used as a construction prefix to rhizae that produces a visible spore structure. (Joan indicate anything related to fungi: ferent mycorrhiza species at different Nesselroad) mycology, mycophagous, mycotox- periods in their lives. If you went through a high in. “Rhiza” also comes from Greek, The relationship between fungus and plant exemplifies the mutualistic school biology class more than 20 rhiza, meaning “root.” In biology it is form of symbiosis, the relationship in years ago, you probably learned that used as a construction form — prefix, which both species derive vital benefit life on Earth divides into two king- suffix or root — to indicate anything from the other. Distilled to the least doms: plants and animals. This you related specifically to plants’ roots or complicated explanation: the fungi needed to know to get an “A” on the rootlike structures: rhizome, rhizopha- get sugars from the plants’ photosyn- exam. That same answer today would gous, rhizopus. thesis and the plants get phosphorus get you an “F.” Mycorrhiza — God only knows from the fungi. The scholarly movement to elabo- why the second “r” appears in the About the time most of us were rate on the basic classification system name, and He’s not telling! — is the learning that life on Earth divided to recognize more than two kingdoms name given to a group of fungi that into two kingdoms and that the fungi began earnestly in the 1960s, chugged associate with plant roots. The group were kinds of plants, a national food through the 1970s, got new life in the divides into two kinds. Ectomycorrhi- company was advertising on televi- 1980s, and became accepted in the zae only grow as a crust around the sion that “Wonder Bread helps build 1990s. Even the enlightened culture root tips. Endomycorrhizae penetrate strong bodies 12 ways.” The advertis- of science has its tethers to traditions the roots and actually grow micro- ing people probably got that from the anchored in the past. scopically tiny strands called “hyphae” mycorrhizae: they help build strong Today, the fungi, having been that snake between the individual plants — and consequently strong separated from the plants, account cells of the root tissues. plant communities — in at least a for a discrete kingdom of their own. The ectomycorrhizae number dozen ways. Basically: no mycorrhizae, They number something at or near about 5,000 identified, classified and weak sickly plants; lots of mycorrhi- 100,000 species worldwide. This named species ... so far. The endomy- zae, healthy plants. figure requires caveats that explain corrhizae number only about 130 spe- Though the lives of mycorrhizae inclusions, exclusions and species yet cies. But these numbers are deceiving. generally take place in the soil and the to be named, discovered or both. By Despite their great species diver- root tissues of plants, all is not invis- summing all of the known and clas- sity, the ectomycorrhizae only associ- ible. A few mycorrhizae produce their sified plants of an area plus all of the ate with about 2,000 kinds of plants spores for reproduction in structures known insects, a mathematical calcu- compared to 300,000 for the endomy- most people know as “mushrooms.” lation can be done that, when applied corrhizae. Those lovely-but-poisonous orange- worldwide suggests a global total of The ectomycorrhizae associate capped mushrooms known as fly aga- 1.5 million kinds of fungi. with all of the fir, pine, and spruce rics or amanitas would be among them. So basically, we have only discov- trees in Rocky Mountain National Park If you cherish the wildflower ered about 10 percent of the fungi plus Douglas fir, both birches, Thin- meadows and the forests and savannahs Earth supports. leafed alder and some of the roses. Or, perhaps more elegantly, one The endomycorrhizae associate among which they are scattered in could say the fungi support Earth. with most all of the other plants in Rocky Mountain National Park, forget Such would be the work of the mycor- Rocky, but some plant families do not hugging a tree. Hug a mycorrhiza. rhizal fungi. host them. For example, mustards, No fewer than 2,130 fungus spe- rushes and sedges do not. Kevin J. Cook is a freelance writer and profes- cies are defined as being mycorrhizal. Some plant families include spe- sional naturalist (and one of our most popular instructors!) from Fort Collins, Colorado. The 2014 Estes Park Rotary Duck Race was a huge success once again! Through this fun and entertaining venue, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy received $2,375 in donations, all of which will be directed to our Next Generation Fund for youth education. Many thanks to the Estes Park Rotary for all of their hard work, and to all who adopted ducks in our name. Quack!

12 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter 2013 Financial Health The Rocky Mountain Conservancy continues its proud tradition of a combination of fis- cal restraint and effective support to Rocky Mountain National Park and other land man- Statement of Financial Position agement partners. Despite financial setbacks caused by fire and flood, the organization grew significantly last year. Record sales, wise Net Assets — $12,095,248 investments and generous donors produced

Permanently Restricted Funds significant growth in both program support Temporarily Restricted Funds $276,982 to our public lands and endowment funds for $2,589,644 Undesignated Funds future years. $1,258,009 Our most sincere thanks to all of the many supporters of the Rocky Mountain Conser- vancy — we couldn’t do this without you!

Designated Funds $7,970,613 Charley Money Executive Director

Statement of Activities

Income — $4,527,262 Expenses — $2,205,369

Sales (net) General & Administrative Gain on Investments $502,757 $1,099,551 Program Services $1,701,037 $1,011,879

Fundraising $140,396

Other Revenue $9,438 Contributions Interest & Dividends $1,092,925 $169,725 Educational Programs In-Kind Donations $234,086 $83,700 Membership Support - RMNP & Other $136,800 $550,337 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter 13 Just in Time for the 100th Anniversary! Rocky Mountain Conservancy 2013 Financial Health WE CAN DO IT! Conservation Corps Working to Open Trails for Visitors

During the 2014 season, Rocky Mountain Conser- vancy – Conservation Corps is working to repair and reopen many trails heavily affected by the flooding during September 2013.

Sign the petition by December 27! Lily Mountain Trail - OPEN www.RMConservancy.org Our Red Feather Crew reopened Lily Mountain Trail by brushing over a network of social trails, maintaining At this moment, we have gathered approximately 2,200 drainages, creating new tread across an area previ- signatures for the petition to introduce a Rocky Mountain ously devastated by a rockslide using a rock drill, and National Park Group Special License Plate for Colorado. establishing a series of stone steps. Rocky Mountain Conservancy, in partnership with Rocky Mountain National Park, plans to release this special license Lion Gulch Trail - OPEN plate that will be available to Colorado registered vehicle owners. The Red Feather Crew completed substantial work This initiative requires 3,000 valid Colorado resident sig- on the Lion Gulch Trail with the Forest Service, which natures (no duplicates) in order to bring a bill to a vote in the included building drainages, retreading rutted trail, January 2015 Colorado legislature. rerouting washed out sections, and creating erosion Signatures are considered a pledge to purchase a plate control structures through riparian areas. (if the bill is approved by the Colorado House of Representa- tives). A $25.00 donation to the Conservancy will be required to Ceran St. Vrain Trail - Dry St. Vrain Trail - OPEN obtain this special plate the first year, and an additional $20.00 Our new Boulder Crew has worked closely with the annual donation in subsequent years (in addition to state fees). Boulder Ranger District to reopen trails in the St. Funds generated by the new plate will directly support the park. Vrain drainage, including the Ceran St. Vrain trail just outside of Jamestown and the Dry St. Vrain Trail near To learn more and sign the petition, visit our website at: Riverside. Both trails required widening due to heavy www.RMConservancy.org upslope erosion, drainage installation, slope stabiliza- tion using rock walls, and tread repair. Alpine Trail Ridge Inn Joins Rawah & Indian Peaks Wilderness Trails Rawah and Shadow Mountain Crews have been work- Dollar-A-Day Program ing to reopen trails throughout the Rawah and Indian Program Services Peaks Wilderness to ensure safe and ecologically- $1,011,879 Estes Park’s Alpine Trail Ridge Inn of Estes Park, operated by Jay friendly backcountry access by clearing downed trees, and Fran Grooters, is the latest lodging business to participate removing hazard trees, and digging drainages to divert in our Dollar-A-Day program. This fundraising initiative encour- water from the trail. ages lodging guests to make a $1 per day donation to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy for the duration of their stay. Gifts are Rocky Mountain National Park Trails directed to Rocky Mountain National Park. We thank the Groot- Within Rocky Mountain National Park, the Estes Crews ers and the staff and guests of the Alpine Trail Ridge Inn (www. have been completing maintenance runs on many AlpineTrailRidgeInn.com) for helping us to make a difference popular trails, including Cow Creek, Lumpy Ridge, Cub in the park. If you would like information on how your business Lake, Upper Beaver Meadows and Deer Mountain. can support the park, contact Julie Klett at Julie.Klett@RMCon- These runs require them to clear the trail of downed servancy.org, 970-586-0108. limbs and logs and clean and rebuild drainages clogged and damaged from the flood. 14 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter

The Rocky Mountain Conservancy expresses special thanks to the following people for their donations toward projects in Rocky Mountain National Park: March 7, 2014 – June 9, 2014 98 gifts ~ total donations $119,798

Alan Folz, Dallas, TX Tanya Hanson, Omaha, NE RMNP Flood Harvey Gardiner, Niwot, CO Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto, CA Recovery Fund Donald Irwin, Estes Park, CO Ruth Hess, Loveland, CO: In Memory of Alyce Stewart In Memory of Amy Lee Patsy Cravens, Houston, TX Robert and Billie Ives, Jr., Houston, TX Frank and Alma Hix, Estes Park, CO Network For Good, Washington, DC HP Company Foundation, Washington, DC Conservation Corps Fund Guests of the Rocky Mountain Park Inn, LLC, Chris and George Judson, Durango, CO Estes Park, CO Gilbert and Mary Knapp, Spencer, NY Anonymous Janet and David Robertson, Boulder, CO Dr. Robert Krear, Estes Park, CO National Park Foundation, Washington, DC Rotary Club of Estes Park, Estes Park, CO Jerry Moore, Estes Park, CO Allen and Mary Anne Sanborn, Santa Fe, NM Dr. Ray R. Nassimbene, Denver, CO Special Projects Fund Edward Scarvalone, Brooklyn, NY: James Nau, Lincoln, NE In Memory of Eila Weisman Albert Pioch, Elburn, IL: Lynda Price Bohager, Hanover, PA: Nancy & John Schneider, Glenwood Springs, CO In Memory of Judy Pioch In Honor of Z.Q.P.- Pam and Douglas Schnetzler, Vero Beach, FL: Mary Roberts-Bailey, Athens, GA Forestry Operations Specialist In Memory of Bill Lamn Paul and Mary Roloff, Lake Zurich, IL Frank and Monty Kugeler, Denver, CO Angela Schreffler, Denver, CO: Trail Trekkers, Estes Park, CO Barbara J. Marshall, Danvers, IL In Memory of Gary Gibbons Sandra Utz, Longmont, CO James Pickering, Estes Park, CO Stanley Black & Decker, New Britain, CT Mei Xu, Denver, CO The Boeing Company, Princeton, NJ Nelly Young, Austin, TX Next Generation Fund Phoebe and Jack Timberlake, Flat Rock, NC Deborah and Robert Wigton, Omaha, NE: (Restricted Gifts) Rufus Wallingford, Houston, TX In Memory of J. Calvin Davis, M.D. Jack and Hildreth Wold, Denver, CO Rich and Kathy Conner, Fort Collins, CO Karen M. Waller, Saint Joseph, MO: Thomas L. Grose, Golden, CO In Memory of Al Work Dollar-A-Day Kathleen Kase & Dan DeBlasio, Estes Park, CO: All in Memory of Marie Bogart: In Honor of Bob Kase For His Birthday All Purpose Rental & Sales, Greeley, CO Program Partners National Park Foundation, Washington, DC Anonymous Louise Lucke, Loveland, CO Rocky Mountain Park Inn, Estes Park, CO Juils and Dixie Jorgensen, Greeley, CO Alpine Trail Ridge Inn, Estes Park, CO New Belgium Brewing Inc., Ft Collins, CO Ila Leavy, Greeley, CO (RMNP Environmental Education) Anne McLellan, Greeley, CO Shanell Westerheide, Houston, TX Duane and Karen Nelson, Greeley, CO Next Generation Fund Josephine Vaughn, Grass Valley, CA (Unrestricted Gifts) Park Puzzler Solution Trail Improvement Fund Mary and James Alfred, La Grange Park, IL Anonymous Rick Acheson, Milliken, CO AT&T Foundation, Princeton, NJ Vicki Brassil, Homer Glen, IL: J.D. and RoseMarie Benisek, San Angelo, TX Happy Wedding Day to Michael and Me- Peggy Carr, Denton, TX rium Brassil! Love, Uncle Tom, Aunt Vic, Caterpillar Foundation, Peoria, IL Kaitlin, Jeanne, Erin and Jack. Chevron Corporation, Princeton, NJ Bonnie Caldwell, Grand Junction, CO Bethany Clark, Denver, CO: Walt and Sandra Cox, Blue Grass, IA In Memory of Sherry Marks Jack and Lynn Dailey, Montgomery, TX Ellen Coker & Larry DeMers, Ft. Collins, CO Samuel Franco, Nutley, NJ Patsy Cravens, Houston, TX Wanda Gentile, Colorado Springs, CO Jim and Karen Daugherty, Estes Park, CO Rhonda Gobble, Fort Collins, CO Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, Thomas L. Grose, Golden, CO Estes Park, CO Bruce Friend, Centennial, CO: ExxonMobil Foundation, Princeton, NJ In Memory of Sidney Tepper Anne and Michael Fenerty, Boulder, CO Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsletter 15

(Ask Nancy: Pine Beetles cont. from p. 3)

The epidemic was caused by what we call “The Perfect Storm.” Trees can Quick Fix Science often defend themselves by evicting the beetles by pushing them out of the tree Climate Change and in sap clusters; during drought conditions, the trees are unable to do this. Also, the Prehistoric Human beetles usually do not survive cold tem- Migration peratures and die off during the winter (usually around 40 below for two consec- The Question: How has prehistorical utive weeks will kill the majority). Thirdly, climate change influenced where people lodgepole pine forests historically burn lived in the Rocky Mountain National Park in forest fires every 100 to 200 years, and (RMNP) region? Lichen chronology uses the known growth the forest rejuvenates during this process. rate of different lichen species to estimate the Humans select areas to live in with a exposure time of selected lichen patches at ar- So, the “perfect storm” has been warmer hospitable climate, sufficient food, shelter, cheological sites to determine how long people winter temperatures, drought, and a lack and other life-sustaining resources. Ar- lived in an area. (Julie Klett) of forest fires, causing our forest to be a cheologists combine information on these mostly monotonous older forest. These environmental variables with artifacts to changes in climate and vegetation took three conditions have coincided to cause learn where and how man lived. place during the last 14,000 years in RMNP. this epidemic; global climate change The Project: Evaluate various paleoen- The post-glacial warming between 14,000 could most definitely be a factor, although vironmental resources to determine the and 11,000 Before Present (BP) that caused similar epidemics have been recorded in relationship between human population glaciers to retreat was followed by a short cool nearby areas in the past (Teller City). movements and climate change. period, which lowered the tree line and caused Currently, we believe the beetle has A team of scientists from the University glacial valleys to advance. This cool period was left the area, having “eaten themselves of Northern Colorado, led by Dr. Robert followed by a warm period from 10,000 to out of house and home.” We are now Brunswig and Dr. Jim Doerner, studied the 8,000 BP. At Lawn Lake Fen, warmer summers experiencing a re-greening of the west influence of climate change on prehistoric and longer growing seasons produced rapid side. This spring in particular seems much cultural resources in RMNP, especially as peat growth. Between 8,000 to 4,500 BP the climate was warm with dry summers; however greener to me than during the previous they relate to determining where people this time was not as warm as the previous 10 years I’ve lived here. Lodgepole pines lived. This team used many methods to learn about the environmental condi- period. In Beaver Meadows, higher tempera- love the sun, and thrive in the openings in tures and lower effective precipitation caused the forest floor created by the dead and tions present when people occupied these landscapes. These methods included pol- the disappearance of wetlands from valley bot- falling trees. Aspen also thrive in sunlight, len analysis, lichen chronology, tree-ring toms. Over the past 4,500 years warm and cool and have also been colonizing these areas. chronology, paleoentomological studies, and cycles have alternated with modern conditions Lodgepoles have been called “the weeds radiocarbon dating. likely established during the past 2,000 years. of the conifers” by local foresters, and can Pollen analysis microscopically identi- Studies indicate humans migrated grow one to two feet per year. A popular fies pollen found in different layers of cores between low and high elevations along the saying we use here on the west side is removed from lakebeds or wetlands to Colorado Front Range, including RMNP. People that “the trees may be dying, but the for- determine the dominant vegetation present and game (e.g., elk, deer, sheep) occupied est is becoming young again!” Indeed, the during the time that layer was deposited. higher altitudes during warmer periods and forest does appear to be that of a young Lichen chronology uses the known growth retreated to lower, less severe elevations dur- forest, with much sunshine and increased rate of different lichen species to estimate ing colder temperatures and increased snow grasses and flowers, creating a more the exposure time of selected lichen patches cover. Analyses of campsites, game-drive sys- Park Puzzler Solution diverse forest and allowing for different at archeological sites to determine how long tems, and lichen chronologies indicate areas wildlife such as deer and woodpeckers to people lived in an area. Tree-ring chronology above tree line were snow covered at least thrive. — Mandy Cluck, Colorado River is used to chronicle past wet periods and 40 weeks a year on average during periods District Seasonal Interpreter droughts by examining the widths of annual between 1,000 and 3,200 BP. These studies growth rings. Paleoentomological studies, also indicated that radiocarbon dates could similar to pollen analysis, document the be used to determine climate change impacts presence of various insects at different times and provide a chronological framework to by comparing decay-resistant insect body help interpret paleoenvironmental data in the parts with known ages of the deposit. Radio- absence of climatological records. carbon dating of prehistoric campsites and These studies have revealed two impor- game-drive systems also provides important tant aspects of climate change in the RMNP information on the age of organic samples. paleoenvironment: (1) alternating periods of warming and cooling occurred and (2) The Results: Warming and cooling periods the movements of humans in the park fol- have been documented for the RMNP re- lowed these climate changes, moving where gion and the movement of human popula- resources were abundant and conditions were tions has coincided with these changes. relatively comfortable. Research indicates that significant Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Permit #184 Estes Park, CO Charles Money, executive director Nancy Wilson, Quarterly editor PO Box 3100 Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-0108

In memory of Dick Orleans, past Member, who passed away in mid-May. An extraor- dinary photographer, musician and artist, Dick will be sorely missed. (Dick Orleans) Nature Notes Summer is here! A late heavy snowfall mid-May caused a minor setback to the appear that euthansia of budding aspen at 9,000 feet and above, but they appear to be recovering with another sort is required great aplomb. Electric green leaves of aspen brighten hillsides, ball cactus and — be strong!.....RM pasque flowers are blooming and the ticks are out in full force.....For years, Conservancy Director of great horned owls have nested on a rock ledge behind the Estes Park Public Donor Relations Julie Klett Library. Estes Park resident Scott Rashid, Director of CARRI (Colorado Avian caught sight of a large Research and Rehabilitation Institute) has been monitoring that nest for several flock of horned larks near years. In mid-May, as he arrived at the nesting site late in the day, another in- her home in Estes Park. terested party asked him if he had seen the fledgling. Knowing that there were They were swirling around only two owlets and both were still in the nest, he was confused. She then a large flapping raptor pointed to where there was a small owl perched in a rock opening below the that had rousted the flock. great horned owl nest. Using his binoculars, Scott looked at the crevice and saw Horned larks migrate a diminutive flammulated owl roosting in the opening. He took several photos through this area in early One of two newborn mule deer fawns that were hunkered before going home to upload the photos, and returned to the site about a half spring, with a few remain- down under the deck of Conservancy members Jack and Donna Glover in Estes Park. Soon afterward, the mama hour later hoping to watch the little owl fly off to hunt for the night. When ing on the tundra in Rocky moved them from this site to a more hidden location. he arrived at the site, the owl was gone. Scott assumed that the little owl had during the summer.....Julie moved off early to hunt for moths (the primary food source of flammulated also observed a yearling elk that was confronting a piece of heavy-duty construction owls). Looking up at the great horned owl nest, however, what he saw was one paper. It was stomping it with its hind legs, shoving it around, punching it, breaking it, of the nestling great horned owls swallowing the little flammulated owl. Whole. as it boldy asserted dominance over this unknown threat.....In another sighting, Julie The great horned owl is a top predator throughout most of its range and will noted some blackheaded grosbeaks coming to her feeder in Estes Park. It occurred to often preying upon other owls, though this was the first time Scott had ever her that their black and orange with a touch-of-white coloring made them look like witnessed it.....RM Conservancy Executive Director Charley Money decided the avian version of monarch butterflies. She turned to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology it was time to take down the Christmas lights at his home in Estes Park when and discovered that these birds actually winter over in Mexico, in the same location he observed hummingbirds flying to the bulbs in frustration to find no nectar where the monarch butterflies winter — and they eat monarch butterflies. Nobody therein.....Charley also observed a peregrine falcon as it lit briefly on his bird eats monarch butterflies. The toxins are too potent. As it turns out, these birds eat feeder in Estes Park....RM Conservancy Quarterly Editor Nancy Wilson was the insects approximately eight days apart to reduce the accumulation of toxins in stunned when a great horned owl flew in to perch on the very tip of a conifer their systems so they don’t poison themselves.....Sayonara to Curtis Carman, well- not 15 feet from where she was sitting one night in early June in Estes Park. The loved Membership Man — we wish him the best of luck as he leaps headlong into a huge raptor sat and perused the environs before pouncing on and subsequently new phase of life!.....One night In late May Debbie Mason was driving home along devouring a hapless mammal in the grass.....What appear to be large numbers the west side of the park when an ermine (short-tailed weasel) dashed across the of goldfish were spotted swimming in a small pond near Marys Lake Lodge in road in her headlights. Interestingly, it was still white.....On Memorial weekend, Deb- Estes Park. Most likely, someone soft-hearted but uninformed decided to rid bie and her husband Tom had pulled over on Trail Ridge Road, just north of Pontiac themselves of unwanted pets by dumping a few “harmless” goldfish into this Pit, to take a picture of the flooding that had occurred in that area. Before she could shallow pool. Sadly, while the goldfish is the animal that is most frequently compose her picture, Tom said, “Is that a beaver?” As it turned out, it was not a released into the wild it can do some hefty damage to native fish species. They beaver, but a muskrat. They watched it dive twice and return with a substantial piece root around in the sediment when they eat which suspends particles in the of vegetation, then eat it.....RM Conservancy Warehouse Guy Brian Desmond saw 10 water, leading to water turbidity and detroyed vegetation. Unfortunately, even moose in two days — nine in Kawuneeche Valley, wandering through the swamps of flushing fish is not a good idea because not only do the fish not always perish, the flooded Colorado River, and another browsing the willows below Hidden Valley the fish can introduce disease into the waterways, among other things. It would on the east side of the park.....Yay! It’s summer!! (Happy dance breaks out ....) www.RMConservancy.org