Education. It's for the Birds.
Field Trips Through May 22 |
Chico Basin Ranch offers free bird banding field trips and other educational opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and anyone interested in this fascinating research. For 2010, field trips are offered through May 22, Monday through Saturday mornings. Contact Lee Derr, 719/634-2305, for additional information. Visitor information, including directions to the ranch, should be reviewed prior to your visit. You may also wish to read and share with your students our Bird Banding: Unraveling Migration's Mysteries page.
For educators, the Division of Wildlife's education staff can help you adapt programs for all age levels, K-12. Topics and activities such as Prairie and Wetland Ecosystems, Sustainable Ranching Practices, and "corral tours" of the ranch's facilities can be added to enhance the experience. For more on this, contact a DOW Education Coordinator.
In addition to over 200 species of birds, the Chico site provides an excellent opportunity to view white-tailed deer, pronghorn, prairie dogs, or even an occasional elk along with various reptiles and amphibians inhabiting sand sage, short-grass prairie, and riparian ecosystems.
High School Science Modules from the DOW
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In September, 2006, the DOW released the second teaching module, of three, designed specifically for high school instructors and students. The Species Question: Applying Taxonomy to Wildlife Research and Management presents a scientific topic (often viewed as an obscure discipline involving brainy professors or highbrow science know-it-alls who memorize Latin species names!) in an entirely engaging and relevant context. Each activity focuses on current and headline-grabbing endangered species issues and demonstrates that the field of taxonomy, often viewed as a “stagnant” science, is evolving and changing the way we think about and protect species.
Teachers and students are invited to join in on the discoveries, questions, and arguments about species. Develop a clearer understanding of modern taxonomy, the nature of scientific knowledge and the scientific process, the human dimension of science, and the value of peer review.
Any Colorado high school biology teacher may request a copy of this module by sending an e-mail to a Division of Wildlife education coordinator.
Also available by request to high school biology teachers is the third module, Prying into Prions: Investigating Chronic Wasting Disease. And, all teachers of high school students may order the Return of the Snow Cat module, wherein real research data from the DOW's lynx reintroduction effort serve as a context to present topics such as ecosystems, population dynamics, and more! Simply contact your local DOW education coordinator.
Do Something Wild!
If you don't buy hunting or fishing licenses or equipment, the Colorado Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund Checkoff is an easy way to support Colorado's conservation efforts.
Colorado was the first state to implement a tax check-off program for nongame, threatened, and endangered species. About 80% of our state’s species are nongame—they are species that aren't hunted, trapped or fished for. Funds from the check-off program have helped recover peregrine falcons, bald eagles, river otters, boreal toads, and razorback suckers in the Colorado River, and, most recently, reintroduction of Canada lynx. See the Do Something Wild page for more information and a form to give to your tax preparer showing your contribution.
This funding source relies upon voluntary donations from the public and is tax-deductible (and does not increase your tax). Over the years, cumulative taxpayer donations have exceeded $7,500,000 and have made the difference in protecting Colorado species. We have not had species become extinct in Colorado in recent years, in large measure because of the check-off donations. Your decision to check the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife fund box on your 2009 Colorado Income Tax Return will continue to make a difference!