We can’t live our entire lives on Zoom. Sometimes explorers have to get out and, well, explore a bit. Masked up and socially distant, of course. Join us to learn how prairie dogs, specifically the black tailed prairie dog of the Great Plains, have been systematically persecuted by western land holders and governments starting in the mid-1800s, but taking off in about 1900, resulting in an approximate 95% decline in their numbers since that time.
Beginning with a coordinated Federal extermination plan in about 1902, prairie dogs were systematically poisoned, exploded, shot, drowned and starved to make way for cattle ranching, wheat farming, green lawns, water infrastructure development, and road and home development. During this walk and talk event, learn that like the bison, prairie dogs are among the great ecological catastrophes of the 1900’s, ranking among the most egregious acts of an American culture hell bent on Western domestication and profit making.
Learn about the importance of prairie dogs from our guide, Robert “Mac” Kobza, a wildlife biologist in the Boulder County Parks & Open Space department. Mac is a native of Northern Ohio and earned his B.Sc. in Biology from Bowling Green State University. He earned a M.Sc. in Biology from Florida International University with a thesis examining critically imperiled rockland pool habitats within Everglades National Park. Mac was one of the primary authors of the county Prairie Dog Management Plan and remains active in prairie dog conservation. Mac resides in Longmont with his wife, Mikki, a recently-inducted Explorers Club member, and 12 year old son, Nick.
There is no charge. Guests welcome to attend this child-friendly outing.
Directions: Boulder Valley Ranch Open Space features a three mile wide trail with great views. Proceed north on Broadway and turn left (north) onto Highway 36. About one mile north of the Broadway/36 intersection, turn right (east) onto Longhorn Road (dirt). The turn-off from the highway is marked with a sign for Boulder Valley Ranch Open Space. Park in the lot on the south side. There are bathroom facilities there. Bring water, sunscreen, etc. This is more a walk than a hike.
Picnic immediately afterwards at Dakota Ridge Park. Bring whatever you want to eat, drink and sit upon. There is no bathroom facility in the park.