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OST begins field testing on sagebrush restoration

August 31, 2020

Sagebrush test plots in the Brush Creek Valley.

Throughout the West, and in Pitkin County’s backyard, sagebrush shrublands have been lost, fragmented and altered by human activity. Getting them back isn’t easy, but Open Space and Trails has launched a study of potential methods to regenerate native sagebrush with the goal of restoring sagebrush on larger landscapes.

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Time to fix the leak at North Star’s fen

August 3, 2020

The North Star fen is the dark, pond-like area.

What does it take to enhance a wetland at North Star Nature Preserve? Sometimes not too much! Open Space and Trails will soon begin a wetland restoration project at the Preserve.

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Rooting for the underdogs

July 1, 2020

Altai cottongrass (left) and hanging garden sullivantia.

“Everyone likes to root for an underdog. Even if it’s a plant.”

So says the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, which has tallied about 25 extraordinary plant species in Pitkin County that are underdogs these days. They are plants, according to CNHP, that need everyone’s help.

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