The morning was beautiful and hot spent out on the rocks doing raptor surveys. It was a briefly intense hike to the site but once in place the view was amazing. Although early in the season there was a definite moment of awe and feeling...
I had the opportunity to spend a weekend in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, I could not be happier for saying yes to the trip. The weekend was full of great conversations about life, food, experiences, travels, caves, and much more! It was...
Nick Bartush is a brilliant coworker I have had the pleasure of working alongside this summer and has truly made hard days a little brighter! Often arriving to work early and leaving the last second of the day, I see a tremendous amount of effort...
Willow plants are of the genus Salix and Rocky Mountain has a variety of species growing. Recently I have worked on identifying different species growing, exciting stuff! I have become familiar and capable of identifying the common species. One morning an unfamiliar willow plant required measuring...
The week was full of early mornings, learning, meeting new people, and learning new skills. I loved every bit of it! The focus has changed to willow plant ID, which has proven to be challenging, keeping me guessing still. These plants are very unique, but can...
Pinus flexilis, the Limber pine, is a keystone species here in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is also known as Rocky Mountain white pine. Limber pine were named for the extremely flexible branches on younger trees. Notable characteristics include the flexible branches and a grey...
Over the week I was able to meet many great new people, including those on the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan crew, which I am a part of. Every day I walk along a beautiful path and over a small bridge to and from work,...
Being a part of the elk and vegetation crew is an entirely wonderful experience. I have learned a great deal from everyone being so helpful in teaching me their various methods and routines in the work field. I have learned how to identify various shrub and...
My name is Alliyah Gifford, I am from Pueblo Colorado and I just received my Bachelor's degree in Biology from Colorado State University-Pueblo. Colorado is a great state to grow up in. There is plenty to venture into and always somewhere new to see. The...