In 2015, CoNPS members will be partnering with botanists from Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Denver Botanic Gardens, and Colorado College to assess the status of several species of disjunct tallgrass prairie rare plants on the Pineries Open Space in Black Forest, north of Colorado Springs.
The area suffered a severe wildfire in June 2013. The rare plants survived the fire and the purpose of this project is to assess the status of previously known populations, confirm new populations, and geotag locations for databases. The field work will be May 15-16 and July 17-18. Experienced botanists and less-experienced support folks are sought for this project being conducted for El Paso County Parks. If interested in being a part of this study, please email Judy von Ahlefeldt at blackforestnews@earthlink.net, or contact Steve Popovich, Field Studies Chairperson, 970-295-664