WSCC is shining the spotlight on one of our pivotal volunteers, Ralph D’Alessandro. Having grown up on the east coast, Ralph never thought that he would live anywhere that wasn’t on the water. Luckily, life has a sense of humor, and Ralph’s took him westward to our land-locked, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Insect pollinators are critical for thriving ecosystems and resilient food systems. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 75% percent of the world’s flowering plants and 35% percent of the world’s food crops rely on pollination by animals, most of which is done by insects. Insect [...]
Ah, spring is in the air and with the warm temperatures comes the rush of melting snow to our rivers and streams. Ditches have turned on, and it’s time to hang up those skis and start dusting off those boats. We thought it was a good time to recap the winter and discuss the current water outlook. [...]
Let’s not beat around the snowberry. If you live in Western Colorado you are likely STILL gazing up at the mountains and dreaming of the time when you can break out the old shred sticks and careen across the hills through clouds of puffy pow. It’s been a bleak winter for Colorado’s snowpack, [...]
On November 22nd, the Colorado Canyons Association is hosting a stargazing party with s’mores, hot chocolate, and a view at the Gunnison Forks Overlook in the Gunnison Gorge NCA. Reserve your spot to enjoy a constellation tour from Aaron Watson of Dark Skies Paonia while there’s still [...]
Overview: This hike has tremendous views, with vistas of Mt. Gunnison and Mt. Lamborn along the way and, at the end, views of mountains to the east and southeast, including the gorgeous ruby range. You can also look directly across Dark Canyon at Marcellina Peak and see a long waterfall coming [...]
Overview: This hike begins on a jeep road, though 4wd vehicles could drive up and park farther up the trail. The hike is briefly on Interpretive Ocean Trail before taking the turn to the east onto Little Elk Basin Trail, and offers views of the south side of Mt. Lamborn as well as impressive [...]
Overview: The first two miles are on the Crater Lake trail, and then Elk Park Trail the rest of the way, for a total of 3 mostly level miles of pleasant and easy hiking. Most of this 3 miles is a large meadow setting, with beautiful wildflowers including a few Columbines, Indian Paintbrush, [...]