Western Slope Conservation Center

WSCC would like to highlight an integral member of our volunteer team,  Mike Burkley, who has been volunteering his time, energy, and expertise with us for almost ten years. Having an extensive background in conservation work from his days volunteering with Utah-based conservation organizations for 20 years prior, Burkley knew that he wanted to be involved with North Fork efforts as soon as he arrived in Paonia in 2017. Luckily for us, Colorado Public Radio

Make an impact on the public lands you love! Volunteer with WSCC and the USFS — Paonia Ranger District on Friday, June 26, Saturday, June 27, and/or Tuesday, August 4 as we work to improve trails in the Gunnison National Forest near Kebler Pass. With your help, our volunteer trail crew will be performing basic trail maintenance activities such as brushing, lopping, and removing small trees.  Thanks to support from the Heritage Foundation Round Up

On Sunday, May 31, Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC) supporters and staff took to the Gunnison River. As part of the annual Riverfest celebration, more than 40 floaters launched from Pleasure Park in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (GGNCA) and took out at Orchard Boat Ramp, approximately 6.5 miles downriver.  The GGNCA is a fascinating area notable for its outstanding geologic, scenic, wilderness, scientific, and recreational resources. Designated by Congress in 1999 as a

Birding is frequently cited as a gateway to caring about conservation. Birds are charismatic and colorful creatures. Birding is also a relatively more accessible outdoor activity—birds are everywhere, and you can do a lot of great birding even without binoculars! Here in Paonia, we are exceptionally fortunate to be right next to some fantastic bird habitat—Paonia River Park. Diverse nesting and feeding niches attract a variety of birds, some of which live at the River