Guided by Rod Chimner of Michigan Technological University and Jake Kurzweil of Mountain Studies Institute (MSI).
Bus transportation provided from Ridgway and back. $30 per adult or free for each adult who brings a youth (9 to 19 years old). Tour limited to 20 people.
Wetlands are ecosystems where saturated conditions persist enough to support wetland vegetation and soils. Fens are a very special wetland that is groundwater dependent and peat accumulating. The long duration anaerobic conditions limit the decomposition of plant roots, leaves, and stems and over time this organic matter accumulates to form peat soil, making them the one of the best terrestrial carbon sinks. Fens are a unique and important part of the Upper Uncompahgre River Watershed.
An applied ecologist and global peatlands expert, Dr. Chimner feels that experiential learning is crucial. His research focuses on wetland ecosystem science, ecohydrology and wetland restoration. His goal is to develop ecosystem knowledge of wetlands and use that knowledge to: understand how they will be affected by climate change and other perturbations, improve wetlands management and conservation, and restore degraded wetlands.
Dr. Kurzweil serves as associate director of water programs and is an ecohydrologist for MSI. His research focuses on understanding hydrological connections between ecosystems and water supplies. His work has included creating and implementing monitoring protocols for freshwater wetlands and springs, understanding the observed hydrologic response to landscape-scale disturbances, and modeling possible impacts of systems change on hydrologic systems.
What to wear: Clothing layers (temperatures will vary depending on weather, shade, time of day, elevation, etc.), hat and/or sunglasses, hiking boots and if possible waterproof overshoes for areas of wet ground, and sunscreen.
What to bring: Sunscreen, full water bottle, snack, camera or phone camera, and your curiosity!
Questions? Contact Tanya Ishikawa at tanya@uncompahgrewatershed.org.
FORM CLOSED _ TRIP OVER
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