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For young ‘explorers,’ learning comes naturally in the outdoors

By Mike Bienkowski San Juan Mountains Association It is early June, and we are five minutes into our first day of San Juan Mountains Association’s “San Juan Ramblers” nature camp.

DATE: Sept. 18, 2020 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

Southwest Colorado residents can join effort to protect public lands

Open skies, big mountains, wild rivers, great trails and great people. We live in a vibrant, thriving community surrounded by spectacular public lands. We are drawn to Southwest Colorado for the...

DATE: April 11, 2020 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

Abert’s squirrels are friends to the ponderosa pines

Sometimes, winter in the forest can seem like there isn’t much going on – especially if, like me, you might be out there with a group of 60 excited schoolchildren. Wildlife often make themselves...

DATE: Jan. 25, 2019 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

SJMA volunteers work hand-in-hand to improve land

Southwest Colorado is stunning. We are surrounded by some of America’s most spectacular public lands and watersheds: from the majestic peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the gold medal trout...

DATE: April 3, 2018 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

Don’t disturb wildlife during cold months

What an amazing mid-winter thaw! All this warm weather makes it hard to remember the preceding cold and snowy months of January and December and even early February. The deep snow and bitter cold...

DATE: March 6, 2017 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

Now’s a good time to know about – and watch out for – ice

As we have experienced in our area recently, ice is a reality in winter. Watching out for ice on the roads and sidewalks practically becomes second nature this time of year, not to mention falling...

DATE: Jan. 31, 2016 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

Looking for something new? Try Mud Springs

The Bureau of Land Management Special Recreation Management Areas offer a unique combination of terrain scenery and climate that allows for nearly year-round recreation close to town and are...

DATE: April 30, 2015 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

Christmas trees have uses after holidays

'Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the tree lot, many creatures were stirring and wondering, "What?" What to do with these trees that now have no home? Could we find them a place now...

DATE: Jan. 28, 2015 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

Pika may signal change

As you start hiking through the talus, watching the clouds gather overhead, you hear it. A very distinct squeak. Did your dog find a squeaky toy hidden in the rocks? Probably not. Then you hear it...

DATE: July 24, 2013 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

High-altitude pika may signal climate change

As you start hiking through the talus, watching the clouds gather overhead, you hear it. A very distinct squeak. Did your dog find a squeaky toy hidden in the rocks? Probably not. Then you hear it...

DATE: July 23, 2013 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

High-altitude pika may signal climate change

As you start hiking through the talus, watching the clouds gather overhead, you hear it. A very distinct squeak. Did your dog find a squeaky toy hidden in the rocks? Probably not. Then you hear it...

DATE: July 22, 2013 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

It’s time for butterflies and flowers

As summer moves along, more and more wildflowers are taking to bloom. These flowers are a feast for our eyes and also produce delicious nectar that provides a feast for many of nature’s creatures....

DATE: June 20, 2013 | COLUMN: Stewards of the Land

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